President's Letter - September 2025

President’s Letter

September 2025

“PSG (Paris St Germain F.C.) supporters were the ‘12th man’ in the UEFA Champions League win.”

— Luis Enrique, Coach of PSG F.C.

A quote I saw during a recent visit to the PSG Stadium in Paris. Amidst the stunning trophies and display of players’ shirts, nothing quite prepared me for the moment I walked through the players’ tunnel and emerged to the full view of the stadium.

I recalled Enrique’s interview with PSG TV: “It is very important for us to see our fans again and return to the Parc des Princes after ten matches away. We’ve really missed the stadium and the fans! We know the atmosphere always makes a difference, so now is the time to enjoy their support.” Prophetic words. I could sense Enrique’s gratitude—grounded with every homecoming.

View of Parc des Princes, home of PSG F.C.

That reflection put everything into perspective for me.
What if the fans were our AIA members? What if the stadium were our gathering venues—each AIA International Conference, each AIA Conference on Architecture? It is heartwarming to see smiles and happy faces whenever we meet in-person, share time, and create new memories. The support of our members cannot be underappreciated. Members COUNT!

I dedicate this message to OUR members. Your continued support, participation, and willingness to serve are invaluable. AIA International will continue to be your voice.

Before continuing, please join me in welcoming Carole Wedge, FAIA, NOMA, LEED AP, as AIA’s incoming Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer.

Carole Wedge, FAIA, NOMA, LEED AP, incoming AIA EVP/CEO. Image credit: AIA

DEFINE OUR PLACE: GROUNDED FOR OUR MEMBERS

As our profession—and our members around the world—grapple with uncertainty in project pipelines, rising costs, rapid technological change, and increasing geopolitical tensions, how do we remain grounded amid change? How do we support our members beyond the recognition of design awards and professional development with high quality courses to upskill their expertise? How do we redefine our place and strengthen our collective voice?

Recently, I was interviewed by Payal Martin from Brighter Strategies, which is supporting AIA’s strategic planning process. I shared insights on how best to serve international members, enhance membership value, and broaden AIA’s reach to support international initiatives, and tap on our diverse global knowledge and experience working in collaboration abroad.

  • MORE ACCESSIBILITY TO AIA FOR MEMBERS

In 2025, AIA and AIA International introduced a globally discounted membership pricing model for International Associate Members based on the World Bank income ranking. Please highlight this offering in your membership outreach. Our goal remains clear: inclusive access to AIA’s global resources for all membership categories.

  • ENCOURAGE MORE SECTION FORMATIONS

The five established sections have delivered strong results—growing membership while enriching engagement and continuing education. We will continue to work on forming more section and broadening AIA’s footprint worldwide. Sections and non-chapter countries remain fertile ground for expanding membership, leadership, and sponsorship opportunities.

CAU Conference 2025. Gustavo Ribeiro, AIA, AIA Int’l At-Large Director.

  • FOCUS ON COUNTRIES OUTSIDE LOCAL CHAPTERS

Country Representatives must do more to engage their local members. Building a local architectural community is key for sustaining engagement. I have tasked our three At-Large Directors—who oversee Sections and Country Representatives—to work closely with CRs and Section leaders to foster new ways for member engagement and seek country-level sponsorships.

OPPORTUNITIES IN UNCERTAINTY: LEVERAGING MEMBERSHIP

I see two distinct opportunities for growth—one untapped, one emerging.

  • FROM CLUSTERS of FAIA, Hon. FAIA, and Hon. AIA Members

We must deepen engagement with these groups. Their collective knowledge and experience are invaluable. Challenge them. As J.K. Stewart, FAIA, Fellows Jury Chair 2023, said in his Welcome remark at the Investiture of Fellows:

“We will be watching you on your next stage of creating more ripples.”


Let’s tap on our Fellows and Honorary members contributions as their elevations ought to augur a new chapter of service! Peer-selected members COUNT.

  • H-1B VISA DEVELOPMENTS

H-1B is a temporary (non-immigrant) visa category that provides US architectural firms with access to specialized foreign talent. The recent U.S. Executive Order (mentioned ‘abuse’ of the program) imposing a $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications has raised anxiety among international students, architects, and US firms reliant on global talent. According to a 2023 research article from the Pew Research Center, architecture, engineering, and surveying formed the second-largest job group among approved H-1B workers that year.

Most H-1B workers approved in 2023. Image credit: Pew Research Center.

I anticipate fewer approvals and more denials in the coming months. Yet this presents an opportunity for AIA International—to welcome globally minded graduates and practitioners seeking new paths to licensure and collaboration. Potential new members COUNT.

We can both embrace non-traditional membership sources - these targeted AIA groups are a catalyst for members engagement - and reframe uncertainty by fostering a more supportive environment for our affected members and developing resilience. 

ACHIEVEMENTS AND UPCOMING EVENTS

Finally, let us celebrate recent achievements and look ahead to the months to come.

Q3 2025 Highlights

Upcoming Events

Let’s celebrate these achievements—and encourage new members to join our growing community.

CONCLUSION

In fellowship, stay safe.
I hope to see you all at the AIA International Conference 2025 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, this week, October 9–11.


Yew Kee Cheong, FAIA, MSIA 
2024-2025 AIA International President

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