President Message

Akio Toba (Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.)
President, Industry Applications Society, IEEJ

Hello everyone!
I have been appointed President of the Industry Applications Society (Division D). As I begin my term, there is one message I would like to share with you all:
　Let us participate in the activities of the Society!
　The more you participate, the more rewarding it will be!
Let me begin by sharing a little of my own story. I became a member of IEEJ Division D when I joined a power electronics laboratory of a university as a student. My professor and senior students encouraged me to join, so I did, thinking “I guess that’s just how it is,” without giving it much thought. As I pursued my research, I read numerous papers published by Division D. I was not only impressed by the theories and diverse applications developed by our predecessors but also discovered the remarkable diversity of the field. I learned a great deal from them, and they motivated me to present my own work.
Hoping to apply what I had learned at university, I joined my current company. My IEEJ membership changed from student member to regular member, and I began my career as an R&D researcher. What surprised me was how closely connected my workplace was to the professors and researchers in Division D whom I had admired as a student. Early in my career, my seniors and supervisors took me to meet prominent professors and professionals from other companies, giving me the opportunity to build relationships with them.
Since then, my involvement in Division D and my interactions with the people in the Division D community have continued to deepen, becoming one of my most valuable assets.
Now, I ask myself whether experience is unique to me. My answer is “No, I do not think so.” Looking around the Division D community, I see many people who are even more actively involved than I am. Division D is open and welcoming to newcomers and encourages members to take on new challenges. I believe this atmosphere is something truly special. It was built by our predecessors, and it is a core value that we must continue to pass on.
To our student members: Welcome to Division D!
Please be proactive in presenting your work at conferences and technical meetings. These are open forums where you can receive feedback from a variety of perspectives. I also encourage you to ask questions during other people’s presentations. Doing so can spark new interactions and help you build relationships beyond your own laboratory or university. I also sincerely hope that you will continue your membership after you graduate. Having a community outside your workplace will undoubtedly have a positive impact on your career.
To all members who continue their membership as working professionals: Wonderful!
Please participate in our many events. Division D offers diverse opportunities for professional development through its annual conferences, technical meetings, study tours, and Industry Applications Forums. While these events are excellent opportunities to gather information and learn, they also provide ways to become involved in committee activities and help shape the Society itself. Moreover, many social gatherings are held alongside these events, providing further opportunities to expand your network. Division D has made a concentrated effort to offer hybrid participation for many of its events for the convenience of our members, and I believe this is something we can be proud of. However, there are insights and personal connections that can only be gained through in-person participation, and our social gatherings are among the best opportunities for this.
To corporate management, supervisors of our members, and university staff:
Thank you very much for your continued understanding and generous support. As I have written above, Division D is built by our members, who take time out of their busy schedules to do so. In return, they gain diverse insights into academia and organizational management through these activities while building invaluable networks beyond their own organizations. Thanks to you, I am confident that Division D remains a vibrant community and one that is truly worth belonging to. I sincerely ask for your continued support.
Finally, to everyone involved in planning and running our activities:
Thank you for your hard work and dedication. At Division D events, you and I are the “hosts.” Let us welcome everyone who participates in our community, actively reach out to them, and continue expanding our circle of colleagues.
Thank you all, and I look forward to working with you!