Perry Shum, Chair Professor of the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering (EEE) at the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), has recently been appointed as President of the IEEE Photonics Society. His term will commence from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025.

Professor Shum is an IEEE Fellow, OSA Fellow, and SPIE Fellow. He is currently the Deputy Head of Research of the Department of EEE and the Director of Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Optoelectronics Intellisense. He is also an academic committee member and chief scientist of the National Key Laboratory of Advanced Manufacturing and Application Technology for Fiber Optics and Cables.

Previously, he served as the Director of the Network Technology Research Center, Photonics Center of Excellence, and the Center for Optical Fiber Technology at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.

His research interests include optical fiber technologies, laser technology, biomedical photonics, and sensing and imaging. He has published more than 400 journal papers.

In his article column as the President of the IEEE Photonics Society on January 4, Professor Shum expressed that the challenges faced in recent years, including the pandemic, have highlighted the resilience of the optics community. He emphasized that now, more than ever, the infinite possibilities of innovation are being realized. Looking ahead, he stated that the first priority is to address challenges and establish a resilient photonics community that illuminates the path forward with professional expertise, inspiring everyone to explore and broaden their horizons.

The IEEE Photonics Society is a professional organization that brings together scientists, engineers, and professionals in the fields of lasers, optoelectronics, and optics from around the world. As an important part of the IEEE, it organizes and participates in technical conferences, journals, and activities covering various aspects of photonics to promote industry interaction and professional exchange.

The society is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment in the field of photonics and optics. Through its diversified efforts, it aims to establish a global photonics community, attracting individuals from different backgrounds and providing greater value to its members.

Furthermore, the IEEE Photonics Society has established multiple international awards to recognize the contributions of its members in advancing the field and benefiting society. These awards aim to acknowledge outstanding achievements and accomplishments that improve the quality of life for people worldwide.

Professor Shum also expressed his commitment to leveraging the platform and resources of the IEEE Photonics Society to actively support young scholars in making new advancements in the field of photonics.