Optics and Photonics Society of Singapore is formed

30 Apr 2009

BELLINGHAM, WA, 28 April 2009 – The Optics and Photonics Society of Singapore (OPSS), with roots in the former Singapore Chapter of SPIE, has been launched, organizers have announced.

OPSS aims to promote greater interaction between the optics and photonics community in Singapore, in both academia and industry through providing a forum for discussion and growth among the various multidisciplinary groups, said OPSS Chair Anand Asundi.

The new society retains strong ties to SPIE. Many of the OPSS founders were active in the former SPIE Singapore regional chapter, and several — including Asundi, who is a Fellow of SPIE and a recent SPIE Board of Directors member — are members of SPIE. In addition, OPSS members frequently serve as mentors for the SPIE Singapore Student Chapter.

In transitioning its regional chapter program over the past few years, SPIE is helping to enable the networks and activities established by the regional chapters to develop more effective, locally based organizations while maintaining close connections with SPIE.

"SPIE has been honored to enjoy the leadership and participation of members of the former Singapore regional chapter of SPIE in our activities promoting optics and photonics throughout the region and the world," said SPIE

OPSS plans include launch of a quarterly magazine, organizing and participating in local and regional conferences, and offering an educational outreach program for students and professionals. More information is available on the OPSS website: opssg.org.

Elected to the Executive Committee along with Asundi at the OPSS annual meeting on 27 March were:
Robert Huang, Vice Chair
Qian Kemao, Secretary
Chee Oi Choo, Treasurer
Ravi Kumar K., Standing Committee Chair for Education
Vijay Raj Singh, Standing Committee Chair for Industry
Quan Chenggen, Standing Committee Chair for Membership and Publicity

Zhao Liping and Huang Xuebo were appointed as Honorary Auditors.

SPIE is the international society for optics and photonics founded in 1955 to advance light-based technologies. Serving more than 188,000 constituents from 138 countries, the Society advances emerging technologies through interdisciplinary information exchange, continuing education, publications, patent precedent, and career and professional growth. SPIE annually organizes and sponsors approximately 25 major technical forums, exhibitions, and education programs in North America, Europe, Asia, and the South Pacific. In 2008, the Society provided $1.9 million for scholarships, grants, and other activities supporting research and education around the world. For more information, visit SPIE.org.