A series of meetings in Beijing have prompted in the formation of the first Audio Engineering Society Section (AES) in Mainland China.

The announcement follows the efforts of long-time AES member Shusen Wang (VP of a Beijing broadcasting company and a leading professional audio consultant) and AES Regions & Sections Chair, Peter Cook over possibility of establishing a Beijing Section. In late May 2012, Cook made two AES presentations to members of the China Audio & Video Association (CAVA) brought a group of more 25 Chinese AES members into the discussion.

‘The seriousness and passion demonstrated by the AES members I met with in Beijing was deeply impressive,’ Cook says. ‘They are fully committed to all the fundamental elements that make the AES an invaluable forum for professional audio. They enthusiastically recommended highly qualified local vice-chairs to be responsible for: Education, Research, Broadcast Applications and other areas of universal AES concern.

‘I was genuinely taken aback when they conveyed the huge size of China’s professional audio community. This initial Beijing Section may mark the beginning of a substantial AES expansion in China. Their concerns for the importance of an AES affiliation were humbling.’

Shusen Wang was unanimously invited to Chair the Section.

‘We will work closely with the AES parent organisation to introduce Chinese experts to relevant Technical Committees; to invite them to submit research papers; to introduce Chinese stake-holders to Standards Committee chairs; and, do everything possible to ensure the success of first-time Chinese exhibitors at AES Conventions,’ he says.

‘The AES has many individual members in China. We believe our new Beijing Section will sustain a long and mutually beneficial on-going relationship with China’s professional audio community,’ comments AES Executive Director Bob Moses. ‘This move exemplifies our plan to expand the AES mission and support our ongoing effectiveness throughout Asia and The Far East.’

More: www.aes.org