Published on June 26, 2025

“Why Engineers Need Communication Skills for Global Success”

Note: A summary of the presentation is at the end of this post.

In 2024, Dr. Pam Estes Brewer, who is the IEEE ProComm Membership Chair, visited with members of the Japan chapter of ProComm. They are a small and enthusiastic group of academics, and their hospitality made for wonderful interactions between the parties.

In 2025, the IEEE ProComm Japan Chapter held an event in Nagano Japan 22 April. They collaborated with Shinshu University with an event centered around the theme “Why Communication Matters for Engineers Globally.” The event was an amazing success, as it attracted the participation of over 100 attendees in a dynamic hybrid format.

A set of three photos showing Aravindhan Anbazhagan, a ProComm Board member, interacting with students at the Japan ProComm event in April 2025.
Aravindhan Anbazhagan, a ProComm Board member, interacting with students at the Japan ProComm event in April 2025.

For the Nagano event, our IEEE ProComm Board of Governors representative, Aravindhan Anbazhagan reported that “it was an honor to represent IEEE ProComm on this international stage. One of the most memorable aspects of the session was the real-time translation of my English presentation into Japanese—showcasing the power of technology and empathy in bridging linguistic and cultural divides. I also had the joy of engaging with local students and presenting each of them with a small, handcrafted gift from Kanyakumari, the southern tip of India, as a gesture of cross-cultural connection.”

Aravindhan met in person with Professor Pauline Kawamoto, Treasurer of the Japan PCS chapter.  He met virtually with the other officers of Japan PCS as well, including President Kayoko Murakami.

Shown here: Aravindhan met in person with Professor Pauline Kawamoto, Treasurer of the Japan PCS chapter. 
Aravindhan met in person with Professor Pauline Kawamoto, Treasurer of the Japan PCS chapter. 

The April event was co-sponsored by IEEE Shin-etsu Section Student Branch and IEEE Tokai University Student Branch.

Link to information about the IEEE ProComm Japan Chapter

Presentation Summary

In an increasingly interconnected world, engineers are no longer just problem-solvers—they are innovators, leaders, and global collaborators. However, even the most brilliant technical ideas can fail if they are not communicated effectively. Whether presenting research, writing reports, or working with international teams, strong communication skills are essential for career growth and impactful contributions to society. This talk explores why professional communication is a critical skill for engineers, addressing common challenges such as conveying complex technical ideas clearly, collaborating across cultures, and persuading stakeholders. Through real-world examples and practical insights, attendees will learn how mastering communication can open doors to leadership roles, global career opportunities, and successful project execution. The session will also introduce the IEEE Professional Communication Society (ProComm) and the valuable resources it offers to help engineers enhance their writing, speaking, and interpersonal communication. Whether you are a student, researcher, or working professional, this talk will equip you with essential strategies to communicate with confidence, influence decisions, and thrive in the global engineering landscape.

Speaker Biography

Aravindhan Anbazhagan is a passionate advocate for education, technology, and global collaboration. He is the founder of Educerelator, a startup supporting educators and professionals with high-quality presentations, design, and research solutions. His mission is to empower educators with tailored resources that spark meaningful change.

He is an incoming Master of Science in Public Policy and Management (MSPPM) student at Carnegie Mellon University – Heinz College, where he aims to integrate data-driven governance with human-centered education reform. He is also a UPSC aspirant, committed to transforming public systems in India through policy innovation.

A Computer Science graduate from Sri Muthukumaran Institute of Technology, Chennai, Aravindhan began his journey in education through the Teach For India Fellowship, mentoring students and shaping foundational learning experiences.

As an IEEE volunteer for 12+ years, he has been involved with 250+ activities. His global recognitions include the IEEE Richard E. Merwin Scholarship (2014),  MGA SAC Larry K. Wilson Award (2016), EAB Meritorious Achievement Award in Pre-University Education (2018), and MGA Young Professionals Achievement Award (2019).

His insights have been featured in NDTV, The New Indian Express – EdEx, and other platforms. He has delivered talks at 50+ institutions worldwide, including TEDx talks on contextual education and virtual classroom engagement.

Aravindhan currently serves on the Board of Governors of the IEEE Professional Communication Society, promoting effective communication across cultures, industries, and innovation. Aravindhan’s LinkedIn

Poster announcement for the IEEE ProComm event in Japan, April 2025. Title: Why Engineers Need Communication Skills for Global Success. Features an image of Arafindhan Anbazhagan, IEEE ProComm Board member.