How AAC works
AAC is governed collectively by its participating national societies. Each society appoints its representative, and responsibility for chairing AAC rotates between participating countries for an agreed term.
This model was agreed by the four societies during 2026, when AAC was renewed as a society-led regional platform. It follows the principle of subsidiarity: matters a national society can handle effectively remain with that society, and AAC takes on only what benefits from regional cooperation.
Who represents each society
Appointed by their national societies. Each name is published only once the society has confirmed the appointment.
- Singapore \u2014 SAS
- Alfred CH Tan
- Malaysia \u2014 SVAM
- To be confirmed following SVAM’s committee transition.
- Indonesia \u2014 AAVI
- Prof Benjamin Soenarko
- Thailand \u2014 TAAV
- Dr Sorasak Danworaphong
AAC representatives are appointed by their participating national acoustical societies. AAC is a professional and scientific cooperation platform and does not represent the governments of ASEAN member states.
Origins
AAC was founded by Dr Woon Siong Gan and Michel Rosmolen as a platform for the acoustical societies of ASEAN. Dr Gan, founding president, continues to serve as Honorary Chair and Senior Adviser. Day-to-day coordination is handled by the secretariat at info@aac.asia.
Principles in practice
National representation
- Each participating society appoints one official representative to AAC, and may appoint an alternate for continuity.
- Representatives are accountable to their national societies and act on their behalf.
- No individual becomes a member of AAC independently of a participating society.
Rotating chair
- Responsibility for chairing AAC rotates between participating countries for a two-year term, in a sequence agreed in advance.
- The chairing country selects its own representative to serve as Chair.
- The Chair coordinates meetings, communication and agreed actions. The Chair does not take decisions alone.
- The sequence of rotation is under consultation between the societies and will be published once agreed.
Decision-making
- AAC works by consultation and consensus, in the ASEAN tradition. Majority voting is not the normal method.
- No single representative or society holds a veto.
- Regional guidelines, policy positions, standards and regional statements require the unanimous agreement of all participating societies.
- Where consensus is not reached, a matter is deferred for further consultation rather than forced through.
Approval of activities
- An event or initiative may carry the AAC name only after the representatives have confirmed the host society, purpose, date, responsibilities, financial arrangements, communications, publication arrangements, use of personal data, and recognition of partners and sponsors.
- The host national society remains legally and financially responsible for an event it organises, unless a separate agreement states otherwise.
- AAC does not hold its own bank account and does not take on financial liability.
Transparency and continuity
- Participating societies, their representatives, the chair term, and the official contact channel are published on this website.
- AAC holds at least one meeting of representatives each year.
- The website, email accounts, documents and communication channels are managed transparently, with access held by more than one person from more than one country.
Joining as a national society
Recognised national acoustical societies and professional associations in ASEAN countries not yet represented are welcome to open a dialogue. Participation is considered through consultation between the existing societies and the interested organisation. How participation works.