Dear colleagues,
As many are aware, an open letter was sent to the Executive Committee (EC) expressing concern about the selection of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia as the location for SIGGRAPH Asia 2026. The letter, and EC discussions, compelled me to think about site selection in ways I would not have done otherwise. It took me a long time to understand the different viewpoints, the nuances, and the complexities. My intention with this note is to let the SIGGRAPH community know that the open letter was taken seriously. My note is intended as a start, not an end.
I want to start by thanking those who raised their voices. I hear the frustration, disappointment, and sense of exclusion that many have expressed. I recognize that our processes—particularly in terms of transparency and communication, and sensitivity to the concerns of LGBTQ+ members of the community—did not meet the expectations of members of our community.
I would like you to know that the EC deliberated and cogitated for a long time on what ought to be done–what is the right thing to do at such a time? Switch to a different location? Set up a satellite venue? Provide hybrid options? As we peeled back layers, we discovered nuances and complexities, tensions and conflicts. Which is why this note is a start, not an end.
So, if this is a start, what is the next step?
I believe that our mission is to nurture, champion and connect like-minded researchers and practitioners, but in a way that reflects our care for each other. The EC Chair and Chair-Elect are committed that this will stay on the EC’s radar, with some specific actions in the near term: we will engage with representatives of the community to advise us as we develop a checklist of considerations during site selection. These representatives will include chairs/representatives of our Standing Committees and Affinity Groups, including the Rainbow Affinity Group.
The conversations that resulted from the open letter were not easy, nor are they over. But I am optimistic that they will make us a better organization and a more compassionate community.
Eakta Jain
Chair