Become a member
For AI practitioners with at least three years of relevant experience who want to participate and contribute. Membership requires the chapter certificate course, experience review and annual dues, including AAAI membership.
Benefits
The membership programme and these benefits begin in the fourth quarter of 2026.
AAAI membership
- AAAI membership: AI Magazine, member rates at AAAI conferences, voting in AAAI elections
Regular activities
- Members-only, half-day quarterly Meetups, rotating between Shenzhen, Hong Kong and Guangzhou
- Member-led online sessions on selected topics, 1 to 2 each month
- Annual general meeting: elections, annual report, recognition
- Priority registration and member rates at public events
Knowledge and publications
- Chapter newsletter, monthly
- Members-only Greater China AI briefing, fortnightly and bilingual
- Member content in the knowledge base: course materials, case templates, recordings
Recognition and opportunities
- A verifiable member number; directory listings require consent
- Speaking roles at events and corporate training, named knowledge-base authorship and collaborative cases
- Introductions through the member directory and partner organisations
- Council elections, member proposals and voting at the AGM
- Annual learning and contribution records support progression; contribution statements are available from the chapter
Requirements
Three requirements: the certificate course, experience review and annual dues.
1. Certificate course
Complete the 7 required Certificate in Generative AI for Business Productivity lessons: AI fundamentals, LLM principles, prompt engineering, knowledge bases and RAG, AI agent fundamentals, quality control, and data security and compliance. The self-paced course takes about 49 learning hours. Pass the online assessment (up to 40 questions; pass mark 80; two retakes) and submit a skill, architecture proposal or basic web application.
The full 14-lesson certificate fulfils this requirement. Applicants with an AI-related master’s degree or higher, paper, patent or deployed product within the past 5 years may request exemption from up to 4 lessons. Assessment remains mandatory.
2. Experience
At least 3 years in AI, data, e-commerce or cross-border trade, product or operations, software, research or education, or consulting. Submit a CV or LinkedIn link, a 300 to 500 word statement covering your experience, AI problem-solving and proposed contribution, and one referee: a current chapter member, AAAI member or senior industry professional.
Applicants with less than 3 years may participate in community events and apply once they reach 3 years. Full-time students may apply for student membership.
3. Dues and review fee
Annual dues are HKD 1,999, including AAAI membership (USD 135), arranged by the chapter. A one-time HKD 300 review fee applies in year one. Both are payable within 14 days of approval; unsuccessful applicants pay nothing. Admission requires agreement to the code of conduct and a conflict-of-interest declaration.
Student membership costs HKD 499 annually. No early-career discount applies. Hardship waivers may be requested in writing.
Assessment
The Membership Committee awards up to 40 points for professional experience, 30 for AI practice, 20 for willingness to contribute and fit, and 10 for references and reputation. A score of 70 or above passes; 60 to 69 requires a 20-minute video interview. Reviewers must recuse themselves from employment, family or business conflicts.
Membership grades
Community participants can attend public events free of charge but are not members. The three grades are Member, Senior Member and Elite Member (Council). Progression requires membership tenure, contribution and review. Eligibility, benefits and requirements are compared below.
| Member | Senior Member | Elite Member (Council) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Role | AI practitioners admitted through review | Members with sustained contribution | The chapter leadership |
| Admission or progression | Certificate course, experience review and annual dues | Membership tenure, contributions and 2 referees; Membership Committee review and Council approval | Elected by all members from Senior Members; 2-year term |
| Dues | HKD 1,999 including AAAI dues; one-time HKD 300 review fee in year one | Same as Member | Member dues plus an annual HKD 10,000 commitment through donations, fundraising, sponsorship or equivalent resources |
| Rights | AAAI membership, all member activities, newsletters, the member directory and voting in Council elections | Member rights, Council candidacy, SIG leadership, review and mentoring roles, and priority speaking opportunities | Council membership, a functional portfolio and chapter representation |
| Duties | Follow the code of conduct, renew annually and attend at least 1 quarterly member Meetup each year | At least 1 contribution a year | Meeting attendance, resource and funding commitments, and an annual report to members |
| Title | Member of AAAI China GBA Chapter | Senior Member of AAAI China GBA Chapter | Council Member of AAAI China GBA Chapter |
- HKD 2,299
- First-year total: 1,999 dues plus the one-time 300 review fee
- HKD 1,999 / year
- Annual dues from year two, including AAAI membership
- HKD 499 / year
- Student annual dues; no review fee
- 4 to 6 weeks
- Indicative review period; excludes study and assessment
Fees
A one-time review fee and annual dues. AAAI membership is included, with no separate payment to AAAI.
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Review fee | HKD 300, one-time | Collected with first-year dues after approval; non-refundable |
| Annual dues | HKD 1,999 / year | Includes AAAI membership (USD 135), arranged by the chapter |
| Senior and Elite Members | Same as Member | Grades carry no additional dues. Council members commit HKD 10,000 annually through donations, fundraising, sponsorship or equivalent resources |
| Corporate membership | HKD 50,000 / year | By invitation; 3 nominated seats, with no review fee for nominees |
| Certificate course | Free | Self-paced study, online assessment and a project |
- Pay only to the chapter operating entity’s bank account, never to personal accounts. Every payment receives a numbered receipt.
- Current AAAI members receive a deduction for the AAAI portion of chapter dues.
- Financial hardship or significant volunteer contributions may qualify for a 25%, 50% or 100% waiver on written application, subject to individual approval.
How to apply
Complete application, screening and assessment before committee review. Track decisions and next steps in the member centre.
- 01About 10 minutes with documents ready
Apply online
Verify your email and enter your details, experience statement and referee in the member centre. Upload a CV or provide a link. Drafts, application references and processing records are saved for later access; sign in to check your outcome.
- 025 working days
Screening
Staff check document completeness, sanctions and reputation, and record any missing information. Successful screening opens the seven-lesson study record, online assessment and project submission.
- 03Self-paced
Study and assessment
Study the seven required lessons and record completion in the member centre. Take the assessment and submit your project for staff review. Study may begin before application.
- 0410 working days
Committee review
The committee reviews completed assessment and project results against its scoring criteria, with a 20-minute video interview if needed.
- 05Immediate
Decision
Decisions, information requests and rejection reasons appear in the member centre. Unsuccessful applicants may attend public events, reapply after 6 months or make one appeal to Council within 30 days.
- 06As advised in your processing notice
Enrolment confirmation
After review, track enrolment confirmation and further arrangements in the member centre. The enrolment record confirms formal membership.
Senior Members and Council
Senior Member of AAAI China GBA Chapter
Senior membership recognises sustained contribution. It is awarded through review, rather than election, with no additional dues.
Eligibility: all conditions required
- At least 3 consecutive membership years; during the 2026 to 2028 founding period, at least 1 year
- At least 8 years of relevant experience, or 5 years with significant achievements
- At least 3 contributions in the past 24 months: speaking, event organisation, application review, mentoring, knowledge-base articles, SIG leadership or sponsorship development
- Recommendations from 2 Senior Members or Council members
- Membership Committee review and Council approval, in March and September each year
Direct route: applicants with at least 12 years of experience and recognised achievements in their field may apply after 1 membership year, with 2 referees and review still required.
The Council selects the first Senior Members during the 2026 to 2028 founding period.
Rights
- Council candidacy, SIG leadership, Membership Committee service and mentoring new members
- Priority speaking opportunities at public events and corporate training
- The title Senior Member of AAAI China GBA Chapter
Duties
- At least 1 annual contribution and attendance at the AGM
- After 2 years without contribution, the title is retained but election and review eligibility is suspended until contributions resume
Elite Member (Council)
Elite Members hold elected Council office for a 2-year term, chosen by all members from Senior Members. The title applies during office; former Council members retain Senior Member status.
- A Council of 7 to 9: Chair, Co-Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and functional directors
- Candidates must hold Senior Member and AAAI membership. Each member has one vote. The full Council is elected every two years, with a maximum of two consecutive terms.
- First election at the 2027 AGM; second in 2029. Founding team members form the founding Council.
- Attend at least 75% of monthly Council meetings, lead one event or project annually, secure at least one resource contribution, and commit HKD 10,000 annually through donations, fundraising, sponsorship or equivalent resources
- Failure to meet commitments for two consecutive quarters vacates the seat. Council fills it for the remaining term. Conflicts of interest must be declared annually.
Student membership
For full-time students and partner institutions. Proof of enrolment and the certificate assessment are required; work experience is not. Benefits focus on online activities and resources, without voting rights.
- Full-time undergraduate, master’s or doctoral students with a student card or proof of enrolment, or nominated by a partner institution.
- Complete 7 required lessons and pass the assessment. Projects are encouraged but optional, as are references from teachers, supervisors or current members.
- Verify your email and submit your application and enrolment proof in the member centre. After screening, complete the required learning and assessment; projects are optional. Following approval, check the member centre for enrolment confirmation and next steps.
- HKD 499 annually, including AAAI student membership (USD 50) arranged by the chapter; no review fee. Renew each academic year with updated enrolment proof. Membership continues for 12 months after graduation.
- AAAI student membership; online sessions; the newsletter and Greater China AI briefing; member knowledge resources; public-event member rates; limited student places at quarterly Meetups; campus AI groups with Senior Member mentors; and a member number.
- No voting or Council candidacy rights. Student years do not count towards Senior Member tenure.
- After graduation and 3 years of relevant experience, apply through the standard membership process with the review fee waived.
Partner institutions
- Universities and training institutions may become campus partners and nominate up to 10 students annually. Nominees need only proof of enrolment.
- The Project Director coordinates speakers, workshops and case discussions for campus partners.
- Contact ken@aaaec.org to discuss an institutional partnership.
Corporate membership
Corporate membership currently operates by invitation. Interested organisations submit an enquiry for Council consideration. Annual dues are HKD 50,000 for 3 nominated seats, partner recognition and training discounts. Nominees must complete the certificate course and pass review.
Frequently asked questions
Not answered here? Write to ken@aaaec.org.
What are the fees and payment arrangements?
Annual dues are HKD 1,999, including AAAI membership, plus a one-time HKD 300 review fee in year one. Both are payable within 14 days of approval. Payment details accompany the approval notice. Pay only to the operating entity’s bank account; each payment receives a numbered receipt.
How is AAAI membership arranged?
After payment, the chapter submits your AAAI application and pays the dues on your behalf. You need not apply separately. AAAI confirms its membership under its own terms; the chapter grants chapter membership. Existing AAAI members receive a deduction for the AAAI portion of dues.
How do renewal and overdue payments work?
Membership lasts 12 months, with renewal reminders 30 days before expiry and a 30-day grace period. Overdue benefits are suspended; membership ends after 90 days. Reinstatement requires a full year’s dues.
Can I take part from outside the Greater Bay Area?
Online sessions are open worldwide. In-person events focus on the Greater Bay Area and welcome members from other regions.
Can my employer pay?
Yes. Employers may pay, and receipts may be issued in the company’s name.
How do I update my details or directory listing?
Contact the chapter to update your details. A member number is issued on admission. Directory participation requires consent and may be started or withdrawn at any time.
Submit an application
Verify your email and submit your application in the member centre. Follow screening, assessment, project review and enrolment confirmation there; you can start studying at any time.