The AAF continued its strong program of international engagement in 2016. This included being awarded a tender to assist the national Hong Kong federation. The AAF’s commitment to the sector continued through involvement as chair of the Asia Pacific Advanced Network Working group on Identity Management and the AAF’s open seat on the International Research and Education Federation (REFEDS) Steering Committee. The AAF also continued to support its subscribers locally though workshops, communication activities and a number of conference engagements. I would like to express my gratitude to the Department of Education for their ongoing support and confidence in the AAF, especially to Tony Rothnie and Kirsty Douglas for their valued support to the AAF. We continue to have an extremely dedicated team of AAF staff under the leadership of Heath Marks, who works closely with AAF subscribers to meet their needs and evolve the products and services the AAF offers. It is personally rewarding to interact with such a dedicated team. The AAF continues not only to be an exemplar service, but also provides sustainable specialist services to meet the evolving needs of federated identity management for Australian research and education. I look forward with confidence to the outcomes of the AAF in 2017. Bruce Callow President, Australian Access Federation Inc. 3