According to the IAP press release issued to ARCHI TIMES, the International Symposium on Architecture in Asia: Challenges and Opportunities, along with the official ARCASIA Handover Ceremony, was successfully held in Shanghai, China, from 16 to 19 January 2026. This landmark event brought together architects, educators, institutional leaders, and professionals from across Asia to engage in critical dialogue on the future of architecture in the region while formally inaugurating the new leadership of the Architects Regional Council of Asia (ARCASIA) for the term 2026-2027.
The four-day programme combined intellectual exchange, leadership transition, and cultural engagement, concluding with a strong sense of renewed purpose and regional solidarity within the architectural community.
New ARCASIA Leadership Takes Office
The Handover Ceremony marked the official transfer of responsibilities from the outgoing 2024-2025 council to the incoming 2026-2027 leadership. ARCASIA, comprising 24 member institutes from across Asia, plays a vital role in promoting architectural excellence, education, and collaboration throughout the region. The new council, led by President Ar. Prof. Dr. Wu Jiang, is poised to build on the legacy of its predecessors and address emerging challenges in the built environment.
The newly inducted Office Bearers and Committee Chairs for the 2026-2027 term are:
President Prof. Dr. Wu Siang –ASC
Immediate Past President: Ar. Saifuddin Ahmed – PAM
Vice President Zone k Ar. Fawad Suhail Abbasi – TAP
Vice President Zone B:
Ar. Melvin Tan – SIA
Vice President Zone C:
Ar. Gibson Rhie – KIRA
Honorary Secretary:
Ar. Prof. Thou Minghao – MC
Honorary Treasurer:
Ms. Cu Dian – ASC
Advisor: Ar. Rita Soh – SIA
Advisor: Ar. Sardar Mohammad Jahangir Khan – IAP
ACAS Chair: Ar. Umar Saeed – IAP
ACPP Chair: Ar. Lim Choon Keang – SIA
ACSR Chair: Arch. Vanessa Ledesma – UAP
ACGSA Chair: Ar. Tan Sate Hann -SIA
ACYA Chair: Ar. Muhammad Qhawarizmi bin Norhisham – PAM
Fellowship Chair: Ar. Joseph Kwan – HKIA
Prominent Roles for IAP Members
The Institute of Architects Pakistan (IAP), a founding member of ARCASIA, continues to demonstrate strong leadership and active engagement within the council. Several IAP members have assumed key positions in the new term, reflecting the institute’s influential role in regional architectural governance.
Ar. Fawad Suhail Abbasi, FLAP, has officially commenced his term as Vice President, ARCASIA Zone A (2026-2027). An award-winning architect of notable standing, Ar. Fawad Suhail Abbasi currently serves as the President of the Institute of Architects Pakistan (IAP). He also holds the position of AIA International Country Representative for Pakistan, acting as the official liaison between the American Institute of Architects and the architectural community in Pakistan. His election to the role of ARCASIA Vice President Zone A, which covers member institutes from West and Central Asia, is a recognition of his professional stature and his dedication to regional collaboration. In his new role, he will play a key part in promoting collaboration, addressing specific issues in the zone, and supporting ARCASIA’s strategic initiatives among member nations in Zone A.
Ar. Sardar Mohammad Jahangir Khan, FLAP, has taken office as an Advisor, ARCASIA (2026-2027). A distinguished senior architect and leader, Ar. Jahangir Khan is an Hon. AIA & recipient of the AIA & RIBA Presidential Medals, amongst other national and international recognitions. He brings a wealth of experience and institutional memory to the role. He is the current President of EAROPH International (Eastern Regional Organization for Planning and Human Settlements), an organization focused on sustainable human settlements and urban development. His deep involvement with ARCASIA includes having served as a past president of ARCASIA itself, as well as a past president of the institute
of Architects Pakistan. His appointment as Advisor is a testament to his continued commitment to guiding ARCASIA’s vision and providing strategic counsel based on his extensive past leadership experience within the council and beyond. Ar. Umar Saeed has assumed the Chairmanship of the ARCASIA Committee on Architectural Education (ACAE) for 2026-2027. Ar. Umar Saeed is a dedicated advocate for architectural education and professional standards. In addition to his new role with ARCASIA, he currently serves as the Chair of the Education Steering Committee for the Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA), where he works on harmonising and advancing architectural education across Commonwealth nations. He is the Past Chairman of the Board of Architectural Education, Institute of Architects Pakistan (BAE-IAP). His leadership of ACAE will focus on addressing educational challenges, promoting curricular innovation, and strengthening the network of architectural schools across Asia, ensuring the next generation of architects is well-prepared for future demands. A Confluence of Dialogue and Transition The event skillfully wove together the symposium’s thematic discussions with the ceremonial aspects of the handover. The symposium segment featured insightful keynote addresses and dynamic panel discussions focusing on sustainability, heritage, technology, and the evolving role of architects in Asia. The formal handover proceedings included the signing of an important agreement between ARCASIA and Tongji University for the publication of Architecture Asia Magazine from 2026 to 2030. A field trip to Hangzhou provided attendees with valuable exposure to significant cultural and architectural sites. further enriching the professional and cultural exchange.
A Forward-Looking Vision for Asia
The successful conclusion of the International Symposium and ARCASIA Handover Ceremony in Shanghai signals a vibrant and collaborative future for the architectural profession in Asia. With a strong new council in place and the active involvement of member institutes like IAP, ARCASIA is well-equipped to promote architectural excellence, encourage meaningful dialogue, and lead initiatives that will shape the sustainable and equitable development of Asia’s built environment in the coming years.
The Institute of Architects Pakistan (IAP) extends its congratulations to all new office bearers and reaffirms its commitment to supporting ARCASIA’s mission while strengthening architectural solidarity across Asia.
