Architects Regional Council Asia (ARCASIA) was founded in 1967 by six institutes –HKIA, IIA, PAM, IAP, SIA & SLIA and today consists of 22 member institutes throughout ASIA.
For the 22nd ARCASIA Council 2024-25 term, Ar. Saifuddin Bin Ahmad, PAM Past President (2011-2013) took over the presidency from Ar. Abu Sayeed M Ahmed of Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB). The ARCASIA Secretariat, following the home country of the President, will be based at PAM Centre for the duration of this term.
In the morning of 20th January 2024, Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) hosted the Handover Meeting & Ceremony and later in the afternoon, the first meeting of the ARCASIA Office Bearers/Committee Chairs (OB/CC) 2024-25, at the Council Room, PAM Centre, Jalan Tandok, Kuala Lumpur.
Group portrait of the outgoing and incoming OB/CCs at the steps of PAM Centre.
Front row L-R:
Ar. Ziaul Islam & Ar. Nabi Newaz Khan (IAB), Ar. Ana Mangalino-Ling (UAP), Ar. Saifuddin Ahmad, Ar. Abu Sayeed (IAB), Ar. Dexter Koh, Ar. Ridha Razak, Ar. Russell Dandeniya (SLIA).
Second row:
Ar Shahab Ghani Khan (IIA), Ar. Saykham Thammanosouth (ALACE), Ar Mukul Goyal (IIA), Ar. Adrianta Aziz
Third row:
Tan Sri Ar. Esa Mohamed, Datuk Ar. Tan Pei Ing, Ar. George Kunihiro (JIA), Ar. Devendra Nath
Gongal (SONA), Ar Tushar Sogani (IIA), Ar. Thomas Leung (HKIA)
Rear row:
Ar. Rita Soh (SIA), Ar. Jonathan V. Manalad (UAP), Ar. Farhana Sharmin Emu (IAB), Ar. Alice Leong, Ar Zhang Wei (ASC), Ar. Denny Setiawan (IAI)
A Handover Dinner was held later in the evening at Four Points by Sheraton, Chinatown, hosted by PAM and supported by ROCA. Guests included former Mayor of Kuala Lumpur Tan Sri Ahmad Fuad bin Ismail, Past President of Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia Dato Nur Haizi Abdul Hai, PAM President Ar. Abu Zarim Abu Bakar, PAM Past Presidents and Council Members. ARCASIA delegates consisting of both outgoing and incoming OB/CCs from Nepal, Laos, Hong Kong, Bangladesh, Singapore, Philippines, China, India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Japan and Pakistan were also in attendance
During the dinner outgoing President Abu Sayeed handed over the chain of office to incoming President Saifuddin, who later introduced the office Bearers and Committee Chairs for the 2024-25 term. PAM Vice-President Ar. Dexter Koh & Honorary Treasurer Ar. Ridha Razak were appointed ARCASIA Honorary Secretary and Honorary Treasurer respectively, while Past President on Council Datuk Ar. Tan Pei Ing was named one of two Advisors of the President. Ar. Alice Leong was elected Chair of ACGSA – ARCASIA Committee on Green and Sustainable Architecture.
In his inaugural speech, Ar. Saifuddin shared his vision for his council term focusing on making ARCASIA more visible in the global arena and voicing concern on the effects of climate change, reducing carbon footprint and ensuring the practice of SDG and ESG throughout the 22-member institute countries. He also sought to ensure the voice of ARCASIA be heard and making ARCASIA a respected council globally.
He also wants the governments of the 22 members institute to refer to ARCASIA for statements on issues related to built-environment, sustainability etc.
Ar. Saifuddin’s vision to leave a lasting legacy, foster inclusivity, enhance visibility, and champion environmental responsibility is encapsulated in his mission of ‘SPREADING L.O.V.E. IN ARCASIA’:
L – LEGACY
Preserving and continuing the unique legacies of past leaders, ensuring their contributions are recognised and remembered as ARCASIA legacies. Review and enhance ongoing programs initiated by previous leaders.
O – OVERALL / INCLUSIVITY
Embracing inclusivity in activities through technology, media, and collaboration between Committees.
Prioritizing selection of speakers and presenters from within ARCASIA.
V – VISIBILITY
Establishing ARCASIA as a prominent voice in the global arena. Region IV’s visibility within UIA is commendable, and each Vice President should emphasise ARCASIA’s visibility within their respective zones. ARCASIA aims to be THE voice of Asia, not overshadowed by other organisations.
E – ENVIRONMENT
Exemplifying environmental stewardship by championing climate change control, reducing carbon footprints, and promoting Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices.
Saifuddin was declared President-Elect when he won the election on 8th September 2022 during the ARCASIA Forum21 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia against 4 other candidates.
Ar. Saifuddin joins an illustrious list of PAM Past Presidents who have helmed ARCASIA: Datuk Ar. Tan Pei Ing (President 2013-2014), Datuk Ar. P. Kasi (Chairman 1999-2000), Tan Sri Ar. Esa Bin Mohamed (Chairman 1995-1996), Datuk Ar. Kenneth Yeang (Chairman 1987-1988) and the late Dato’ Kington Loo (2nd Founding Chairman 1974-1980). Incidentally, PAM Gold Medallist Datuk Seri Lim Chong Keat is ARCASIA 1st Founding Chairman from 1969-1974, when he was then past president of SIA.
ARCASIA OB/CC 2024-25
OFFICE:
President
Ar. Saifuddin Ahmad, PAM
BEARERS
Vice President
Zone A
Ar. Devendra Nath Gongal, SONA
Zone B
Ar. Saykham Thammanosouth, ALACE
Zone C
Ar. Thomas Cheung, HKIA
Immediate Past President
Ar. Abu Sayeed M Ahmed, IAB
Honorary Secretary
Ar. Dexter Y.P. Koh, PAM
Honorary Treasurer
Ar. Ahmad Ridha Razak, PAM
Advisors
Ar. Tan Pei Ing, PAM
Ar. Rita Soh, SIA
COMMITTEE
ACAE Architecture Education
Ar. Jonathan V. Manalad, UAP
CHAIRS
ACPP Professional Practice
Ar. Zhang Wei, ASC
ACSR Social Responsibility
Ar. Farhana Sharmin Emu, IAB
ACGSA Green & Sustainable Architecture
Ar. Alice Leong Pek Lian, PAM
ACYA Young Architects
Ar. Denny Setiawan, IAI
FELLOWSHIP CHAIR
CHAIR
Ar. Debatosh Sahu, IIA
