Wu Jiang, professor at Tongji University, took over as the 23rd president of the Architects Regional Council Asia on Saturday, marking the council's first president from the Chinese mainland since its founding in 1979.

"In the face of rapidly advancing digital and intelligent technologies, architecture is facing unprecedented challenges and embracing unparalleled opportunities. The ARCASIA must respond promptly to assist Asian architects in seizing the new opportunities of the new era," Wu said during the handover meeting held in Tongji University in Shanghai.

"As an architectural educator, it is my responsibility to promote extensive exchanges and enhance the quality of education in the Asian architectural education community at this session of the ARCASIA," he said.

Wu is the executive director of the Architectural Society of China, chairman of the Architectural Education Branch of the ASC, vice-chairman of the Urban Planning Society of China, chairman of the Shanghai Urban Planning Trade Association, honorary fellow of the American Institute of Architects, and academician of the French Academy of Architecture.

He was appointed as the vice-president of the ARCASIA in 2018. On behalf of the ASC, he led the team to engage in the relevant work of the ARCASIA.

The ARCASIA, which currently boasts member associations from 24 countries and regions across Asia, is the most representative and authoritative organization of architects in Asia.