Steel Architectural Awards ASEAN 2026 Strengthens Regional Collaboration to Promote Architectural Excellence
The Steel Architectural Awards ASEAN is returning for its second edition to bring together architects from across Southeast Asia to promote design excellence, knowledge sharing, and regional collaboration. The programme will culminate in an ASEAN Awards Ceremony in Bangkok, Thailand, in November 2026, where the regional winners will be announced.
The programme is organised by NS BlueScope in collaboration with the Association of Siamese Architects under Royal Patronage (ASA), the Indonesian Institute of Architects (IAI), the University of Architecture Ho Chi Minh City (UAH), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), the Australian Chamber of Commerce, Singapore (AustCham Singapore), the Glenn Murcutt Architecture Foundation Australia, and ArchDaily. Architects from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam are invited to submit completed projects that demonstrate innovation, sustainability, and design excellence through the use of BlueScope steel solutions.
This year’s edition also expands collaboration with academia, industry, and media. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) joins as a new academic partner, while the Glenn Murcutt Architecture Foundation Australia continues to provide perspectives on design that is responsive to the environment, climate, and local character. ArchDaily will help extend the global exposure of the winning projects.
Under the theme “Timeless Design with Coated Steel”, the awards highlight architectural works designed for longevity. Judging criteria focus not only on aesthetics but also on how buildings respond to climate, culture, and local context, as well as how they support the way people live and work.
“Timeless design is not solely defined by aesthetic value, but also by a building’s ability to adapt and respond to environmental and societal needs over time,” said Firman Setia Herwanto, Vice Chairman of the Indonesian Institute of Architects (IAI). “The appropriate use of materials such as coated steel will enhance a building’s durability, performance, and long-term relevance.”
Awards will be presented in four categories: Industrial, Commercial, Residential, and Institutional, Public and Others. The jury panel comprises Ar. Geoff Croker, Principal, fjcstudio (Australia); Ar. Firman Setia Herwanto, Vice Chairman of IAI (Indonesia); Ar. Dr. Serina Hijjas, Principal, Hijjas Kasturi Associates (Malaysia); Ar. Kulthida Songkittipakdee, Vice President, ASA and Principal Architect, Jenchieh Hung + Kulthida Songkittipakdee / HAS Design and Research (Thailand); and Ar. Dr. Truong Nguyen Hoang Long, Head of Environment and Sustainable Design, University of Architecture Ho Chi Minh City (UAH) (Vietnam).
The programme begins with a selection process in each country before proceeding to the ASEAN Awards Ceremony in Bangkok. At the ceremony, the ASEAN-level winners will receive their awards and participate in broader regional discussions on design, innovation, and architecture’s contribution to society.
“This programme provides a platform for architects to showcase their work, gain recognition, and advance architecture in the ASEAN region,” said Ar. Asae Sukhyanga, President of the Association of Siamese Architects under Royal Patronage (ASA). “Hosting the ASEAN Awards Ceremony in Thailand also reflects our shared commitment to strengthening collaboration and creativity at the regional level.”
ASEAN-level winners will take part in a week-long learning and exchange programme in Australia. In the 2024 edition, winners visited Sydney and Brisbane to meet leading architects, tour iconic projects, and attend the Australian Architecture Conference at the Sydney Opera House.