Newsletter Volume 11, Issue 2 June 2026

We are pleased to publish the June 2026 issue. The theme of this issue is “Urban Infrastructure Development and Renewal.” This issue will guide readers to explore the special contribution on the topic of “Assessing the Bearing Capacity of Urban Waterborne Piled Structures in Terms of Operational Conditions and Service Life” in the Special Contributions section, research and activities on “Groundwater Control during Deep MRT Station Excavation in Bangkok” in Directors’ Research and Activities, and voices from the 2024 Distinguished Research Award on “Advancing Press-in Engineering” in the Awards Report. Meanwhile, the IPA Seminar on Press-in Technology in Jakarta will be reported in the Event Report. In addition, a contribution from Ms. Chipo Bard Shanzuwa Chintu, a new young member of IPA, will be featured in IPA Members’ Voices, and the 2026 Maeda Engineering Award (Civil Engineering), which has been awarded to IPA Board Member Yukihiro Ishihara, will be introduced in the Announcement section. 
 
Urban infrastructure stands as the foundational backbone of modern civilisation, shaping the functionality, resilience, and livability of cities across the globe. As rapid urbanisation, climate change challenges, and evolving societal needs redefine urban development paradigms, the renewal and upgrading of urban infrastructure have become indispensable agendas for global urban governance, engineering innovation, and sustainable growth. This issue of our newsletter focuses on Urban Infrastructure Development and Renewal, exploring the latest trends, best practices, and forward-looking insights in this pivotal field. For decades, traditional urban infrastructure has prioritised expansion to accommodate population growth and economic progress. However, outdated facilities, uneven resource allocation, and ecological pressures have exposed the inherent limitations of such extensive development. Today, infrastructure renewal is no longer confined to simple renovation and maintenance; it has evolved into a systematic upgrade integrating digital intelligence, low-carbon sustainability, and human-centric design. Smart transportation networks, green energy systems, resilient public facilities, and the regeneration of aging communities are collectively rewriting the blueprint of modern urban construction.
 
The 4th International Conference on Press-in Engineering (ICPE2027) is approaching and will be held next year from 2–4 June 2027. As reported in our previous issues, the theme of ICPE2027 is “Press-in Engineering for Resilient, Sustainable and Culturally Sensitive Infrastructure.” The deadline for submission of abstracts is 31 August 2026 (https://2027.icpe-ipa.org/call-for-abstracts/). We look forward to your participation in ICPE2027.
 
On behalf of the Editorial Board, we extend our sincere wishes for your continued progress, fruitful research, and professional achievements in the future.
 
Persons in charge of this issue:

Chen Wang Associate Professor Tongji University	Michael Doubrovsky Professor Odessa National Maritime University	Pastsakorn Kitiyodom Deputy Chief Executive Officer TEAM Consulting Engineering and Management PCL