M'sian designers shine in Tokyo

The Star

2 days ago

Eco-innovation: Lew's 'Mangrove Living Museum' seamlessly blends architecture with nature.
Malaysia recently made waves on the global design stage.
Going head-to-head with top talents from over 16 countries and regions, Malaysia's national winners rose to the challenge at the AYDA Awards and Creative Colour Awards (CCA) 2024/2025 Grand Finale in Tokyo, Japan, on June 20.
Lew received the 'Best Sustainable Design Award' for his project. They brought home four awards, proving that Malaysian creativity, purpose and design excellence truly stand tall on the world stage.
From young student designers tackling real-world issues to professional architects transforming schools and housing into vibrant, meaningful spaces, these wins reflect the depth of Malaysia's design community and its commitment to people-first innovation.
At the AYDA Awards, Lew Wai Fong from Universiti Malaya earned the 'Best Sustainable Design Award' in the architectural category for his project, Tanjung Piai's Mangrove Living Museum.
His vision includes a regenerative space designed to preserve one of Malaysia's most threatened ecosystems while reconnecting local communities with nature.
'I wanted to show that sustainability and beauty can co-exist and that we don't have to choose between progress and preservation,' said Lew, who took home US$1,000 (RM4,250) for his effort.
Meanwhile, Tan Ee Wei of Equator College, Penang, received an Honorary Mention (Interior Design) for HomeSEED, a resilience training centre for the homeless in George Town.
'This project was born from a place of deep empathy for my community. I hope it shows that design can offer hope, structure and skills,' said Tan, who received US$500 (RM2,125).
Nippon Paint Malaysia general manager Tay Sze Tuck said these forward-thinking and innovative students are curating blueprints for a kinder, more sustainable country.
'What's inspiring is how these young designers aren't waiting for change; they're making it through design, and using creativity to respond to the issues we face as a society,' he said.
At the CCA, FEI Architect won the 'Best in Public Spaces Award' for transforming SMJK Poi Lam's multipurpose hall in Ipoh, Perak, into an eye-catching structure. The company was awarded US$2,500 (RM10,623).
The CCA 'Architectural Best in Residential Exterior Award' was presented to Mak Arkitek Konsult for V21 Residence@KKIP, a social housing project designed for workers of the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park in Sabah. The company was also awarded US$2,500.
Tay said Malaysia's wins were a beautiful reminder that design excellence isn't confined to any one stage of life.
'Whether you're just starting out or already shaping skylines, what matters is purpose, creativity and heart. These four winners have all of that and more.'