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Malaysian designers just showed they can stand shoulder to shoulder with the world's best
At the recent AYDA Awards and Creative Colour Awards (CCA) held in Tokyo, Malaysian design talents earned recognition for projects that combine creative thinking with practical impact, from ecological conservation and social housing to school halls and community shelters.
Two university students enjoyed the limelight at the AYDA Awards, which celebrates young changemakers in the architecture and design space
Lew Wai Fong, a student from Universiti Malaysia, won Best Sustainable Design (Architecture) at the AYDA Awards for 'Tanjung Piai's Mangrove Living Museum' — a concept that blends architectural design with ecological restoration.
The design envirions a regenerative space that grows alongside the mangrove ecosystem, offering educational value while helping to preserve one of Malaysia's most fragile natural environments.
"We don't have to choose between progress and preservation," Lew said.
He received a USD1,000 (RM4,700) cash prize.
Hailing from Equator College, Penangite Tan Ee Wei was handed an Honorary Mention (Interior Design) at the AYDA Awards for HomeSEED, a centre that supports homeless individuals with skill-building, rest spaces, and communal facilities.
The project reframes shelter as more than a temporary fix, offering structure, safety, and an opportunity for individuals to rebuild their lives.
Tan received USD500 (RM2,350) as part of his recognition.
Nippon Paint Malaysia praised both projects for bringing change to the local community in creative ways
"These forward-thinking and innovative students are curating blueprints for a kinder, more sustainable Malaysia.
"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," said Tay Sze Tuck, General Manager of Nippon Paint Malaysia.
"And that's exactly what the AYDA Awards aim to do: to nurture purpose-driven talent that designs with empathy, awareness, and heart," he added.
At the Creative Colour Awards, which recognise established architects and designers who elevate existing buildings and spaces, two more Malaysians also made their mark
A multipurpose school hall in Ipoh won for its reinterpretation of colour and kampung-style design
The design team from FEI Architect, led by Lam Shen Fei, received a Best in Public Spaces at the Creative Colour Awards for 'The Hall of Joy' at SMJK Poi Lam in Perak, winning USD2,500 (RM11,750).
The design draws inspiration from traditional kampung roofs for better ventilation, and applies the school's four sports house colours across the interior and facade.
The design goal was to foster a stronger sense of identity and motivate students to use colour as a functional and cultural tool.
A housing project for industrial workers in Sabah was recognised for its use of colour in low-cost design
Mak Arkitek Konsult was awarded Best in Residential Exterior at the Creative Colour Awards for V21 Residence @ KKIP, a social housing project for workers in Kota Kinabalu.
Each building block features five bold colours arranged in a pattern that aligns with window placement, aiding orientation and enhancing visual identity within a constrained budget.
The firm received USD2,500 (RM11,750).
