Nippon Paint is proud to announce the winners of the 2024 Asia Young Designer Awards (AYDA), with Lew Wai Fong from Universiti Malaya (UM) and Tan Ee Wei from Equator College securing the Architectural and Interior Design Gold Awards, respectively.
In addition to celebrating the Gold Award winners, a historic milestone was achieved by Ler Teck Ho from UNITAR, who became the first differently-abled finalist in AYDA history and won the Best Colour Choice Award for his project, “Framexus Bridging Heritage and Modernity through Cultural Convergence”.
The concept for this year’s AYDA Awards competition, ‘Converge: Glocal Design Solutions’, aims to unite local and global issues. The central goal is to bring together designers who are enthusiastic about the ways in which the world is changing and give them the opportunity to design solutions to solve the world’s problems.
Lew and Tan will represent Malaysia in the upcoming regional competition, competing against participants from 19 other regions for the coveted title of ‘Asia Young Designer of The Year’. They have the chance to win a grand cash prize of RM6,000 and an exclusive opportunity to participate in a three-week, all-expenses-paid Design Discovery Program at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, USA, valued at up to USD10,000, scheduled for the June 2026 cohort.
Expressing his admiration for the winners, Chen Lee Siong, General Manager of Group Trade Use Business, Nippon Paint Malaysia, shared, “This year’s AYDA Awards has been inspiring. The participants beautifully embraced our rich local heritage while demonstrating a deep passion for addressing meaningful causes that resonate with the challenges faced by the rakyat in our country.
“Designers today are problem-solvers, innovators and catalysts for change. The ability to merge diverse perspectives and create designs that resonate both locally and globally is a skill that will define the next generation of great designers. Through AYDA, we are not only challenging participants to think outside the box but also equipping them with the tools, mentorship and experiences needed to succeed on a global stage.”
Glocal Architectural Winning Solutions
Lee Wai Fong, Gold Award Winner of the Architecture category, whose winning project is titled “Tanjung Piai’s Mangrove Living Museum”, celebrates Malaysia’s natural heritage by seamlessly blending environmental sustainability with cultural heritage. The museum aims to educate visitors about the ecological significance of mangroves, fostering environmental awareness while showcasing the importance of ecological preservation in a rapidly urbanising world.
The museum serves not only as a space for learning and discovery but also as a beacon of sustainable design, showing how architecture can harmonise with the environment rather than disrupting it – further inspiring future architectural practices by encouraging others to incorporate local ecological and cultural elements into their design.
Lew conveyed his gratitude, stating, “AYDA has been an incredible journey that has challenged and elevated my creative thinking. Through this project, I hope to showcase the beauty of Malaysia’s natural treasures and inspire others to integrate local elements into their design solutions.”
Glocal Interior Design Winning Solutions
With the tagline, “Planting Roots, Growing Future”, Tan Ee Wei Gold Award Winner of the Interior Design category, captivated judges with “HOMESEED: Homeless Resilience Training Centre”, a visionary project dedicated to empowering Georgetown, Penang’s homeless community. This innovative initiative combines thoughtful design with social impact to provide essential resources, training and opportunities for independence.
Between 2022 and September 2024, data revealed 67 homeless individuals in Penang struggled with mental health issues, while 32 faced drug addiction, highlighting the urgent need for a safe and supportive space. HOMESEED aims to address this by offering a transformative environment comprising two key buildings: a front commercial hub where residents can sell goods and engage with the public and a back residential and training facility designed to foster skill development and personal growth.
A standout feature is its snail-shell-inspired design, a multifunctional structure that embodies security, privacy and mobility. This unique shelter can transform into a trolley for easy transportation during the day, enhancing both functionality and comfort.
Tan shared, “Winning the Interior Design category for the AYDA Awards is such a fulfilling experience. This platform has not only honed my design skills but also amplified my passion for addressing societal issues through design.”
The AYDA judging panel, led by Assoc. Prof. Ar. Sarly Arde Sarkum, for the Architectural category, and IDr Ooi Boon Seong, for the Interior Design Category, commended the winners for their thoughtful and solutions-driven designs. They shared that both winners have showcased exceptional creativity, balancing aesthetic appeal with functionality to address real-world challenges. Their projects highlight the innovative spirit and social consciousness that AYDA seeks to celebrate.
Datuk Chai Kian Soon, COO of IJM Land Berhad, said, “This partnership with AYDA is part of our ongoing commitment to nurturing the next generation of design talent. We are dedicated to promoting innovation and fostering a culture where creativity, sustainability and excellence are at the heart of everything we do. By joining hands with AYDA, we are helping to open doors for young designers, giving them the platform they need to express their ideas, develop their skills, and ultimately contribute to the creation of spaces that enrich lives.”
Since its inception in 2008, AYDA has become an impactful platform for budding architects and interior designers. This year alone, the awards received over 1,536 submissions from students representing colleges and universities across Malaysia.
In collaboration with IJM Land Berhad, Nippon Paint remains steadfast in its mission to expand this vibrant design community, nurturing talents that will shape the future of the industry.
For more information about AYDA, follow the AYDA Facebook page, AYDA Malaysia or visit www.asiayoungdesignerawards.com.my.
