In search of next young designer

Wong (sixth from right) and Chong (ninth from right) alongside industry captains from the design sphere at the launch of the Asia Young Designer Awards 2019 themed ‘Forward: A Sustainable Future’.

COMMITTED to nurturing and empowering the next generation of design talents, the Asia Young Designer Awards (Ayda) is back for its 12th instalment and the search starts for the next Asia Young Designer in Malaysia.

The Malaysian winners will go on to compete with winners from 14 other countries in the region for the coveted Asia Young Designer Awards of the Year 2019/20.

Organised by Nippon Paint Malaysia Group in collaboration with IJM Land Bhd, the theme for this year’s Ayda is “Forward: A Sustainable Future”, challenging the next generation of architects and interior designers to break the boundaries of current design concepts by immersing their creations with functional and social sustainability elements in an effort to connect with the community.

“We believe we need to continue to nurture the new generation as they are key to unlocking creativity, innovation and sustainability.

“Together, let us all set our sights on moving in the one, same direction – forward,” said Nippon Paint Malaysia assistant general manager Datin Wong Meng Lee.

She added that Ayda was something that she holds dear to, as Malaysia was the first country to spearhead the platform.

IJM Land Bhd managing director Edward Chong, said, “As a progressive developer, we are keen on playing a role in shaping the real estate of the future and to reinforce our desire to see a growing movement of design.“We believe that the youth will define our world’s future, and that we as the leaders of the day must nurture and raise the cohorts to become generations of socially responsible individuals, adept in critical and creative thinking.

“I believe that Ayda truly provides the right platform, paving the way for them to be nurtured as thoughtful, socially-minded and forward-thinking future leaders,” he added.

At the recent Ayda 2018/19, held in conjunction with the 11th edition of Ayda International Summit, two Malaysians were recognised for their outstanding talents, winning the award for “Best Design Impact” for both the interior design and architecture categories.

Loo Yi from Universiti Malaya (architecture category) and Zachary Khaw Lit Siang from Taylor’s University (interior design category) each took home US$1,000 (RM4,100).

Their projects, called “Mangrove Charcoal Living Museum” and “The Weave” respectively, showcased elements of forward-thinking design and also challenged boundaries from various design-related perspectives.