Breaking barriers through design
Each year, Nippon Paint Malaysia hosts the annual Asia Young Designer Awards (AYDA) to empower architecture and interior design students to showcase their creativity, challenge their innovative thinking, and gain recognition for their efforts. This year, student Ler Teck Ho made history as the first person with a disability to become an AYDA Award finalist and won the Best Colour Choice award in the Architectural category.
Harmonising global design principles with local insights
Last December, Nippon Paint held the Asia Young Designer Awards (AYDA) for the 16th time since its inception in 2008. The competition aims to recognise and empower the next generation of design talent across Asia.
According to the assistant general manager of marketing at Nippon Paint Malaysia, Datin Wong Meng Lee, AYDA provides a platform for architecture and interior design students to display their creativity, challenge their innovative thinking, and gain recognition for their efforts.
“With the theme changing annually to address current global and local issues, AYDA also encourages participants to push the boundaries of design and explore solutions that make a meaningful impact on society.”
AYDA features two main categories: Architecture and Interior Design. Each submission is evaluated based on innovation, originality, sustainability, functionality, and alignment with the year’s theme.
This year’s theme, “CONVERGE: Glocal Design Solutions,” emphasises the importance of harmonising global design principles with local insights to create impactful, sustainable, and meaningful solutions. It challenges participants to think critically about integrating cutting-edge global trends while staying rooted in their cultural and community contexts.
The recent competition saw remarkable participation, with over 1,500 submissions from architecture and interior design students across colleges and universities in Malaysia.
AYDA 2024 Winners
Architecture Category:
Gold Winner: Lee Wai Fong from Universiti Malaya with his project ‘Mangrove: Living Museum’. The design masterfully blends architecture with nature, showcasing the ecological significance of Malaysia’s mangrove ecosystems while promoting education and conservation. Lee Wai Fong also received the Best Sustainability Award, further cementing his project’s emphasis on environmental stewardship.
Silver Award: Kathleen Chan Jing Xin’s project ‘Beserah Fishing Village’ celebrates the cultural heritage of a traditional fishing community.
Best Colour Award: Ler Teck Ho from UTAR International University impressed the judges with his project ‘FRAMEXUS: Bridging Heritage and Modernity through Cultural Convergence,’ which featured a thoughtful use of natural colours to create harmony with its environment.
Interior Design Category:
Gold Winner: Tan Ee Wei from Equator College for her project ‘HOMESEED: Homeless Resilience Training Centre’, a design dedicated to empowering the homeless community in Penang through a space combining social impact with innovative architecture.
Silver Award: Man Yuet Thung from First City University College for her project, which also earned her the Best Colour Award for her outstanding use of hues that enhanced her design narrative.
Best Green Innovation Award: Chiang Xin Yee from Taylor’s University for her eco-conscious design that highlights sustainable practices.
“Overall, the winners have demonstrated how design can address social, environmental, and cultural challenges. Their projects resonate deeply with AYDA’s mission to nurture innovative thinking and empower young designers to create impactful solutions for real-world problems,” said Wong.
A remarkable feat
Among the participants, Ler Teck Ho stood out. Honoured with the Best Colour Award in the Architecture category for his project ‘FRAMEXUS: Bridging Heritage and Modernity through Cultural Convergence,’ Ler, who is differently-abled, exemplifies resilience and determination in the face of challenges.
Hard of hearing, Ler, from Muar, Johor, is a student in the architecture degree programme at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), Sungai Long. The 21-year-old is particularly interested in urban and landscape architecture, especially projects that connect nature and cultural heritage.
“I truly believe that persons who are differently-abled have the same talents and potential as anyone else, and they often bring fresh perspectives that inspire innovation.”
“In my work, I focus on creating inclusive designs that celebrate diversity. For example, I prioritise features like barrier-free access and sensory-friendly spaces to ensure that everyone can enjoy and engage with the environment,” said Ler.
Ler believes that architecture is about connecting people and breaking down barriers. “I am passionate about using my skills to make that happen.”
He described his participation in AYDA as a transformative experience. “As someone who is naturally introverted, this competition gave me the chance to step out of my comfort zone and share my work with a broader audience.”
Ler added that the competition challenged him to refine his ideas, present them confidently, and gain valuable insights from experienced professionals.
“Winning the Best Colour Award was a proud moment for me, as it reinforced my belief that hard work and creativity can truly shine through. AYDA has not only boosted my confidence but also motivated me to continue striving for excellence in my architectural journey.”
His design, ‘FRAMEXUS: Bridging Heritage and Modernity,’ captures the essence of the Melaka River. Explaining further, Ler said that since the site is close to the river, it serves as an important route for the Jetty River Cruise.
“Locals and tourists often use the cruise to explore Melaka’s cultural heritage. This connection inspired me to create a design that feels like a ‘Melaka living room,’ a welcoming space where locals and tourists can come together and share experiences.”
Commenting on his project, Wong said the design stood out as an example of balancing tradition with contemporary needs. “This balance of aesthetics, functionality, and cultural resonance was what ultimately won the hearts of the judges.”
AYDA’s mission
AYDA was established to nurture and empower the next generation of design talent. It serves as a platform for interior design and architecture students to showcase their creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills.
By fostering an environment that prioritises inclusivity and innovation, AYDA celebrates diverse perspectives, proving that talent knows no boundaries.
