LEW Wai Fong from Universiti Malaya and Tan Ee Wei from Equator College were crowned Gold Award winners in a youth design competition.

Lew won in the Architectural category and Tan took home the Interior Design prize at AYDA Awards 2024 by Nippon Paints, previously known as Asia Young Designer Awards.

This year’s AYDA Awards titled “Converge: Glocal Design Solutions” aimed to unite local and global issues.

The goal is to bring together designers who are enthusiastic about the ways in which the world is changing and to give them the opportunity to design solutions to world problems.

Lew and Tan will represent Malaysia in the upcoming regional edition and compete against participants from 19 other countries for the “Asia Young Designer of The Year” title.

The regional competition offers a grand cash prize of RM6,000 and an exclusive opportunity to participate in a three-week, all-expenses-paid Design Discovery Programme at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design in the US.

The programme is valued at up to US$10,000 (RM45,000); winners are expected to be part of the June 2026 cohort.

“This year’s AYDA Awards has been inspiring,” said Nippon Paint Malaysia group trade use business general manager Chen Lee Siong.

“Participants embraced our rich local heritage while demonstrating a passion for addressing meaningful causes that resonate with challenges faced by Malaysians.

“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,” he added.

Lew’s winning project 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.

It serves as a space for learning and discovery and also a beacon of sustainable design, showing how architecture can harmonise with the environment rather than disrupt it.

“AYDA has been an incredible journey that has challenged and elevated my creative thinking,” said Lew.

“I hope to showcase the beauty of Malaysia’s natural treasures and inspire others to integrate local elements into their design solutions.”

Tan impressed judges with his “Homeseed: Homeless Resilience Training Centre” project dedicated to empowering the homeless community in George Town, Penang.

The initiative combines thoughtful design with social impact to provide essential resources, training and opportunities for independence.

Tan said he envisioned Homeseed as a commercial hub where residents could sell goods and engage with the public, as well as a residential and training facility designed to foster skills development and personal growth.

“Winning 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,” he added.

AYDA’s judging panel heads Assoc Prof Sarly Arde Sarkum and Ooi Boon Seong said the winners showcased exceptional creativity, balancing aesthetic appeal with functionality to address real-world challenges.

Meanwhile, Ler Teck Ho from Unitar International University 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.

For details on AYDA, visit www.asiayoungdesignerawards.com.my