Hock Seng Lee set to develop master-planned project near Kuching International Airport

• HSL is set to build based on one of the shortlisted schemes depending on feasibility, similar to the architectural competition held in 2021 for the Citadines Langit Kuching project, which saw groundbreaking in April.

KUCHING (June 25): Sarawak-based developer Hock Seng Lee (HSL) is set to develop a 13.5-acre master-planned project opposite the Kuching International Airport.

In a press conference after the AIR Architecture Competition prize-giving ceremony held at the HSL Tower on Wednesday, Neat Plan (a property division of HSL) director Yu Ji said the developer hopes to begin groundbreaking of the master plan in three years.

“Similar to our Citadines Langit Kuching mixed-use development, we will kickstart the interview process with all the shortlisted architects to deliberate on matters regarding engineering, business feasibility and more. This will take about six to nine months. Getting the necessary government approvals could take another two years,” said Yu.

Jointly organised by HSL and the Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) in mid-2024, the AIR Architecture Competition aimed to seek the best master plan for the 13.5-acre plot.

It saw 83 entries from architects nationwide, with 11 shortlisted master plans. PAM president Adrianta Aziz served as chair for the seven-member judging panel, which included award-winning architects and representatives from HSL.

The top three winners were MOA Architects Sdn Bhd (green roofs weaving natural heritage and natural landscape), Azwan Othman (hexagonal longhouse concept) and TR Hamzah & Yeang together with Aki Media (eco-friendly buildings while preserving 76% of the site’s greenery).

HSL is set to build based on one of the shortlisted schemes depending on feasibility, similar to the architectural competition held in 2021 for the aforementioned Citadines Langit Kuching project, which saw groundbreaking in April.

“This [competition] is more than a design. It is a testament of the power of architecture to not only shape spaces but to shape communities and inspire change.

“Our local architects are portraying not only the capability and value, but also our Malaysian identity. We hope more of such competitions can be held, even extending them to architecture students,” said PAM’s Adrianta in his speech at the prize-giving ceremony.

Meanwhile, in his keynote address, Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said that the Sarawak state government will continue to support developments that demonstrate sustainability, inclusivity and innovation.

“When we design well, we create not merely handsome facades, but healthier, happier communities. When we build responsibly, we honour our rivers, forests and the generations yet to come.”

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