Mak wins PAM architectural award

KUALA LUMPUR: The nation’s emerging architectural talent were recognised by the Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) at the inaugural PAM-Tan Sri Ar Chan Sau Lai Architecture Award presentation recently.

Sabahan Mak Thur Pei, a recent graduate from the University of Western Australia won the grand prize which comes with a cash award of RM25,000 and a winner’s certificate.

Mak submitted her final year’s work “Four Square House Design Problem”, which focused on the concepts of connection and contiguity. It was designed as an alternative to the traditional layout for a medium density landed development.

The judges liked Mak’s refreshing design which focused on a common architectural undertaking that blended both nature and social interaction seamlessly with frequent green spaces and interconnecting footpaths to encourage social contact. Mak’s design was also lauded for allowing different architectural styles within the well-ordered layout.

“Mak exhibited imagination, creativity and a maturity of thinking towards realism while creating her inspirational proposal and it is by encouraging the talented local architects of Malaysia such as our inaugural winner that makes this award instantly worthwhile,” said Tan Sri Chan Sau Lai, the award’s namesake and co-benefactor in conjunction with PAM. Chan is an architect and executive chairman of Beneton Properties.

“Architecture is sometimes taken for granted in Malaysia although we have many examples across the country to be proud of. To be able to contribute and partner PAM in raising the visibility of Malaysian architecture, this award was an obvious decision for me to make and I am honoured to have been part of this process,” added Chan.

In addition, three commendation prizes consisting of RM5,000 were awarded to Tan Khang Hung, Teh Min Shen and Meor Mohd Haris Kamarul Bahrin, as well as three cash prizes of RM1,000 each to finalists Ooi Gim Seng, Tan Guang Ruey and Miuzz Adam Nazmi.

(From third left, back row): Chan, Hou, Mak and Saifuddin with the finalists.

PAM president Saifuddin Ahmad said PAM was constantly looking for ways in which to promote local talent.

“A useful way of doing this is through contests which provide mutually beneficial awareness to all parties concerned.  As established architects, we at PAM are exposedto bright, fresh new talents with whom we could potentially collaborate with, and the students have a platform on which to showcase their abilities and ambitions,” he said.

Organised by PAM, the award presentation was held on Monday and officiated by Higher Education Deputy Minister Datuk Hou Kok Chung. The contest was open to allMalaysian PAM student members locally and abroad who completed their Part II architecture degrees in 2011. Malaysians who were completing their degrees this year were encouraged to submit their final year work. Non-PAM members will have to register with PAM to be eligible to participate.

Launched in February 2012, the contest attracted a total of 32 entries from local and overseas universities and colleges including the University of Western Australia, the RMIT University of Melbourne, Australia, the University College London, and the School of Architecture at Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.

A panel consisting of Saifuddin, Chan, PAM’s immediate past president and co-founder of the award, Boon Che Wee, PAM honorary treasurer Abdul Halim Suhor and PAM council member Sarizal Yusman Yusoff, was convened to adjudicate the award.

This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, on Dec 7, 2012.