Malaysia Young Architect Award to cultivate local talents

KUALA LUMPUR: The second edition of the Malaysia Young Architect Award (MYAA) 2013 was announced on July 4. Organised by steel solutions provider NS BlueScope Lysaght Malaysia Sdn Bhd, the competition is aimed at recognising and cultivating young architectural talent in Malaysia.

MYAA 2013 will have two separate categories for the young architect and student. The young architect category is open to all practising Malaysian architects below the age of 35 while the student category is open to all students of local universities. The student category is not only confined to architect students.

“The first MYAA had amassed more than 100 entries. This year, we are targeting about 300 submissions," said NS BlueScope Lysaght vice-president (sales) Daniel Lim in a statement recently.

He said MYAA 2013 wants to raise the standards of excellence further so that Malaysia can produce more world-class architects.

Lim believes the benefits of MYAA should not be confined to practising architects only. “Students often demonstrate exceptional raw talent and the judges at MYAA will have the opportunity to help nurture these talents. The experience gleaned through MYAA will be invaluable in their future careers."

Present at the launch was winner of the inaugural MYAA, Jethro Koi Lik Wai, from Archicentre Sdn Bhd.

“MYAA has become an event in which young architects look forward to participating as it serves as a platform for young architects to showcase their talent in the field of architecture to further expand their horizons. I look forward to seeing new talents from the architect industry," said Koi.

The judging panel for MYAA 2013 comprises six renowned international and regional architects. They are P I Architect principal and Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) past president Tan Pei Ing, Arkitek JazSidhu/Designscape principal Jasmeet Singh Sidhu, Kun Lim Architect design principal Kun Lim, Small Projects founding principal Kevin Mark Low, independent consultant (London), Dr Aylin Orba and MAD Architect co-founding principal (China) Dang Qun.

In line with the World Day of Architecture's theme, Architects are City Changers, this year's competition will challenge the students and young architects to submit their designs with the theme of Regionalism of Malaysia's City.

Applicants must interpret and reason in their own understanding the cultural definition and identity of Malaysia within the boundaries of sustainability and steel utilisation. Submissions should be based on modern architecture, embracing the cultural traditions and lifestyle of Malaysians, and a response to climate.

A total of five awards will be up for grabs, with cash prizes totalling RM26,000. MYAA 2013 will be open for submissions from July 4 to Sept 4 and the results will be announced in November.


This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, on July 12, 2013.