The Malaysia Young Architect Award launched

KUALA LUMPUR: NS BlueScope Lysaght, a steel solutions provider, announced the launch of the Malaysia Young Architect Award (MYAA) 2013, marking the second year of the prestigious architecture competition that aims to recognise and cultivate young architectural talent in Malaysia.

This year, MYAA 2013 has announced two separate categories: the Young Architect Category and the Student Category. The Young Architect Category is open to all practising Malaysian architects below the age of 35 years while the Student Category is open to all students at Malaysian-based local universities. The Student Category is not confined to architecture students alone.

“The first MYAA amassed more than 100 entries. This year, we are targeting about 300 submissions,” said Daniel Lim, Vice-President Sales of NS BlueScope Lysaght Malaysia Sdn Bhd. He added that they want MYAA 2013 to raise the standards of excellence even higher to ensure that Malaysia produces more world-class architects.

The benefits of MYAA should not be confined to practising architects alone, he said. “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.” Lim continued.

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 architecture field to further expand their horizons. I look forward to seeing new talents from the architecture industry,” he said.

The judging panel for MYAA 2013 includes six internationally and regionally renowned architects. They are Ar Tan Pei Ing, Principal of P I Architect and Past President of Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM); Ar Jasmeet Singh Sidhu, Principal of Arkitek JazSidhu / Designscape; Mr Kun Lim, Design Principal of Kun Lim Architect; Mr Kevin Mark Low, Founding Principal of Small Projects, Malaysia; Dr Aylin Orba??,Independent Consultant, London and Ar Dang Qun, Co-Founding Principal of MAD Architect, China.

In line with the theme for World Day of Architecture, ‘Architect are City Changers’ this year’s competition will challenge the students and the young architects to submit their architectural designs to 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 involve modern architecture, embrace the cultural traditions and lifestyle of Malaysians, and include a response to the climate.

A total of five awards will be up for grabs, with cash prizes totaling RM26,000. MYAA 2013 will be open for submission from 4^th July to 4^th September 2013.  The results will be announced in November.

NS BlueScope LYSAGH Malaysia was established in 1968. The company comes under the umbrella of BlueScope Steel Limited Australia, with presence in more than 100 countries in the world, offices and operations in 17 countries, employing more than 16,000 employees globally.