PAM and MACMA launches design competition for new mosque

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) and Malaysian Chinese Muslim Association (MACMA) on Aug 16 launched the Masjid MACMA Architecture Competition, a design competition to build a mosque that is open to all corporate members of PAM.

The ceremony was officiated by Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, wife of the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

PAM’s president, Ar Boon Che Wee said that the architectural competition is aimed at designing mosque that promotes “cultural and religious understanding by using traditional Chinese art and architecture, and Islamic values and art” as the theme of the mosque.

The proposed mosque is to be situated on a 4.58-acre plot at Lot 1220, Section 62, Jalan Davis, Kuala Lumpur. Boon said the project is expected to be another icon for Malaysia and hoped that MACMA would be able to select the best architectural proposal for the project.

“This is also an exemplary effort by an NGO (non-government organisation) supporting PAM’s call for open competitions, and in the process, firmly and progressively brand the country as a design and creative nation, which will go a long way in enhancing the nation’s global competitiveness,” Boon said.

Boon said PAM has been championing for significant projects to be selected through a transparent, competitive and fair selection system, as it is the most effective method to garner the best architectural solutions for a development project.

The winner of the competition would win RM85,000 and the opportunity to be appointed as architect for the project, while there would also be two prizes for honorable mentions worth RM34,000 each.