Two Malaysians triumph at Asia Young Designer Awards

KUCHING: Two Malaysians made their mark at the Asia Young Designer Awards (AYDA) 2023/2024 international finale, competing against participants from 17 countries and regions, vying for the coveted title of AYDA Designer of the Year.

The ceremony at ITC Grand Chola, Chennai, saw Lim Jeng Ying emerging as the AYDA Designer of the Year for the Architectural category, with her exceptional submission that resonated deeply with the theme of the 2023/2024 edition, CONVERGE: Championing Purposeful Designs.

Lim shared that as a designer, she has always been passionate about the potential of intentional design to create a brighter future.

“My project, River Reverie: Life by Sungai Petani’s River, seeks to reclaim and narrate Sungai Petani’s cultural identity with a riverine museum that highlights the significance it has in the daily lives of Malaysians.

“The core aim of this project is also to develop the area for our future generations. Winning the AYDA Designer of the Year award and being able to advocate for impactful solutions is an honourable achievement.

“I am deeply grateful to have my work acknowledged on a global stage, and I would like to thank AYDA and Nippon Paint for this opportunity to be associated with such a prestigious award,” she said.

According to the statement by Nippon Paint, as part of her well-deserved recognition, the AYDA Designer of the Year winners will embark on a transformative journey at a three-week Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design’s Design Discovery Programme in June 2025, fully funded by Nippon Paint with up to USD10,000.

In addition to the prestigious Designer of the Year title, it said that the AYDA Awards also honoured outstanding achievements in the Interior Design Category where Jesslyn Tew won the Best Design Impact Award.

Walking away with USD1,000 from Nippon Paint, her project entitled VOLT-YAGE: An Integrated EV Charging Station will be able to set a new standard for local sustainability by integrating solar energy, green roofing, and rainwater harvesting.

“This innovation provides a practical solution to Malaysia’s sustainability challenges, promoting environmental responsibility and sustainable living within the community,” it said.

For the record, the AYDA Awards 2023/2024 received over 6,000 submissions from 17 countries and regions, highlighting the diverse talent and innovation present in today’s design landscape.

Following its success, AYDA Awards 2024/2025 carrying the theme ‘CONVERGE: Glocal Design Solutions’, called for innovative designs to address global challenges in social, urban development and environment.

“Nippon Paint continuously encourages young designers to seize this opportunity to showcase their ingenuity and passion.

“For the upcoming AYDA Awards, talents may submit their innovative designs and join the AYDA Awards 2024/2025 to be part of the movement that is redefining the future in design. Deadlines may vary by location, which can be found through www,” it said.