UTAR student and alumnus win top awards at Asia Young Designer Award

UTAR Architecture student and alumnus demonstrated their creativity and innovation by participating in the prestigious Asia Young Designer Award (AYDA). The competition, which celebrates young talent in architecture and interior design, provided an invaluable platform for students to showcase their ideas, skills, and passion.  The AYDA 2024 award ceremony was held on 12 December 2024 at the Grand Ballroom, Avante Hotel, Petaling Jaya.

From left: Lew, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science academic Encik Abd Muluk bin Abd Manan and Ler

Lew Wai Fong, a proud UTAR alumnus, achieved remarkable success in the competition, winning the Gold Award and Best Green Innovation. Reflecting on his journey, Lew shared, “I wanted to showcase my design ideas as a catalyst for innovation and to inspire new approaches within the architectural industry.” Winning these awards, he added, was an emotional milestone. “I feel incredibly grateful for this achievement, both to myself for persevering and to everyone who supported me along the way.” 

Lew emphasised how this recognition validated the importance of fresh ideas in research and design. “It demonstrates the need for innovative solutions to drive progress in the architectural industry,” he explained. 

Meanwhile, UTAR student Ler Teck Ho also stood out by winning the Best Colour Choice award. He described his experience as both fun and challenging. “When I saw the previous year’s work, it inspired me with the power of architecture and passion. I’m happy to be part of this competition,” he shared. 

Expressing disbelief and gratitude for his award, Ler said, “Winning an award is not easy, and I feel so lucky to have achieved this.” He also highlighted the impact of the competition on his design approach. “Creating diagrams and illustrations that can tell the story themselves will be one of the ways to enhance my concepts,” he added. 

Poster of the award recipients

The Asia Young Designer Award has long been a beacon of opportunity for students to express their ideas and explore real-world challenges. With participants from across Asia, the competition fosters a culture of excellence and encourages young designers to engage with global issues through their creative lens. 

UTAR’s participation in AYDA continues to reflect its commitment to nurturing innovative minds and producing graduates who excel on national and international stages. The students’ success in this competition aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4 and 9, promoting quality education and fostering industry innovation. 

The Asia Young Designer Award is more than a competition; it’s a journey of growth and a testament to the ingenuity of young designers. UTAR is proud of its students and alumni who have made their mark, proving that the future of design is bright, bold, and brimming with possibilities.