Architecture student wins Daikin Best Air Cond Design award

The spirit of innovation and sustainable design excellence was brought to life on 20 November 2025, as UTAR Architecture student Jeff Khor Zi Xuan was named the winner of the Daikin Best Air Cond Design (Residential) at the Daikin Youth Design Competition 2025. Held at Daikin Malaysia Sales & Service Sdn Bhd, the competition brought together aspiring talents across Malaysia to showcase futuristic, energy-efficient residential designs that integrated seamlessly with Daikin’s air-conditioning technologies.

A third-year student from the Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES), Jeff Khor impressed the judging panel with a concept that harmoniously fused human comfort, environmental responsibility, and technical ingenuity. Centred around the theme of serenity and the interaction between human life and nature, his project proposed a residential architecture model grounded in passive design principles. Drawing inspiration from tropical architecture and the minimalist Japandi style, Jeff Khor’s design considered thermal comfort, natural ventilation, and energy-efficient air-conditioning systems to create a tranquil and sustainable living space.

In recognition of his outstanding achievement, Jeff Khor was awarded a RM2,000 cash prize and a certificate of excellence. Reflecting on his experience, he shared, “I am happy and honoured to join this competition. It gave me the opportunity to explore how architectural works can meet competition standards and gain real-world experience.” He added that the award has boosted his confidence and deepened his understanding of sustainable architectural development.

The competition, aimed at encouraging creative design solutions incorporating Daikin systems, provided a platform for young designers to imagine future-forward homes that not only meet aesthetic and comfort needs but also align with global sustainability goals. Jeff Khor’s mentor, En Abd Muluk bin Abd Manan, also of LKC FES, played a pivotal role in supporting and guiding the student through the rigorous design and submission process.