July 10, 2024
Malaysian Design Stars Shine at AYDA Awards
Big Win for Lim Jeng Ying (Architecture) & Jesslyn Tew (Interior Design)
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Jesslyn Tew (First runner-up for the Interior Design Category) and Lim Jeng Ying (Winner for the Architectural Category)
MALAYSIA, [10 JULY 2024] – The AYDA Awards 2023/2024 international finale, hosted on July 3-5th at the renowned ITC Grand Chola, Chennai, witnessed the convergence of creative brilliance from around the globe. This award brought together the National Winners from 17 countries and regions who vied for the coveted title of AYDA Designers of the Year.
Lim Jeng Ying from Malaysia emerged 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 Jeng Ying shared, “As a designer, I am 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.”
As part of her well-deserved recognition, the AYDA Designer of the Year winners will embark on a transformative journey at a 3-week Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design’s Design Discovery Program in June 2025, fully funded by Nippon Paint with up to USD10,000. In addition to the prestigious Designer of the Year title, the AYDA Awards also honoured outstanding achievements in the Interior Design Category where Jesslyn Tew won the Best Design Impact Award. 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.
Nina Bailon-Arce, Senior Partner of Arce-Bailon-Arce Architects, one of the AYDA Architectural Design judges, also commented, “Nippon Paint’s commitment to nurturing young designers is commendable, as it not only recognises excellence but also invests in the future of purposeful design. I have been judging AYDA for a few years now, and I am so proud to see the quality of entries each year that evolve with the advancements in the industry and technology.”
“We are thrilled to witness the incredible talent and innovation showcased at this edition’s AYDA Awards. The competition stands as a beacon of meaningful innovation and creativity, providing a space for emerging talents to shine and thrive,” said Santi Alaysius, Co-Founder at Domisilium Studio and DMDIO, one of the AYDA Interior Design judges. This edition’s line of judges featured esteemed experts from reputable architectural and interior design firms.
Cultivating Socially Conscious Design Leaders
What sets the AYDA Awards apart is its dedicated focus on nurturing creativity and interpersonal skills through group and one-on-one coaching, guiding finalists every step of the way through the finale. The award is more than just a contest; it’s a cornerstone of Nippon Paint’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, Colouring Lives, under the Education pillar. Participation is entirely free, ensuring that financial barriers never hinder aspiring designers from realising their full potential and giving back to their communities.
“The AYDA Awards has transformed into a holistic programme for aspiring artists to put their best work forward,” stated Gladys Goh, Senior Vice-President, Strategic Innovation & Marketing at NIPSEA Group. “Nippon Paint not only positions itself as a thought leader in nurturing the next generation of designers but also champions local talents. We are committed to fostering creativity and innovation among the next generation of designers.”
The grand finale event was also graced by distinguished speakers from Nippon Paint as well as industry leaders. Mr Mark Titus, Vice President of Nippon Paint India and Group Marketing Lead at NIPSEA Group spoke about the brand’s 143-year legacy and commitment to the global design community. Mr Kiran Kapadia, Founder Director of Kapadia Associates Design LLP and IDr Mr Lai Siew Hong, Chief Executive Designer at Blu Water Studio and also one of the esteemed AYDA judges provided important takeaways for the audience through their unique perspectives and industry experiences. Each speaker brought a wealth of knowledge and wisdom to the event, making the event a memorable and enriching experience for all attendees.
The AYDA Awards, initiated in 2008 by Nippon Paint, has evolved into one of the architecture and interior design industry’s premier awards, receiving over 59,000 entries from 1,200 tertiary education institutions across 20 countries and regions. 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. Concurrently, the event was held alongside Nippon Paint’s Creative Colour Awards 2023/2024, which served to recognise the significance of colours in architecture and interior design. To watch the recently held 2023/2024 awards ceremony and the finalists’ design presentations, tune in to AYDA’s YouTube channel.
The upcoming theme for AYDA Awards 2024/2025 – CONVERGE: Glocal Design Solutions, calls for innovative designs to address global challenges in social, urban development and environment. All these interconnected themes emphasise the pivotal role of design in shaping a sustainable and resilient future. By integrating social, urban, and environmental considerations, the AYDA Awards aspires to nurture designers who can create spaces that promote community cohesion, societal growth, and environmental harmony.
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.ayda-awards.com.
For more information on how to participate in the AYDA and CCA Awards, visit www.ayda-awards.com & www.creativecolourawards.com or their social pages: AYDA’s Instagram Page , LinkedIn Page, YouTube Page & CCA’s Instagram Page , LinkedIn Page.
About AYDA Awards
The AYDA Awards, formerly known as the Asia Young Designer Awards, initiated in 2008 by Nippon Paint, aims to cultivate the next generation of Architectural and Interior Design talents globally. With over 59,000 entries from 1,200 tertiary institutions across 20 countries and regions, it stands as a premier design accolade that is recognised across the globe. AYDA facilitates cross-learning, networking, and mentorship among students and industry leaders. Through workshops, coaching sessions, and interactions with renowned figures, participants gain invaluable insights and skills. The platform fosters a tight-knit design community, uniting professionals, associations, schools, and students. AYDA continually challenges young designers to push their creative boundaries, offering transformative experiences and unparalleled opportunities for growth.
About Nippon Paint Malaysia Group
Since 2008, the Nippon Paint Malaysia Group (“NPM Group”) has enjoyed a market leadership position as Malaysia’s No. 1 Total Coating Solutions provider while also having a significant presence in the coatings industry in countries such as Pakistan, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Indonesia.
In 2022, aligned to its global strategy, the NPM Group firmly etched its niche position as the 1st in the region to offer Total Coating and Construction Solutions (TCCS), giving it the competitive edge to offer total compatible systems for high quality, perfect finishings and protection, from the floor to the roof, and everything in between. This strategic development has been made possible through the corporate acquisitions of CMI Construction Material Industry Sdn. Bhd. (CMI), CMI Marketing Sdn. Bhd. (CMIM), Selleys and Vital Technical Sdn Bhd (V-Tech).
First established in 1967 as Nippon Paint (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd, the NPM Group is part of the Nippon Paint Group, which has a leadership presence spanning 22 geographical locations and has been built on a heritage of over 130 years dating back to 1881 in Japan.
The NPM Group places strong emphasis in Research and Development (R&D) activities, which remains a core priority to its success in product innovation. As a global leader in coating technologies with a database of more than 10,000 paint formulations, the NPM Group prides itself in being a Total Coating & Construction Solutions (TCCS) provider with a multi-segment portfolio of offerings ranging from Architectural, Automotive, Industrial, Protective to Marine coatings from end-to-end solutions including painting tools, waterproofing solutions, flooring solutions, dry mix solutions as well as Sealant, Adhesive, Filler (SAF) solutions.
The Group has won consumer choice awards such as the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand Awards (2006- 2023), Putra Brand Awards (2010-2023) and Parents’ Choice Awards (2018- 2020), as well as received industry accolades such as the APPIES 2018 Gold award for its Child Wellness Range campaign, Best Company for Leadership in Paint Technology Asia by IAIR in 2014 and Frost & Sullivan’s Paint & Coatings Company of The Year in 2011, the Paint Company of the Year 2016 and New Product Innovation Leadership Award 2016 and the 2020 Malaysia Decorative Paints and Coatings Market Leadership Award.
In its concerted effort to champion sustainability towards a greener footprint, the Group has received the Green Label Certification (by the Singapore Environment Council), Eco-Labelling Certification License (by SIRIM QAS International) and several Green Excellence Awards by Frost & Sullivan.
For more information on Nippon Paint Malaysia:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/nipponpaintmalaysia
YouTube: www.youtube.com/NipponPaintMalaysia
Toll free no: 1-800-88-2663
Nippon Paint – We are Inspired by You.
About NIPSEA Group (Subsidiary of Nippon Paint Holdings Co.)
NIPSEA Group is a global leader, providing innovative solutions in the paint and coatings industry. Headquartered in Singapore, with 147 NIPSEA companies spread throughout 28 geographical locations, the group is Asia Pacific’s No. 1 paint and coatings manufacturer in both production and sales revenue. After more than 60 years of growth, NIPSEA Group has over 29,000 employees with 121 manufacturing facilities and operations, efficiently serving all aspects of the business, from production to customer satisfaction.
With a focus on maximising value to our customers, we push boundaries to deliver high quality solutions that work better for all our partners, tradesmen, and homeowners. The NIPSEA Group’s arsenal of solutions for the industry covers Architectural, Industrial, Automotive and Marine Coatings, as well as a range of products beyond the world of paint and coatings. We have an unyielding drive to focus on customers, providing innovation that works best for all our stakeholders.
More information about NIPSEA Group https://nipsea.group/
For media inquiries, please contact:
Admira Razak, admira.razak@edelman.com (+6012-2472954)
