“I remember Ar. Haji Hussein Hamzah as a kind and friendly person with a warm smile. He was first introduced to me by his then-business partner, the ever jovial, Sheldon Loh. He served as my Vice-President before being elevated to President. We did a few assignments together including our setting up the IPDM for Interior Designers, thought crucial at that time to protect PAM’s Members’ turf in providing interior design services. He had a quiet sense of humour, and I can still hear his occasional chuckle in my ears. We will miss him greatly.”
– Ar Ken Yeang
In memory of Architect Hussein Hamzah we stand, A builder of dreams with gifted hands. His designs soared high, both humble and grand, Leaving an imprint in our building’s land. With pencil and paper, he sketched with grace, Creating spaces where beauty embraced. From towering structures to cosy abodes, His genius in architecture forever showed. We honour his legacy, his creative fire, A visionary whose works inspire. In every structure he brought to life, His contributions shine, a beacon of light. Architect Hussein Hamzah, we remember your name, For the wonders you built, your lasting fame. Your passion lives on in the industry you served, In gratitude and respect, your memory preserved.
– Ar. Adrianta Aziz
I first joined the PAM Council in 2006 when Ar. Haji Hussein was one of the Past President of the Council. That was our first meeting each other, although I knew then he was PAM President for the term 1989 – 1991. He must have been watching my participation during Council meetings and my other involvement in PAM because he had proposed for me to be a PAM representative in LAM in 2007 when I was just a PAM Ordinary Council member. He was at that time a LAM Board Member and in charge of the exam council. I was subsequently appointed PAM representative in LAM from 2007-2015. He was a mentor, from whom I will seek advice when in need.
Coincidentally, both of us shared a few things in common. The late Dato Ar. Maurice Wee Beng Teck was Hj Hussein’s partner at Akitek Indareka and I was Dato Maurice’s partner at Kumpulan Perunding years later. We were also connected through marriage. As such, we do meet up during family gatherings.
During my term as President from 2011-2013, there were many times I sought his council. The one piece of advice that struck me most, and which I acknowledged in my final speech as PAM President during PAM Annual Dinner in 2013 was; “As President, don’t think about being popular and pleasing everyone, but think of what is best for PAM that in years to come, not many will remember the good deeds you have done”
I know that he was unwell in his later years. As such, I was not surprised at receiving the news on 10th May. It’s unfortunate I couldn’t send him on his final journey as I was outstation.
May Allah SWT bless his soul and gather him amongst the righteous in Jannah Firdaus, Aamin Ya Rabbal A’lamin.
– Ar. Saifuddin Bin Ahmad
Ar. Hussein Hamzah was President of PAM (1989 to 1991) and a past member of the Board of Architects (LAM), a gentleman architect and a good friend.
I have known Hussein since the 90s. I got to know him well when he came on as one of my very able past presidents on Council when I was President of PAM from 2005 -07. Initially, he thought that I was too young to take on the president’s post. But as we worked together he became one of my biggest supporters and also a good friend. Nothing was too much or too hard for him and we got along very well.
I have huge respect for Hussein as a man of principle and action. He went about to do what he believed to be the right thing to do.
Hussein was one of the founders of Institute Perekabentuk Dalaman (IPDM) in 1990 to promote the work of architects and properly trained interior designers in this scope of work.
I had the privilege to work together with him on the merger committee from 2009 -2012 to complete the amicable coming together of IPDM and the Malaysian Society of Interior Designers (MSID) to form the current Malaysian Institute of Interior Designers (MIID). Hussein prepared the first draft of the new organisation’s constitution and he carried it through to completion.
We worked together again on the new PAM Centre Building Committee in 2012 where he was the chair and I was the co-chair in implementing Ar. Heikal Hasan’s design. The project was completed on time and within budget with the support and sponsorship of many.
It was always a joy to work with Hussein. He knew how to get things done and he would take on the task and see it to completion without much fuss or fanfare. In the end, something great would always come out of it.
His life is one of an exemplary architect. A professional who operates with great skill and integrity and not for fleeting fame and glory. RIP. My brother in arms.
– Ar. Dr Tan Loke Mun
PAM President 2005-2007
RIP. During my Part 3 oral examination, he inspired me to be an architect. I got a better idea ahead of my architecture career.
– Cheah Kok Soon
I first met Hussein on the tennis courts when I participated in the PAM Tennis tournament at Mimaland during the mid-80s. He was wearing his white shirt and shorts, with his long hair and wooden tennis racket. We spent the weekend playing tennis in the hot sun and he even treated us to dinner. That was my first impression of him when I was a graduate architect and just started working.
Over the years, I have gotten to know him better but most Graduate architects feared getting him for the Part 3 Orals. Friends will be talking about how tough he was with his questions during the oral.
Hussein to me was a kind gentleman and a fun-loving person. I have been fortunate enough to serve in the PAM Council with him and also had the privilege to work alongside him towards the end of the construction of the PAM Centre.
He will always be remembered as a good friend and colleague
– Ar Amzar Ahmad
