CONVEBER’S MESSAGE

The PAM Awards 2024, undoubtedly the pinnacle of architectural recognition in Malaysia, once again showcased the nation’s architectural prowess and innovation. This esteemed event serves as a platform for architects to garner well-deserved acknowledgement for their exceptional contributions to the built environment.

With a staggering 107 submissions spanning 13 distinct categories, the competition was fierce, reflecting the vibrant diversity and talent within Malaysia’s architectural landscape. However, only 40 projects earned the coveted distinction of being shortlisted—a testament to the rigorous standards upheld by the judging panel.

The meticulous adjudication process, commencing with the initial judging on March 11th and culminating in the final deliberations on April 23rd, underscored the commitment to excellence embodied by the PAM Awards. Technical reviewers meticulously examined shortlisted entries, engaging with clients and architects to gain deeper insights into the design intent and execution.
Indeed, the final judging session was a confluence of expertise and discernment, where each jury member rigorously championed projects they deemed worthy of acclaim. This collaborative dialogue not only underscored the subjective nature of architectural evaluation but also underscored the multifaceted considerations involved in recognizing exemplary design.

As the curtains closed on the PAM Awards 2024, it has been a profound honour for me to convene this year’s PAM Awards. It’s imperative to extend gratitude to the dedicated jury—Ar. Abu Zarim Abu Bakar, (PAM President 2023-2024), Assoc. Prof. (Ind) Ar. Sarly Adre Sarkum, (Past President of PAM), Ar. Hijjas Kasturi, (Eminent Malaysian Architect, Ar. Masyerin Mohamad Nor, (Award Winning Architect), Ar. Georgius Budi Yulianto, (Eminent Foreign Architect), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Veronica Ng, (Eminent Malaysian Architectural Academician), and IDr. Ooi Boon Seong, (MIID President 2022-2024)—whose diligence and patience have been pivotal in the adjudication process. We also commend the secretariat and technical reviewers for their relentless dedication, which has been the backbone of this rigorous journey. Each accolade conferred serves not only as a celebration of individual achievement but also as a beacon guiding the trajectory of Malaysia’s architectural discourse.

In the spirit of continuous evolution and specialization within our disciplines, the jury has decided to remove the interior design category from future PAM Awards. This category is already championed by the Malaysian Institute of Interior Designers (MIID), a body that many architects, who are also interior designers, are part of. This change reflects a respect for the focused expertise of MIID and ensures that the PAM Awards remain a celebration of architectural innovation.

Furthermore, the jury has taken a bold stance regarding the low-rise mass housing category. This year, no awards were conferred in this category. The jury was unanimous in their observation that the entries, while varied in facade, often replicated similar layouts, suggesting a stagnation in conceptual development. It was felt that this award session should catalyse a renaissance in mass housing design—a call to architects to revisit the drawing board with fresh eyes and renewed creativity.

The jury’s message is clear: the PAM Awards are not just about recognition but also about inspiring a dialogue on the future of architecture in Malaysia. It is a reminder that our built environment is a living canvas, ever-evolving and that our architects are the artists charged with its continual reinvention.

Ar. Razin Mahmood, FPAM, PAM Awards Convener