The PAMSC Design Festival 2024 (PDF2024), held from 18th to 20th October in Kuching, Sarawak, celebrated the intersection of architecture, culture, and sustainability. Officiated by Sarawak Deputy Premier, YB Prof. Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, the festival’s diverse programs, including a students’ competition, the Young Architects Dialogue, a trade expo, the Design Forum, and heritage tours, emphasised creativity, collaboration, and innovation.
The Secondary Conceptual Model and Architectural Best Student Work Competitions showcased impressive talents. Secondary students brought imaginative ideas to the table, while university participants explored the theme “Reimagining Urbanscape.” Siah Chu Yang’s“Cascading Verdancy” stood out for its innovative approach to sustainable urban design. These competitions celebrated young architects’ potential and encouraged future collaboration.
The Young Architects Dialogue held in collaboration with PAM HQ addressed the real challenges faced by emerging professionals. The event featured inspiring talks by Ar. Tan Bee Eu on blending culture and modernity, and Dato’ Ar. Haji Hajeedar Abdul Majid on resilience and innovation. Moderated by Ar. Esmonde Yap and Ar. Qhawarizmi Norhisham, six young architects from Sarawak: Ar. Zuriani Morni, Michael Koo Han Ming, Ar. Gary Shahrull Irwan, Ar. Mervyn Wong, Ar. Freddie Lo HR, and Ar. Jonathan Lee spoke about navigating early-stage career challenges, adapting to industry shifts, and the need for resilience, creativity, and mentorship in establishing successful practices.
The PAMSC Members cum Networking Night 2024 on the evening before the Design Forum brought together over 200 members and 100+ industry partners. The night included speeches from PAMSC Chairman Ar. Noraini and PAM President Ar. Adrianta Aziz, recognition of recent Part 3 passers, and honors for “40 Under 40” recipients. The evening concluded with a live band and a lucky draw featuring 41 prizes, reinforcing the spirit of camaraderie and celebration.
The PAMSC Design Forum 2024, themed “Reimagining Urbanscapes,” was the highlight of the festival, bringing together architects and industry leaders from around the world to discuss sustainable, innovative urban design—from smaller-scale architectural interventions to greater-scale urban scape treatments.
The forum opened with Cloud Floor from Bangkok, presenting community-centric projects like Waste-Side Story and Street Food Pocket, demonstrating how creative and sustainable solutions can make long-term impacts. Feng Guochuan from Shenzhen introduced the concept of “Liquid Architecture,” showcasing adaptable, interdisciplinary designs influenced by Walter Benjamin and Le Corbusier.
Vietnam’s Tropical Space captivated the audience with climate-responsive, sculptural works, such as the Terracotta Studio, underlining the importance of natural materials and sustainability. Eddie Putra shared insights on resilience and passion, merging humour with critiques of conventional practices.
James Shen of People’s Architecture Office showcased innovative projects like the People’s Canopy and Plugin House, reimagining public spaces with playful, modular approaches. Ng Chin Yong from 10 Design emphasised how retail placemaking could drive urban renewal and foster cultural identity.
Moderated by Asst. Prof. Teoh Chee Kiong, the forum concluded with an interactive Q&A session, encouraging collaboration and deep discussions. The success of the forum was reflected in the positive feedback from attendees, reinforcing its role as a platform for future-thinking urban design.
On Day 3, participants and forum speakers took part in the Kuching heritage walk and cultural museum tour led by Mr. Joshua Chan. The tour started at the historic Kuching Old Court House and moved through India Street, showcasing the vibrant local market scene and the Masjid Bandar Kuching, the oldest mosque in the state. Visitors explored the Hiang Thian Siang Ti Temple, learning about its role as a communication hub for Chinese migrants. The journey concluded at the Sarawak Museum, where interactive galleries captured the essence of Borneo’s culture and history, offering participants a deeper understanding of Kuching’s heritage and architectural evolution.
PDF2024 nights are concluded with celebratory dinners hosted by Roca at Lane 187, Theatre Hotel on Day 2, and Appreciation Dinners at Telang Usan on Day 3, offering a final opportunity to reflect on the connections made and the inspiration shared throughout the event. These gatherings reinforced the importance of collaboration and community in advancing the architectural and design industries in Sarawak.
