The Exchange TRX

Ar. Lam Choi Sing

i. Prominent Architect

Ar. Lam Choi Sing

ii. Date of birth

22nd November 1952

iii. Date of graduation (Architecture degree)

Bachelor of Architecture, USA (April 1975) At University of Oregon, USA

iv. Date of licensure

1988

v. Member of PAM since

PAM Corporate member since 1984

vi. Fellowship year (if applicable)

2010

vii. Practice Name

Arkitek Billings Leong & Tan Sdn. Bhd.

viii. Prominent projects (top 10)

  1. Sutera Harbour Resort
  2. Nexus Resort Karambunai
  3. Jesselton Twin Towers
  4. Imago/The Loft Condo
  5. KK Times Square
  6. Jesselton Residence
  7. Elemen Utara KK (Precinct 2)
  8. International Technology & Commercial Centre
  9. Kibing Solar Glass Factory
  10. 360 Boulevard (On-going)

ix. Summary of contribution to PAM

  • PAM Sabah Chapter Committee (1983-2007)
    Positions held:
    • Graduate Rep.
    • Committee Member
    • Honorary Secretary
    • Vice Chairman
    • Deputy Chairman
    • Chairman
    • Immediate Past Chairman

x. Summary of other contributions to society

  • A leader member of Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) – a Buddhist-based NGO dedicated to the pursuit of world peace through dialogue, education and culture.

xi.Summary of awards

  1. Kinabalu Pine Resort – 
    • National Best Landscape Award 2000 (Chalet & Resthouse Category)
    • 15th Malaysia Tourism Gold Awards 2006 (2 Star Award)
  2. Nexus Resort & Spa Karambunai –
    • FIABCI Property Award of Distinction 2000
    • China Low Carbon Real Estate Award 2010
  3. Sutera Harbour Resort –
    • FIABCI Property Award of Distinction 2002
  4. Imago Mall –
    • Asia Pacific International Property Awards 2016
      [ Best Retail Development (Malaysia) ]
    • Asia Pacific International Property Awards 2016
      [ Best Retail Architecture (Malaysia) ]
  5. Jesselton Twin Towers –
    • STAR Property Awards 2019
      ( The Borneo Star Award )
  6. Top Ten Architects, Malaysia –
    • BCI Asia Awards 2023 Winners
      (TOP TEN ARCHITECTS, MALAYSIA)
  7. Jesselton Residences –
    • STAR Property Awards 2019
      (The Poseidon Award – Best Waterfront Development)
  8. THE EDGE Best Managed & Sustainable
    • Property Awards 2024 – Bronze
  9. PAM Sabah Awards 2024
    • Silver – Commercial (Mixed Development)
      (Jesselton Residences)
    • Silver – Multiple Residential (High Rise)
      (The Bay Residences)

xii. List of close affiliates (references)

–

QUESTIONNAIRES – PROMINENT ARCHITECTS PROFILING PROJECT

1.

How did you come to study architecture?

I was drawn to studying architecture after reading the book “The Master Builders” about Frank Llyod Wright, Mies van der Rohe and Le Corbusier, and in particular, seeing photos of Taliesin West, Farnsworth House and Villa Savoye.

2.

What were your architectural influences?

I suppose the above 3 legends were major influences. In addition I also highly admired the tropical architecture of Jane Drew and Maxwell Fry.

3.

Could you tell us about a project you are proudest of?

“Sutera Harbour Resort” “: This project was a great learning experience for me. Due to its size, scope and complexity, I needed to work with so many consultants, specialists and contractors, both Malaysian and foreign. We faced numerous challenges and disputes but successfully completed the Resort in the end.

4.

What would you consider yourself a pioneer of?

Sorry, I can’t think of anything.

5.

What do you consider the greatest changes in the profession from the time you began to the present day?

Advances in CAD/BIM and AI.

6.

What is your approach to mentorship?

Put young architects under your project team, guide and expose them to the process and the people network, then gradually let them take the lead.

7.

What is your advice to young architects starting their journeys today?

Develop communication skills – Verbal and written. Keep updated on technology and AI.

8.

Where do you see architecture heading in the future?

Ever-increasing influence of Big Tech and AI.

9.

What is your architecture/design manifesto?

The more constraints, the more creative the design.

10.

Architecture: form and function, which one comes first?

Function, of course.

11.

What is your thought on current Malaysian Architecture?

There seems to be a lack of “Malaysian Identity” beyond the clichés.

12.

What do you see in the future of Malaysian Architecture?

As answered in question number 8.

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