KOTA KINABALU, SABAH – October 11, 2025 – The Borneo Architecture Festival (BAF) 2025, organised by the Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) Sabah Chapter, successfully concluded its two-day convention, charting an insightful course for the future of architecture in the region. Held on 10 and 11 October at The Magellan Sutera Resort, the event brought together leading architects, visionaries, and industry professionals from across the globe to deliberate on contemporary design, sustainability, and cultural integration in the built environment.
The opening remark was given by the PAM Sabah Chapter Chairman, Ar Daniel Koh, followed by the Vice President of Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM), Ar Norzaini bin Mufti @ Ahmat. The event was officiated by the Local Government and Housing Minister, Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Joachim Gunsalam after his key address.
The Borneo Architecture Festival (BAF) 2025 was held to coincide with World Architecture Day, bringing together professionals and enthusiasts to explore the dynamic intersection of modernisation and ecological preservation in architecture. The organising chairperson for BAF 2025 – Ar. Sharon M Amin envisioned the festival to be guided by the theme “Rewire // Rewild,” which provided a vital platform for inspiring talks, discussions, and networking, aiming to foster sustainable design practices and celebrate local cultural identity amidst rapid urban development. The primary objectives of BAF 2025 were to:
- Promote the integration of sustainable and inclusive practices in Sabah’s smart urban development.
- Provide a platform for sharing innovative architectural ideas and projects from local and international speakers.
- Raise awareness of Sabah’s architectural and cultural identity in the context of global trends.
- Facilitate networking and collaboration among architects, industry stakeholders, and the community.
The festival, a flagship event for PAM Sabah, served as a crucial platform for networking and knowledge exchange. Attendees benefited from a stellar line-up of speakers, transcending geographical boundaries to share diverse perspectives on design challenges and opportunities. Key speakers and panellists included:
Day 1: Rewire – Transforming Cities
- TPr. Stanley Chong (Malaysia)
- Mr. Terence Chew and Mr. Sanjay Mohanasundram (Malaysia)
- Mr. Mohd Shahrain Jamaluddin (Malaysia)
- Mr. Chyr Ye Hong (Singapore)
- Ar. Sarly Arde Sarkum (Malaysia)
- Dr. Non Arkara (Thailand)
- Mr. Florian Heinzelmann (Germany/Indonesia)
- Ar. Wooi Lok Kuang (Malaysia)
- Mr. Justin Guiab (Philippines)
- Mr. Warith Zaki (Dubai)
The core of BAF 2025 revolved around discussions on how modern architecture can harmoniously coexist with the rich natural heritage and unique cultural identity. Key themes explored during the convention included:
- Sustainable Cities and Communities: Moving beyond greenwashing, speakers explored tangible strategies for developing eco-friendly infrastructure and leveraging the region’s natural resources in design.
- Integrating Technology (Digital and AI): The role of digital tools, including Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Artificial Intelligence were debated as a means to enhance efficiency and design precision.
- Cultural, Heritage, and Identity in Design: A strong emphasis was placed on celebrating and incorporating local vernacular architecture and indigenous building wisdom into modern projects, ensuring the built environment remains connected to its context.
- Global Best Practices for Local Context: Discussions focused on adapting international standards in areas like GBI for sustainability, fire protection, structural integrity, and passive design to suit the tropical climate and regulatory framework of Sabah.
The festival featured a comprehensive program including a main conference, technical exhibitions, and associated competitions.
Conference Sessions: Two days of inspiring talks and discussions with esteemed speakers from Malaysia, Indonesia, Germany, the Philippines, Dubai, and beyond. Topics included “Intelligence by Design: GBI’s Role in the Smart City Revolution”. The Theme: The “Rewire // Rewild” focused on exploration of the dual challenges of modernisation (rewire) and restoring harmony between architecture and nature through biophilic design (rewild).
Competitions: In the lead-up to the main event, a sketching competition was held at the Likas Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre on 27 September 2025, encouraging participants to observe the harmony between nature and urban life.
Networking: The event offered numerous opportunities for professionals to connect with peers and industry visionaries.
Exhibitions: Various sponsors and partners showcased the latest building materials and innovative solutions.
BAF 2025 was strongly supported by industry partners, including major sponsors like Nippon Paint (Sabah) Sdn Bhd (Platinum Sponsor), NS Bluescope Lysaght Sabah Sdn Bhd (Platinum Sponsor), Borneo Green Universal Sdn Bhd (Gold Sponsor), and other sponsors. Their participation highlighted the commitment of the construction sector to embracing innovation and architectural excellence.
The festival successfully fostered a spirit of collaboration, allowing architects to engage directly with material suppliers, policymakers, and property developers. This synergy is expected to translate into more informed and collaborative projects that drive the state’s development responsibly.
A great turnout, comprising corporate members, graduate architects, and other stakeholders, solidified BAF’s position as a premier architectural event in the region. The event concluded with a renewed sense of purpose among attendees-to design and build environments that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also socially, culturally, and environmentally responsible.
The festival successfully engaged a diverse audience, including professionals, students, and government officials, highlighting the strong community and professional interest in sustainable architecture in Borneo.
Government representatives acknowledged that the festival’s themes align with the state’s Digital Government Strategic Plan and SMJ development blueprint, particularly in the areas of smart city development and green sustainability. Feedback from attendees indicated that the sessions were highly inspiring, with participants expressing gratitude for the opportunity to learn from talented individuals and collaborate on creative ideas.
