On 26th October 2025, PAM Northern Chapter marked its milestone for holding ‘World Architecture Day Symposium’ (WAD 2025) at the latest iconic landmark in Penang – Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC). The event welcomed 200 participants, graced by guests from PAM Council, Penang State EXCO and the local councils.
WAD Organising Chairman Ar. Francis Tang Kim Sheng led the opening speech with a warm welcome to all. The theme “Design For Strength” was addressed as an empowering statement that calls upon architects to reflect and respond to it. He extended his appreciation to the organising committee, noting that the true spirit of the theme is upheld by all with passion and collaborative effort.
PAMNC Chairman Ar. Ooi Sze Meng then took the stage to restate PAM’s mission of promoting the advancement of architecture. His inspiring speech gave credit to all parties who have supported the chapter in different ways, where teamwork makes the dream work. PAM President Ar. Adrianta Aziz delivered a motivating speech and extended his gratitude to the chapter for its great hospitality.
He also congratulated the chapter for establishing a new headquarters – a new home that stands as a proud symbol of progress, unity and growing strength of the chapter. The event was officiated by YB Jason H’ng Mooi Lye, Member of the State EXCO for Local Government & Town and Country Planning, as he gave his opening remarks and congratulated the chapter on the success of the event.
This year’s WAD2025 featured a remarkable line-up of local and overseas speakers. Ar. Qhawarizmi from Qhawarizmi Architect presented his projects via a series of analytical diagrams that exemplified the concepts behind them. Honing the craft of design thinking, he delved deep into the subjects presented, as the audience was moved by his design narratives that shape unorthodox, unique outcomes.
His project, Ladang Langit, addresses the pressing issues of future food demand and envisions to establish a food ecosystem, from produce to delivery, efficiently in the urban context. The design concept of Surau Majlis Perbandaran Selayang stems from the astronomy concept that forms the basis of the religion, with spaces arranged in a circular layout in an effective and poetic way.
Twitee Vajrabhaya of the Department of ARCHITECTURE Co., Thailand, showcased how design can shape community and experience through projects like The Commons Thonglor, where stairs become social spaces connecting activity and community. The same versatility continues at The Commons Saladaeng and The Flow Pavilion, where openness encourages movement and connection. Sala Bang Pa-In Resort’s vivid red arrival bridge makes a bold first impression before the architecture mellows into its riverside context through local materials and familiar rooflines. Chulalongkorn University’s Architecture Library reimagined façade and interior spaces inspire creativity beyond their original purpose.
Antonius Richard Rusli, founder of RAD+ar, redefines sustainable architecture through inclusivity and experimentation. His works transform everyday spaces into living prototypes, from adaptable chicken coops and plastic-waste structures to reimagined religious spaces rooted in passive design. By uplifting greenery from the ground to upper levels and crafting public spaces that respond to patterns of use, maintenance and safety, Antonius inspires a forward-looking architectural mindset, one that educates, empowers, and redefines how developing economies engage with sustainable design.
The restoration of Penang’s Northern Seafront and Fort Cornwallis is led by Francesco Siravo, Technical Director of Conservation at Think City, an Italian architect specialising in historic preservation and town planning, and Giovanni Santo, Technical Expert at Think City, a master in architectural decoration, sculptural elements, and conservation consulting. Drawing on their theoretical and practical expertise across diverse UNESCO World Heritage sites, they execute restorations with meticulous attention to detail. Their work emphasises monument conservation, the use of local materials, skill enhancement, and sustainable practices, while reconnecting communities with their built and natural heritage.
Specialising in the design and delivery of large-scale retail destinations, 10 Design’s Ng Chin Yong showcased forefront retail typologies developed to meet the growing retail market in China. The audience was thrilled to learn about the world’s largest indoor ski centre, Huafa Snow World, as the notion of community is being explored on a larger scale across mixed-use complexes. A series of MixC malls was presented, with each one adapting according to the site context in its unique ways. MixC Sungang rejuvenated a former industrial area into a new business district, with a gastronomy-led concept bringing together a broad range of vendors.
The seminar concluded with a moderation session led by Ar. Poh Xin Yi. The participants were attentive and posed multiple thought-provoking questions to the speakers. The session concluded with a summary of what ‘Strength’ meant to each speaker.
The event was proudly sponsored by DML (Platinum Sponsor), Poly Glass Fibre, SKK, Foil Laminate, Wiitrac (Gold Sponsors), and Shera, SP.Ace, Feruni, Belleza-Dulce, Mapei, BeBond, Knauf, Royalam, and Nippon Paint (Silver Sponsors). Special thanks to Mr Khoo Cheang Jin for sharing his beautiful artwork as souvenirs for our speakers, featuring his sketches of Penang’s charming street scenes.
From local architects to voices from Indonesia, Thailand, China, and Italy, the event explored how design shapes experience and empowers communities. Strength, it seems, is not just in a building’s solidity or form, but in the spaces it creates, places where people find resilience, connection, and inspiration to face everyday life and its challenges.
