The theme ‘Evolve’, mastered by Qhawa of Praktika Architects, focuses on future practices. The events under this theme are designed to explore future built environment possibilities and encourage innovation between di!erent generations of designers. A Metaverse Hack-a-thon, design competitions, and a Future Materials showcase are just a few of the exciting agendas.

‘Extend’, reaches out to those who are architecturally trained but have developed in other disciplines. Managed by Hakym of Sketchnation, it bridges those who have created a positive impact in the allied fields to the core architectural community. Participants can look forward to the ‘Shine’ exhibition, and workshops highlighting valuable skill sets such as laser cu”ing, photography and the arts.

Last but not least, ‘Evoke’, is set to honour the past. Its main objective is to learn from history and to acknowledge contributors to the industry, with programs overseen by Sacha of Sacha & Tan. It will provide a plaform for senior members to share their knowledge through a series of conversations, tours, and hallmark events like DATUM, convened by Ar. Amzar this year.

Events under these five themes have already begun. ‘Headstart’, a career workshop at two institutions namely IIUM and UPM, and ‘XTran’, with successful enrolments. The timeline spans throughout the year, culminating at the internationally acclaimed conference ‘DATUM: We as 1’ in July, and continuing a#erwards to ensure an impactful relationship between all participating parties.

Ar. Zaini Mufti commended the many clusters of people involved in the festival and called upon those who are in varying career stages. Be it young graduates, architects studying for professional qualifications, newly set up firms, established firms, senior practitioners and even those marginally linked to the industry. This year’s KLAF is for all, to come back to a commonplace. To celebrate and innovate the profession together.