The AYDA Awards 2023/2024 international finale, hosted at the renowned ITC Grand Chola in Chennai, celebrated the convergence of creative brilliance from around the globe. This prestigious event brought together National Winners from 17 countries and regions, with Malaysia’s Lim Jeng Ying emerging as the AYDA Designer of the Year in the Architectural category.
Lim Jeng Ying’s exceptional submission resonated deeply with the theme of the 2023/2024 edition, CONVERGE: Championing Purposeful Designs. She shared, “As a designer, I am passionate about the potential of intentional design to create a brighter future.
“My project – River Reverie: Life by Sungai Petani’s River, seeks to reclaim and narrate Sungai Petani’s cultural identity with a riverine museum that highlights the significance it has in the daily lives of Malaysians.
“The core aim of this project is also to develop the area for our future generations. Winning the AYDA Designer of the Year award and being able to advocate for impactful solutions is an honourable achievement. I am deeply grateful to have my work acknowledged on a global stage, and I would like to thank AYDA and Nippon Paint for this opportunity to be associated with such a prestigious award.”
As part of her well-deserved recognition, the AYDA Designer of the Year winners will embark on a transformative journey at a 3-week Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design’s Design Discovery Program in June 2025, fully funded by Nippon Paint worth up to US$10,000.
In addition to the prestigious Designer of the Year title, the AYDA Awards also honored outstanding achievements in the Interior Design Category where Jesslyn Tew won the Best Design Impact Award.
Lim Jeng Ying (Winner for the Architectural Category)
Walking away with US$1,000 from Nippon Paint, her project entitled VOLT-YAGE: An Integrated EV Charging Station will be able to set a new standard for local sustainability by integrating solar energy, green roofing, and rainwater harvesting. This innovation provides a practical solution to Malaysia’s sustainability challenges, promoting environmental responsibility and sustainable living within the community.
Nina Bailon-Arce, Senior Partner of Arce-Bailon-Arce Architects, one of the AYDA Architectural Design judges, commented, “Nippon Paint’s commitment to nurturing young designers is commendable, as it not only recognizes excellence but also invests in the future of purposeful design.
“I have been judging AYDA for a few years now, and I am so proud to see the quality of entries each year that evolve with the advancements in the industry and technology.”
“We are thrilled to witness the incredible talent and innovation showcased at this edition’s AYDA Awards. The competition stands as a beacon of meaningful innovation and creativity, providing a space for emerging talents to shine and thrive,” said Santi Alaysius, co-founder at Domisilium Studio and DMDIO, one of the AYDA Interior Design judges.
This edition’s line of judges featured esteemed experts from reputable architectural and interior design firms.
Cultivating Socially Conscious Design Leaders
What sets the AYDA Awards apart is its dedicated focus on nurturing creativity and interpersonal skills through group and one-on-one coaching, guiding finalists every step of the way through the finale.
The award is more than just a contest; it’s a cornerstone of Nippon Paint’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, Colouring Lives, under the Education pillar. Participation is entirely free, ensuring that financial barriers never hinder aspiring designers from realizing their full potential and giving back to their communities.
“The AYDA Awards has transformed into a holistic programme for aspiring artists to put their best work forward,” stated Gladys Goh, Senior Vice-President, Strategic Innovation & Marketing at NIPSEA Group.
“Nippon Paint not only positions itself as a thought leader in nurturing the next generation of designers but also champions local talents. We are committed to fostering creativity and innovation among the next generation of designers.”
The AYDA Awards, initiated in 2008 by Nippon Paint, has evolved into one of the architecture and interior design industry’s premier awards, receiving over 59,000 entries from 1,200 tertiary education institutions across 20 countries and regions.
The AYDA Awards 2023/2024 received over 6,000 submissions from 17 countries and regions, highlighting the diverse talent and innovation present in today’s design landscape. Concurrently, the event was held alongside Nippon Paint’s Creative Colour Awards 2023/2024, which served to recognize the significance of colors in architecture and interior design. To watch the recently held 2023/2024 awards ceremony and the finalists’ design presentations, tune in to AYDA’s YouTube channel.
The upcoming theme for AYDA Awards 2024/2025 – CONVERGE: Glocal Design Solutions, calls for innovative designs to address global challenges in social, urban development, and environment.
All these interconnected themes emphasize the pivotal role of design in shaping a sustainable and resilient future. By integrating social, urban, and environmental considerations, the AYDA Awards aspires to nurture designers who can create spaces that promote community cohesion, societal growth, and environmental harmony.
Nippon Paint continuously encourages young designers to seize this opportunity to showcase their ingenuity and passion. For the upcoming AYDA Awards, talents may submit their innovative designs and join the AYDA Awards 2024/2025 to be part of the movement that is redefining the future in design. Deadlines may vary by location, which can be found through www.ayda-awards.com.
