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Managing Director
TKCA Architects Sdn Bhd, Malaysia
AYDA Awards Designer of the Year 2015
Recognized as one of Malaysia’s “40 Under 40” Emerging Architects, Ar. Tan Kwon Chong (Rien) is a rising force in architecture, known for his bold approach to design and leadership within the profession. He is the founder of Arplus Training Plt and Managing Director of TKCA Architects Sdn Bhd, a practice driven by the philosophy “Inspired to Inspire.”
Rien holds a First Class Honours degree in Architecture from UCSI University and a Master of Architecture from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. His early career experiences in Osaka, Taipei, and New York broadened his perspective and shaped his commitment to sustainable, human- centered, and future-ready design.
His career gained momentum in 2016 when he won the Asia Young Designer Award (AYDA), and in 2019, he won the International Design Competition on Tropical Housing for the Orang Asli, sparking collaborations with developers and NGOs to uplift underserved communities through design innovation.
Under Rien’s leadership, TKCA Architects became the first Malaysian practice to win the UIA 2030 Award for the groundbreaking SkyBlox Co-Living Housing project, celebrated at the World Urban Forum 2024 in Cairo. His works — including Spectrum House, Sama Square, and Ashwood Condominium— have represented Malaysia on international stages across Hong Kong, India, Seoul, and Taiwan, earning accolades such as the Seoul Design Award, Taiwan Design Awards, Golden Pin Design Award, Creative Colour Awards, Design for Asia Award, PAM Awards, Sustainability Awards, MIID Reka Awards, National Energy Awards, and Malaysian Construction Industry Excellence Awards.
Beyond practice, Rien plays an active role in shaping Malaysia’s architectural landscape. Since 2021, he has chaired key committees within the Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM), including Professional Practice, Promotion of Profession, ESG, Housing & Urban Wellbeing, and CPD. In 2023, he represented Malaysia as a YSEALI Professional Fellow with the U.S. Green Building Council in Washington, D.C., and was named an Augustman of the Year for his impact on Malaysia’s Art & Design scene. Most recently, he was appointed Festival Director of the Kuala Lumpur Architecture Festival (KLAF) 2026, solidifying his influence as a thought leader for the next generation of architects.
A strong advocate of purpose-driven design, Rien continues to champion architecture that inspires, empowers, and creates lasting change — establishing himself as one of Malaysia’s most exciting rising architects.
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Recognized as one of Malaysia’s “40 Under 40” Emerging Architects, Ar. Tan Kwon Chong (Rien) is a rising force in architecture, known for his bold approach to design and leadership within the profession. He is the founder of Arplus Training Plt and Managing Director of TKCA Architects Sdn Bhd, a practice driven by the philosophy “Inspired to Inspire.”
Rien holds a First Class Honours degree in Architecture from UCSI University and a Master of Architecture from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. His early career experiences in Osaka, Taipei, and New York broadened his perspective and shaped his commitment to sustainable, human- centered, and future-ready design.
His career gained momentum in 2016 when he won the Asia Young Designer Award (AYDA), and in 2019, he won the International Design Competition on Tropical Housing for the Orang Asli, sparking collaborations with developers and NGOs to uplift underserved communities through design innovation.
Under Rien’s leadership, TKCA Architects became the first Malaysian practice to win the UIA 2030 Award for the groundbreaking SkyBlox Co-Living Housing project, celebrated at the World Urban Forum 2024 in Cairo. His works — including Spectrum House, Sama Square, and Ashwood Condominium— have represented Malaysia on international stages across Hong Kong, India, Seoul, and Taiwan, earning accolades such as the Seoul Design Award, Taiwan Design Awards, Golden Pin Design Award, Creative Colour Awards, Design for Asia Award, PAM Awards, Sustainability Awards, MIID Reka Awards, National Energy Awards, and Malaysian Construction Industry Excellence Awards.
Beyond practice, Rien plays an active role in shaping Malaysia’s architectural landscape. Since 2021, he has chaired key committees within the Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM), including Professional Practice, Promotion of Profession, ESG, Housing & Urban Wellbeing, and CPD. In 2023, he represented Malaysia as a YSEALI Professional Fellow with the U.S. Green Building Council in Washington, D.C., and was named an Augustman of the Year for his impact on Malaysia’s Art & Design scene. Most recently, he was appointed Festival Director of the Kuala Lumpur Architecture Festival (KLAF) 2026, solidifying his influence as a thought leader for the next generation of architects.
A strong advocate of purpose-driven design, Rien continues to champion architecture that inspires, empowers, and creates lasting change — establishing himself as one of Malaysia’s most exciting rising architects.
The AYDA Awards is part of Nippon Paint’s vision to nurture the next generation of Architectural and Interior Design talents. It serves as a platform to inspire students of these disciplines to develop their skills through cross-learning.