Matthew Lim is a visionary designer who believes in crafting compelling narratives through a people-centric, immersive, and meaningful design language. Embarking on his entrepreneurial journey at just 21, he founded MLA Design in 2015. In its first five years, the firm rapidly expanded its portfolio across eight countries in Southeast Asia, specializing in F&B, hospitality, and residential projects.

A highly regarded figure in the interior design landscape, Matthew has earned numerous local and international accolades over the past decade. His achievements include an Honorary Mention at the IDA Award International (Los Angeles, USA) in 2014 and Silver at the A’ Design Award (Milan, Italy) in both 2016 and 2017. More recently, he received an Honorable Mention at the Outstanding Property Award London 2020 and was named a Winner at the International Interior Design Award 2020, further cementing his reputation as a design industry leader.

IDr Lai Siew Hong is the Co-founder and Chief Executive Designer of award-winning interior design firm Blu Water. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur since 2010, the design studio focuses on hospitality archetypes and the design of hotels, resorts and F&B establishments around the region.

As the creative backbone of Blu Water, Lai believes in creating innovative spaces and solutions while crafting a meaningful narrative in each design brief. His creative process has kept the interests of a wide variety of clients over the last 30 years.

Today, he continues to be the mastermind behind some of the most stunning luxury hotels and resorts in the world; most recently recognised as Tatler Asia’s Most Influential MY 2021. Lai is also the immediate Past President of the Malaysian Institute of Interior Designers (MIID) 2022-2024.

His passion for nurturing young emerging talents have led him to mentor graduate students at China Academy of Art in Hangzhou, China, and he is now serving as the Master Coach for Interior Architecture and Design Programme at The One Academy. Internationally, he has been a valuable AYDA Judge since 2016.