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.
Saivipa has been educated in Thailand, UK and US, giving her exposure to global cultures. She graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Architecture Degree. Saivipa has over 20 years of experience as an Interior Designer at P49 Deesign with a focus on hospitality design. She is passionate about creating experiential spaces and her endless curiosity of the human interaction within a space powers her creative design solution.
As Executive Director, she drives her team and build her client relationships with a collaborative spirit. Her works include projects both in Thailand and abroad and ranging from city hotels to destination resorts. Her recent work includes the Taj Amer Hotel in Jaipur India, Artyzen Habitat Taopu in Shanghai China and Khaolak Marriott Beach Resort & Spa in Thailand.
Saivipa also gives back to the design community with over 10 years of working with Thailand Interior Design Association. She is a frequent judge on design awards and TIDA Thesis Awards as well as cherishing her participation as student thesis jury.
Gu Yi is the founder of Not a Studio Architect, an innovative architecture and design firm established in Shanghai in 2016. After spending over a decade in Africa, Gu Yi returned to China, bringing a unique global perspective to his work. His design philosophy is rooted in restraint and minimalism, emphasizing thoughtful spatial experiences across various typologies.
Not a Studio Architect’s diverse portfolio spans tea aesthetics, commercial spaces—including restaurants, retail environments, and boutique hotels—as well as public art spaces, residential projects, and offices. The firm has successfully delivered projects of varying scales, seamlessly blending cultural narratives with contemporary design.
Notable works include:
• The Container
• Duo Yun Bookstore (Shanghai, Chengdu, Suzhou)
• Shanghai Longhua Temple
• Pagoda Shadow Space
• Yongfu Temple Zen Museum of Art
• Suzhou Hanshan Temple
• Tea Space
• Atour Hotel 4.0 R&D
• Fotile Commercial Retail, and more.
Gu Yi’s commitment to timeless aesthetics, cultural sensitivity, and refined minimalism continues to shape distinctive architectural and interior spaces that inspire and engage.
Hirante Welandawe is an architect, interior designer, urban designer and educator and is the founder / principal architect at H W Architects Private Limited (2002). Welandawe has designed a wide range of projects including the design of institutional buildings, condominium projects, boutique hotels, work places, and private residences (projects).
Welandawe graduated from the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka and obtained her Masters from the Aalto University in Helsinki.
Welandawe worked initially under Master Architect B.V. Doshi, whose work had a profound influence in the direction of her work. She started work with numerous personalized homes which helped her to develop a particular people centric way of approaching architecture focusing on socio cultural profiles and lifestyle.
She is part of the Visiting Faculty at the University of Moratuwa, has received several Design awards and was nominated for the Aga Khan award for Architecture in 2010.
Director of Elisava Madrid, Edgar González is a prominent figure in the design world. Formerly the Associate Dean of Design at IE School of Architecture and Design, he is the founder and Editor in Chief of edgargonzalez.com, a leading Spanish-language architecture and design reference since 2002. Based in Madrid, he runs EGD Edgar Gonzalez Design, a strategic consultancy specializing in applying design processes to complex problems and narratives.
González is particularly interested in the intersection of architectural practice, new technologies, and media, and how these elements influence creative processes and contemporary cities. He has been an associate professor, jury member, and speaker at institutions such as Universidad de Alicante, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Istituto Europeo di Design, and IE School of Architecture and Design, where he has lectured and conducted research since 2002.
As a designer and curator, González has contributed to several exhibitions and cultural projects and has published articles in specialized architecture and design publications. A licensed architect in both Mexico and Spain, he has worked as a project architect at Zaha Hadid Architects and Arquitectura Torres Nadal, and as an editorial designer for the Architectural Association London, The Economist, and The Guardian Group. He holds a Bachelor in Architecture from ITESO University in Mexico and an M.A. in Complex Architecture and Innovation Sociology from Alicante University in Spain.
Ivy Almario is the co-founder and principal designer of Atelier Almario, an award-winning interior design studio specializing in luxury residential and hospitality projects. Alongside her sister, Cynthia, she honed her craft in Los Angeles, California, before establishing their Manila-based studio.
A thought leader in the design industry, Ivy has been a content contributor for leading shelter magazines and shares expert insights on interior design through Atelier Almario’s widely followed YouTube channel.
Beyond her design practice, Ivy is deeply involved in shaping the industry. She currently serves as Vice President of the Asia Pacific Space Designers Association, following her tenure as National President of the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers.
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.
Shahmeena Labeeb is a passionate urban designer and placemaker at Village Well in Melbourne, Australia, where she focuses on creating spaces that foster harmony between communities and the natural environment. With a Master’s degree in Architecture and Urban Design from Australia and a Bachelor’s degree in Interior Architecture from Taylor’s University, Malaysia, her strong design background enables her to craft functional and aesthetically engaging spaces that enhance community interaction and well-being.
Her notable projects include the Six Senses Burnham Beeches Placemaking Framework in Victoria and The Tranquility Project in Western Australia, a premium aged care and wellness facility designed to promote holistic living.
Shahmeena’s contributions to the field have earned her multiple accolades, including the Platinum and Gold Awards at the 2017/2018 Nippon Paint Asia Young Designer Awards for her groundbreaking "City Beekeeping" project.
In 2021, she received an Honourable Mention from the Smart Cities Research Institute of Australia for her innovative urban design work.
Committed to a regenerative approach, Shahmeena ensures that the spaces she designs are not only visually compelling but also sustainable, accessible, and beneficial to both people and the environment.
Qualifications
Master of Architecture: Swinburne University of Technology
Bachelor of Arts (Honors) in Interior Architecture: Taylor’s University, Malaysia
Key projects
Safeer Shersad is a New York-based urban strategist and designer with a passion for multidisciplinary collaboration and breaking down silos between professions. Originally from India, his design philosophy is deeply rooted in understanding local histories and contexts, with a strong emphasis on community-centered urban solutions.
As Senior Manager at Lime, Safeer develops place-based shared mobility strategies for over 100 cities worldwide, shaping the future of urban transportation. Prior to Lime, he was a consultant at Buro Happold, where he worked on design projects for leading architecture firms, including Bjarke Ingels Group, OMA, SOM, and Diller Scofidio + Renfro. His research experience also includes working with UN-Habitat on urban youth socioeconomic data.
His expertise lies at the intersection of mobility, urban experience, and climate-sensitive design. Academically, Safeer holds a BA in Architecture and Urban Planning from Newcastle University, an MSc in Urban Design and City Planning (Distinction) from The Bartlett, University College London, and a Master in Urban Planning from the Harvard Graduate School of Design. He was also the inaugural recipient of Nippon Paint’s Gennosuke Obata Fellowship.
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.