PAM Sarawak Chapter to hold various events
This year, we will focus on sustainable designs as it is very important for architects who are designing buildings for the future.
KUCHING: The Sarawak chapter of the Malaysian Institute of Architects ( PAM) will hold a series of eevents starting March 19 in conjunction with its muchanticipated biennial Building Trade Show ( BTS).
The BTS will be held from March 24 to 26, 2017, at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching ( BCCK).
One of its events leading up to the BTS include the annual PAMSC Design Forum which will be held on March 25 at BCCK. The forum is hosted by PAM Sarawak Chapter, with the support of its main sponsor, NS BlueScope Lysaght ( Sarawak) Sdn Bhd ( BlueScope Lysaght).
According to organising chairman Ng Chee Wee, the forum this year would feature five renowned speakers/architects from different countries across Southeast Asia as well as Kuching’s very own leading architect.
This year’s forum would also focus on sustainable designs. However, he pointed out that for this year’s forum, the theme is ‘Sustainable Futures’.
“This year, we will focus on sustainable designs as it is very important for architects who are designing buildings for the future.
“We know resources are limited and a lot of these issues need to be addressed because we make use of a lot of resources to build a project and after all that, the project might also consume a lot
Ng Chee Wee, organising chairman
of energy. We need architects to minimise the use of resources to build the project, in the first place, and we also need to minimise the resources that we consume while running the building.
“The architects that we invite for this forum are experts in sustainable bui ldings and a rchitect u re. Nowadays, architects are looking into reintroducing ‘green’ into the urban environment.
“Architects are also now looking at reintroducing sustainable green features into buildings as well as implementing more natural ways to reduce power consumption,” he said.
Meanwhi l e , BlueScop e Lysaght’s president Lydia Toh commented, “Being a player in the building construction industry in the state, we are constantly facing various business and operational challenges.
“However, despite the challenges we face, we remain steadfast in our belief that the architecture fraterity plays a vital role in shaping the future of the state’s building construction industry.
“We recognise the importance of the role of architects in setting the right scene for new trends and pursuits in the building construction industry.
“We strongly believe that with so many speakers from all over the world, participants will learn a lot about the architectural advancement in this region.”
Of note, this year market’s BlueScope Lysaght’s sixth year as the corporate sponsor for PAMSC Design forum.
Aside from the forum, PAM Sarawak Chapter will also be organising a charity run called ‘Architects run for community’ on March 19. The charity run will start from Square Tower at Kuching’s Waterfront and along heritage areas in Kuching. The money raised from the run would be donated to various charities including Mercy, Hope Place and more.
In conjunction with BTS 2017, PAM Sarawak Chapter is also organising a Gala night, whereby architect fraternities would gather for a night of fun and merry-making with the support of industry partners.
“This year, it will also be held at BCCK and the theme for that night is ‘Roman Times’ which also ties up with our run charity event, whereby the run will feature Roman-inspired medals.
“We hope that these events will give the public some knowledge of architectural history,” said PAM Sarawak Chapter member and organising chairman of the Gala, Ivy Jong.
On BTS 2017, PAM Sarawak Chapter’s deputy chairman and organising chairman of BTS, Bong Joon Hin, highlighted that this year’s trade show would be PAM Sarawak Chapter’s 10th BTS.
“Even though this year, we face challenges due to the economic downturn, we still get positive demand from participants and industry players.
“I am positive on this as regardless of the current economic condition, we still get strong support from our partners in the industry.
Bong highlighted that BTS is a great platform for fellow architects, participants of the trade show as well as members of the public to gather and gain or share more knowledge on the latest trend and technology in the architecture and the construction/ building industries.
During BTS 2017, there will also be a colouring contest for primary school children which will be held at BCCK.
“This is for the convenience of parents as well as to encourage and expose youths to the world of architecture,” Bong added.
For more information on BTS 2017 as well as PAMSC Design Forum 2017, contact PAM Sarawak Chapter at 082- 457182. The closing date for the forum’s registration is on March 22.
Meanwhile, PAM Sarawak Chapter chairman Mike Boon announced that PAM Sarawak Chapter will be holding its official Annual General Meeting on April 1 (9am), at PAM Sarawak Chapter’s office.