Nippon Paint presents young designer award
Through AYDA, we believe with every year that we are able to nurture the new generation as they are the key foundation in establishing a design community guided by creativity and innovation.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s leading total coating solutions provider, Nippon Paint Malaysia Group ( Nippon Paint), celebrated the 10th edition of its premier annual design competition, the Asia Young Designer Award (AYDA), which has impacted more than 10,000 young and talented student designers across 15 countries in Asia.
In Malaysia alone, over 4,500 architecture and interior design students have participated in this prestigious competition from a mere 87 entries for its inaugural contest in 2008 and is expected to garner even more entries in 2017.
Currently, AYDA has extended its reach to 15 other countries across Asia namely Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Thailand, Pakistan, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Vietnam, China, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, India and Sri Lanka.
Nippon Paint Malaysia Group general manager Gladys Goh said in the past 10 years, it has always been the pride and joy at Nippon Paint to witness young and talented designers rise-up to the challenge in creating meaningful and innovative designs that were both humanistic and cutting- edge in nature.
“Through AYDA, we believe with every year that we are able to nurture the new generation as they are the key foundation in establishing a design community guided by creativity and innovation.
“After 10 years of inspiring youths, we hope that the themes of AYDA that revolves around the latest trends of needs of the ‘ real world’ will continue to convict youths to push beyond the boundaries, paving way for them to do something bigger than themselves, and yet embrace humility to understand the concept of responsibility to the environment and the community in the process,” she added.
Goh highlighted this at the celebration of AYDA’s 10th year anniversary, as well as the roll out of the AYDA 2017 competition theme -You for Tomorrow: Future Living as Envisioned Today recently.
The AYDA 2017 theme is tailored to challenge the foresight and technical abilities of young designers today to anticipate the needs of tomorrow and with those insights, pen down designs that serves the citizens of tomorrow.
The theme matured with the design industry and promotes extensively green sustainability, community centricity, pushing design boundaries, individualistic while rewarding future forward designs.
A decade on since its inception in 2008, the AYDA platform has evolved from being just a competition for young talents to showcase their design ideas but one that offers a far-reaching avenue for them to engage with renowned industry speakers, gain first hand exposure to personalised coaching, mentoring and skill-building workshops by experienced lecturers and key figures in the design industry as well as learn from their fellow peers from across borders.
These multi-faceted, integrated learning experiences pave way in bridging the gap or disparities in terms of academic excellence and the relevant skills required to succeed in the marketplace.
AYDA’s themes have constantly evolved over the decade to remain relevant to the young designers of Asia.
AYDA has always emphasised on the significance of authenticity and boldness in birthing ideas which go beyond the ordinary apart from generating awareness about green sustainability in design, being compassionate about the needs of people through communitydriven models and being forwardthinkers in developing spaces.
Collaborating partner of AYDA, IJM Land Berhad ( IJM Land) managing director Edward Chong said the award has proven that the creative industry was abound with talent and continues to break new ground year after year.
“We are really pleased to be collaborating with Nippon Paint again this year on this competition as we too see the need to create stronger bonds between design education and industry. We fi nd that Nippon Paint’s work to engage the young designers in the creative industry through this creativityoriented platform immensely valuable.”
As part of the evolving nature of AYDA to provide design students the opportunity to sharpen their skills and knowledge through interactive sharing sessions with key industry leaders, the AYDA XChange platform was mooted, bringing on board reputable and renowned industry captains as guest speakers who will impart their experience and passion towards the enrichment of today’s design students.
In addition to the speakers, past winners of AYDA will also share their thoughts and experience within the architecture and interior design industry followed by engaging workshops where the design students were given the opportunity to learn the processes of designing solutions for various spaces.
AYDA XChange 2017 showcases two reputable industry captains, namely, Garis Architects and CoFounder of Gade Design Workshop director Ar Tang Hsiao Seak and HL Design Group director Martin Haeger, who imparted their knowledge, insights and values in enriching the capabilities and skills with the students.
Ar Tang, a prominent architect, was the first guest speaker who shared his thoughts and perception on the importance of being mindful of the sites’ natural environment and the needs of the public in birthing innovative architecture ideas.
He believes it is fundamental for aspiring designers to always be attentive to the finer details especially in creating cohesive spaces influenced by various demographics of people and the environment they reside in.
“The foundation of any given design is always based on the impact it has on both the society and the environment. While it is challenging to break away from the public’s common perception of architecture, it should not deter us from striving to create bold and innovative ideas to achieve building designs that will essentially define the future of architecture for Malaysia. Truly, as designers of the future, we have to be sensitive and aware of the sites’ environment, its climate, its people and its purpose,” he said.
Haeger, a prominent personality in the Interior Design industry shared his opinions and experience with the students on sustainable design.
He expressed that it is important to consider the use of natural materials and innovative design solutions to create positive spaces rather than to succumb to preconceived imposed ideas.
“In the industry, designers are chosen based on their understanding of a project, the needs of a space and the vision that they stand for. It goes without saying that AYDA XChange is a crucial platform for the development of the future generation as it is only through exposure that these young designers would be able to grow and learn the essentials of creating an innovative and authentic design,” said Haeger.
The AYDA XChange 2017 also saw the alumni of AYDA participate in a forum discussion to share their work experience in the industry to encourage their fellow peers to embrace innovation and forward-thinking components in their designs while integrating their personal beliefs of elements essential for future living.
Beyond being just a knowledgeexchange platform, the culmination of AYDA takes place at the Regional Learning Programme which plays host to gold winners from each of the 15 competing countries for the coveted regional finals of the Platinum Award with USD1,000 prize each for the Architecture and Interior Design categories.
The participants of this regional learning programme can further enhance their communications and presentation skills including cross- border experiences and knowledge exchange from fellow peers of various cultural backgrounds and key-industry speakers as well as coaching sessions.
This year, Malaysia is proud to play host as home country for the AYDA Regional Learning Programme, in celebration of its 10th year milestone.
AYDA is supported by various government bodies and industry associations such as Ministry of Higher Education ( MOHE), Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water (KETTHA), Malaysian Institute of Architects ( PAM), Real Estate and Housing Development Association Youth Malaysia (REHDA Youth), Malaysia Green Building Confederation (MGBC) and as well as Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia (CIDB).
AYDA 2017 is open to Architecture students ( 3rd year diploma onwards) and Interior Design students (2nd year diploma onwards).
Final date of entry is Oct 3, 2017, with further competition details available on www. asiayoungdesigneraward.com.
Gladys Goh, Nippon Paint Malaysia Group general manager