AIR competition winners announced by PAM: HSL set to build ONE WINNING proposal

KUCHING: Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) and Hock Seng Lee (HSL) today unveiled the results of the AIR Architecture Competition. MOA Architects, headed by Kuala Lumpur-based Sarawakian Ar Hung Ing Sing, clinched first prize.

MOA ARCHITECTS SDN BHD: A groundbreaking scheme that celebrating Sarawak’s identity through weaving the cultural heritage and natural landscapes to create a cohesive and eye-catching urban landscape.

The competition— “AIR: The AIR Above Us, Di Bawah AIR Mengalir”—sought the best masterplan for a 13.5-

acre land beside Kuching International Airport. Launched mid-2024, it was judged by a seven-member panel

that included both Malaysia’s youngest and one of its most senior PAM Gold Medalists.

MOA’s scheme, designed by Ar Hung and Tan Ling Rong, proposes what could become Malaysia’s largest

green roof. It beat 10 other shortlisted teams and earned the RM120,000 prize.

Ar Azwan Othman took second place with a hexagonal, longhouse-inspired design.

AR AZWAN OTHMAN: An innovative concept that respecting Sarawak’s longhouse condition with modern architecture featuring elevated, adaptable spaces that blending with the natural setting.

TR Hamzah & Yeang, in collaboration with Aki Media, finished third. Datuk Ar Ken Yeang’s proposal preserves

76 percent of the site’s mangrove forest and river, placing mid-rises around the perimeter.

T.R.HAMZAH & YEANG SND BHD & AKI MEDIA: This eco green and sustainable proposal featuring elevated buildings, lush green connections and thoughtful preservation of natural resources, creating a model-city for the future.

Lateral Architects’ “Land Bridges” and Qhawarizmi Architect’s “Hydrogen AI Smart City” rounded out the top

five. Prize money totalled RM250,000, fully sponsored by HSL; PAM designed and ran the competition.

LATERAL ARCHITECTS SDN BHD: A brilliant proposal of “land bridges” that allowing the river beneath buildings to remain almost untouched.

QHAWARIZMI ARCHITECT: A forward-thinking proposal on reducing carbon footprint, including the

widest range of home dwelling options, from bungalows to studio apartments.

HSL Managing Director Datuk Paul Yu Chee Hoe noted the mix of veterans and emerging talents:

YU: Every competition reveals outstanding ideas, MOA’s soaring green canopy, Ar Azwan’s prefab approach and Ar Yeang’s masterful town-planning.

“Every competition—this is our second—reveals outstanding ideas from a wide range of people. MOA’s

soaring green canopy, Ar Azwan’s prefab approach that minimises site damage, and Ar Yeang’s masterful

town-planning each tackle sustainability in distinct ways.”

PAM President Ar Adrianta Aziz emphasised the process:

“Stage One judging was anonymous—we saw only printed boards. In Stage Two, each finalist presented and

faced Q&A. A competition remains the fairest way to judge merit.”

He noted AIR is the only architecture masterplanning competition of 2024 and 2025. Adrianta paid tribute to

HSL and participants, adding:

“Ultimately, the real winners will be the people of Kuching and Sarawak. They will enjoy a development with

public spaces, clean air above, and clean air (water) below. Syabas HSL.”

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, who represented the Premier at the results ceremony, called

for more eco-design-led developments.

“This AIR competition exemplifies the development model my Government champions: one that unites

planners, architects, investors and, most importantly, the public,” Dr Sim said, reading from Premier Tan Sri

Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg’s speech.

“As the convenor observed, each entry stands on its own merit, yet they share a common instinct: to treat the

river not as an obstacle but as a living corridor. Great cities grow from great rivers, whether in Kuala Lumpur

or here in Kuching.

“Equally heartening is the human-centred emphasis in every submission. Cities are ultimately judged not by

skylines but by the happiness and health of their citizens: Are we active? Are there places to meet and mingle?

Do we feel rooted?”

He added that green developments such as AIR are aligned with Sarawak’s Post-2030 vision and will receive

support and attention.

HSL has pledged to build one of the winning schemes, echoing its commitment after the Langit competition in

2021, and its earthbreaking as Langit Citadines Kuching in 2025.

PAM and HSL are also exploring talks by AIR winners for university students. Some 200 guests -- from public

and private sectors, and top post-graduates from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak -- attended the AIR Results

Ceremony at HSL Tower.

For more information, visit hsl.com.my, airkch.com or search #AirKch on social media.