Sarawak Government hails AIR competition as model for eco-led development

KUCHING: Speaking on behalf of Premier Tan Sri Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, Deputy Premier

Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian today praised the AIR Masterplan Competition as “the development model my

Government champions”, uniting planners, architects, investors and the public around sustainable design.

INTERACTION: HSL Realty director Yu Ji welcoming Dr Sim Kui Hian to the La Promenade Tour, accompanied by architects and Datuk Paul Yu Chee Hoe, HSL managing director, for an insightful exploration of the project.

Reading the Premier’s prepared remarks to an audience of some 200 guests on Level 10 of HSL Tower, Dr

Sim applauded organiser, Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM), and sponsor, Hock Seng Lee Berhad (HSL),

for staging only the second national architecture competition ever held in East Malaysia.

UNITY: A full house at the AIR Prize Giving Ceremony, with invited guests including government officials, senior architects, university students, and other distinguished attendees.

“Each entry treats the river as a living corridor,” the Premier’s speech noted, adding that projects such as AIR

“align with Sarawak’s Post-2030 vision and will receive the authority’s attention”.

The guest-of-honour noted that all 11 shortlisted AIR entries were from firms headquartered in Kuala Lumpur.

He said this showed national interests in Sarawak as a leading “design hub”.

National interest in Kuching site

• Competition: “AIR — The AIR Above Us, Di Bawah AIR Mengalir”

• Brief: Masterplan for a 13.5-acre site opposite Kuching International Airport

• Entries: 127 registrants, 76 submissions; 11 shortlisted (all Kuala Lumpur practices, albeit one-third

• with Sarawakian roots)

• Jury: Seven members, including the youngest and one of the most senior PAM Gold Medallists

• Prizes: RM 250,000, fully funded by HSL

Earlier in the ceremony, convenor Ar Amzar described AIR as “Building with Nature”, highlighting proposals

that preserve the site’s natural stream and mangrove forest. The competition follows Langit (launched 2021),

HSL’s first design contest, now under construction with Singapore’s Ascott as Citadines Langit Kuching.

HONOURING: The distinguished line-up of jurors at the National Architecture Competition, posing with their certificates at the AIR Prize Giving Ceremony at HSL Tower.

Winners unveiled

1. MOA Architects — Sarawakian director Ar Hung Ing Sing; scheme features what could become

   Malaysia’s largest green roof.

2. Ar Azwan Othman — Hexagonal longhouse concept using prefabrication to significantly reduce

   construction impact.

3. TR Hamzah & Yeang + Aki Media — Datuk Ar Ken Yeang preserves 76 % of site, framing the

   mangrove with mid-rise blocks.

Commendations went to Lateral Architects (“Land Bridges”) and Qhawarizmi Architect (“Hydrogen AI Smart City”).

ENGAGEMENT: Ar Hung Sing Ing representing his team from MOA Architects Sdn Bhd speaking with reporters following their win, sharing insights about their architectural journey and vision.

Backing for design competitions

Dr Sim emphasised Sarawak’s ambition for a high-income, green and digital economy: “Architecture sits at

the heart of that agenda. Competitions like AIR push our collective imagination and help translate policy into

projects on the ground.”

TOP FIVE: PAM President Ar Adrianta Aziz presenting the top five proposals to Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, explaining key features and design concepts.

He urged PAM, HSL and the wider design community to share the ideas publicly through exhibitions and

university talks, ensuring the learning extends beyond today’s awards.

Post-event activities

• Winning boards on display along the foyer windows at HSL Tower.

• Press conference at 1 p.m. on Level 9.

ACHIEVEMENT: The top 11 finalists of the National Architecture Competition "The Air Above Us, Di Bawah Air Mengalir" proudly gathering for a group photo during the AIR Prize Giving Ceremony.

DIALOGUE: Jurors, top 3 finalists, and reporters gathering for a press conference, reflecting on the results of the National Architecture Competition.

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