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.

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.

IDr Lai Siew Hong is the Co-founder and Chief Executive Designer of award-winning interior design firm Blu Water. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur since 2010, the design studio focuses on hospitality archetypes and the design of hotels, resorts and F&B establishments around the region.

As the creative backbone of Blu Water, Lai believes in creating innovative spaces and solutions while crafting a meaningful narrative in each design brief. His creative process has kept the interests of a wide variety of clients over the last 30 years.

Today, he continues to be the mastermind behind some of the most stunning luxury hotels and resorts in the world; most recently recognised as Tatler Asia’s Most Influential MY 2021. Lai is also the immediate Past President of the Malaysian Institute of Interior Designers (MIID) 2022-2024.

His passion for nurturing young emerging talents have led him to mentor graduate students at China Academy of Art in Hangzhou, China, and he is now serving as the Master Coach for Interior Architecture and Design Programme at The One Academy. Internationally, he has been a valuable AYDA Judge since 2016.

Datuk Ezumi Harzani graduated as a Bachelor of Housing, Building, Planning and Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Science, Malaysia. He also holds a Master of Philosophy from the University of Technology, Malaysia. Since then, he has been the President of Pertubuhan Akitek, Malaysia (PAM) and was a part of the Board of Architects, Malaysia from 2013 to 2021. Consecutively, he was appointed as a member of the Council of Architecture Accreditation and Education, Malaysia from 2010 - 2019, and is also a member of the Focus Group in Dealing with Construction Permit since 2012, advisory board member of the Kuala Lumpur City Hall from 2015 to 2019 and the chairman of Architect Centre Sdn Bhd from 2017.

He has presented more than 50 papers at national and international seminars on architecture and built environments. Besides this, he is also the Director of Arkitek MAA Sdn Bhd, that helps implement various project portfolios from hospitals, residentials, office buildings and hotels.