Malaysia Architecture Weeks – Borak-Borak 04: A Full House and a Bold Conversation on the Future of Architecture
Published on 15 June 2025
By Firadaus Khazis Architect
On a packed morning at Toffee Building, Level 4, the conversation turned inward, towards our profession, our responsibilities, and our identity as architects in Malaysia. With a full house and an energized crowd (about 150 attendees) , the session proved to be more than just another talk. It became a catalyst.
Moderated by our principal, Ar. Firadaus Khazis, the session was intentionally unscripted. “I prepared zero questions,” he shared. “Because these questions have lived in my mind for years, they’re part of the collective struggle we all face.”
A key provocation came from Ar. Dexter’s submission for this year’s Malaysian Architecture Week (MAW), which ignited questions many have been afraid to ask:
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What is our architectural identity?
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Should it be documented?
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Should it guide future architects?
These questions quickly expanded into a broader reflection on the weight we carry in shaping not just cities or towns, but kampungs, landscapes, and communities.
The discussion didn’t stop at identity. It moved deeper, tackling topics often avoided in professional settings: dignity, pride, welfare, and future-proofing the profession. As Ar. Firadaus posed to the audience:
“Are we doing this just to put food on the table, or is there something greater, something worth fighting for beyond just business?”
The session evolved into an open-floor dialogue, with insights passed from two of Malaysia’s most respected architectural voices, Kevin Mark Low and Dr. Tan, to the audience, including Ar. Bane Lim, Lim Jeng Ying, AYDA Award winners, and a number of passionate young graduates.
One of the most heated and honest parts of the evening was the discussion around recognitions, awards, and the quality of architectural deliverables. For once, this was not just about celebrating design, but questioning it, challenging it, and asking how we measure real impact.
A Long-Overdue Conversation
In his closing reflection, Ar. Firadaus shared:
“We need guidance from our seniors.
We, the adults, must act—demand fair fees, uphold the dignity of our practice, and create space for the next generation to thrive.”
Borak-Borak 04 wasn’t just a talk. It was a long-overdue conversation, one we’ve been needing to have for far too long.
And now that the door is open, we must keep it open, inviting students, young graduates, seasoned practitioners, and even those who’ve stumbled along the way. Because only through open, honest, and intergenerational dialogue can we reshape this profession for the better.
Featured Speakers & Presenters
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Azlan Syarawi – Syarawi Architect
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Ar. Dexter Yap – DECODA
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James Lim – Studio LOKA
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Ar. Loh – YP Loh Architect / Midas Creation
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Ar. Razin – Razin Architect
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Ar. Alan Teh – Alan Teh Architect (ATA)
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Ar. Qhawarizmi – Qhawarizmi Architect
