4 days ago
S'wak govt backs sustainable, innovative devt projects, says Premier
Dr Sim (second left) speaks to Adrianta (left) regarding the designs. At right is the competition's convener Amzar Ahmad.
KOTA SAMARAHAN (June 25): The Sarawak government will continue to support developments that demonstrate sustainability, inclusivity and innovation, said Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The Premier said this is to ensure that the built environment keeps pace with the state's ambitions.
'Architecture sits at the heart of that agenda. We seek buildings and neighbourhoods that nurture biodiversity, embrace smart technology and, above all, put people first,' he said in a speech for the AIR Architecture Competition prize presentation at Hock Seng Lee (HSL) Tower here today.
The text of Abang Johari's speech was delivered by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, who represented him at the event.
The Premier said the competition is aligned with the state government's Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030, charting a path towards a high-income, green, and digital economy powered by talent and creativity.
'Competitions like AIR push our collective imagination and help translate policy into projects on the ground,' he added.
The AIR Architecture Competition involves a 13-acre land between Kuching International Airport and Saradise.
It is HSL's second national architecture competition after 'Langit' in 2021, and was jointly organised with the Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM).
HSL is the landowner and promoter of the competition, which is open to PAM members nationwide.
Abang Johari also noted the Project AIR tagline, 'The AIR Above Us, Di Bawah AIR Mengalir', as a simple phrase which distils Sarawak's long tradition of living in harmony with nature—from longhouses upriver to the shophouses of the Nanyang style that line old Kuching.
'Great cities grow from great rivers, whether in Kuala Lumpur or here at Kuching. When we design well, we create not merely handsome façades but healthier, happier communities.
'When we build responsibly, we honour our rivers, our forests, and the generations yet to come,' he said, adding it was heartening to see human-centred emphasis in each of the competition's submissions.
In this regard, he called on HSL, PAM and the wider design community to share these ideas through public exhibitions, online forums, and academic studios.
Also present were HSL managing director Datuk Paul Yu Chee Hoe and PAM president Adrianta Aziz. abang johari Dr Sim Kui Hian innovation sustainability
