The AYDA Awards 2023/2024 international finale, hosted from July 3-5th at the renowned ITC Grand Chola, Chennai, witnessed the convergence of creative brilliance from around the globe. This award brought together the National Winners from 17 countries and regions who vied for the coveted title of AYDA Designers of the Year.
The AYDA Awards, formerly known as the Asia Young Designer Awards, initiated in 2008 by Nippon Paint, aims to cultivate the next generation of Architectural and Interior Design talents globally. With over 59,000 entries from 1,200 tertiary institutions across 20 countries and regions, it stands as a premier design accolade that is recognised across the globe. This year, the AYDA Awards 2023/2024 received over 6,000 submissions from 17 countries and regions, highlighting the diverse talent and innovation present in today’s design landscape.
Mr. Wee Siew Kim, Group CEO of NIPSEA Group, delivering a welcome speech at the AYDA & CCA Awards Ceremony
Lim Jeng Ying from Malaysia emerged as the AYDA Designer of the Year for the Architectural category, while Alifiah Azzahrah from Indonesia clinched the AYDA Designer of the Year award for the Interior Design category. Both winners’ exceptional submissions resonated deeply with the theme of the 2023/2024 edition, CONVERGE: Championing Purposeful Designs.
Malaysian AYDA Winners from left to right: Jesslyn Tew, “VOLT-YATE: An Integrated EV Charging Station”, Malaysia (AYDA Best Design Impact Award 2023/2024 Winner for the Interior Design Category); Lim Jeng Ying, “River Reverie: Life by Sungai Petani’s River”, Malaysia (AYDA Designer of the Year 2023/2024 Winner for the Architectural Category)
Their visionary creations captivated both judges and audiences alike, promising not just aesthetic marvels but tangible solutions to real-world challenges. As part of their well-deserved recognition, the winners will embark on a transformative journey at a 3-week Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design’s Design Discovery Program in June 2025, fully funded up to USD10,000.
In addition to the prestigious Designer of the Year title, the AYDA Awards also honoured outstanding achievements in both categories:
Architectural Category:
1. Best Design Impact Awards – Amirmasoud Aghajanizadeh, Iran
2. Best Sustainable Design Awards – Danh Minh An, Vietnam
3. Nippon Paint Colour Award – Nilrandha Fonseka, Sri Lanka
Interior Design Category:
1. Best Design Impact Awards – Jesslyn Tew, Malaysia
2. Best Sustainable Design Award – Lim Gia Zhun, Singapore
3. Nippon Paint Colour Award – Panisa Wongchaom (Porpla), Thailand
4. Judges Choice Award – Truong Thanh Qui, Vietnam
Judges and Winners of the CCA Awards 2024
What sets the AYDA Awards apart is its dedicated focus on nurturing creativity and interpersonal skills through group and one-on-one coaching, guiding finalists every step of the way through the finale. The award is more than just a contest; it’s a cornerstone of Nippon Paint’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, Colouring Lives, under the Education pillar. Participation is entirely free, ensuring that financial barriers never hinder aspiring designers from realising their full potential and giving back to their communities.
“The AYDA Awards has transformed into a holistic programme for aspiring artists to put their best work forward,” stated Gladys Goh, Senior Vice-President, Strategic Innovation & Marketing at NIPSEA Group. “Nippon Paint not only positions itself as a thought leader in nurturing the next generation of designers but also champions local talents. We are committed to fostering creativity and innovation among the next generation of designers.”
The grand finale event was also graced by distinguished speakers from Nippon Paint as well as industry leaders. Mr Mark Titus, Vice President of Nippon Paint India and Group Marketing Lead at NIPSEA Group spoke about the brand’s 143 year legacy and commitment to the global design community. Mr Kiran Kapadia, Founder Director of Kapadia Associates Design LLP and Mr Lai Siew Hong, Chief Executive Designer at Blu Water Studio and also one of the esteemed AYDA judges provided important takeaways for the audience through their unique perspectives and industry experiences. Each speaker brought a wealth of knowledge and wisdom to the event, making the event a memorable and enriching experience for all attendees.
Concurrently, the event was held alongside Nippon Paint’s Creative Colour Awards 2023/2024, which served to recognise the significance of colours in architecture and interior design. To watch the recently held 2023/2024 awards ceremony and the finalists’ design presentations, tune in to AYDA’s YouTube channel.
The upcoming theme for AYDA Awards 2024/2025 – CONVERGE: Glocal Design Solutions, calls for innovative designs to address global challenges in social, urban development and environment. All these interconnected themes emphasise the pivotal role of design in shaping a sustainable and resilient future. Seize this opportunity to showcase your ingenuity and passion. Submit your innovative designs and join the AYDA Awards 2024/2025 to be part of the movement that is redefining the future in design. Deadlines may vary by location, which can be found through www.ayda-awards.com.
www.ayda-awards.com; www.creativecolourawards.com
