KUALA LUMPUR, 26.06.2026
PURPOSE BEYOND ARCHITECTURE | Architecture as a Catalyst for Identity, Community and Human Experience
The JUNG Architecture Talks in Kuala Lumpur explored how architects in South-East Asia are redefining the role of architecture in an increasingly complex and dynamic world. Today, this is no longer merely a matter of form and aesthetics, but rather the ability to create social value, strengthen communities, give visible expression to cultural identity, and sustainably improve the quality of everyday life.
Together with leading architects and designers from the region, we were able to explore how contemporary architecture responds to local contexts whilst simultaneously developing solutions to global challenges. The focus was on projects and approaches that demonstrated how architecture can create meaningful places, foster a sense of belonging and contribute to resilient, sustainable cities.
The evening was hosted by Lai Siew Hong, co-founder and Chief Executive Designer of Blu Water Studio. Through his interdisciplinary work at the intersection of architecture, interior design and placemaking-oriented spatial concepts, he brought a unique perspective to the design of identity-forming and experience-oriented spaces.
Together with leading architects and designers from the region, we were able to explore how contemporary architecture responds to local contexts whilst simultaneously developing solutions to global challenges. The focus was on projects and approaches that demonstrated how architecture can create meaningful places, foster a sense of belonging and contribute to resilient, sustainable cities.
The evening was hosted by Lai Siew Hong, co-founder and Chief Executive Designer of Blu Water Studio. Through his interdisciplinary work at the intersection of architecture, interior design and placemaking-oriented spatial concepts, he brought a unique perspective to the design of identity-forming and experience-oriented spaces.
Impressions
Architecture guided tour
AMATA LUPHAIBOON
Department of Architecture Co.
Amata Luphaiboon is the co-founder of Department of Architecture Co. (DofA), one of Southeast Asia’s most internationally acclaimed architectural practices. His work is distinguished by a sensitive engagement with place, culture, and social context, exploring how architecture can create meaningful environments that connect people and enrich everyday life.
A Gold Medal graduate of Chulalongkorn University, where he graduated top of his class, Amata furthered his architectural education at the University of Washington and Harvard University. Under his leadership, DofA has evolved into a globally recognised practice, receiving numerous prestigious awards, including Best Architect of the Year and multiple Architizer A+ Awards.
Through landmark projects such as The Commons, Amata Luphaiboon has helped redefine the role of architecture as a catalyst for social interaction, community building, and cultural identity. His work demonstrates how contemporary architecture can create vibrant, people-centred places that extend far beyond their functional purpose and contribute meaningfully to the urban experience.
www.departmentofarchitecture.co.th
www.departmentofarchitecture.co.th
KEN WONG
KEN WONG ARCHITECTS
With more than three decades of professional experience, Ken Wong is regarded as one of Malaysia’s most respected architects. Before founding his own practice, he spent many years as a Director at Unit One Design. There, he played a key role in shaping a diverse portfolio of residential, commercial and hospitality projects and contributed significantly to the development of contemporary architecture in the region. In 2023, he founded Ken Wong Architects, a practice dedicated to creating sophisticated, context-responsive architecture that combines design quality with sustainable functionality. His work is characterised by a clear spatial language, a sensitive use of materials and a consistently user-centred design approach. The result is places that are distinguished both by their design precision and their everyday usability. Drawing on decades of experience and a deep understanding of place and context, Ken Wong pursues a design approach that brings together craftsmanship, innovation and architectural integrity. His projects demonstrate how contemporary architecture can balance comfort, functionality and timeless aesthetics while responding sensitively to cultural and spatial conditions.
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CHAN EE MUN
WOHA
Chan Ee Mun is one of the defining voices of a new generation of architects who understand sustainable urban development and quality of life as an inseparable whole. As a Director at WOHA – one of the world’s leading architecture offices for sustainable tropical architecture and urban innovation – he has for many years been exploring how growing cities can become denser, greener and more liveable at the same time. His work is based on the conviction that urban density and nature are not opposites, but can reinforce one another. With this approach, he has been responsible for numerous award-winning projects in the fields of housing, commercial development and hospitality. Among his best-known projects is MeyerHouse in Singapore, which was named Design of the Year at the 2022 SIA Architectural Design Awards. For his achievements, Chan Ee Mun was selected by Singapore’s Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) for its renowned “20 under 45” list, which recognises outstanding figures in architecture and urban planning. Guided by his philosophy of “Tropical Urbanity”, he explores how architecture and urban planning can create resilient urban ecosystems that bring together ecological responsibility, social quality and economic sustainability. His projects demonstrate how the cities of the future can be designed to be greener, more human and more liveable.
www.woha.net
www.woha.net
