Kota Kinabalu: Sabah’s architects have been urged to play a greater role in improving the quality of life of communities through better housing, urban planning, public facilities and sustainable development.
Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif said the success of the built environment should not be measured solely by the number of buildings constructed, but by the quality of life created for the people.
He said architects were increasingly taking on roles beyond designing buildings, including as innovators, problem-solvers, coordinators and advocates for sustainable development.
“Their profession requires creativity, technical excellence, integrity and a strong sense of responsibility to society.
“This is why the architectural profession remains an essential partner in Sabah’s continued development,” he said in a speech read by his deputy Datuk Dr Maijol Mahap at the Sabah Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) Chapter’s 51st Anniversary Dinner at Magellan Sutera Harbour Resort, recently.
Dr Arifin said architecture played a vital role in shaping how people lived, worked and interacted, while balanced development required close cooperation among government agencies, local authorities, architects, engineers, developers, contractors and communities.
Meanwhile, PAM Sabah Chapter organising chairman Ar. Ezekiel Lee Tzxien said architects shared a responsibility to help build a better future for Sabah and Malaysia.
“As architects, our responsibility goes beyond the design of buildings. We shape spaces that influence lives, reflect culture, respond to the environment, and serve future generations,” he said.
He added that the profession continued to evolve amid rapid technological change, climate challenges and growing social responsibility.
PAM Sabah Chapter chairman Ar. Daniel Koh Chung Hou said Sabah’s landscapes, cultural heritage and communities provided an “extraordinary canvas” for architects.
“Sabah offers us an extraordinary canvas. Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant communities, we are reminded that the best architecture respects its surroundings while embracing innovation and sustainability,” he said.
Koh said architects should strive to create places that were resilient, inclusive, sustainable and “deeply human”, while respecting Sabah’s identity and protecting its environment for future generations.
At the dinner, Ar. Victor Wong Kon Yu, Ar. Mok Juang Yu, Ar. Sim Sie Hong and Ar. IDr. Arnold Kwan Chee Hung were conferred Fellows of PAM.
The event was attended by PAM national president Ar. Dexter Koh, City Hall Director General Datuk Lifred Wong, as well as heads and representatives of engineering bodies, surveyors, the Green Building Council, CIDB and Shareda.
