Kota Kinabalu: Architects in Sabah and Borneo must move beyond conventional approaches while preserving the region’s cultural identity, environmental values and relationship with nature, said Malaysia Institute of Architects (PAM) Sabah Chapter chairman Daniel Koh Chung Hou.
He said the theme of Borneo Architecture Festival (BAF) 2026, “Transcendence”, was timely as the profession faced rapid changes driven by climate change, new technologies, artificial intelligence, changing lifestyles and increasingly complex cities.
Koh said transcendence, in its simplest sense, meant going beyond what was familiar, conventional and limiting, including rethinking what architecture could be.
He said architecture had never been only about buildings, but also people, places, memory, culture and nature, adding that Borneo carried a special responsibility because of its rich landscapes, diverse communities and strong traditions.
“For us, transcendence should not mean copying what is happening elsewhere.
“It should mean taking what is uniquely ours and pushing it forward, learning from tradition, but not being trapped by it, using technology, but not losing the human touch,” he said.
Koh said development should be allowed to progress without coming at the expense of the environment, while architecture should remain meaningful decades after a building’s opening.
He said BAF 2026 could also serve as a platform to remove boundaries between young and experienced architects, architecture and other disciplines, technology and humanity, as well as development and nature.
Koh called for stronger collaboration between architects, engineers and other specialists, saying the profession needed to look beyond traditional boundaries in responding to increasingly complex challenges.
He hoped the festival would go beyond a series of talks and presentations by providing a platform where ideas could be exchanged, assumptions challenged, friendships strengthened and new collaborations formed.
Meanwhile, PAM Vice-President Dato’ Zulkhairi Md Zain said the profession needed to move beyond traditional design paradigms and redefine how it balanced innovation with identity, sustainability with progress, and humanity with technology.
He said true transcendence could not be achieved in isolation and required unity, a shared vision and strategy across the architectural community.
Zulkhairi called for deeper and continuous collaboration among PAM chapters, saying each brought unique local perspectives, architectural solutions and insights that could contribute to strengthening the profession nationally and internationally.
He also stressed the importance of lifelong learning and continuous professional development as the architectural landscape continued to evolve through advanced digital tools, sustainable materials and emerging urban policies.
Zulkhairi said forums such as BAF, research, mentoring and upskilling were important for architects committed to professional excellence.
He hoped BAF 2026 would generate meaningful discussions, inspire new ideas and strengthen ties within the architectural profession while encouraging architects to continuously evolve and design for a better future.
Also present was Assistant Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Maijol Mahap, architects and participants.
