Kota Kinabalu: The Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia (PAM) Sabah Chapter has launched the “Revitalising Bornion Centre Competition 2025”, in collaboration with Dewan Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu (DBKK) and the Office of the Luyang State Assemblyman’s office.
The initiative marks the first formal partnership between a local authority and a professional body of architects in Sabah — a milestone that unites professional expertise, community aspirations and urban governance under one framework.
Fully funded by the Luyang State Assemblyman’s Office, the competition aims to produce innovative, sustainable and contextually sensitive design ideas to rejuvenate Bornion Centre, one of Luyang’s most recognisable commercial and community landmarks.
It envisions transforming Bornion into a people-oriented, pedestrian-friendly and economically vibrant hub that blends heritage with modern urban living.
PAM Sabah Chapter Chairman Ar. Daniel Koh described the collaboration as a forward-looking partnership that channels professional knowledge for public good.
“This is the first time in Sabah’s history that a local authority and a professional architectural body are formally partnering to shape a community project,” said Koh.
He thanked Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister cum Luyang Assemblyman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe for his leadership in making the collaboration possible.
“This partnership reflects how architecture and design can serve the community — not just as a profession, but as a shared civic responsibility,” he added.
Phoong said he was proud to champion the initiative, adding that it highlights the creativity and capability of Sabah’s local talents in architecture and urban design.
“Sabah has many brilliant young architects and designers whose talents deserve to be showcased. Through this collaboration, we create opportunities for local professionals to shine while promoting a whole-of-society approach to community development,” he said.
The competition will be jointly administered by PAM Sabah and DBKK, with PAM providing professional oversight to ensure fairness, transparency and adherence to sound architectural principles.
Shortlisted and winning proposals will later be publicly exhibited to encourage community participation and civic pride.
“This is not merely a design competition. It is a call for collaboration and an invitation for all Sabahans to reimagine the future of their cities together,” Koh said.