UTM Architecture Student Secures 1st Bronze Triumph at ARCASIA Student’s Design Competition 2023

hanis.nazurah@utm.my

Saik Wen Xuan, a final year student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Architecture with Honours from the Programme of Architecture within the Faculty of Built Environment & Surveying at UTM, has clinched the prestigious first bronze medal at the 2023 Architects Regional Council Asia (ARCASIA) Student’s Architectural Design Competition.

Her winning project, titled ‘Lost in Wonderland Community Library,’ not only outshone a highly competitive field but also showcased the extraordinary talent nurtured under the guidance of Ar. Ts. Hanis Nazurah binti Abu Hassan, reflecting UTM’s unwavering commitment to architectural excellence.

The ARCASIA Student’s Architectural Design Competition is a beacon of prestige, drawing participants from 23 Asian countries making it a coveted platform for empowering budding architects. This year’s award ceremony, hosted on the picturesque Boracay Island in the Philippines on September 18, 2023, saw the eminent Adj. Prof. Ar. Adrianta Aziz, Chairman of ARCASIA Student’s Architectural Design Competition 2023, announced Saik Wen Xuan as the celebrated winner. She represented Malaysia and UTM with exceptional design, seamlessly integrating functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability.

The path to this remarkable success was anything but ordinary. On August 16, 2023, the top three Malaysian finalists, including Saik Wen Xuan, were unveiled. Hailing from diverse universities across Malaysia, these finalists competed fiercely against participants representing the other 22 ARCASIA Member Institutes.

Saik Wen Xuan (right) and another Bronze Medallist from Malaysia for Thesis of The Year 2023 Category (left) with Adj. Prof. Ar. Adrianta Aziz, Chairman of ARCASIA Student’s Architectural Design Competition 2023.

Saik’s achievement is a testament to her relentless effort, unwavering dedication, and innate talent. It also underscores the invaluable support and guidance from the dedicated faculty members and UTM’s distinguished academic staff. This remarkable feat showcases the faculty’s commitment and highlights the Programme of Architecture’s dedication to nurturing architectural talent and fostering creativity among its students.

The faculty has consistently advocated for nurturing innovative thinking and creativity among its students, and Saik’s triumph is tangible proof of this shared mission and vision. The entire faculty celebrates this monumental achievement, reaffirming the university’s steadfast commitment to nurturing architectural brilliance. Saik Wen Xuan’s accomplishment is a wellspring of inspiration for aspiring young architects, filling Malaysia and UTM with immense pride.

For additional information regarding the ARCASIA Student’s Architectural Design Competition 2023, please visit https://aca20.unitedarchitects.ph/student-competition/.