Malaysian deaf architectural student wins award at Asia Young Designer Awards

Ler (right) and Man proudly showcase their awards. Photos: Ayda

As a deaf architecture student, Ler Teck Ho, 21, has had to work harder – and differently – than his hearing peers. But he refuses to let his impairment define or limit him.

Last month, he made history by clinching the Best Colour Choice Award (Architecture) at Nippon Paint’s 2024 Asia Young Designer Awards (Ayda).

Ler, from Muar, Johor, is the first differently-abled winner in an Ayda competition.

The student from Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) in Kajang, Selangor described the win as a delightful surprise.

“I feel truly excited and amazed to win this award. This recognition means a lot to me, as it shows that my hard work and passion have paid off,” he said in an email interview recently.

Ler’s concept combines heritage elements with contemporary design to create a space that bridges the past and the present.

Ler’s project, Framexus: Bridging Heritage and Modernity Through Cultural Convergence, captured the judges’ attention and earned him the award.

Revolving around a cultural centre in Melaka, the project draws inspiration from the rich heritage of the area, particularly the iconic Kampung Morten, a traditional Malay village in the heart of the city.

The concept for the competition, Converge: Global Design Solutions, aims to unite local and global issues. With the theme changing annually to address current global and local issues, Ayda encourages participants to push the boundaries of design and explore solutions that make a meaningful impact on society.

Ler’s concept embodies a “building within a building”, combining heritage elements with contemporary design to create a space that bridges the past and the present.

“My design was inspired by the cultural richness of the Melaka River. The site is close to the river, which is a key route for the Melaka river cruise. Locals and tourists often use the cruise to explore the state’s cultural heritage.

“This connection inspired me to create a design that feels like a ‘Melaka living room’, a welcoming space where locals and tourists can come together and share experiences,” said Ler, who took three months to fully develop and finalise the design.

Other winners of AYDA 2024 were Lew Wai Fong from Universiti Malaya in Kuala Lumpur and Tan Ee Wei from Penang’s Equator College, who secured the Architectural and Interior Design Gold Awards, respectively. Man Yuet Thung won Best Colour Choice Award (Interior Design).

There were over 1,536 submissions from students representing colleges and universities across Malaysia for the competition.

Launched in 2008, Ayda provides a platform for architecture and interior design students to showcase their creativity, challenge their innovative thinking, and gain recognition for their efforts.

Since its inception, Ayda has grown from being a national competition in Malaysia to an international platform involving 19 countries, including Japan, Thailand and Indonesia.

Ler’s winning design is inspired by Melaka’s iconic Kampung Morten, a traditional Malay village.

Raising awareness for change

Ler is living proof that, with the right support, differently abled students can overcome challenges, unlock their potential, and make a meaningful impact in the world.

He believes that differently abled individuals possess the same talents and potential as anyone else, often bringing fresh perspectives that inspire innovation.

“Winning this award is important because it allows differently abled individuals to share their unique perspectives and talents with a broader audience. Personally, as someone who is introverted, joining Ayda was a chance to step out of my comfort zone and present my work. It helped me prove to myself and others that I can contribute meaningfully to the industry.

In 2023, Ler also clinched the Best Air-Conditioning Design Award in the Daikin Youth Design Competition.

As a deaf architecture student, Ler focuses on creating inclusive designs that celebrate diversity.

“For example, I prioritise features like barrier-free access and sensory-friendly spaces to ensure everyone can enjoy and engage with the environment. For me, architecture is about connecting people and breaking down barriers.

“I’m passionate about using my skills to make that happen,” said Ler, who is particularly interested in urban and landscape architecture, especially projects that connect nature with cultural heritage.

Nippon Paint Malaysia assistant general manager (marketing) Datin Wong Meng Lee praised Ler for his talent and creativity, emphasising that design excellence transcends physical and societal limitations.

“Ler’s project stood out as a powerful example of how design can preserve tradition while meeting contemporary needs. This balance of aesthetics, functionality, and cultural resonance was what ultimately won the hearts of the judges.

“The award recognises participants who demonstrate exceptional creativity in their use of colours to bring their concepts to life, enhancing the overall impact and storytelling of their projects. By welcoming all participants, the aim is to celebrate diverse perspectives and highlight the fact that talent knows no boundaries.”

Wong said that cultivating collaborations and advocacy is essential to creating an environment where every individual, regardless of ability, can thrive.

“Fostering a more inclusive mindset is crucial, shifting perceptions to focus on their abilities and potential rather than their limitations. Educational programmes should provide accessible learning environments that enable these individuals to excel.

“Employers, too, play a key role by embracing inclusivity through workspaces designed to accommodate diverse needs and having mentorship programmes that empower differently abled talents.”