MOA Architects cinches top spot in AIR Architecture competition

Congratulations to MOA Architects for winning PAM & HSL’s National Architecture Competition.

KUCHING, 25 June 2025: Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) and Hock Seng Lee (HSL) earlier today unveiled the results of the AIR Architecture Competition, a design competition that seeks masterplans primarily focused on residential development on a 13.5-acre space between Kuching International Airport and Saradise, while thoughtfully integrating a natural stream in the land. Launched mid-2024, the competition - AIR: The AIR Above Us, Di Bawah AIR Mengalir - was judged by a seven-member panel that included both Malaysia’s youngest and one of its most senior PAM Gold Medalists.

MOA Architects, headed by Kuala Lumpur-based Sarawakian Ar Hung Ing Sing, cinched first prize. MOA’s scheme, designed by Ar Hung and Tan Ling Rong, proposes what could become Malaysia’s largest green roof. It beat 10 other shortlisted teams and earned the RM120,000 prize. Ar Azwan Othman took second place with a hexagonal, longhouse-inspired design. TR Hamzah & Yeang, in collaboration with Aki Media, finished third. Datuk Ar Ken Yeang’s proposal preserves 76 percent of the site’s mangrove forest and river, placing mid-rises around the perimeter. Lateral Architects’ “Land Bridges” and Qhawarizmi Architect’s “Hydrogen AI Smart City” rounded out the top five. Prize money totalled RM250,000, fully sponsored by HSL; PAM designed and ran the competition. 

Winning entry – MOA Architects’ masterplan features what would become Malaysia’s largest green roof.

Sculpted by the river and shaped by the wind, MOA Architects’ masterplan proposes a mix of residential and hotel spaces in the taller buildings and commercial buildings closer to the water, as well as nature reserves and waterfront walkways in a seamless design.

“Every competition—this is our second—reveals outstanding ideas from a wide range of people. MOA’s soaring green canopy, Ar Azwan’s prefab approach that minimises site damage, and Ar Yeang’s masterful town-planning each tackle sustainability in distinct ways,” noted HSL Managing Director, Datuk Paul Yu Chee Hoe.

PAM President Ar Adrianta Aziz emphasised the process: “Stage One judging was anonymous—we saw only printed boards. In Stage Two, each finalist presented and faced Q&A. A competition remains the fairest way to judge merit.” He also noted that AIR is the only architecture master planning competition of 2024 and 2025, adding that “Ultimately, the real winners will be the people of Kuching and Sarawak. They will enjoy a development with public spaces, clean air above, and clean air (water) below. Syabas HSL.”

During the results ceremony today, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Prof. Dr Sim Kui Hian, who represented the Premier of Sarawak, called for more eco-design-led developments. “This AIR competition exemplifies the development model my government champions: one that unites planners, architects, investors and, most importantly, the public,” Dr Sim said, reading from Premier Tan Sri Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg’s speech.

“As the convenor observed, each entry stands on its own merit, yet they share a common instinct: to treat the river not as an obstacle but as a living corridor. Great cities grow from great rivers, whether in Kuala Lumpur or here in Kuching. Equally heartening is the human-centred emphasis in every submission. Cities are ultimately judged not by skylines but by the happiness and health of their citizens: Are we active? Are there places to meet and mingle? Do we feel rooted?”

He added that green developments such as AIR aligns with Sarawak’s Post-2030 vision and will receive support and attention from the state government. HSL has pledged to build one of the winning schemes, echoing its commitment after the Langit competition in 2021, and its earth breaking as Langit Citadines Kuching in 2025. PAM and HSL are also exploring talks by AIR winners for university students. Some 200 guests -- from public and private sectors, and top post-graduates from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak -- attended the AIR Results Ceremony at HSL Tower.

For more information, visit hsl.com.my, airkch.com or search #AirKch on social media.