Mutiara Damansara, Petaling Jaya, 27 September 2024: Over 100 young talents, aged between 5 to 17, gathered at Royale Chulan Damansara over the weekend for the fourth annual Little Architects Drawing + Design Competition 2024. Organised by Boustead Properties Berhad (Boustead Properties) and Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM), the competition received support from Royale Chulan Hotels and Resorts and the Curve. The competition challenges participants to design pocket spaces within the context of Mutiara Damansara township under the theme of Placemaking.
This competition forms part of Boustead Properties’ Reinvigoration of Mutiara Damansara programme, a comprehensive initiative aimed at enhancing the vibrancy and sustainability of the community’s environment. It is closely aligned with Boustead Properties’ sustainable agenda, with a focus on Community Outreach and Wellbeing. Participants were challenged to reimagine key spaces, such as the Mutiara Damansara Recreational Park and the Curve Mall, by designing areas that foster a sense of belonging and positively impact the public realm.
Muhd Taufiq Jaapar, Chief Creative Strategy Officer of Boustead Properties said, “The creativity and passion shown by these young minds are truly inspiring. Their designs show that the future of our spaces can be more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable, if we give the younger generation the platform to reimagine and dream big. It is also an opportunity for us to learn from them and collaborate on shaping our shared future.”
The competition featured four age categories:
- My Dream Playground (5-7 years old): Jocelyn Ho, aged 7, impressed the judges with her imaginative and creative playground design.
- My Dream Park (8-10 years old): Yusuf Mohd Khairul Izwan, aged 8, presented a visionary concept for a sustainable park.
- Creative Pocket Spaces (11-13 years old): Isabelle Lee Ruo Ning, aged 13, showcased an innovative design for urban spaces.
- Street Furniture Design (14-17 years old): Lai Ting Xin, aged 14, stood out with a functional and stylish street furniture concept.
Adjunct Professor Ar. Adrianta Aziz, President of PAM, emphasised the importance of the competition, stating, “This competition highlights the potential of young voices in shaping our urban spaces. Their designs show not only creativity but also a deep understanding of how spaces can bring people together and serve future generations.”
Parents were also excited about the competition. Jess Cheng, 42 from Subang, parent of the Category 1 winner Jocelyn Ho, shared, “It is amazing to see my child’s imagination come to life. This competition is more than just drawing; it is about imagining a better world.”
Another parent, Lee Voon Heen, 45, from Shah Alam, whose teenager won the Category 3 prize, added, “This competition has opened my child’s eyes to how design impacts daily life. It is wonderful to see young people think critically about sustainability and urban spaces.”
The event also featured interactive sessions such as “Managing Children of the AI Era”, a talk for parents by Adjunct Prof. Ar. Adrianta Aziz, and the “Little Chefs by Big Chef” programme by Chef K. Nathan from Royale Chulan Damansara. The event ended with a prize-giving ceremony, where winners received exciting rewards, including exclusive stays at Royale Chulan Hotels and Resorts.
This event reflects Boustead Properties’ commitment to nurturing the next generation of creative professionals and promoting community development and environmental responsibility.
Participants focusing on their designs during the Little Architects Drawing + Design Competition 2024
Judges evaluating the artworks
Participants enjoying the Little Chefs by Big Chef activity
Group photo.
Winners of Category 1
Category 2 Winners with PAM President Adjunct Prof. Ar. Adrianta Aziz (center left) and Boustead Properties’ Chief Creative Strategy Officer Muhd Taufiq Jaapar (center right)