The inaugural REXDA (Rekatone Excellent Design Award) International Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony was held in grand fashion at Pavilion Hotel, Kuala Lumpur on May 30, 2025.
The evening was a resounding success, bringing together over 150 professionals from the interior design, architecture and renovation sectors, and a celebration of excellence in design and driving innovation and sustainability in the industry.
Organized by Rekatone.com, the event aimed to honour outstanding individuals and companies in the fields of interior design, architecture and renovation, recognizing their creativity, talent and contribution to the industry.
A total of 60 awards were presented to distinguished designers from 30 companies, highlighting standout achievements across the industry, locally and internationally.
Among the awards handed on the night included Best Landed Design, Best Wellness & Hospitality Design, Best Retail Design, Best ESG&SDG Design, Best High-Rise Design, Best F&B Design, Best Workspace Design, People’s Choice Design, Designer of the Year, REXDA Icon Personality and Design Legend.
Datuk Ts Dr Mohd Nor Azman Hassan, the deputy secretary-general (technology development) of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti), officiated the event on behalf of secretary general Dato’ Seri Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad, who was unable to be present.
In his speech, Datuk Azman stated that the REXDA Awards not only elevate the quality, professionalism and credibility of the interior design and renovation industry but also foster greater innovation, aiding the government’s efforts in curbing fraudulent practices and guiding the industry towards a more professional and sustainable future.
“The award-winning works this year will shine on both domestic and international platforms, strengthening brand influence and earning broader recognition from government and international institutions,” he said.
“This is a commendable initiative. Whether it’s the designers, their creations, the enterprises behind them, or businesses that apply and promote such designs, they must uphold integrity, professionalism, service excellence, and innovation. Only then can Malaysian designers truly stand out on the global stage and bring pride to the nation.”
Datuk Azman noted that Malaysia’s interior design and renovation sector has long been a vital contributor to the national economy. The market is vibrant and diverse, creating comfortable and aesthetically pleasing living and working environments, and is becoming increasingly important in tandem with the country’s economic growth and rising living standards.
According to data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia, the industry had already reached a market size of RM5 billion by 2019, with continued growth anticipated.
Datuk Aman emphasized the government’s strong commitment to local technology and innovation as a key driver of national development, having implemented several initiatives, including Dana Applied Innovation Fund (AIF) and MySTI Recognition Program.
He encouraged industry players to approach Mosti for further information and to apply for these innovation support initiatives.
In his speech, Jacky Chuah Chong Heong, the founder and chief executive officer of Rekatone.com acknowledged the challenges currently facing the design and renovation sectors, particularly from emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI). However, he expressed strong confidence that these challenges also present opportunities for growth and breakthroughs.
“The six core objectives established by REXDA are the driving force that empowers us to navigate through difficulties and grow together with the design community. We must proactively enhance our professional skills and innovative capabilities to reach new heights,” he said.
He also urged the government to provide more support for the design industry, particularly in nurturing local talent.
“Malaysia’s interior design and renovation market is dynamic and diverse. It not only shapes beautiful and comfortable living environments but also plays a vital role in the country’s economic development.”
Key guests in attendance at the industry gala and ceremony night included Dr Daniele Gambero, chairman of the REXDA Judging Panel, and Jeffrey Tan Kau Meng, chief strategy officer of Enotaker Technology Sdn Bhd.
The following are the recipients of the 2025 Rekatone Excellent Design Award (REXDA):
- Best High-Rise Design:
– Chinn Design Studio Sdn Bhd
– 946 Design Sdn Bhd
– Think Interior Sdn Bhd
– Young Concept Design Sdn Bhd
– Inzsef Design Sdn Bhd
– Vixual XVI Interior Design
– Seven Design And Build Sdn Bhd - Best Landed Design:
– Chinn Design Studio Sdn Bhd
– Fuyu Dezain Sdn Bhd
– Not Design Studio Sdn Bhd
– Friday Night Design Studio Sdn Bhd
– Artech Design Lab (M) Sdn Bhd
– Luxiiigon Studio Sdn Bhd
– JStudio Design Sdn Bhd
– Rang Interior Design Studio Sdn Bhd
– GTZ Home Design
– Builtop Group Sdn Bhd
– Seven Design And Build Sdn Bhd - Best Workspace Design:
– Fuyu Dezain Sdn Bhd
– Lab Two Design
– Matt Design Sdn Bhd
– Winenrich Enterprise Sdn Bhd
– Rang Interior Design Studio Sdn Bhd
– Flourish Studio
– J Solventions Interior Design Sdn Bhd
– GTZ Home Design
– Inzsef Design Sdn Bhd - Best ESG/SDG Design:
– Fuyu Dezain Sdn Bhd
– Lab Two Design - Best Wellness & Hospitality Design:
– Fuyu Dezain Sdn Bhd
– Pinco Design
– Artech Design Lab (M) Sdn Bhd
– Flourish Studio
– Inzsef Design Sdn Bhd
– Seven Design And Build Sdn Bhd - Elite Designer of the Year: Zoe Ee
- Best F&B Design:
– Why Design Studio
– Not Design Studio Sdn Bhd
– iD&A Method Sdn Bhd
– Lab Two Design
– Gaudi Interior Design Sdn Bhd - People’s Choice Design: Friday Night Design Studio Sdn Bhd
- Best Retail Design:
– Gaudi Interior Design Sdn Bhd - REXDA Design Legend:
– Seven Design And Build Sdn Bhd
– Inzsef Design Sdn Bhd
– Lab Two Design
– Artech Design Lab (M) Sdn Bhd
– Fuyu Dezain Sdn Bhd
– Gaudi Interior Design Sdn Bhd
