Interview with winners of REXDA Design Legend Award for their exemplary achievements in creativity, talent and contribution to the industry at the 2025 Rekatone Excellent Design Award (REXDA).
REXDA Design Legend Awardees
1. Young Eng – Creative director, Artech Design Lab (M) Sdn Bhd
i) What was your original belief when you first stepped into the world of design? How has that belief evolved throughout your career? What major challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?
From the moment I embarked on the path of design, my belief was simple: to use design as a tool to improve the relationship between people and space – to create works that resonate with the heart and elevate quality of life. That initial intention was like a seed, continuously driving me to explore and push boundaries with every project.
As my career progressed, I came to realize that design is not merely about aesthetics. It also needs to integrate functionality, cultural context and sustainability. Through accumulated experience, I learned to listen to clients’ stories and to understand the deeper value behind each space – weaving those insights into the heart of my work. My belief thus evolved from “pure beauty” to “human-centred beauty” – a belief that is more holistic and impactful.
Challenges were inevitable. In the early days of starting my own firm, we faced limited resources, a small team and scepticism from clients about working with a young studio. But those pressures became my greatest teachers. Whether it was burning the midnight oil for deadlines or being on-site personally, I embraced every difficulty as a form of growth. In the end, these challenges didn’t hold us back – they helped shape both myself and the core values of Artech Design Lab.
ii) What impact does receiving the REXDA Design Legend Award have on you?
Winning the REXDA Design Legend Award is not only a personal honour but also a meaningful recognition of my team’s collective effort and perseverance. This award feels like a flag held high – a reminder that the path we’ve taken, the persistence and hard work have not gone unnoticed.
Professionally, it represents a major milestone and an exciting new beginning. It opens doors to more opportunities and brings greater visibility to our design philosophy. More importantly, it strengthens my sense of responsibility to continue creating meaningful work that inspires young designers and to show the world that Malaysian creativity can shine just as brightly on the global stage.
iii) What are your thoughts on the future of the design industry in Malaysia?
I’m very optimistic about the future of design in Malaysia. As society places increasing emphasis on quality of life and spatial experience, design is no longer seen as a luxury – it has become an essential part of daily living and urban development.
Our multicultural background and rich local heritage offer fertile ground for cultivating a unique design language. This gives us a distinctive identity and competitive edge in the global arena. Looking ahead, I believe that by integrating technology, sustainability and local culture, Malaysian design will continue to evolve and reach even greater heights on the international stage.
2. Lim Pei Pei – Founder and CEO, Fuyu Dezain Sdn Bhd
i) What was your original belief when you first stepped into the world of design? How has that belief evolved throughout your career? What major challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?
At first, my interest in design was purely about practicality. But I realized the results didn’t look good. That was when I began to pay attention to aesthetics and naturally, that step led me into the design industry.
As I worked on more projects, I discovered that aesthetics alone was not enough. What truly mattered was giving clients real value and making sure every dollar they spent felt worthwhile. That realization pushed me to focus not only on design but also on the materials we used and the quality we delivered.
The journey, however, was not without challenges. When we outsourced work to subcontractors, there were times when they disappeared after being paid. To solve this, we decided to form our own wet work team, so we could control timing, quality, and materials ourselves.
Later, we encountered similar issues in carpentry. Some carpenters would secretly replace our premium laminates with cheaper alternatives, ignoring the design intent and compromising on aesthetics. They didn’t share the same respect for quality or design integrity.
In the end, we took a decisive step – we established our own carpentry, Fuyu Carpentry. By doing so, we placed both quality and design integrity entirely under our control, ensuring that every project we deliver carries the standards, honesty and precision we stand for.
ii) What impact does receiving the REXDA Design Legend Award have on you?
First of all, I would like to thank the judges of REXDA Award for recognizing our work. I believe this award will have a significant impact on both my personal journey and my career. Most importantly, it will strengthen the trust our clients have in us.
Beyond the trust of our customers and the market, as the founder of a company, I see this recognition as an opportunity to set an example for my team, especially our designers. I want them to know that achievements are not limited to the founder alone. Every individual and every team member at Fuyu has the potential to create their own value and reach their own milestones.
iii) What are your thoughts on the future of the design industry in Malaysia?
I believe the future of Malaysia’s design industry is very promising. More and more people are not only willing to spend on products, but they are also willing to invest in high-end, premium designs. This is a very positive sign for our industry.
At the same time, technology is reshaping how we work. One of the biggest pain points in design has always been the time and effort required. With the development of artificial intelligence, many AI tools have already started to ease this challenge. Some people may feel afraid of AI, but I see it as an opportunity rather than a threat.
AI not only helps us present our designs to clients more efficiently, it also frees us to focus more on creativity and talent. That’s why I believe designers should embrace AI, learn how to use it effectively and leverage it to expand the possibilities of Malaysia’s design industry.
3. Zoe Ee – Design director, Fuyu Dezain Sdn Bhd
i) What was your original belief when you first stepped into the world of design? How has that belief evolved throughout your career? What major challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?
When I first entered the design industry, my belief was very direct: design must solve problems. A space should not only be visually appealing, but also functional and aligned with the needs of its users.
As my experience grew, I came to understand that design is not a singular form of artistic expression – it’s a systematic process. It requires a balance of creativity and practicality, taking into account budget constraints, construction feasibility, efficiency and the overall client experience.
Challenges have been constant along the way. In the early stages of entrepreneurship, we had to balance our design ideals with market realities. Later, as the company expanded, we had to manage the complexity that comes with scaling up a business.
My method has always been straightforward: break the problem down, identify the key issues and develop a clear action plan. Logic and structured planning have been the most important tools in helping me overcome these challenges.
ii) What impact does receiving the Elite Designer of The Year Award have on you?
This award is a form of personal recognition, but more importantly, it represents the years of dedication, effort, and persistence shown by my entire team.
From a business perspective, it brings greater international visibility to our brand and reinforces client confidence in our work.
However, I don’t see awards as an end goal. Instead, they serve as a reminder to maintain our professionalism and efficiency – to transform recognition into responsibility and to turn honor into a new benchmark for excellence.
iii) What are your thoughts on the future of the design industry in Malaysia?
I see a very positive future for the design industry in Malaysia. On one hand, we have a rich and diverse cultural background that provides a strong foundation for unique design perspectives. On the other, the market is steadily maturing, with clients placing higher value on design quality and the overall user experience.
I have three suggestions for the industry moving forward:
- Incorporate more systematic and globally minded thinking into the design process.
- Embrace technology and sustainable development, ensuring that innovation is applied in real, tangible projects.
- Never lose sight of the client’s core needs, because design ultimately exists to serve people.
Only by balancing efficiency with human-centred design can our industry grow stronger and go further in the long run.
4. Chuah Sian Joe – Seven Design And Build Sdn Bhd
i) What was your original belief when you first stepped into the world of design? How has that belief evolved throughout your career? What major challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?
When I first entered the interior design and renovation industry, my belief was very simple: “A space is not just functional – it’s an emotional extension of its inhabitants.” I’ve always believed that every space should reflect the personality and lifestyle of the people living in it, rather than follow a one-size-fits-all template. That’s why I’ve consistently upheld a human-centred design philosophy, where practicality and aesthetics go hand in hand.
As my career progressed, this belief gradually deepened. What started as purely design execution has now evolved into full project management – including client communication and after-sales service. I’ve come to realize that design is not just about creativity, but also about responsibility. Especially when dealing with complex client requirements and building regulations, I’ve learned to strike a balance between aesthetics and practical constraints. I’ve also grown to place more emphasis on team collaboration and structured workflows.
One of the greatest challenges I’ve faced has been dealing with unreasonable payment delays and disputes over responsibilities during projects. These issues not only impact cash flow but also affect team morale. To address them, I rely on detailed documentation, clear contract terms, and a strong commitment to both principles and communication. Over time, this approach has helped build clients’ trust in our professionalism and integrity, while also safeguarding the interests of our team.
ii) What impact does receiving the REXDA Design Legend Award have on you?
Receiving the REXDA Design Legend Award is not only a personal recognition for me, but more importantly, a meaningful affirmation of the dedication and hard work of our entire team,include Zion Carpenter & Design Sdn Bhd. This award symbolizes our commitment to professionalism, innovation, and service excellence in both design and construction. At a time when integrity and sustainability are more important than ever, the recognition carries even greater significance.
I believe this honor will further strengthen our brand presence within the industry, allowing more clients and partners to see that our work goes beyond aesthetics – we are equally committed to quality, responsibility and long-term value. It also inspires me to continue pushing the Malaysian design and build industry toward higher standards, and to be a trusted partner in the region for both design excellence and project delivery.
iii) What are your thoughts on the future of the design industry in Malaysia?
Malaysia’s design industry is experiencing a period of dynamic growth. Especially in the post-pandemic era, people have placed greater emphasis on the quality of their living and working environments and as a result, the role of designers has become more crucial than ever. I see an encouraging trend: more young designers are embracing innovation, and more clients are willing to invest in high-quality design and construction.
I encourage fellow professionals to continue enhancing their expertise, particularly in areas such as project management, legal awareness and client communication. At the same time, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to integrity and accountability, so that the actions of a few do not damage the reputation of the entire industry.
Only by building a design ecosystem that is professional, transparent and human-centered can Malaysia truly shine on the international stage.
5. Sean Wong – Gaudi Interior Design Sdn Bhd
i) What was your original belief when you first stepped into the world of design? How has that belief evolved throughout your career? What major challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?
My passion for architecture and design began unexpectedly in primary school, when I came across a building simulation game. From that moment on, I was hooked. Even though my academic performance in secondary school qualified me for a government pre-university program, I made the clear and deliberate choice to pursue a degree in Interior Architecture and Design. I’ve always been certain that I wanted to be a designer.
After graduating and entering the professional world, I poured my heart into every design – thinking through every detail to create better solutions. However, there were times when clients would make decisions based on personal preferences or budget constraints that didn’t align with the design vision. I’ve faced doubts and rejections, but I’ve never strayed from my core design philosophy. And in the end, the clients’ satisfaction with the final outcome has always been my greatest reward.
ii) What impact does receiving the REXDA Design Legend Award have on you?
First and foremost, I would like to thank the organizers for presenting us with this meaningful and significant award. It not only recognizes the results of our journey so far, but also strengthens our belief in continuing forward. I believe this recognition will also help build greater trust with clients, allowing stronger design concepts to be seen, appreciated, and realized.
iii) What are your thoughts on the future of the design industry in Malaysia?
There is still so much potential to be unlocked in the Malaysian design market. Traditionally, the local industry has leaned toward more conservative tastes, but with the growing influence of social media, people are now exposed to a wider and more diverse range of design ideas and they’re becoming more open to innovation.
More and more, the public is beginning to understand how good design can help optimize costs while also enhancing the quality of the environment which ultimately leads to better living and working experiences.
I believe that both the government and private sector should invest more attention and support into the design field, working hand-in-hand with local designers to elevate the industry. Let’s put the spotlight on “Designed by Malaysians” and bring our creativity to the global stage.
6. Cosmo Chuah – Creative director, Lab Two Design
i) What was your original belief when you first stepped into the world of design? How has that belief evolved throughout your career? What major challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?
When I first embarked on the path of design, my belief was simple: I wanted to improve people’s lives through spaces. For me, design was never just about aesthetics – it was about creating environments where people could feel comfortable and a true sense of belonging. I often reminded myself that design exists to serve people.
As I gained more experience, I realized that the value of design goes far beyond functionality or beauty. It’s also a means of cultural expression and a reflection of our responsibility to the environment. Gradually, I began to incorporate more sustainable thinking and local cultural elements into my work. My philosophy evolved from “creating beauty” to “creating meaningful spaces with warmth and depth.”
Of course, the journey wasn’t always smooth. I faced challenges like limited resources, the gap between client expectations and reality, and the struggle to strike a balance between international trends and local identity. But these difficulties pushed me to learn, to experiment and ultimately helped shape the more mature version of myself I am today.
ii) What impact does receiving the REXDA Design Legend Award have on you?
Winning the REXDA Design Legend Award is a tremendous honour and recognition for me. It affirmed that the principles and efforts I’ve been holding onto all these years truly matter. This award is not just about personal glory – it’s a powerful reminder that design can and should be a driving force for social and cultural progress.
Professionally, the award has opened up a broader international platform. It’s given me opportunities to collaborate with designers from around the world and to showcase Malaysian design on a global stage. I hope this recognition can go beyond my own journey to inspire my team and encourage the younger generation of designers to step out with confidence and make their mark.
iii) What are your thoughts on the future of the design industry in Malaysia?
I truly believe that Malaysian design has great potential. Our country is rich in multicultural heritage, unique lifestyles and abundant local resources – all of which are powerful sources of creativity. As long as we learn to explore and express them authentically, we can create a design language that is uniquely Malaysian.
To young designers, my advice is this: don’t just follow trends – dare to break boundaries. Combine local identity with modern techniques and develop a voice that’s truly your own. Also, design should not exist in isolation. The future of design lies in interdisciplinary collaboration – with technology, with art and with sustainability. Only through such synergy can Malaysian design establish a strong and lasting presence on the international stage.
