The 14th edition of the Malaysia Landscape Architecture Award (MLAA14) recently celebrated the pinnacle of creativity, innovation and sustainability in Malaysian landscape architecture. The esteemed accolade continues to uphold the highest standards of design excellence, honouring the visionaries shaping the nation’s urban and natural environments. 

Officiated by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government’s deputy secretary-general Muhammad Razman Abu Samah alongside Institution of Landscape Architects Malaysia (ILAM) president associate professor Nor Atiah Ismail and Datuk Seri Paduka Maimunah Mohd Shariff, Malaysia special envoy for sustainable urbanisation. 

The MLAA14, serving as a beacon of inspiration, celebrated the outstanding achievements of professionals, firms and projects that epitomise excellence in landscape architecture across Malaysia. From iconic urban landscapes to rejuvenating green spaces, each winner represents a testament to the seamless fusion of artistry and functionality, enhancing the fabric of Malaysia’s diverse landscapes. 

This year’s award ceremony showcased an inspiring array of submissions, reflecting the industry’s dynamic evolution and commitment to advancing sustainable design practices. A  distinguished panel of judges, comprising leading experts in the field, faced the challenging task of selecting the most outstanding projects from a pool of exceptional entries, each demonstrating a profound impact on the built environment and communities they serve. 

In alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Malaysia  Landscape Architecture Award 14 recognises projects that contribute to addressing global challenges while promoting environmental sustainability, social inclusion and economic prosperity. These projects exemplify the principles of sustainable development by integrating nature-based solutions and innovative design strategies to create resilient,  vibrant and inclusive spaces for all. 

The MLAA14 also serves as a catalyst for dialogue and innovation within the landscape architecture community. By showcasing the best practices and groundbreaking projects that redefine the boundaries of the profession, the award inspires future generations of landscape architects to push the envelope and create transformative spaces that enrich lives and elevate human experiences. 

This year, MLAA14 offered a total of 12 categories of awards, with an impressive 123 submissions received from talented professionals across the landscape architecture industry. Through rigorous evaluation and deliberation, a total of 57 project awards were conferred, alongside six industry recognition awards, honouring excellence in various facets of landscape architecture. Spanning over six months, from the initial call for submissions to tonight’s grand gala, this journey has been made possible through the collective efforts of many. 

Each winning project showcases a unique blend of creativity, innovation, and environmental  stewardship: 

Young Landscape Architect Award 

• Mohamad Ekhsan Che Ros 
• Ain Syafikah Mohd Zaini 

Emerging Landscape Architect Award 

• Wan Salamatul Juita Wan Hashim 

Top Landscape Architect Firm

• Walrus Design Sdn Bhd (for 2024-2027) 

Best Client 2024 

• Sime Darby Property Bhd
• Tropicana Corporation Bhd 

Student Design Award (Student category)

Excellence

• Hydrological Symphony: Blue Green Infrastructure by Soon Suh Jing (UTM) 

Honours

• Matang Landfill To Eco-park: Thriving Through Regenerative Landscape Rehabilitation by Husna Mohd  Razif (UiTM Puncak Alam) 
• Reverse Landfill by Shirley Tan Min Huey (Universiti Putra Malaysia) 
• Reimaging Shah Alam Stadium as a Community Wellness Hub Integrated within a Public Park by Siti  Shaveera binti Md Shadip (UiTM Puncak Alam) 
• Urban Eco Heritage: Innovations for Sustainable Conservation in Melaka Town by Athirah Najwa Mohd  Tajul Ashikin (UiTM Puncak Alam) 
• Persisiran Pekan: Legasi Warisan Budaya Pahang by Muhammad Syahmirul Nizam Mat Sukri (Universiti Putra Malaysia)

Landscape Research Award (Researcher category)

Excellence 

• Hydrosocial Resilience: Landscape Conservation for Urban Flood Adaptation by Zul Azri Abd  Aziz, Lee Yoke Lai and Prof Madya Sapura Mohamad 

Honours

• Future Agriculture Frontier: Landscape Architecture for Sustainable Food Security Strategies by Muhammad Shafiq Zulkifli, Zainal Syahrizal Zainal Abidin, Norhafizatullakmar Sulaiman and Azizi Ahmad 
• Modelling Vegetation Alternatives for Thermal Management in Urban River Reserves by Siti Rahmah Omar and Nur Zulhijjah Aziz 

Green Initiatives Award (Government Category)

Excellence

• Pusat Aspirasi Rendah Karbon (PARK) by Majlis Daerah Beaufort 

Honours

• Kuala Lumpur Park Festival 2023 by Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur 
• Inclusive Park for People with Disabilities by Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya 
• Hari Rekreasi Putrajaya by Perbadanan Putrajaya 
• JB Lestari: MBJB Sustainable Initiative Program 2023 by Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru 
• Taman Awam Kuala Kerteh by National Landscape Department 
• Pantai Tanjung Buloh, Sedili Kechil by Majlis Perbandaran Pengerang 
• Rejuvenating of Pekan Lama Kuala Selangor by Majlis Perbandaran Kuala Selangor 
• Orkid Putrajaya 2023 by Perbadanan Putrajaya 

Green Initiatives Award (CSR Category)

Excellence

• Sustainable Engagement with Orang Asli by Gamuda Land Sdn Bhd

Honours

• Rain Tree Farm by Green Acres Studio Sdn Bhd and BYG Projects Sdn Bhd 
• Conservation for a Sustainable Future at Hutan Bandar Johor Bahru by UMW Toyota Sdn Bhd 

Landscape Construction Award (Landscape contractor category) 

Honours

• ATWATER by SK Landscape Sdn Bhd
• Lucentia Residences by Lee Landscape Sdn Bhd
• International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) by Greenville Landscape Sdn Bhd
• Plaza@Kelana Jaya Residences by Eco Footprint Sdn Bhd 
• M Centura by Lee Landscape Sdn Bhd 

Excellence

• Ryan & Miho by SK Landscape Sdn Bhd 

Landscape Construction Award (Developer category) 

Honours

• Elmina Sakura Lake by Sime Darby Property (City of Elmina) Sdn Bhd 
• Residensi Solaris Parq by UEM Sunrise Bhd 
• The Parc: The Emerging Spring of Nilai Impian by Sime Darby Property (Nilai) Sdn Bhd 

Landscape Masterplan Award (Developer category) 

Honours

• Ibrahim Technopolis (IBTEC) by JLand Group Sdn Bhd 
• KL East Master Plan by Sime Darby Property (KL East) Sdn Bhd 

Excellence

• The Evolution of Elmina Urban Park by Sime Darby Property (City of Elmina) Sdn Bhd

Environmental and Landscape Management Award (Climate change category)

Honours

• Building a Resilient Tomorrow by Sime Darby Property (Bukit Raja) Sdn Bhd 
• Elmina Central Park Arboretum by Sime Darby Property (City of Elmina) Sdn Bhd 
• Putrajaya Amenity Trees Management by Perbadanan Putrajaya 

Low Carbon Landscape Award (Climate change category)

Excellence

• Gamuda Cove: Low Carbon City Landscape Framework by Gamuda Land Sdn Bhd

Honours

• Minimising Carbon Footprint for Shah Alam Town Centre by Jabatan Landskap Majlis Bandaraya Shah Alam

Green Infrastructure Award (Climate change category)

Honours

• MetamorphoScape: Shifting from Gray to Green by Sitelink (M) Sdn Bhd 

Landscape Analysis and Study Award (Malaysian Project) (Professional category) 

Excellence

• Revitalise: Kota Bahru Islamic City by Morphosis Design Sdn Bhd 

Honours

• Future Proof City: Urban Village Nilai Impian 2 by Verona Design Sdn Bhd 
• Micro-mobility Masterplan: Charting Bikenomics Role For Kwasa Damansara by Clouston Design (M) Sdn Bhd 
• Elmina West Forest Park by Just Right Design Sdn Bhd 
• Hamilton Nilai City by Idris Studio Sdn Bhd 

Landscape Analysis and Study Award (International Project) (Professional category) 

Honours

• Revitalisation of Hong Kong Nullahs by AtkinsRéalis 

Merit 

• Grand Marina Saigon by AtkinsRéalis 

Landscape Design Award (Malaysian Project) (Professional category)

Excellence

• George Town Esplanade by Permata Green Sdn Bhd 

Honours

• The Streetscape of Elmina West by Lineworks and Space Sdn Bhd
• M Centura, Sentul by Engky Design Sdn Bhd  
• Jade Hills Central Park by Just Right Design Sdn Bhd 
• TRX City Park by Pentago Landscape Sdn Bhd 
• SplashMania Water Theme Park by Lineworks and Space Sdn Bhd 

Landscape Design Award (International Project) (Professional category)

Excellence

• Jin Wellbeing County by Shma Company Ltd 

Honours

• Common TU by VVdesine Landscape Architect Co Ltd 

Special Award – Conservation and Preservation Award 

• George Town Esplanade by Permata Green Sdn Bhd 

President Award

• Ceylonz Suites @ Bukit Ceylon by Landart Design Sdn Bhd 

Project of the Year 2024

• George Town Esplanade by Permata Green Sdn Bhd 

The MLAA is part of a wide array of events and activities organised by ILAM aiming to introduce the profession to a larger audience and create greater visibility on the growing role of landscape architects in the outdoor built environment, through various activities, seminars and conferences, awards and public awareness campaigns. ILAM is constantly looking for ways to promote and enhance the integral role that landscape architects play not only in the built environment but also in the development of local and international communities as a whole.