By Santtana Looganaden
santtana@mystar.com.my

Sr Ratna Binti Hj Mahyuddin, Deputy Director General (Specialised Sector) of Public Works Department, Ministry of Works Malaysia (centre) opens the 18th International Architecture, Interior Design & Building Exhibition (ARCHIDEX) at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. With her are (from left): Dato’ Vincent Lim, President of C.I.S Network Sdn Bhd; Ar Dato’ Sri Dr Amer Hamzah Mohd Yunus, President of Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM); Ar Alice Leong Pek Lian, Honorary Secretary of Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM); and Ar Ezumi Harzani Ismail, President of PAM.

KUALA LUMPUR: The International Architecture, Interior Design and Building Exhibition (Archidex) is back for its 18th edition for-seeing over RM1bil transaction this year.

The four-day event, held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre until Saturday, featured over 550 local and international exhibitors representing leading brands from 14 countries showcasing their best designs and the latest advancements.

Archidex is an annual event jointly organized by the Malaysian Institute of Architects (Pam) and CIS Network Sdn Bhd for exhibitors to showcase the latest in architectural design and building industry.

“We are hoping to see more transactions this year with 5% increase to 36,000 visitors,” said C.I.S Network Sdn Bhd president Datuk Vincent Lim.

Another highlight of this year’s outing is the inaugural Architalent, a competition for architecture students in search of talented and inspiring personalities. Out of 70 submissions received, 20 finalists has been selected to present their ideas to a panel of industry-led judges on July 20 at Plenary Theatre. The winners for the top three spots will be presented on the same day.

“Through constant improvement, strategic growth and a strong vision, Archidex consistently delivers its promise to support and grow this industry to be recognised as the most waited southeast Asia's architectural exhibition in the ASEAN region, bringing together the local and international professionals in the market.

“The government is actively exploring new ways to emphasis the usage of local materials in mega projects, as the heavy reliance on imported goods has impacted the development of our small and medium enterprises (SMEs), adding pressure on the current balance," said Ministry of Works Public Works Department Deputy Director General Ratna Mahyuddin, who represented Deputy Works Minister Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin during the opening ceremony.

ARCHIDEX is an important regional trade event in the architecture, interior design, and building industry. Over the years, ARCHIDEX has grown to become among the most successful congregations of professionals for this industry not just within Malaysia but increasingly from the around the region.

For more information, log on to www.archidex.com.my or download the ARCHIDEX App from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.