KOTA KINABALU: The Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia (PAM) Sabah Chapter proudly announces the launch of the Revitalising Bornion Centre Competition 2025, jointly organised by the Dewan Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu (DBKK) and the N.21 Luyang State Assemblyman’s Office.

This initiative marks a historic first formal collaboration between a local authority and a professional body of architects in Sabah. It represents a significant milestone in the state’s effort to unite professional expertise, community aspirations, and urban governance within a single framework.

Fully funded by the N.21 Luyang State Assemblyman’s Office, the competition seeks to generate innovative, sustainable, and contextually sensitive design ideas to rejuvenate Bornion Centre, one of Luyang’s most recognisable commercial and community landmarks.

The competition aims to reimagine Bornion as a people-oriented, pedestrian-friendly, and economically vibrant hub that celebrates heritage while embracing modern urban living.

PAM Sabah Chapter Chairman Ar. Daniel Koh said the collaboration represents a forward-looking partnership that leverages professional knowledge for public good.

“This is the first time in Sabah’s history that a local authority and a professional architectural body are formally partnering to shape a community project,” said Ar. Daniel Koh. 

“We are deeply grateful to YB Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe for his vision and leadership in making this collaboration possible. This partnership reflects how architecture and design can serve the community — not just as a profession, but as a shared civic responsibility.”

Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, Caretaker Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Sabah and incumbent State Assemblyman for N.21 Luyang, expressed pride in leading the initiative, saying it highlights the creativity and capability of local talents in architecture and urban design.

“Sabah has many brilliant young architects and designers whose talents deserve to be showcased on a larger platform,” said Phoong.

“Through this collaboration, we not only create opportunities for Sabah’s professionals to shine, but we also demonstrate that community development should adopt a whole-of-society approach — one that brings together government, professionals, and the public to shape better, more liveable cities.”

The Revitalising Bornion Centre Competition 2025 will be jointly administered by PAM Sabah and DBKK, with PAM providing professional oversight and advisory support to ensure fairness, transparency, and alignment with sound architectural principles. 

Shortlisted and winning proposals will later be publicly exhibited to promote community engagement and civic pride.

“This is not merely a design competition,” added Ar. Daniel Koh. 

“It is a statement of collaboration, a call to elevate our public spaces, and an invitation for all Sabahans to reimagine the future of their cities together”.