Organised by the Macau Designers Association, co-organised by SJM Resorts, S.A. (“SJM”), and sponsored by the Cultural Development Fund of the Macao SAR Government, the exhibition in Kuala Lumpur highlighted 30 to 60 award-winning pieces and more than 100 selected works spanning digital media.
With strong support from SJM, the “Macau Design Award 2023” tour has successfully promoted the works of Macau’s outstanding designers and emerging international talents to a broader stage, fostering cultural and artistic exchanges while building bridges between Macau and the global design community. This year’s event attracted participants from 22 countries and regions, enabling creators to engage in dialogue through their works and gain abundant creative inspiration. 
Insights from Speakers Session: Bridging Culture through Design
The speakers session on March 22 brought together design professionals who shared valuable insights on the transformative power of design across boundaries. A key focus of the session was how cultural traditions can be preserved and revitalised through digital tools. Speakers demonstrated how technologies such as animation, motion graphics, graphic design combined with interactive storytelling, and digital archiving are creating immersive experiences that make cultural heritage accessible to younger generations. For example, traditional Malaysian childhood stories and modern lifestyle patterns have been digitised and transformed into animated cartoons or movies that allow viewers to explore their local significance while creating contemporary interpretations.
Jim Chuah, co-founder of FNLPRJCT, emphasised that “digital tools don’t just give the world a new spark in the way we view entertainment or receive information—they are a means of preserving cultural identities through the eyes of designers.” His presentation, “How We Preserve Our Culture,” highlighted how traditional Malaysian cultural elements can find new expression through contemporary design approaches. He added: “By digitising cultural traditions, we’re not only safeguarding them but also extending their reach as educational resources that connect communities across geographical boundaries.”
Libby Lei from Macau’s TODOT Design emphasised that “design is the love language of designers; it transcends culture, language, and nationality.” Her presentation, “Not Too Design-heavy,” demonstrated how collaborative approaches in Macau are leading to more innovative design solutions that blend Eastern and Western influences.
Siow Aik Wee, Head of Animation at Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), highlighted that “Malaysia’s digital content creation ecosystem is at a pivotal moment of growth,” adding that “through initiatives like LEVEL UP KL and various IP development programs, we’re creating sustainable pathways for Malaysian designers and animators to compete globally while maintaining our unique cultural perspectives.” His presentation outlined how Malaysia’s digital creative ecosystem is positioning the country as a hub for animation and digital content in the region.
“Talents in the creative fields are all content creators, and should work as one—it’s never a solo effort,” noted exhibition curator, Vivian Toh. “There is so much room for opportunities in the world of design as the demand for it in Malaysia and Southeast Asia keeps growing, influencing the growth of designers and talents of all kinds.” Vivian believes that the collaboration with Macau Designers Association to make the exhibition happen exemplifies the much-needed cross-border partnerships between various like-minded parties, such as Kreasia and Semua House, that are essential for the creative industries to thrive.
Cultural Exchange and Future Collaboration
“KL is the perfect place to end our international tour. Why? Because this city mixes old and new perfectly. You can see traditional markets next to modern offices. Old crafts meet new technology. This is what modern Asian design looks like!” said Bob Lei, Vice President of the Macau Designers Association. Bob added: “When designers from diverse cultural backgrounds work together, amazing things happen. That’s why your creative community keeps growing stronger.”
Over the past year, the “Macau Design Awards 2023” tour travelled through Asia. He emphasised that “every country teaches us something new, from Tokyo’s neat designs to South Korea’s colourful patterns. But all shared one truth – that good design starts from understanding our own culture and the best designs come from open minds. When we respect each other’s roots, we can grow new ideas together.”
Sharing Bob’s sentiments is Jay Lim, the exhibition’s co-curator and design director of Tsubaki Studio. Jay said that “hosting this exhibition in Kuala Lumpur has brought about positive change towards design conversation. The response from local designers and students has been overwhelmingly positive, with many inspired to explore how their cultural heritage can inform contemporary design practices.”
Refer to the link for photos of the exhibition and speakers session:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1gztFjvEuSipHIqDF3VdsfmM5VcXzmWBa?usp=sharing
About Macau Designers Association
The Macau Designers Association (MDA), established in 1986, is a professional non-profit organisation uniting graphic, product, interior, and web designers, along with commercial photographers and other creative professionals. For over three decades, MDA has dedicated itself to uniting designers, protecting their interests, enhancing professionalism, and facilitating international exchange.
Since launching the first Macau Design Biennial in 1994 (now known as the Macau Design Award), MDA has significantly elevated local design standards while discovering exceptional talent. Through regular exhibitions and exchange activities, MDA has evolved beyond a local association to become an influential regional organisation making substantial contributions to the design industry across China and Asia. AboutMacauDesignAwards As the most esteemed design competition in Macau, the Macau Design Awards aims to showcase and promote local and international design excellence, and to foster the development of the design industry in Macau and beyond through exhibitions.
MediaContact:
Vivian Toh
Macau Design Award 2023 Exhibition – Kuala Lumpur Representative
Email: vivian.toh.tsubaki@gmail.com
Mobile: +6016-655 1757