Hong Kong's Promising Young Talents Spark Hope for Future Generations at the AYDA Awards 2024/2025

The AYDA Awards' growing community at the AYDA Awards 2024/2025 global finale in Tokyo

Hong Kong, 20 June 2025 — In a spectacular culmination of creativity and cultural celebration, the global finale of AYDA Awards 2024/2025 unfolded from 19–20 June 2025 in Tokyo, Japan. Now in its 17th year, the AYDA Awards welcomed over 8,000 student admissions from 16 countries and regions, gathering some of the world’s most promising young talents in architecture and interior design, including Ernestine Joyce Arcilla from Hong Kong Chu Hai College and Andy Sze from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The presented project offered bold, thoughtful interpretations of this year’s evocative theme of CONVERGE: Glocal Design Solutions which encouraged designers to adapt global mindset while addressing local’s social, urban, and environmental challenges.

In the Architectural category, Ernestine Joyce presents At the Terrace's Edge, a modular hostel tower designed to bridge social and cultural gaps between elderly villages and young overseas backpackers in Tuen Mun San Hui. Addressing rising social isolation among the elderly—exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic—the project creates shared spaces for cultural exchange, mutual learning, and community connection. At the Terrace's Edge offers a thoughtful response to the urgent need for intergenerational solidarity, using design to nurture unity, presence, and continuity in a rapidly changing urban landscape.

Ernestine Joyce Arcilla from Hong Kong Chu Hai College with her project, At the Terrace's Edge

Andy Sze's Plug-in Sanctuary finished as one of the finalists in the Interior Design category. The project reimagines bamboo scaffolding as a versatile and sustainable architectural and interior design methodology. Moving beyond its traditional role as a temporary structure, the project transforms bamboo scaffolding into dynamic frameworks that foster community engagement and placemaking. The design features a modular bamboo tower symbolising sustainability and innovation, blending seamlessly into the urban skyline while maximising natural light and ventilation.

Andy Sze from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University presenting his work, Plug-in Sanctuary

The AYDA Awards’ Tokyo finale event was graced by distinguished speakers from Nippon Paint as well as a panel of esteemed judges, design mentors, and industry leaders. Yuichiro Wakatsuki, Director, Representative Executive Officer & Co-President of Nippon Paint Holdings Co., Ltd, welcomed guests by expanding upon the brand’s legacy in producing innovative paint solutions and commitment to sustainability in design. “By supporting and empowering students through the AYDA Awards, we hope to help shape the future of design while building stronger, more sustainable communities that will drive positive change for generations to come. The AYDA Awards sparks dialogue around innovation, sustainability, and cultural legacy, and Nippon Paint is proud to champion this movement where the next generation of visionaries redefine the way we live.”

“AYDA isn’t just a competition; it’s a meeting of hearts and minds. It’s where young designers from all over the world come together, not just to showcase talent, but to share hope for a better, kinder future,” said Dr. Armin Mohsen Daneshgar, Founder of Daneshgar Architects and Judge of the Architectural category.

“As someone who has witnessed the start and growth of the AYDA Awards, I am pleased to see how young aspiring designers across the world continue to deliver such nuanced and thoughtful designs that transform architecture into functional works of art,” said Paul Kenko Tange, Chairman and CEO, Executive Principal Architect of TANGE ASSOCIATES, who is a long-time mentor and former judge for the AYDA Awards. “I have high hopes that these talents will lead the next generation of design with their own fresh perspectives, creating spaces that balance innovation, sustainability and comfort.”

Highlighting the global finale event, Mike Huang from China and Adelia Meysa from Indonesia were named AYDA Designer of the Year for the Architectural and Interior Design categories respectively. The winners were awarded a 3-week trip to attend the Design Discovery Program of Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design, worth up to USD10,000.

The student participants with the alumni community in the AYDA Awards 2024/2025

NURTURING THE NEXT GENERATION OF SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS VISIONARIES
Initiated in 2008 and formerly known as the Asia Young Designer Awards, the AYDA Awards is a part of Nippon Paint's global Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts to empower emerging talents in architecture and interior design. The program has grown into an esteemed platform for architecture and design students, receiving over 67,000 entries from over 1,600 tertiary education institutions across 20 countries and regions.

As a proof of Nippon Paint's commitment to social responsibility through its Colouring Lives movement, the AYDA Awards remains inclusive and accessible—with no entry fees. The program also provides young design talents with access to workshops, cross-cultural exchange, hands-on learning, mentorships, and meaningful connections with industry leaders, design schools, and a growing alumni community.

The theme for the AYDA Awards 2025/2026 is CONVERGE: Crafting Cultural Legacies. The theme invites students to celebrate heritage, innovation, and the art of designing spaces that tell powerful cultural stories. It is a call for action to shape the future, one legacy at a time. For details, visit www.ayda-awards.com.