AMPDA 2023: Chuah Say Yang on his journey to building NEVERMORE

by Aisha Capulong

Say Yang, whose childhood love for LEGO has set the stage for a remarkable career in design, founded the successful NEVERMORE — which of course, came with its own challenges and triumphs

Say Yang walks with an air of certitude that can only come from a fulfilled self, so it is no wonder his advice for designers who seek industry recognition is to love what you do, and do what you love. He stresses how it is not just about one’s work, but also about how one defines success. Times may change, and so will market trends, but staying true to one’s original intention would always serve them well through the good and the bad.

Despite finding that managing people is an ongoing learning curve, Say Yang’s proudest moments also stem from his team. As much as he finds satisfaction and recognition in winning awards, the fact that many of his team members have stuck with Nevermore since day one proves to be his greatest pride. “I couldn’t have built this company alone — it’s the collective hard work, loyalty and commitment [from my team] that makes it all possible,” Say Yang fondly remarks.

Calm and collected when asked what future goals he and his team are working towards at Nevermore, he opens up on how they’re looking to elevate the overall industry in Penang. Say Yang’s focus is on raising awareness around space design, pushing it to the masses so as many people can see the way refined design can enhance one’s day-to-day. He also plans to spread the message that good design and premium materials are not something that is limited to the wealthy, so that every walk of life will be able to reap its benefits.