The powers behind the REKA Sessions and #iamREKA

by Aisha Capulong

We sat down with IDr Mohd Noor, Chairman of REKA Sessions, and Mr Matthew Lim, Chairman of #iamREKA, for a refreshing chat on what it means to spearhead two of Malaysia's leading design talk platforms

At the mention of the Malaysian design scene, it is never without recognising the countless REKA initiatives that have been held throughout the years. Between the REKA Sessions and #iamREKA dialogues, a shared objective exists in both, and it is to gather interior designers, architects and other relevant players in the build industry. These platforms then present networking and knowledge exchange opportunities that fully center around the design language.

IDr Mohd Noor
Chairman of REKA Sessions

Mr Matthew Lim
Chairman of #iamREKA

Organised by the Malaysian Institute of Interior Designers (MIID), these sessions have been crucial in the development of the nation’s design industry — so much so that IDr Mohd Noor and Mr Matthew Lim, both accomplished practicing designers with their own studios, are proud to contribute their time to lead the direction of the talks.

As Chairmen of the REKA and #iamREKA Sessions, one thing we're curious about is what has been the most interesting topic that you've had to curate or host?

IDr Mohd Noor: In a [recent] REKA Workshop, we had this discussion about… practicalities, the speaker was PAM (Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia) President, Ar Adrianta. It’s the one that talked about universal design, it’s quite an interesting subject. That was quite a successful workshop — it’s, basically, universal design that everybody can use, especially for inclusivity and accessibility for the disabled.

Matthew Lim: This year, we actually have a theme for #iamREKA — it’s called ‘Design + Consciousness’. I think that is a very interesting topic. What is their thought behind the project? Usually designers will just publish their work on a website or social media, but you don’t know what the content behind [it is]. It’s not just about design, what is the intention of the design? So, the consciousness part is very important — how do we make the design a purposeful design?

Could you tell us about the core differences between #iamREKA and REKA Sessions?

Matthew Lim: What makes the two programmes unique, in a way, is the audience. It’s a big target audience difference. For REKA Sessions, majority of the attendants are people who are practicing designers! Practicing designers and industry [contacts]. For #iamREKA, we are very much targeting on undergraduate students, graduate interior designers, young practicing designers. In terms of programme difference, we (#iamREKA) focus on the dialogue between the perspective sharing. It’s like a conversation. REKA Session is more professional, a bit more in depth!

IDr Mohd Noor: More serious topics, and also some creative sessions [on] how designers interact with their designs. It’s serious stuff, and more towards [the build] industry. [#iamREKA] is young and vibrant, this one (REKA Session) is [a] sit down, that kind of thing. It’s all technical stuff, but also interesting in a way!

Matthew Lim: The goal [between the two programmes] is the same, it’s aligned — it’s about upbringing. [To] elevate the design industry standard, whether or not it’s from professional practice, whether it’s for inspiration and also for networking.

When you say young practicing designers, those include designers who could be on their own? Or they could be under employment [or] freelancers also, right?

Matthew Lim: Yes, I would say it’s young creatives. #iamREKA’s target audience is not just interior designers, but we have a community of architects, artists, fashion designers. We want to engage with them and… get them to become a member of MIID, and then, they start to [get] aware about licensure, registered designers [and] practicing professionally… The end goal is to actually get them registered [as] IDr.

Both of you have been MIID Members for a long time now, what's that been like? Do you think more doors have been opened ever since you joined MIID?

IDr Mohd Noor: It’s very organized. Very structured, very interesting activities [and] interesting people! A lot of things have been happening, so I’m quite happy to be part of this. The activities are interactive. From events, activities, gatherings, sharings, everything is structured.

Matthew Lim: I’m not too sure about the doors, but [there’s] more work. [laughs]

IDr Mohd Noor: That is for sure! [laughs]

Matthew Lim: Being a council member of MIID, there’s a lot [of] responsibility and commitment — and a lot more workload, definitely. That is the challenging part, but what [is] very fulfilling is.. Those programmes that we are leading, we see people appreciate them. Whether it’s members or non-members, we see people appreciate [our efforts] and we see a good impact on the industry, and also to the community. People… come to us saying, “We have never thought that there’s such a programme before,” and.. they really thank us for the effort to create that and to unite the community and the industry together — especially [with] the recent case where we have the online platform where [they were] promoting free design consultancy services in a road show. So, a lot of us as designers, we come together to share the awareness, and a lot of them, also, are from #iamREKA’s young design community, and that is one thing that I feel very warm [with]. Without MIID, without all these programmes that we are putting our effort in, the industry would not be so united. I think that gives me very good encouragement.

IDr Mohd Noor: What we have that many members or non-members don’t know is, actually, when we have these kinds of setups or engagements, it’s always easier to get the message across. You cannot be just one person or two persons fighting for a cause, right?

So, at this moment, our cause is to get all our members registered with a license, and we want all designers that practice here [to be] the ones that have been recognized. MIID worked to get the Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM) recognition, and for us (interior designers) to be represented in The Architects Act mandate. It’s a responsibility that MIID took on not only to benefit our members, but also for the designer community as a whole.

So, at this moment, our cause is to get all our members registered with a license, and we want all designers that practice here [to be] the ones that have been recognized. MIID already fought to get the Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM) recognition and [to] get ourselves [to] also be in The Architects Act mandate. I hope more people can see this and [be] aware that this fight is not for our members only, but for the designers community [as a whole].

What's something you'd like to say if you knew this message could reach all your industry professionals right now?

Matthew Lim: As [part of] the design industry, we should not see ourselves as competitors, even if we are competing on projects. We should come together to protect our industry as interior designers. A lot of my designer friends always complain that clients don’t pay them, [or] they ask for free proposals. We as designers, we allowed that. If all designers stand together, and we have a benchmark of our standard in terms of our fees, in terms of how we practice, the code of conduct as interior designers.. If we all unite, having the same principles and same mindsets, all we are competing [on] is just the skills. We’d compete on fair grounds, which is… creativity. If we can achieve that, that will be very helpful to the design industry because everyone [can] focus as designers and the priority is… “How can we get better in terms of our creativity?” And then, in terms of the public, the clients, the market, they will focus on finding designers that fit their taste. Of course we understand that the market is very competitive, but sometimes, we have to look at the bigger picture.

IDr Mohd Noor: I always inform all my juniors and all the young designers, “Get yourself ready, register!” Because all the young designers, they need to equip themselves. Potentially in the future, all the big projects [will] require all these registered licensed practitioners. They… cannot simply wait and see – they have to pull themselves together, understand why all these things have been done. It’s actually for them to really work as a full professional designer. All these certificates, all these registrations [will be] the industry requirement, and of course, when we do this, we’re united. The architects, the engineers… the QS, the civil engineers – they are all represented by a body. Sitting together with them, we must put ourselves at the same level. That’s why we have this (MIID). In order to get to that level, we need to be registered.

So, MIID is basically fighting for the industry professionals to get a seat at the table.

IDr Mohd Noor: Yes, correct! At this moment, if we have a bigger community, our voice is stronger.

Immeasurable professional gain at REKA Sessions

Complimentary for all MIID Members, the REKA Sessions are known industry-wide for its expansive catalogue of engaging professional speakers. Typically structured like sharing sessions, the presenters would discuss a design topic and share their applied experiences. As of writing, attendees can also gain LAM CPD points with each REKA Session.

Non-MIID members are still very much welcomed — at a fee of RM100/person.

The unique perspective of #iamREKA

Founded by IDr Lai Siew Hong, #iamREKA emphasises on a more youthful outreach and seeks to connect Malaysia’s distinguished professionals with their young & aspiring counterparts. #iamREKA Chairman, Matthew Lim, mentions how MIID identified the need to form a bridge “between established designers, not only interior designers, but also architecture backgrounds [and] artists, with the younger generation.”

“They can all come together to share ideas from different perspectives… That’s what’s very unique about #iamREKA,” he adds.

As of writing, #iamREKA dialogue sessions are complimentary for all attendees, for MIID Member or otherwise. Pre-event registration is required.

Stay up to date with all REKA initiatives through the MIID website at www.miid.org.my