Thinkscape: Best Commercial Design GOLD, Retail – My 5G Portal

From high-end office spaces to luxury retail compositions, these award-winning works set new benchmarks in Malaysia’s unique design scene and its rising global influence

The winning projects at this year’s Designer of the Year Awards, commonly recognised as DOTY, are among Malaysia’s finest designs. In honouring and celebrating the works of leading visionaries, the platform has become the benchmark of excellence in the Malaysian and international design scene. With exceptional talent, these design studios are able to change the worlds that surround them into innovative spaces of being, living and breathing. Presenting — the recipients of the 15th installation of the DOTY Awards.

Gold Winner of DOTY 2025 Best Commercial Design — Retail

MY 5G PORTAL by Thinkscape

Perched in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s Exchange 106 at the Tun Razak Exchange, Thinkscape Design’s project for the My 5G Portal: DNB Experience Centre & Innovation Lab is a space where innovation meets imagination. Spanning an expansive 13,500 square feet, this commercial educational installation is an immersive exploration of the boundless potential of 5G technology.

At its core, the design team at Thinkscape Design envisioned a space anchored by the concept of the “Prism’s Spectrum of Lights.” This metaphor speaks to the infinite reach and perpetuation of light, echoing the transformative and expansive power of 5G. The team at Thinkscape uses this foundation to invite visitors on a journey to envision a connected future, all while rooting their creative vision in Malaysia’s heritage and natural symbolism.

Malaysia’s national flower, the Bunga Raya (hibiscus), serves as a pivotal inspiration for the design. With its overlapping petals and radial geometry, the hibiscus symbolizes growth, connection and harmony. Thinkscape reimagined these organic forms into techno-organic geometries—a visual and structural motif that weaves across the space, giving it cohesion and cultural resonance.

Further enriching this connection is the interplay of lights and lines, a design language that encapsulates the fluidity, speed and seamless connectivity that 5G promises. From illuminated pathways to futuristic installations, these elements create a dynamic, ever-evolving ambiance that puts emphasis on movement and interconnectedness.

Thinkscape’s design ethos prioritizes the human experience, ensuring that every square foot of the space is as functional as it is inspiring. The centre is carefully zoned to cater to diverse purposes, creating a fluid yet structured journey for visitors.

From the welcoming Reception Area to zones dedicated to Consumer & Home Applications, Enterprise & Industry Applications and the Innovation Lab, each section is a carefully choreographed exploration of 5G’s applications. Open discussion areas and strategically placed F&B stations offer natural pause points for reflection, interaction and collaboration for visitors. Guests and hosts can effortlessly shift from immersive educational experiences to meaningful conversations, fostering a sense of connection throughout the space.

What truly sets this project apart is the Thinkspace team’s use of sensory design throughout the space. The combination of tactile materials, atmospheric lighting and intuitive spatial flow creates a narrative experience that resonates on every level. Visitors are drawn into the world of 5G not just intellectually but emotionally, as the design brings to life the tangible benefits of a connected future.

The material palette used by the team reflects both innovation and sustainability. Custom-designed aluminium composite panels and bamboo fibre mirror glass highlight adaptability and environmental consciousness. Vehicle vinyl wraps, used on hibiscus-inspired columns, lend a vibrant, futuristic aesthetic, while custom embroidered acoustic panels blend functionality with artistry. Adding a touch of nature, moss landscaping introduces greenery with minimal maintenance, grounding the high-tech space in the organic world.

The team at Thinkscape has gone above and beyond to bring the My 5G vision to life. By blending Malaysia’s cultural identity with cutting-edge technology, they’ve created a space that not only educates but also inspires. This is a place where innovation feels personal, and the future feels within reach.