By Anne Das
A rainy morning in Ipoh Garden South couldn’t dim the glow of Kuee Architecture’s 10th Anniversary celebration. What started as a small firm a decade ago has blossomed into a trailblazer in sustainable design, transforming not only Ipoh’s skyline but also contributing to Perak’s architectural landscape.
The celebration brought together dignitaries, clients, collaborators, and supporters to mark the occasion.
Distinguished guests included YBhg. Orang Kaya Kaya Panglima Kinta Seri Amar Bangsa DiRaja. Dato’ Ab. Wahab bin Dato’ Seri Azizul Hassan, YB. Tuan Howard Lee Chuan How, YB Puan Sandra Ng, and YB Tuan Goh See Hua.
Founder and principal architect, Ar. Shyuan Kuee, delivered an inspiring speech, recounting the firm’s journey from its humble beginnings to becoming a force for change in Perak’s architectural scene. While she credited the firm’s growth to teamwork, her leadership has undeniably been the driving force behind its success.
Ar. Shyuan’s experience, shaped by world-class training and international projects, reflects her mission to marry global standards with heartfelt local purpose. Over the years, her focus has been on crafting spaces that balance aesthetics with sustainability.
Among the firm’s achievements is 1 Lasam, Perak’s first GBI Platinum-rated building and a multi-award-winning masterpiece. Completed in 2021, the five-story structure features a striking floating box design and a central courtyard that maximises natural light and ventilation.
Its energy-efficient features make it a landmark in sustainable architecture and a proud symbol of Ipoh’s progress in modern design.
Kuee Architecture’s projects reflect their growing footprint across Perak. From Ipoh landmarks like the Majlis Bandaraya Ipoh (MBI) Building and the upcoming Pasir Pinji Market to a Green Township in Taiping and the Perak Chinese Assembly Hall’s centennial building, the firm continues to lead in creating sustainable and innovative spaces.
The morning festivities were as vibrant as the firm’s projects. Guests enjoyed a lavish breakfast spread and were delighted by a lively lion dance performance to usher in the new year. The celebration also offered an inspiring tour of the office, where every corner told a story of creative sustainability.
Chandeliers crafted from repurposed plastic bottles sparkled like crystal, while a sturdy marble block table turned waste into functional art. Even the door gifts, designed with zero-waste principles, reflected the firm’s ethos of innovation and environmental consciousness.
Ar. Shyuan shared her vision for Ipoh’s future, emphasizing the need for more green buildings and sustainable practices. “We pledge to support MBI’s goal of achieving low carbon emissions by 2030 by designing as many green buildings as possible across Ipoh,” she said.
This milestone celebrates not just a decade of achievements but a vision for the future. As Kuee Architecture continues to design spaces that blend sustainability with innovation, it invites the community to dream bigger, build smarter, and embrace a greener, brighter Perak for generations to come.
