Kuala Lumpur, 3 November 2021 – Having established itself as being at the forefront of change and the conduit for engagement, the International Architecture, Interior Design and Building Exhibition (ARCHIDEX) today officially launched ARCHIDEX Online, an immersive virtual platform built upon ARCHIDEX’s 21 years of strong physical presence.
With the aim to facilitate the forging of new ties and strengthening established ones in the architecture, interior design and building industry, the platform was created to meet the evolving needs of their customers. This is also in line with the radical shift into digitalisation which has affected everyone across the globe as a result of the pandemic, and will bring about a refreshing change into the architecture, interior design and building industries, which until now, have been so embedded in the physical realm.
Jointly organised by the Malaysian Institute of Architects (better known as Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia, or PAM) and C.I.S, ARCHIDEX Online is an event of the Kuala Lumpur Architecture Festival.
During his official speech, Senior Works Minister Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah Bin Yusof said, “Adopting new technologies and innovating the way we work through a collaborative platform is crucial, where borders are blurred and people can exchange information from different places in real-time in this globalised environment. ARCHIDEX Online comes at the right time, as this platform aims to enable and empower businesses to be competitive through strategic partnerships and convenient sharing of information in order to enhance workflow and reach new markets.”
During his address, Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) President Datuk Ezumi Harzani said, “As the national institute for architects, PAM has been advocating for policymakers to engage with professionals, industry stakeholders and public members in the policy review process. Positive responses from the government have allowed us to survive the challenges. As such, PAM is calling for the architecture fraternity and design community to take this opportunity to advance advocacy in the building industry, placemaking, housing sufficiency, climate emergency and digital transformation, among other initiatives.”
From left: Alvin Lim, Chairman of PAM Convention 2021 Committee; Dato’ Vincent Lim, President of C.I.S and Asian Federation of Exhibition and Convention Associations (AFECA); Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah Yusof, Senior Minister of Works, Malaysia; Datuk Ezumi Harzani, President of Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM); and Dr Tan Loke Mun, Kuala Lumpur Architecture Festival 20/21 (KLAF20/21) at the official launch of ARCHIDEX Online 2021, held at the PAM Centre, Kuala Lumpur
President of C.I.S and the Asian Federation of Exhibition and Convention Associations (AFECA) Dato’ Vincent Lim, who delivered the opening speech, said, “Digitalisation is crucial for today and the world beyond tomorrow with the changing needs of consumers and a workforce who grew up with technology at their fingertips. The pandemic has forced all of us to speed up embracing these changes, because if we fail to adapt, we will be left behind in our businesses and life. The business events industry has seen a massive shift towards hybrid events with over 94 per cent of AFECA members having made a pivot towards holding online exhibitions and events.”
He added that while the industry lauds the daily news of global borders reopening around the world, a full recovery would take time and patience; in the meantime, platforms such as ARCHIDEX Online offer a dynamic, flexible, and scalable model for companies to showcase their brands to a borderless market across 365 days, and is the perfect complement to a live trade exhibition.
ARCHIDEX Online was soft launched on 4 October 2021, in conjunction with World Architecture Day. With many exciting events scheduled until 10 December 2021, including over 100 webinars and conferences, professionals in the architecture and building industries can look forward to 10 weeks of online activities tailored to seamlessly connect local and international exhibitors with industry professionals, specifiers and trade buyers.
Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah Yusof, Senior Minister of Works, Malaysia (centre) launches ARCHIDEX Online 2021
Celebrate, Connect and Collaborate Beyond the Future
The hallmark of ARCHIDEX has always been its ability to connect people through a shared experience of learning and discovery. Throughout the 10 weeks of the event, from 4 October to 10 December, visitors can take part in the Fast Forward Webinar Series, a powerful series of talks held by industry leaders to discuss current trends and issues of the industry.
During the Main Event days, from 3 to 6 November, the ARCHIDEX Online will host a list of established local and international exhibitors and brands to feature over 2,000 architecture and building materials, solutions and technologies, where visitors can explore from 18 different product categories covering the areas of design, innovation, technology, lifestyle and society, and standards.
Other exciting events happening at this time are the ongoing Fast Forward Webinar Series; the ARCHIDEX Star Award 2021, celebrating excellence in product design; the PAM Awards 2021, Malaysia’s highest recognition for architectural excellence; and the Ace it with Acer Contest, in which you need only collect ARO points to be in the running to win an Acer Concept D laptop.
ARCHIDEX online platform
The Main Event days will also feature DATUM: KL Rewind, bringing back seven renowned international speakers from the past DATUMs, in a rare opportunity to be inspired by the bold ideas and evolution of these trailblazing architects today. In addition to the architecture and building industry coming together to meet and collaborate online, among other highlights is the DATUM: M Conference, happening on 5 and 6 November at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, featuring 10 Malaysian speakers who will share their design works as well as how they have coped with the pandemic.
Post Exhibition, from 7 November to 10 December 2021, architecture and building professionals can enjoy five weeks of extended exhibition experience, conferences and webinars.
– Construction+ Online
