Rien Tan Kwon Chong

advisor

https://atoms-design.wixsite.com/tkca

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

Malaysia

Ar. Tan Kwon Chong (Rien) is the founder of Arplus Training PLT and Director of TKCA Architects Sdn Bhd, a practice guided by the philosophy "Inspired to Inspire." He holds First Class Honours in Architecture from UCSI University and a Master of Architecture from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. Early in his career, his stints in Osaka, Taipei, and New York shaped his approach to sustainable and future-forward design. In 2016, Ar. Rien gained regional recognition by winning the Asian Young Designer Award, and in 2019, he won the International Design Competition on Tropical Housing for the Orang Asli, sparking long-term collaborations with developers and NGOs to uplift underserved communities through design. Since 2021, he has played active leadership roles in the Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM), serving as Chair and Co-Chair in key committees such as ESG, Housing & Urban Wellbeing (HUW), Promotion of Profession (POP), Professional Practice (PPC), and CPD. In 2023, he represented Malaysia under the YSEALI Professional Fellowship Program, working with the U.S. Green Building Council in Washington, D.C. That same year, he was named Augustman of the Year for his impact in Malaysia’s Art & Design scene. Under his leadership, TKCA Architects has received international acclaim for Sama Square and SkyBlox Co-Living Housing, earning awards such as the UIA 2030 Award, Seoul Design Award, Malaysian Construction Industry Excellence Awards, Golden Pin Design Award, PAM Awards, and the International Creative Colour Awards. He was also named one of Malaysia’s “40 Under 40” Emerging Architects. A strong advocate of purpose-driven design, Ar. Rien believes in using architecture to inspire, empower, and create meaningful change in communities.