Dear alumni,
We would like to extend our appreciation for your participation in the Notable Alumni Sharing Session titled “Designing Sustainable Futures: A Journey of Architectural and Health-Centric Design” that was held online on October 2nd 2023.
We offer up a huge thank you to our alumnus speaker, Ar Ts IDr Rien Tan Kwon Chong from Pontian, Johor. Rien is the Founder and Director of TKC Architect, an architecture firm that was established amid the pandemic in July 2020. His story is not only inspiring but also profoundly motivational, showcasing his humble beginnings in his own home office with only a single project in hand. In just two years, Rien's firm has experienced substantial growth, now boasting a team of over 10 young architects. The firm is actively engaged in multiple ongoing projects that extend across the regions of Klang Valley, Perlis, and Johor.
During his sharing session, Rien shared invaluable insights on the four pillars of knowledge that can help fellow architects stand out. These are design, skills, networking and experience. Each facet played a pivotal role in shaping his career towards becoming a successful architect. Rien’s dedication to architecture is also evidenced by his active participation in design competitions, community projects, internships, freelancing and continuous learning of cutting-edge software.
During his master's degree semester break, Rien seized the opportunity to intern in Osaka, Taipei and New York City. These immersive experiences not only enriched his architectural journey but also fuelled his passion to contribute meaningfully to his hometown.
Assistant Professor Teoh Chee Keong, Rien’s moderator and lecturer, commends Rien for consistently embodying the principle of “walking the talk” and for persistently striving for excellence throughout his academic journey at UCSI. Professor Teoh takes pride in Rien’s remarkable achievements and unwavering perseverance. Notably, Rien's outstanding contributions led to his recent recognition as one of the "40 under 40 Emerging Architects of Malaysia" in KLAF 2023.
Find more information about Rien's works as below.
TKC Architect at https://www.tkcarchitect.com/
AR Plus Group at https://arplusgroup.com/