Malaysia

PAM DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION AWARD 2024 

The PAM Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Award was initiated by the Malaysian Institute of Architects’ Diversity, Equity  and Inclusion Committee to honour PAM Corporate Members who exhibit outstanding  leadership in propelling diversity, equity, and inclusion across architecture practice, education,  and governance.  

This prestigious award celebrates the remarkable contribution of individuals from diverse  backgrounds- spanning ages, races, ethnicities, abilities, disabilities, genders, religions, and  cultures. Its mission is to foster a more inclusive architectural community that embraces the  richness of human experiences. In 2023, upon recommendations from the PAM Diversity  Equity & Inclusion Committee and PAM Awards & Competition Committee, the PAM Council  had appointed Ar. Alvin Lim Hai Seah as the Convener and Ar. Lee Sze-Ee as the Co 

Convener of the PAM DEI Award 2024, and both had gratefully accepted the undertaking. 

The eminent panel of jurors consist of:

1. Ar. Abu Zarim Abu Bakar PAM, President 2023-2024 
2. Dato’ Ar. Azman b. Md Hashim, LAM President 
3. Datuk Ar. Tan Pei lng, PAM Past President 
4. Ar. Choo Heng Huat, Daniel, Chairman of DEl Committee 
5. Ar. Sharon Magdalene Amin, Vice Chairman of PAM Sabah Chapter 

The PAM DEI Award 2024 nomination period initially ran from Tuesday, 2 January 2024, until  Tuesday, 13 February 2024. However, in response to requests stemming from the extended  Lunar New Year holidays, the Awards sub-committee decided to extend the submission  deadline. The revised deadline was Wednesday, 21 February 2024 and the notification  regarding this extension was circulated on 8 February 2024. 

Upon closing of the extended nomination period, PAM had received two (2) nominations for  the inaugural award:

1. Datin Seri Ar. Dr. Norwina bt Mohd Nawawi 
2. Prof. Dato’ Sri Ar. Dr. Asiah Abdul Rahim  

Datin Seri Ar. Dr. Norwina Mohd Nawawi was proposed by Ar. Aimi Ramizah Roslan and  seconded by Ar Chung Pui Gin, while Prof. Dato’ Sri Ar. Dr. Asiah Abdul Rahim was proposed by Ar. Adrianta Aziz and seconded by Prof. Ar. Abdul Razak Sapian. 

Following meticulous scrutiny by the Awards sub-committee, both submissions underwent  thorough evaluation to ensure alignment with the technical guidelines stipulated by PAM. The  diligent process sought to identify nominees, proposers, and seconders who adhered to the  prescribed criteria. 

Subsequently, on 4 March 2024, the submissions were disseminated to all esteemed  members of the Panel of Jurors for their discerning consideration. Their collective expertise  and discernment played a pivotal role in assessing the merits of each nominee.

During the Jury meeting on 14 March 2024, the esteemed Panel of Jurors unanimously  acknowledged that both nominees held prominent reputations within the architectural  profession. Their names resonated widely in the industry due to their unwavering commitment  to inclusive architecture. It is essential to emphasize that arriving at a decision was no easy  task, given the exceptional portfolios of both nominees. Their outstanding achievements and  contributions reverberated across the profession, industry and community. 

After extensive and thoughtful deliberations, the Panel of Jurors arrived at their conclusions  and promptly delivered the decisions to the Convener. In accordance with the Award’s  stipulations, a consensus emerged: the PAM Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Award 2024  would be bestowed upon Datin Seri Ar. Dr. Norwina binti Mohd Nawawi for her contributions  in promoting inclusion and wellbeing in the built environment industry. Her remarkable  dedication to enhancing an inclusive architectural landscape has left an indelible mark on our  profession.