The PAMSC Design Forum 2026, themed ‘Edges and Transitions – Designing Between Worlds’, brought together local and international architects to share their ideas, projects and design philosophies. This personal reflection explores the speakers’ approaches to architecture, their diverse perspectives on design, and the key takeaways from this year’s forum.

Malaysian architecture, as observed by Oscar Tan, reflects rapid growth but modest well-being—where quantity has surpassed quality. Terraced houses remain outdated, prioritising efficiency over human needs. The profession and education system often emphasise compliance and speed rather than cultural and critical engagement. To move forward, architects must refocus on dialogue between people, nature, and the built form. Only through continual reflection can Malaysian architecture evolve toward a more humane, responsive, and sustainable future beyond numeric progress.

The theme for this year's PAMSC Design Forum is ‘Reimagining Urbanscape: From Art to Architecture’, featuring both local and international speakers from diverse backgrounds. This review aims to explore how art and architecture create imaginative, vibrant, and meaningful built environments at various scales.