Ar. Philip Chang Foh Phing (1952–2023) was a pioneer architect in Sarawak whose career spanned public service, private practice, and professional advocacy. Educated at the University of Sydney, his formative years in Australia shaped both his political awareness and practical approach to building. After returning to Sarawak, he worked in JKR before co-founding United Consultants, delivering major public projects including the Kuching Waterfront. A committed mentor and advocate, Philip remained actively engaged in practice and professional institutions until his passing.

As part of our Pioneer Architects in Sarawak collection, This is the second series of interviews that BAJ will be conducting with pioneer architects from Sarawak; those who were working in Sarawak in the 60’s and 70’s. We recently visited with Ar. Johnny Sim Kim Ong to speak to him about his role in tutoring generations of architects - and what it means to leave behind a legacy.

Ar. Andrew Tan Boo Seng, born in Sibu in 1938, grew up in Kuching and trained at KL Technical College before earning a diploma and certificate in tropical architecture in the UK. One of the first Sarawakians at the Architecture Association, he began his career at P.W.D. Kuching before joining Norman Lehey in private practice. As director at Konsortium Malaysia, he contributed to landmark projects like Kenyalang Park housing and shopping centre, BDC housing schemes, and Council Negeri buildings. He values thoughtful design, pedestrian-friendly spaces, and adapting architecture to context.