Architecture is a discipline that, at the most fundamental level, is about designing outstanding living spaces for people.
This means recognising diversity is invaluable, if the towns and cities we live in are to appropriately reflect the needs and aspirations of ALL the people who live there.
That’s why promoting gender equality and championing the next generation of female architects is so important in creating truly outstanding public and private spaces in Malaysia.
In recognition of International Women’s Day on 8 March, we had the honour of sitting down with pioneering Malaysian architect, the “Iron Lady of Architecture”, Ar. Datuk Tan Pei Ing.
We took this opportunity to explore the evolution of Malaysia’s architectural industry, and the importance of encouraging inclusivity and diversity throughout the profession.
Malaysia has a long history of outstanding architecture, from the eye-catching beauty of Istana Kenangan in Perak (above), to the towering success of Kuala Lumpur’s iconic KL Tower.
Behind each and every one of these triumphs is an architect with a vision.
“I used to love watching the skyline transform”
The remarkable modern transformation of Malaysia’s architecture was at the heart of Datuk Tan’s own inspiration growing up, she revealed, and plays a critical part in encouraging future generations of professionals into the industry.
“My father had a share in a tyre shop in KL when I was young, so I would follow him to the city and see how the KL city landscape was changing. I used to love watching the skyline transform. That’s when I became fascinated with architecture. It inspired me to want to be part of that nation-building process.”
A fortuitous set of circumstances encouraged Datuk Tan to follow this dream further, inspired by the studies of a friend’s brother, whose architecture drafting course revealed ‘pictures of beautiful buildings and perspectives’.
Anyone who has walked beneath the shadow of the National Mosque of Malaysia, or gazed in wondrous appreciation at Kek Lok Si Temple in Penang (below), can perhaps understand an echo of that sentiment.
Datuk Tan’s dream led to her graduating from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Architecture, going on to establish her own architectural firm – PI Architects – by the age of 28.
She has been involved in a range of projects throughout Malaysia, including IOI Business Park, IOI City Mall, and the Marriott Hotel in Putrajaya.
In 2001, she was elected the first female President of the Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM), after over 80 years of the role being helmed by men! She was also elected as President of Architects Council Asia in 2013.
In 2019, Datuk Tan was then elected as an Honorary Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) – the highest honour that can be bestowed on an individual – for her significant contributions to architecture and society.
She was also conferred with the LAM President Medal in 2017 and Inaugural PAM Gold Medal for Service in 2019, in recognition of her exceptional contribution to the profession.
She went on to state that the inspiration for her award-winning success stretches beyond architecture itself. She reflected on her grandmother, who taught her discipline, and a belief in ‘doing things right’.
Her late father is also an inspiration she’s clearly proud to highlight, with his own commitment to volunteering laying the foundation for her belief in contributing to the society. Her mother, whom she cited as a perfectionist, was someone that Datuk Tan aspired to emulate.
There are, of course, influencers of note within the industry itself, and her exposure to the spirit of voluntarism by some senior architects from PAM during her early involvement stands out.
“Datuk Kington Loo was a particular inspiration, and I made him my role model, later having the honour of working together with him at PAM,” she told us.
“We need good mentors to progress in life”
Women have traditionally been underrepresented in the industry, and many female professionals in the industry today owe it to trailblazers like Datuk Tan who showed that it could be done.
As the first female leader of PAM, she expressed a feeling of great responsibility in championing equity practice and opportunity, and wielding her own success in order to encourage others.
“I’m always advocating the importance of gender equity in the workplace, to raise the profile of women more, and close this gap,” Datuk Tan said, going on to highlight that “We need good mentors to progress in life. Architecture is very male-dominated, so it’s important to inspire the next generation”.
Visible female role models are critical in encouraging women into the profession, she pointed out. “Younger generations of female architects might be fearful of this environment, so it’s important as a role model to inspire them, and have visible female leadership to encourage them. We can showcase the successes that will help guide them, and show that it’s something achievable.”
PAM has itself developed a ‘Declaration and Policy of Gender Equity in Architecture’, which states that:
PAM aims to promote a culture of inclusivity in the architectural profession. Whilst we recognise that considerable progress has been made in terms of gender disparity, we note that women remain markedly underrepresented in the architectural sector.
That’s clearly a commitment that means a great deal to Datuk Tan, as a former President of the organisation, and the Chair of PAM Special Committee on Gender Equity.
We only have to understand the spaces around us to understand the value of such commitments. Encouraging diverse voices in the design of our buildings provides the platform to create dwellings which suit all members of the society.
A key hurdle, according to Datuk Tan, comes not just in encouraging women to begin their journey in this career, but supporting them to maintain it.
“We need to support women and to retain them in the profession. At university, about 50% of students in architecture are women, and 35% of those women graduate to the profession. However, only about 20% progressed as registered architects. This is similar in other countries across the world, with women leaving because of family commitments, dropping out to start a family."
“Fighting for gender equity is a joint effort by everyone”
Encouraging gender diversity and inclusion is for the benefit of everyone. It helps bring fresh ideas and unique perspectives to the development of our living spaces.
It also provides a boost to the industry with a greater depth of talent, as well as enables new avenues of economic opportunity.
That kind of support for successful women in business is a journey which we all have an interest in upholding.
“Fighting for gender equity is a joint effort by everyone. That’s why I dedicate a lot of my time to advocate gender equity to empower women, and advancing women in architecture,” argued Datuk Tan, going on to add that, “we should have a more inclusive society. People should recognise you for your ideology and capability, and promote the culture of diversity and inclusivity.”
International Women’s Day is a chance to promote these important issues. That means promoting voices which can help inspire the next generation, while at the same time encouraging male allies to do the same.
Datuk Tan isn’t just a pioneer who’s content with charting the path forward for others, she’s also clearly a professional who’s dedicated to making that journey easier for those who follow.
“Don’t let discrimination hold you back. Pursue your dreams and passion. then all these challenges are easier to overcome,” she enthused.
And for those young women out there staring up at the majestic architecture rising above Malaysia today, and wondering where or how they can play their part, she has this final piece of advice:
“It’s important to focus on professionalism, passion, and integrity. Always strive to deliver the best in what you do, be the most excellent, be prepared to put in the hard work to pursue your passion, and fight for what you believe in. Respect is not demanded, it is earned.”
Want to be further inspired by women who decided to take matters into their own hands, and step into the world of property? Check out this article on the young ladies who found their dream homes and went right ahead with the purchase, even though they faced plenty of hurdles along the way!
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