Education

Designing Dignity in 2026

17–20 September 2026 | Pavilion Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur

REKA Design Week 2026 concluded successfully after four days of public programmes held from 17 to 20 September 2026 at Pavilion Arena, Pavilion Damansara Heights, with additional city-wide activities across Kuala Lumpur. Organised by the Malaysian Institute of Interior Designers (MIID), the event brought together designers, architects, creative professionals, students, industry partners, sponsors and members of the public under the theme “Designing Dignity.”

The opening ceremony took place on 17 September 2026 and was officiated by YB Hannah Yeoh, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories). The ceremony underscored the role of design in shaping a more liveable, inclusive and people-centred city. Guests included the MIID President, RDW Chairman, presidents of related professional bodies, and representatives from strategic partners.

The event was structured around four pillars that collectively define REKA:

•  Roots – Art & Culture: celebrating heritage, identity, arts and culture through design.

•  Everyday – Living: applying design knowledge to improve how people live, work, learn, age and experience everyday spaces.

•  Kinship – Community: using design to create connections, encourage inclusion and strengthen communities.

•  Awareness – Sustainability: promoting greater responsibility towards the environment, resources and future generations.

These pillars framed the central message of “Designing Dignity” — emphasising that good design should improve how people live, work and experience the city, rather than focusing solely on aesthetics.

A key component of the programme was the Student Design Competition, which challenged emerging designers to rethink everyday public facilities, including public toilets, with attention to cleanliness, safety, accessibility, functionality and dignity. Other on-site activities included exhibitions, experiential spaces, talks, demonstrations, workshops and student showcases.

Perhaps a more important feature was a talk on the heritage component in design. Featuring a talk by Dato' Kamal Ariffin Dato' Seri Zaharin speaking on 'Crafting A Malaysian Legacy in Oxford' in reference to his work at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies in UK. His topic of 'Art of Wood and the Synthesis of Cultures' was certainly a perspective that is ever more important in this age of design. 

Beyond the main venue, REKA Design Week extended into the city through several public programmes:

•  Open Studio, which invited the public into participating interior design studios to learn about the people and processes behind the profession.

•  MikeBikes City Tour, offering participants a different perspective of Kuala Lumpur through its architecture, neighbourhoods and urban character.

•  Rakan Reka Stamp Hunt, connecting visitors with creative spaces, design brands and destinations across the city.

MIID President IDr Norshafina Ibrahim highlighted the broader purpose of the event, stating that REKA Design Week is intended as a platform for interior designers to step beyond professional boundaries, connect directly with the public, and contribute expertise where it can make a meaningful difference. She noted that this was only the second year of repositioning the event towards a larger societal purpose, with the aspiration to grow it as an open and collaborative platform involving communities, organisations and institutions.

The event reinforced MIID’s aspiration for the interior design profession to play a constructive role in nation-building by linking design practice with everyday living, cultural continuity, community well-being and environmental responsibility. It also created opportunities for stronger collaboration between government, industry, educational institutions, designers and the public.

REKA Design Week 2026 successfully activated its four pillars through public engagement and city-wide programmes, advancing the conversation on how design can contribute to a more dignified, inclusive and sustainable urban experience in Kuala Lumpur. Hopefully ceating a lasting impact on future designers and builders for a constantly evolving nation.