The 17th awards ceremony took place on 20/6. This year, with the theme "Convergence: Global Context - Local Ideas", the competition received over 8,000 entries from students in 16 countries. Each entry presented sustainable ideas and contributed to solving environmental, urban, and social problems facing the world.
This year, two Vietnamese representatives, Nguyen Gia Huy and Huynh Thien Phu (University of Architecture, TP HCM), competed in the Architectural Design and Interior Design categories. In the Interior Design category, Huynh Thien Phu, with the design "Phu Quoc Resort," won the Nippon Paint Color Idea Award for the use of color in a resort space that embodies local identity and inspiration.
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Mr. Wee Siew Kim - CEO of NipSea Group (left) awards Vietnamese representative Huynh Thien Phu. Photo: Nippon Paint |
Mr. Wee Siew Kim - CEO of NipSea Group (left) awards Vietnamese representative Huynh Thien Phu. Photo: Nippon Paint
According to the judges, Thien Phu's "Phu Quoc Resort" incorporated local folklore. The project demonstrates how each region can translate cultural values into spatial design, reflecting and interweaving characteristic natural and social elements. The aesthetically pleasing design is an attempt to engage with the global context while retaining local essence.
According to Thien Phu, by highlighting cultural elements, the project aims to preserve the traditional values of the local community, contributing to the social and economic development of the islanders.
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Lobby design of the Phu Quoc Resort project. Photo: Nippon Paint |
Lobby design of the Phu Quoc Resort project. Photo: Nippon Paint
The Designer of the Year awards went to two students from China and Indonesia, in the Architectural Design and Interior Design categories, respectively. Both received a full scholarship worth 10,000 USD for the three-week Design Discovery course. The course will take place in 6/2026 at Harvard University's Graduate School of Design.
The event also presented the Creative Colour Awards, recognizing the use of Nippon Paint colors by spatial designers and space owners worldwide. By selecting and showcasing spaces designed with color as the core language, the annual color competition aims to elevate the role of color in the paint and coatings industry for professionals. Murali Architects from Chennai, India, with the GB School project, won the Grand Prix, along with a prize of 5,000 USD.
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The final and awards ceremony took place in Japan. Photo: Nippon Paint |
The final and awards ceremony took place in Japan. Photo: Nippon Paint
The AYDA Awards (Asia Young Designer Awards) was initiated in 2008 by Nippon Paint, with the goal of nurturing the next generation of talent in the fields of architectural and interior design. With over 59,000 entries from 1,200 higher education institutions in 20 countries and territories, the event is one of the most recognized design awards worldwide. AYDA facilitates learning, networking, and mentoring between students and industry professionals.
Hoai Phuong
