On 24th February, Society of Nepalese Architects organized a webinar series by Ar. Saifuddin Bin Ahmad under the SONA sub-committee on architecture education. Ar. Saifuddin is a fellow of Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia, Registered Asean Architect, APEC Architect and Honorary Member of Australian Institute of Architects, Association of Siamese Architects by Royal Patronage, Council Member (Alternate) Region IV The International Union of Architects (UIA) (2017-2021), Vice President Zone B Arcasia (2019-2021), Past President on the current Council of Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (2019-2021).
Ar Saifuddin is a chairman of Universiti Malaya Medical Centre and Universiti Malaya Specialist Centre; first time that both hospitals have the same chairman. He was responsible for organizing Universiti Malaya masterplan idea competition in 2016 and currently chairman of its masterplan committee.
He was awarded by his alma mater, Deakin University, Australia, Alumni of Year 2020, the first Malaysian to be accorded with the award. He is the architect for the Low Energy Office (LEO) for the Ministry of Green Technology and Water Malaysia which won The Malaysian Construction Industry Award 2003 and the ASEAN Energy Award 2006. The LEO Building was also chosen to be on the Malaysian 50 sen commemorative stamp for the Energy Efficiency Building Series in 2009. His firm SNO Architects Sdn Bhd has won the SME Corp Enterprise 50 for the years 2013, 2014 and 2016.
The session started with a welcome note by Ar. Sunita Subedi, Vice President of 14th executive committee of SONA. The topic of presentation was “My Journey as a Professional Architect” where he highlighted how his ambition as a young lad has led to a career that lasted 36 years. He shared his perseverance and struggles for establishing a firm that advocates sustainability and green architecture. His lecture was primarily focused on sharing of knowledge and experience with the young and future generation of the industry. The webinar was all about his journey to become professional architect, and for making a name for himself in the profession while remaining true to his profession.
The presentation was followed by a brief question and answer session. The session ended with the comment and conclusory remarks by Ar. Rajesh Thapa, President of SONA. The webinar was moderated by Sumnima Bhandari, an architecture student from Institute of Engineering, Pulchowk Campus.
