Hijjas bin Kasturi
Hijjas bin Kasturi studied at the University of Adelaide and the University of Melbourne (Bachelor of Architecture, 1965, Graduate Diploma of Town and Regional Planning, 1966). He returned to Singapore in 1966, and then moved to Malaysia in 1967, where he founded the School of Art and Architecture at MARA Institute of Technology. He went into partnership in 1969, and then formed his practice Hijjas Kasturi Associates (HKAS) in 1977.
Characterised by the major concerns of architecture, town planning and building, in addition to the arts-oriented influences of industrial, graphic and textile design, and fine arts, the practice of HKAS has a unique vision.
Major buildings in Kuala Lumpur such as Menara Maybank (1989), Tabung Haji (1986), Putrajaya Convention Centre (2003) and the 4G11 tower (2008), currently being built in Putrajaya, are examples of the influential buildings designed by HKAS.
Hijjas bin Kasturi’s work is recognised internationally. In 1998 he received the Tokyo Creation Award and in 2001 the Malaysian Institute of Architects Gold Medal. He was also awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the Universiti Malaya in 2005 and from the University of Melbourne in 2008. In addition to being a Member of the Malaysian Institute of Architects and Malaysian Institute of Planning, Hijjas acts as an external examiner for several schools of architecture in Malaysia and he has been invited to teach in several universities in Malaysia and abroad. His practice has won many awards for its work, including one for the Kuching Civic Centre by the Association of Engineers, California, USA (1989); the ASEAN Award (1990), in recognition of work in the visual arts (architecture); and the Malaysian Institute of Architects 2000 Excellence Award for the Securities Commission Building, Kuala Lumpur.
Hijjas bin Kasturi has made a significant and lasting artistic, environmental, technological and professional contribution to architecture and identity in Malaysia. He is a fitting ambassador for the success of the Colombo plan and its education of the future leaders of the professions in Asia, and the University of Melbourne proud role in that endeavour.