Chong You Leong
Lecturer, 2016
Bachelor of Architecture
Never give up and grab all the golden opportunities. Success is daring to try and making an effort in everything that we are doing.
22 August 2016
Chong You Leong: Award-winning Architect
Bachelor of Architecture alumnus, Chong You Leong, is a lecturer and an advisor for Limkokwing University’s Architecture Student Council. In 2015 he successfully led the 27th annual Architectural student workshop ‘Future is Now’ with a team of over 150 working committee for nearly 600 participants.
With numerous awards under his belt Chong You Leong shares his insights on what keeps him soaring to heights in his career.
“I discovered my love for architecture by accident; at first I was interested in interior design and always decorated our house during any festive season. As time went on, I was introduced to interior architecture which I immensely got to love. Now I am passionate about architecture because it revolves around our built environment and changes lives for the better.”
“After high school I got a scholarship to study at Limkokwing University which is where I wanted to study in the first place. Through the many awards and accolades the University has won it was clear to me that it was one of the best universities.”
Chong mentioned that since joining Limkokwing University his life revolved 360 degrees as it maximised his views in many perspectives because of its diversified ecosystem.
“The multicultural environment at Limkokwing University creates worldwide experiences. During my studies I had the opportunity to exchange cultural knowledge with students from different parts of the world simultaneously elevating my country, Malaysia in the eyes of others.”
“Through this, I learned to consider many factors regarding cultural backgrounds in any decision making process be it life lessons or architectural deliberation.”
Chong You Leong said his challenges came along with his biggest achievements.
“Leading the 27th annual architectural student workshop ‘Future Is Now’ with a team consisting of more than 150 working for nearly 600 participants was very challenging but worthwhile in the end because it turned out successfully.”
“It was a great milestone for the University and Faculty of Architecture and Built Environment because it was the first time for a private institution to host the annual workshop after 36 years of being conducted.”
Leong has also won numerous awards while studying at Limkokwing University such as the PAM Annual Architectural Booth Exhibition for 3 consecutive times and LAFARGE Affordable Housing Design competition to mention a few.
“In 2016 we swept 5 awards and championed the annual Royal FLORIA Garden competition-University category after a few years of participation. This too was one of my greatest achievements and the first time to participate and lead a landscape architecture competition.”
“Besides that, the University’s strong industry network has molded and enabled me to work closely with other professionals.”
“I’m one of the lecturers at the Faculty of Architecture and Built Environment. I teach design and technology classes to inspire and nurture future leaders. Besides that, I’m also the advisor for the University’s Architecture Student Council. The council generates activities and participation of industry related architectural competitions and liaises closely with the Malaysian Institute of Architects and Board of Architect Malaysia.”
“As I work closely to represent the University in Malaysian Institute of Architects, many competitions and architectural events enable me to engage with industry experts and professional architects; this practice sharpens my skillset further.”
Currently Leong is working on grooming 35 enthusiastic young leaders to represent Limkokwing University at the 28th Architectural Student Workshop ‘MATRA’ which has 12 categories.
“I am also involved in a 200ft dragon sculpture recycle installation project which is expected to break the Malaysia Book of Records in a few months time.”
The experience that Leong got from Limkokwing University embedded in him a globalised mindset as well as flexibility in solving problems. “Besides that, the University’s strong industry network has molded and enabled me to work closely with other professionals.”
Chong You Leong’s advice to upcoming young architects and students was, “Architecture is a demanding course and very challenging, it requires drive and perseverance. Never give up and grab all the golden opportunities. Success is daring to try and making an effort in everything that we are doing.”
