Malaysian Architecture Week (MAW) Johor 2025 @ KOTAJAIL.
Pre-Event to Festival Seni Bina Johor in conjunction with World Architecture Day.

The Malaysian Architecture Week (MAW) Johor 2025 will be held at KOTAJAIL Johor Bahru from 12th – 19th September 2025, offering a unique blend of architecture, heritage, and community engagement. This event serves as a prelude to the Festival Seni Bina Johor (FSB Johor 2025), in conjunction with the global celebration of World Architecture Day.

MAW Johor 2025 @ KOTAJAIL is designed as a dynamic platform for professionals, students,and the public to engage with the evolving narratives of Malaysian architecture. The program includes:

• Exhibition of Architectural Works – Featuring physical 3D models and visionary proposals by young architects, lecturers, designers, and students, showcasing fresh talent and innovation in Malaysia’s architectural scene.

• Talks & Knowledge Sharing – Highlighting thought-provoking topics such as Parametric Architecture and the digital future of design, led by leading practices such as VERITAS Architects.

• Heritage Reflections – Insightful sessions from KOTAJAIL representatives and urban leaders on the transformation of Johor’s old prison, emphasizing the importance of cultural continuity and adaptive reuse in city-making.

• Keynote & VIP Engagements – featuring distinguished speakers including YB Dato’ Hj. Mohd. Noorazam Bin Dato’ Hj. Osman, Chief Executive of IRDA, who was instrumental in the original idea of repurposing KOTAJAIL during his tenure as mayor of Johor Bahru.

• Community Networking – Interactive walkthroughs, dialogue sessions, and casual “BORAK-BORAK” forums encouraging multidisciplinary collaboration between professionals, policymakers, and the public.

This event is not only a celebration of architectural creativity but also a living lesson on heritage conservation and adaptive reuse. KOTAJAIL provides an authentic backdrop to discuss the future of Malaysian architecture—how we can balance history, innovation, and community aspirations. By bringing together architects, students, industry players, and the wider community, MAW Johor 2025 @ KOTAJAIL creates a space where heritage meets modernity, and ideas converge to shape the next century of architecture in Johor and beyond.