Gladys Goh is the Senior Vice President for Strategic Innovation & Marketing at NIPSEA Group and has played a key role in shaping Nippon Paint’s market leadership across Asia.
In her current role, Gladys oversees Marketing, Communications, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Colour Leadership, as well as innovation and strategic initiatives for the NIPSEA Group. She is instrumental in driving business growth and brand positioning, ensuring Nippon Paint remains at the forefront of the coatings industry.
A strong advocate for talent development, Gladys pioneered Nippon Paint’s Management Associate Programme, designed to immerse fresh graduates in the company’s multi-functional operations. She also spearheaded the AYDA Awards—a regional design competition and learning platform that now spans 20 countries globally.
Her leadership in corporate responsibility led to the launch of Nippon Paint’s flagship CSR program Colourful Dreams in 2013, which has since evolved into the global ‘Colouring Lives’ program. This initiative improves communities through the Group’s global CSR pillars of Education, Empowerment, and Engagement.
Gladys’s journey with Nippon Paint began in 2006 when she was appointed Assistant General Manager of Marketing at Nippon Paint Malaysia. Tasked with elevating Nippon Paint’s brand presence, she transformed the company from a challenger brand to Malaysia’s leading Total Coatings Solution provider in just two years. Her success led to her promotion as Group General Manager of Nippon Paint Malaysia Group in 2013, where she played a pivotal role in expanding Nippon Paint’s presence in markets like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Philippines. Under her leadership, Nippon Paint strengthened its position as the region’s leading coatings company, with operations in over six countries within Asia.
Beyond her contributions to marketing and business expansion, Gladys made history in 2024 as the first female and non-Japanese national to serve as President of Nippon Paint Marine Coatings (NPMC), a pivotal operating company within Japan’s marine coatings industry. While her leadership in the marine sector is significant, her primary impact has been in shaping Nippon Paint’s marketing, branding, and strategic direction across Asia.
Gladys holds a Bachelor of Science (Physics) from the University of Malaya. She began her career at Unilever Malaysia and Coca-Cola Malaysia before joining Nippon Paint.
Beyond work, Gladys is a devoted mother of two active sons and enjoys travelling, reading, and watching Korean dramas. Her motto: “Work smart, play hard, and love your life.”
IDr Lai Siew Hong is the Co-founder and Chief Executive Designer of award-winning interior design firm Blu Water. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur since 2010, the design studio focuses on hospitality archetypes and the design of hotels, resorts and F&B establishments around the region. As one of the most revered interior design studio in Southeast Asia, Blu Water has also been recognised by AHEAD Awards Asia and IDA Design Awards. To date, some of the group’s recent projects include The Millen Penang (Autograph Collection), Lone Pine Penang (A Tribute Portfolio Resort), W Kuala Lumpur, EQ Kuala Lumpur, Sheraton Kuching, The Edison George Town and KYO Niseko.
As the creative backbone of Blu Water, Lai believes in creating innovative spaces and solutions while crafting a meaningful narrative in each design brief. With these sensorial and experiential design components, Lai continues to encourage a forward way of thinking in his creative process to keep the interests of a wide
variety of clients over the last 30 years — previously as the Creative Partner of Axis Identity Group, a multidisciplinary design studio in Kuala Lumpur specialising in hospitality design.
Lai graduated from the State University of New York/FIT with an Associate Degree in Applied Science Interior Design. His passion for nurturing young emerging talent translates into his deep involvement in mentorship and regional conferences over the years. Locally, he served as an Adjunct Lecturer at Taylor’s University Malaysia and internationally, he mentored graduate students at China Academy of Art in Hangzhou, China. He is also the man behind the impeccably organised MIID REKA Conference over the years, and currently the Chief Judge under Interior Design Category for AYDA 2025 & 2026. He is now serving as the Master Coach for Interior Architecture and Design Programme at The One Academy.
Lai leads a team of 30 talented designers who believe in re-thinking the design process in live with the rapid evolving needs of the hospitality industry. They are immersed in the notion to curate bespoke design solutions tailored to every need, desire and budget. The design studio also aims to create creative solutions that drive responsible design with an overarching theme of sustainability, providing a positive human experience with human-centric sensibilities. In his own words, the amalgamation of critical thinking and the creative idea will create spaces that are ladened with meaning and soul, bringing a fresh perspective to the world of design.
One of his recent accolades, The Edison George Town project, has been recognised for its outstanding design sensibilities, raking multiple recognition including in the StarProperty Awards 2020, IDA Design Awards 2019, AHEAD Asia 2017, RIDA 2017, and APIDA 2016. Other award-winning projects under his
stewardship are Lone Pine Penang, EQ Kuala Lumpur, citizenM Kuala Lumpur, and Hard Rock Hotel at Desaru Coast, Johor. Today, he continues to be the mastermind behind some of the most stunning luxury hotels and resorts in the country and the world over; most recently recognised as Asia’s Most Influential
Designer Award by DOTY 2020 and Tatler Asia’s Most Influential MY 2021.
Lai is also the Past President of the Malaysian Institute of Interior Designers (MIID) 2022-2024, which is the national institute representing interior design professionals in Malaysia, a Board Member of Asia-Pacific Space Designers Association (APSDA) 2023-2025 and Chairman of APSDA Awards 2025.
Nevzat Sayın is the Founder of the award-winning Architecture firm NSHM based in Türkiye. Born in 1954 in Hatay, Türkiye, he graduated from the Faculty of Fine Arts, Department of Architecture at Ege University in 1978. After which he pursued a master’s thesis on social housing at the same institution until 1980, followed by a postgraduate apprenticeship at Bektaş Özyönetim Architecture Workshop until 1984. Between 1984 and 1986, he engaged in extensive study trips to further his architectural knowledge and experience.
Sayın’s architectural portfolio spans a diverse range of projects, each carefully designed to respond to unique contextual and programmatic needs. Notable works include Gön II, The Seed Concert Hall, Balçova Cemevi, Umur Printing House, Bilgi University Faculty of Architecture, Doğan Holding Headquarters, Yahşibey Houses, and Mazı House.
His work has been showcased in numerous national and international exhibitions and has received significant recognition. He was nominated for the Aga Khan Award for Architecture (2007, 2009) and the Mies van der Rohe Award for Contemporary Architecture (2007, 2009). His contributions to architecture have also been honored with the International Architecture Awards for the Best New Global Design for Santralistanbul Modern Art Museum (in collaboration with EAA, 2010) and the International Architecture Award from The Chicago Athenaeum for the Istanbul Bilgi University Faculty of Architecture (2018).
Beyond his architectural practice, Sayın has been instrumental in architectural education. He is a founding member of the Istanbul Bilgi University Graduate Program in Architecture and serves as an academic advisor at MEF University and İzmir Institute of Technology (IYTE). He regularly contributes to architectural education at various institutions across Turkey. Since 2000, he has led the Yahşibey Architecture Workshops, an alternative architectural education initiative hosted under the Emre Senan Design Foundation since 2006. His commitment to education extends to summer schools, conferences, juries, and workshops, shaping the next generation of architects.
In addition to his architectural projects, Sayın has contributed extensively to the discourse on architecture and design through his writings, interviews, exhibitions, and publications. His books include:
Francesca Heathcote Sapey is a partner at the renowned architecture firm Teresa Sapey + Partners, acclaimed for its emotionally engaging spaces and bespoke projects that deliver high-quality experiences. The studio is deeply committed to understanding and delivering designs that add value, with color becoming one of the firm’s signature elements and a key aspect of its identity. Recently, the firm was awarded the ELLE Decoration Contract Award 2025, further highlighting its exceptional work in the field.
Francesca holds a degree in Architecture, a Master’s in Cultural and Critical Studies, and an MSc in Urban Design and City Planning from The Bartlett (UCL) in London. She is an active member of several professional networks, including the Urban Land Institute (ULI), the Spanish Association of Technical Urbanists (AETU), and Women in Real Estate Spain (WIRES).
As a sought-after guest speaker, lecturer, and published author, Francesca’s research interests span ephemeral architecture and brand identity, marketplaces as socio-economic enablers, and meanwhile uses an early site activation, among others. She has taught at IADE Escuela de Diseño and the Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura de Madrid (UPM). From 2020 to 2022, she also served as the Executive Director of the MSc in Real Estate at ESCP Business School (Madrid Campus).
Based in Madrid, Francesca is a partner of Teresa Sapey + Partners- a firm renowned for designing spaces with feelings and developing bespoke projects that provide high quality experiences. She also works as an external consultant internationally on ad hoc urbanism projects. Following her degree in Architecture, and later an MA in Cultural and Critical Studies, Francesca obtained the MSc in Urban Design and City Planning at The Bartlett (UCL) in London. She is active in networks such as Young Urbanists (Academy of Urbanism), Architects E17, and the MSc UDCP Alumni Group at UCL. Currently, Francesca is also a member of the Urban Land Institute (ULI), of the Spanish Association of Technical Urbanists (AETU) and Women in Reals Estate (WIRES). Invited guest-speaker, lecturer and published author, her interests include ephemeral architecture and brand identity, marketplaces as socio-economic enablers, as well as meanwhile uses and early site activation, among many others.
Gladys Goh is the Senior Vice President of Strategic Innovation and Marketing for NIPSEA Group. Her active portfolio includes: Group Marketing and Communications, Group Corporate Social Responsibility, Colour Leadership, Strategic Innovation. Being a huge believer in bridging the gap between work and passion, she spends enormous amounts of time raising the capacity and interest of her teams worldwide to give back to the community. This led to the growth of many flagship community projects including the world’s longest running student-centric awards and community – the AYDA Awards.
She joined Nippon Paint as the Assistant General Manager of Marketing for the Malaysia market in 2006. In 2013, she was promoted to Group General Manager of the Nippon Paint Malaysia Group which includes Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand Deco, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Philippines. Currently, she is also the President for Nippon Paint Marine Coatings.
Upon receiving his AB (1981) and his Master’s degree in Architecture from Harvard University, Graduate School of Design in 1985, Paul Tange joined the architectural firm headed by his father, renowned architect, Kenzo Tange. In 1997, Tange became President of Kenzo Tange Associates and in 2002, he founded Tange Associates. Tange Associates has designed landmark buildings both in Japan and abroad and has designed the Tokyo Aquatics Centre for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Tange Associates’ design of the Olympic gymnasiums is the first time that father and son architects have designed the same facilities in the same city for two separate Olympics (Tokyo 1964 and 2020). His portfolio of projects include the Tokyo Aquatics Centre (Japan), Romeo Hotel (Italy), Shanghai Bank Headquarters Building (China), The One (Hong Kong, China), President International Tower (Taiwan, China), Ba Ria-Vung Tau Administration and Political Center (Vietnam), Orchardgateway (Singapore) and Bank Danamon Headquarters Building (Jakarta).
Seah Chee Huang is a firm believer in purpose-driven architecture that synergises economic, environmental and social dynamics, to bring positive impact and delight to everyday life. His design pursuits include Singapore Sports Hub, Our Tampines Hub, Bukit Canberra and Punggol Regional Sports Centre – all pioneering models of integrated community, sports and lifestyle hubs in Singapore. His project, GoodLife! Makan, received the President’s Design Award 2020 for its progressive approach to senior care. An advocate for the architecture profession, Chee Huang led the fraternity as President of Singapore Institute of Architects from 2018 to 2020, to drive sustainable design, ethical and enterprising practices grounded in innovative and social causes. He cares about nurturing the next generation of architects and served as adjunct tutor for the NUS Bachelor of Architecture design studios for over 10 years. He partakes in the larger discourse of the built environment in design advisory panels and committees for various agencies and institutions.
Şebnem Buhara is an Istanbul-based, multidisciplinary designer who graduated in architecture from Mimar Sinan University. She now continues her own company, Bou Design. Through architecture, she works on creating a new grammar with industrial design and art, all of which form her thoughts on objects and structures. Some interactions she gained from her observations found their worth in architecture, some in design, some in sculpture. For this reason, she does not limit herself to the title of architect, designer or sculptor; she can present different answers through different inspirations. In her opinion, creativity is a framework of productivity that has absolute disciplines in itself and yet, likes to be free on the path of choice. She has won several international awards such as Edida, IDA, ADA, some of her products are exhibited at İstanbul Modern Museum Store, and her collection is exhibited at Tepta Showroom. She is also a member of Architectural Urban Research Academy (AURA).
Based in Madrid, Francesca is a partner of Teresa Sapey + Partners- a firm renowned for designing spaces with feelings and developing bespoke projects that provide high quality experiences. She also works as an external consultant internationally on ad hoc urbanism projects. Following her degree in Architecture, and later an MA in Cultural and Critical Studies, Francesca obtained the MSc in Urban Design and City Planning at The Bartlett (UCL) in London. She is active in networks such as Young Urbanists (Academy of Urbanism), Architects E17, and the MSc UDCP Alumni Group at UCL. Currently, Francesca is also a member of the Urban Land Institute (ULI), of the Spanish Association of Technical Urbanists (AETU) and Women in Reals Estate (WIRES). Invited guest-speaker, lecturer and published author, her interests include ephemeral architecture and brand identity, marketplaces as socio-economic enablers, as well as meanwhile uses and early site activation, among many others.
Gladys Goh is the Senior Vice President of Strategic Innovation and Marketing for NIPSEA Group. Her active portfolio includes: Group Marketing and Communications, Group Corporate Social Responsibility, Colour Leadership, Strategic Innovation. Being a huge believer in bridging the gap between work and passion, she spends enormous amounts of time raising the capacity and interest of her teams worldwide to give back to the community. This led to the growth of many flagship community projects including the world’s longest running student-centric awards and community – the AYDA Awards.
She joined Nippon Paint as the Assistant General Manager of Marketing for the Malaysia market in 2006. In 2013, she was promoted to Group General Manager of the Nippon Paint Malaysia Group which includes Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand Deco, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Philippines. Currently, she is also the President for Nippon Paint Marine Coatings.
Upon receiving his AB (1981) and his Master’s degree in Architecture from Harvard University, Graduate School of Design in 1985, Paul Tange joined the architectural firm headed by his father, renowned architect, Kenzo Tange. In 1997, Tange became President of Kenzo Tange Associates and in 2002, he founded Tange Associates. Tange Associates has designed landmark buildings both in Japan and abroad and has designed the Tokyo Aquatics Centre for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Tange Associates’ design of the Olympic gymnasiums is the first time that father and son architects have designed the same facilities in the same city for two separate Olympics (Tokyo 1964 and 2020). His portfolio of projects include the Tokyo Aquatics Centre (Japan), Romeo Hotel (Italy), Shanghai Bank Headquarters Building (China), The One (Hong Kong, China), President International Tower (Taiwan, China), Ba Ria-Vung Tau Administration and Political Center (Vietnam), Orchardgateway (Singapore) and Bank Danamon Headquarters Building (Jakarta).
Seah Chee Huang is a firm believer in purpose-driven architecture that synergises economic, environmental and social dynamics, to bring positive impact and delight to everyday life. His design pursuits include Singapore Sports Hub, Our Tampines Hub, Bukit Canberra and Punggol Regional Sports Centre – all pioneering models of integrated community, sports and lifestyle hubs in Singapore. His project, GoodLife! Makan, received the President’s Design Award 2020 for its progressive approach to senior care. An advocate for the architecture profession, Chee Huang led the fraternity as President of Singapore Institute of Architects from 2018 to 2020, to drive sustainable design, ethical and enterprising practices grounded in innovative and social causes. He cares about nurturing the next generation of architects and served as adjunct tutor for the NUS Bachelor of Architecture design studios for over 10 years. He partakes in the larger discourse of the built environment in design advisory panels and committees for various agencies and institutions.
Şebnem Buhara is an Istanbul-based, multidisciplinary designer who graduated in architecture from Mimar Sinan University. She now continues her own company, Bou Design. Through architecture, she works on creating a new grammar with industrial design and art, all of which form her thoughts on objects and structures. Some interactions she gained from her observations found their worth in architecture, some in design, some in sculpture. For this reason, she does not limit herself to the title of architect, designer or sculptor; she can present different answers through different inspirations. In her opinion, creativity is a framework of productivity that has absolute disciplines in itself and yet, likes to be free on the path of choice. She has won several international awards such as Edida, IDA, ADA, some of her products are exhibited at İstanbul Modern Museum Store, and her collection is exhibited at Tepta Showroom. She is also a member of Architectural Urban Research Academy (AURA).
Creative Colour Awards is a global colour competition for architects, designers and property owners to showcase their projects and be recognised on a global stage
