On 21 January 2026, as part of the Design Studies, students embarked on a field exploration to Kajang Town, Selangor, to identify potential design opportunities within a real urban context. Known for its vibrant food culture and its distinctive blend of heritage shophouses and contemporary developments, Kajang presents a rich and layered setting for contextual and community‑responsive design exploration.
A key highlight of the visit was a session at the Kajang Heritage Centre, where students gained valuable insights into the town’s historical and cultural development. Guided by Mr. Lee, the students were introduced to Kajang’s heritage narratives, community stories, and the everyday lives of earlier generations. This experience deepened their understanding of Kajang’s identity and how its past continues to influence the town today.
The visit continued with an engaging dialogue session involving Mr. Lee and Majlis Perbandaran Kajang (MPKj) Town Councillor, Mr. Ong SP. During the discussion, students explored Kajang’s urban context, planning direction, and community needs, enabling them to better appreciate the town’s current challenges and future opportunities. This exchange provided valuable clarity and direction before students began developing their design proposals.
Reflecting on the experience, students shared their perspectives:
“Understanding Kajang’s heritage gives our design a stronger sense of purpose and responsibility. It helps us design with respect for the town’s identity.”
— Chan Pei Ni
“The dialogue session helped us see how design can directly support the town and its community. It gave us clearer direction before starting our project.”
— Low Le Tao
Overall, the visit served as a meaningful foundation for informed, context‑driven design exploration rooted in respect for the town’s heritage and identity.
