KLDF 2023: A Celebration of Creativity, Culture, and Innovation

Kuala Lumpur Design Festival (KLDF) 2023, presented by thnklb©, has concluded its week-long celebration of sustainable intelligence, creativity, and innovation. From October 6th to October 15th, KLDF transformed Kuala Lumpur’s vibrant cultural district into a design oasis, captivating audiences with a myriad of immersive experiences, insightful conferences, engaging workshops, and vibrant trade fairs.

This year’s festival, themed “Sustainable – Intelligence,” was a resounding success, showcasing Malaysia’s rich creative and cultural heritage. With the support of industry leaders such as Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), Malaysian Timber Board Industry (MTIB), Think City, Royal Selangor, Architects Association of Malaysia (PAM), Malaysian Industrial Design Association (PEREKA), Malaysian Graphic Design Association (wREGA), Tourism Malaysia, Yayasan Telekom Malaysia, and Telekom Museum, KLDF 2023 brought together design enthusiasts, professionals, and businesses to explore the intersection of design, sustainability, and intelligence.

KLDF 2023 stood out for its commitment to inclusivity. Departing from traditional designer-centric events, the festival curated a diverse array of activities aimed at inspiring, educating, and fostering a strong sense of community among attendees. The KLDF Emerging Designer Programme (EDP) presented by The Green Factory, showcased promising talent. The award-winning team “Constant/Variable” created a stunning built folly titled “Desires & Encounter,” now on exhibit at Rumah Tangsi.

The festival featured a series of enlightening conferences and dialogues, including the ASEAN Design Dialogue and Industry Roundtable Sessions. These sessions, led by leading design practitioners and academics, explored topics ranging from sustainable urban design to the impact of the design industry on education landscape. These conversations stimulated intellectual curiosity and promoted collaboration among industry players.

KLDF 2023 also offered a diverse range of workshops, from 3D printing to algorithmic design in architecture. Exhibitions such as ‘Domestic Culture’ and ‘My Words Won’t Change The World’ allowed enthusiasts, students, and professionals to explore the importance of design in historical and contemporary contexts.

A highlight of the festival was the Micro Trade Fair, an emerging market for good design. Running from October 13th to 15th at The Godown Arts Centre, the fair provided a platform for innovative brands to showcase their products and innovations. Attendees had the opportunity to explore and purchase unique, high-quality items while engaging with the designers and artisans behind the creations.

KLDF 2023 also delighted attendees with a culinary event centred around the theme “Fermentation and Sustainability: Exploring Kuala Lumpur’s Cultural Destinations Through Cuisine.” Additionally, the festival hosted entertainment events, including a vinyl DJ night and live jazz performance at Jao Tim, providing a vibrant backdrop for creative discussions and networking.

As the Media Partner for KLDF 2023, we are delighted to have been part of this exceptional celebration of design, culture, and innovation. Collaborating with KLDF allowed us to witness firsthand the transformative power of design and its ability to shape a sustainable future. We extend our gratitude to KLDF, its organizers, partners, and participants for making this event a resounding success.