Architectural Assistant (Part I), Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen

Zhen Ron considers himself a lucky chap to be able to participate in Arkitrek especially in this crucial departure point for both Zhen Ron in the starting of his career and for Arkitrek as well. He is a ‘thirsty beast’ who is constantly hunting around pursuing his goals in his personal life, study and career. With Arkitrek, It will be tremendously interesting for Zhen Ron, also a Sabahan to explore more and contributes to his home land.

Zhen Ron started his architectural studies in UCSI University, Malaysia for Year 1 and Year 2. He continued his Year 3 in Robert Gordon University, UK. Now, Zhen Ron is a Part 1 architectural assistant doing his year out in Arkitrek.

Being very observant, Zhen Ron realised the importance of ‘learning from experience’ , and through trials and errors he believed that one will become stronger and sound in term of personality and self perseverance which are the keys to a success future.

In Arkitrek, Zhen Ron is glad to be exposed to a wider perspective of architecture which encompasses the concepts of youth development, group facilitation, community work and volunteering commitments. These in turn are very useful as the topic of architecture is constantly related to the People. Zhen Ron always places the priority of the People on top of everything. He believes that one should always be a part of the immediate environment rather than having an imposing approach.

Likewise, in the realm of architecture, Zhen Ron strictly stresses that design has to be corresponding to its environment. He claimed that the beauty of architecture and the art of communicating with people depend on how well one determines a relationship – Parasitism or Mutualism. Each decision made is very crucial as a ‘fatal’ move in the design stage will end up ‘destroying’ the entire community where projects and building developments are being carried out.

Zhen Ron finds working with Arkitrek is really fascinating as most of the projects from clients involved are all related to helping build the local community, aiming for a better future and also conservation of nature and wildlife. Although all this while Zhen Ron has been living in the city of Kota Kinabalu quite ‘porch-ly’, Zhen Ron still shows his compassion in having a say on the development of the local community inland Sabah.

Over the next couple of months, Zhen Ron will gradually become a ‘Kampung-Boy’ (village boy) and shout out loudly that he is proud of himself to work with Arkitrek!