The 5th edition of Borneo Architecture Festival International Design Conference (BAF 2017) organized by the Malaysian Institute of Architects or Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia (PAM) took place today (21 October 2017) at Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort, Kota Kinabalu. It is organized annually to celebrate Architecture Day.

Ar Arnold Kwan, Chairman of PAM Sabah Chapter gave the opening speech at the event. He said, "I hope this design conference will be of great value to all of us especially as architects and those involved in the innovative and creative industry. This is because we can find creative inspiration, learn about the latest trends and discourse of architecture, network with of peers and vendors, broker new friendships, meet design luminaries such as our 4 notable architect speakers from other parts of the world, and for those who are not local, to experience the local hospitality of our beloved city, Kota Kinabalu.”

The conference featured renowned speakers namely Dan Bube, Ed Baker, Sibylla Hartel and Marta Pozo, attracting professionals and conference goers near and far. Leading up to the event, two other subevents namely a kiosk design competition as well as a Sabah Tourism Board Building sketches took place. The competitions were concluded 2 to 3 weeks prior to the conference.