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 studios 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 W Kuala Lumpur, EQ Kuala Lumpur,
Sheraton Sarawak, Club Med Borneo 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 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 has been
the Chief Judge of Asia Young Designer Awards since 2016.

Lai leads a team of 30 talented designers who believe in rethinking 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.

The muscles behind Blu Water believe in taking a unique approach to create memorable hospitality
experiences with purpose. Each space is designed to engage people from the moment they arrive, in the
same way, a theatre captivates its audience. These spaces provide a threshold into the local culture and
heritage, a sense of place that every idea is build upon. Together, the team aspires to tell a compelling story
and take people on a multi-sensorial journey with a beautiful narrative.

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 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.

Lai is also the current President of the Malaysian Institute of Interior Designers ( 2020 2022, which is
the national institute representing interior design professionals in Malaysia.