A team of B. Architecture students from Khwopa Engineering College (Batch 077) had the opportunity to participate in the prestigious “35th PAM Annual Architectural Student Workshop” held from October 18–22, 2024, at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) in Kampar, Perak, Malaysia. Representing Nepal, Ms. Aditi Manandhar, Ms. Kritika Giri, Ms. Nistha Hada, Ms. Prashamsa Thapa Chhetri, Ms. Pujya Shrestha, Mr. Rohan Nagarkoti, Ms. Soniya Yonjan, and Mr. Sreezan Bhandari showcased their talents and cultural heritage alongside participants from Malaysia, China, the Philippines, Indonesia, and more.

The students departed Nepal on October 15 and returned on October 24. Their first few days in Malaysia included tours of UTAR's campus, the PAM Center, and landmark sites such as the Petronas Twin Towers, KLCC Park, and other architectural highlights in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.

The workshop officially opened on October 19, with a ceremony attended by UTAR’s Vice President, the Chairwoman of the Ministry of Works Malaysia, and various dignitaries. In the event's competitions, Khwopa’s students showcased a Kumari mascot, highlighting Nepalese cultural heritage, and participated in a sustainable fashion challenge, presenting a dress crafted entirely from paper. Their submissions also included a documentary video celebrating Nepalese stone heritage and a creatively designed banner, culminating in a grand exchange of souvenirs.

The following days featured an architectural photography workshop, where students collaborated in mixed teams to capture the essence of Malaysia’s architecture, and hands-on sessions on Bamboo Joinery, Bamboo Lantern making, and Sketching. The workshops concluded with a gala dinner and prize presentations, giving students a chance to interact with PAM President Ar. Adrianta Aziz, who had previously visited Khwopa Engineering College for the ACAE Talk series in January 2022.

Beyond the formal program, students explored Kuala Lumpur’s Batu Caves, Jalan Alor, Aquaria KLCC, and other popular sites, immersing themselves in Malaysia’s rich cultural and architectural landscape.

The workshop’s focus on sustainable design for tropical regions provided valuable insights, emphasizing energy efficiency, passive ventilation, and local materials—strategies essential for addressing environmental concerns. These experiences enriched students’ perspectives on architecture, sustainability, and global trends, fostering a collaborative and cross-cultural exchange of ideas. The visit was a transformative experience that broadened their understanding of architecture’s role in adapting to local climates, cultural values, and historical contexts.