Serina Hijjas

Serina Hijjas is a prominent Malaysian architect and a leading force in advancing sustainable architecture in Malaysia. As the director of Hijjas Architects and Planners, she carries forward the legacy of her father, Hijjas Kasturi, a renowned figure in modern Malaysian architecture. Since taking over the firm in 2011 after her father’s retirement, Serina has infused fresh perspectives into the practice, maintaining a balance between heritage and innovation.

With over 30 years of experience, Serina’s journey in architecture began at Foster Associates in London, where she worked for three years before returning to Malaysia in 1991 to join her father’s firm. Her time in London significantly shaped her approach to design, particularly through projects that emphasised energy efficiency and environmental considerations. This early exposure laid the foundation for her passion for sustainability—long before it became a mainstream focus in the field.

Her work with the Malaysia Green Building Council and the Green Building Index has made her a key figure in promoting sustainable practices in Malaysian architecture. A pivotal moment in her career was the collaboration with her father on Menara Telekom, Malaysia’s first high-rise energy-efficient building, which was nominated for the Aga Khan Award. The company’s portfolio began to fill with more high-profile clients whose sustainability goals perfectly aligned with Serina’s vision. That includes two of Kuala Lumpur’s architectural jewels: the Securities Commission headquarters (which received the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Award) and Shell Malaysia’s main office. Serina also spearheaded projects beyond the capital city, like the Celcom Tower in Petaling Jaya and Putrajaya’s Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, which features the country’s first living green roof.

Beyond architecture, Serina is deeply involved in shaping the future of urban development. Her firm is also behind TNB Nucleus City’s masterplan, which emphasises clean energy, smart mobility, and IoT infrastructure, aligning with Malaysia’s net-zero goals by 2050. In addition, she serves as the president of the Malaysia Green Building Council, where she advocates for green building practices and ecological urbanism.