In recent years, Bangladeshi students are now stepping forward confidently on the global stage, joining their international peers with innovative ideas and creative solutions. Their growing success in top competitions shows that Bangladesh is becoming a strong contender in fields like design and technology.
Mahdia Rahman, student of CUET (Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology). She brought pride to Bangladesh by securing the Judges Choice award in the Interior Design category at the AYDA Awards 2024 global finale in Tokyo. Her creativity and dedication shine through this achievement, demonstrating how she uses design to drive positive change.
Nippon Paint started the AYDA Awards as part of its global social responsibility efforts, and it has now reached its 17th year. It is one of the largest and most respected competitions for young designers across Asia and beyond. This year, over 8,000 students from 16 different countries took part, submitting their innovative ideas under the theme “CONVERGE: Glocal Design Solutions.” The theme challenged participants to create designs that are rooted in local culture and conditions, while also addressing global social, environmental and urban issues.
Titled “Stories Unfold: The Tale of a Single Mother,” Mahdia’s award-winning project reimagines the familiar Bangladeshi street-side tea stall as more than just a place for refreshments, it becomes a safe, multifunctional space for community and storytelling. Her design focuses on providing single mothers with a secure place to work and look after their children. This thoughtful approach aims to tackle the often-overlooked struggles of single mothers in urban areas, offering them a harassment-free environment that combines empathy with practical needs.
Robin Miah, Marketing Manager of Nippon Paint Bangladesh, praised Mahdia’s accomplishment, saying, “We are incredibly proud of Mahdia Rahman. She has represented Bangladesh with creativity and compassion. The AYDA Awards recognize design as a powerful tool for social change and Mahdia’s project truly embodies this spirit.”
Mahdia and Md Munsurun Nabi were first chosen as national champions, with Md Munsurun Nabi winning in the Architecture category. Their success in the competition gave them the chance to represent Bangladesh internationally among the top young designers.
At the AYDA 2024 Global Finale, Mike Huang of China was awarded the Designer of the Year title for Architecture with his project “18+1 Sewing Plan,” while Adelia Meysa from Indonesia earned the same honor in Interior Design for her project “Mayangan Teh”. Winners in these top categories received fully funded placements at the prestigious Harvard Graduate School of Design’s Design Discovery Program, valued at up to $10,000.
Additionally, winners of sub-categories, including the Judges’ Choice awards like Mahdia’s, were rewarded with $500 in prize money as recognition of their outstanding work.
Originally called the Asia Young Designer Awards, AYDA has grown into a significant platform that supports young talent without charging any entry fees. It encourages mentorship, international collaboration, and impactful design solutions. By spotlighting emerging designers from across Asia and the world, the competition equips the next generation of creative minds to face the urgent design challenges shaping our future.
Mahdia Rahman’s win is a proud moment for Bangladesh and a shining example of how thoughtful, locally inspired design can make a difference on a global stage.
