AIA Southeast Asia Symposium: Indonesia - From Vision to Voice. Strategic Communications that Elevate Architecture Practices and design professionals + Closing Speech
Join us in person or online for this hybrid event as part of the SEA25 Symposium ‘Nature + Technology and the Future’!
When: Friday 12 September 2025 @ 09:30 (Eastern US Time)/ 21:30 (Singapore time)
Where: Ho Chi Minh City Association of Architects, 88 Mac Dinh Chi Street, Da Kao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam/ ONLINE
CES Credits - Estimated 1 LU for AIA Members
Schedule
09:30 (Eastern US Time)/ 21:30 (Singapore time): Singapore - From Vision to Voice: Strategic Communications that Elevate Architecture Practices and design professionals
10:20 (Eastern US Time)/ 22:20 (Singapore time): Closing Speech
Speakers
Elvera N. Makki, founder and CEO fo VMCS Advisory
Moderator
Manon Sora Koestoer, President, AIA Southeast Asia; AIA International Country Representative - Singapore, Founder and Principal, Spatiality Studio Pte Ltd
Closing: Yew Kee Cheong FAIA, RIBA, MSIA, President, AIA International; President of AIA Southeast Asia. Founding Partner, 2B ARCHITECTS.
Description
In today’s competitive architecture and design industry, success depends not only on creativity and technical expertise but also on building strong client relationships, cultivating a trusted reputation, and managing risks effectively. This session explores how business communications and public relations strategies can help architects and designers expand influence, attract high-value clients, and navigate reputation challenges in an evolving market.
Speaker Bios
Elvera N. Makki s a communications and PR leader with over 25 years of experience shaping the reputations of global companies including Ogilvy PR, Unilever, Mercedes-Benz, and Citibank. She is the Founder & CEO of VMCS Advisory, a consultancy focused on sustainability, and has served as President of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Indonesia since 2017. Vera is the first Indonesian to earn the globally accredited ABC and SCMP certifications and was recognized with the PR Top Leader Award 2023. An Eisenhower Fellow and award-winning communicator, she frequently speaks at international forums and trains C-level leaders in strategic communications, crisis management, and executive leadership.
Manon Sora Koestoer is the Founder and Principal of Spatiality Studio Pte Ltd and has been a registered architect in the US since 2004. He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1997 and received the NDTV award in 2013 for the Chaithanya Smaran Project in Bangalore, India.
Specializing in laboratories, life sciences, workspaces, and interior projects, Manon is an IFBA-certified bio-safety professional with over 20 years of professional experience in the United States and Singapore. His projects span laboratories, data centers, institutions, interior design, resorts, master planning, high-rises, and educational and research facilities.
Manon served on the American Institute of Architects International Region Board of Directors as the Director for Unassigned Members in 2015-2016.
Yew Kee Cheong, is a Singaporean architect with over 25 years of experience in architecture and education, passionate about sustainable and wellness design. Elevated to the AIA College of Fellows in 2023, Yew Kee holds a Master of Science in Sustainable Design from the University of Nottingham, UK, and a Master of Architecture from the University of Texas, Austin, USA. As the Founding Principal of 2B ARCHITECTS in Singapore, he is licensed in both Singapore and Texas, with projects across eight countries. Yew Kee played a key role in forming the AIA Southeast Asia section and organized the AIA International Region Conference 2018 in Singapore. He served as a Council Member of the Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA) from 2008-2023, founding the SIA Sustainability Committee and chairing the Wellness and Design Competition Committees. Active in professional and community work, he serves on institute councils, advisory committees, mentors students, speaks at public forums, and acts as a juror for awards. In 2013, he received the Singapore Ministry of National Development Medallion for Distinguished Service.
This symposium is brought to you with the generous support of our event partners: PDP Architecture, d’Doubles, HKS, and International Association of Business Communicators Indonesia.
