ASIA'S MOST INFLUENTIAL - MALAYSIA

Meet the country's most influential individuals: 100 prominent figures who are changing the landscape in Malaysia across industries in our main categories, from business and STEM, to social impact and culture.

SERINA HIJJAS

ARCHITECT AND DIRECTOR, HIJJAS ARCHITECTS & PLANNERS

Serina Hijjas is a prominent Malaysian architect and a leader in sustainable architecture. As the principal of Hijjas Architects and Planners, she upholds the legacy of her father, Hijjas Kasturi, a key figure in modern Malaysian architecture. Since taking over in 2011, she has brought a blend of tradition and innovation to the firm.

With over 30 years of experience, Serina began her career at Foster Associates in London before joining her father’s firm in 1991. Her work in London, focusing on energy efficiency and environmental design, sparked her enduring passion for sustainability.

Serina’s role with the Malaysia Green Building Council and the Green Building Index has positioned her as a champion of sustainable practices. A milestone in her career was the collaboration with her father on Menara Telekom, Malaysia’s first highrise energy-efficient building. Her firm attracted high-profile clients whose sustainability goals aligned with hers, including the Securities Commission headquarters and Shell Malaysia’s main office. Notable projects outside Kuala Lumpur include the Celcom Tower in Petaling Jaya and Heriot-Watt University Malaysia in Putrajaya.

Serina is also shaping the future of urban development through projects like TNB Nucleus City’s masterplan, which focuses on clean energy and smart infrastructure, supporting Malaysia’s net-zero goals. As president of the Malaysia Green Building Council, she continues to advocate for ecological urbanism and green building practices.