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Advancing interior
design in Sabah.

Founded in 2020, SAIDS is a non-profit committed to connecting likeminded interior designers and industry suppliers across Sabah — strengthening the profession through knowledge, networking and collaboration.

Our story

A community, built from the ground up.

SAIDS began in 2020 with a simple conviction — that interior design in Sabah is stronger when its people are connected. What started as a small group of likeminded designers and suppliers has grown into a non-profit society working for the whole field.

The ever-growing SAIDS community is dedicated to seamlessly connecting industry members and creating public awareness about interior design — bridging designers, vendors and manufacturers, locally and overseas.

Whether someone is new to interior design or has spent years in the field, SAIDS has much to offer: a platform to interact, share professional knowledge, and serve clients better.

Registered non-profit society, est. 2020
Based in Kota Kinabalu, serving all of Sabah
Open to students, professionals & trade partners

Milestones

One step at a time.

2020
Founded
Established as a non-profit society in Kota Kinabalu under founder Professor Dato' Seri Dr. Wilson Yong, with Frankie Liew as first chairman — connecting interior designers and industry suppliers across Sabah.
2022
Finding our voice
The society sets out its mission and vision — bridging networks, nurturing young talent and protecting the professionalism of Sabah's designers.
2025
A new chapter
SAIDS installs a new committee under chairman Ashley Yeoh, introduces three membership tiers, and marks the year at its Appreciation & Installation Day — welcoming 170+ guests, with a keynote from founder Professor Dato' Seri Dr. Wilson Yong.

Mission

Reinforcing our commitment.

Bridge designers, vendors & manufacturers — locally and overseas
A guideline & professional-advice sharing channel
Hold events, talks, workshops & more
Share cutting-edge information across every aspect of design
Meet potential projects & clients

Vision

One step at a time.

Open collaborations for architects, designers & vendors
Mentor & nurture young talent
Protect the professionalism of Sabah's designers
Help the public understand interior design
Grow toward an international standard

What we run

Programmes that bring
the community together.

SAIDS Dialogue

Talks and conversations that keep members close to the ideas, materials and movements shaping interior design.

SAIDS Connect

Networking and industry meetups that link designers with suppliers, partners and one another.

SAIDS Inspirations

Showcases and sessions that spark new thinking — celebrating the creativity of Sabah's design community.

Founding chairman's message

“The main essence of interior design will always be about people, and how they use the space — to create an attractive, civilised and meaningful environment for the users.”

“Our strive for this society is to unite all of Sabah's interior designers on one platform — where we can interact with one another and share our professional knowledge to better serve our clients.”

Frankie Liew · Founding Chairman

Leadership

The people behind SAIDS.

Founded under its patron, Professor Dato' Seri Dr. Wilson Yong, with Frankie Liew as first chairman, SAIDS is today chaired by Ashley Yeoh (2025–2026 term), with Frankie Liew continuing as design advisor. Below is the founding committee that established the society in 2020.

“Unity is our strength. Let's move forward, together.”

Ashley Yeoh · Chairman, 2025–2026