Adjunct Professor IDr Joe WH Chan is an award-winning Malaysian interior designer, educator and industry leader with more than 25 years of professional experience spanning corporate workplaces, hospitality, retail, healthcare, education and mixed-use developments across the Asia-Pacific region. As the Founder and Principal of Designtone, he is recognised for creating thoughtful, human-centred environments that balance creativity, functionality and long-term value.
Beyond professional practice, Joe has dedicated much of his career to advancing the interior design profession through education, mentorship and industry leadership. He currently serves as Deputy President of the Asia-Pacific Space Designers Association (APSDA) and the Malaysian Institute of Interior Designers (MIID), while also contributing to academia as an Adjunct Professor and serving on professional accreditation and advisory panels. He is an active speaker, juror and conference chair, sharing knowledge with professionals and students throughout the region.
Joe believes that design knowledge should be shared, not kept. Throughout his career, he has devoted countless hours to mentoring emerging designers, supporting universities, guiding young professionals, and advocating for higher professional standards within the built environment. His philosophy is simple: the future of design depends not only on creating great projects, but on nurturing great people.
"Design is not just about creating spaces—it is about creating opportunities, empowering people, and leaving a meaningful legacy."
Through this initiative , Joe extends this lifelong commitment to industry giving by creating opportunities that connect education, practice and the wider community. The initiative supports aspiring designers through mentorship, educational initiatives, knowledge-sharing programmes, industry collaborations and financial assistance for students facing hardship. It also serves as a platform to foster innovation, encourage responsible design, and inspire the next generation of creative leaders.
Guided by the belief that “Design is not just about creating spaces—it is about creating opportunities, empowering people, and leaving a meaningful legacy.” Joe continues to champion a profession built on generosity, collaboration and the responsibility to give back to society.