The passing of Ar. Ray Cheah Teik Jin, P.J.K. marks the loss of a figure whose influence was felt not through prominence, but through constancy, care, and conviction. As founder of Akitek Akiprima Sdn Bhd, he shaped a practice grounded in thoughtfulness, discipline, and respect for both people and place.
Trained in architecture at the University of Melbourne and strengthened by further study in engineering and computation, Ray Cheah approached design with clarity and rigour. For him, architecture was not an assertion, but a responsibility — one that demanded integrity, patience, and long-term thinking. These qualities became embedded in the culture of Akiprima and remain its guiding reference.
His service to the profession extended well beyond his own practice. Through leadership roles within PAM Northern Chapter and sustained involvement in professional and alumni communities, he contributed quietly but decisively to the growth of architectural practice and mentorship in Northern Malaysia.
Equally important was his lifelong commitment to education and community life. Ray Cheah believed deeply in the role of education as a foundation for continuity and belonging, and he gave generously of his time to schools, cultural organisations, and community institutions. His service was never ceremonial; it was steady, practical, and deeply felt.
Those who knew him will remember a man of calm authority and humility — a teacher more than a talker, a builder more than a self-promoter. His legacy endures not only in buildings or titles, but in the values he instilled, the people he guided, and the institutions he strengthened over time.
He is remembered with respect, gratitude, and enduring appreciation.