What is an Access Consultant?

Details

 

Definitions

• Inclusive Access* All environments should be accessible, regardless of ability. Everybody is different and there is no ‘average’ person. As a result encouraging an accessible environment will benefit you, because people with disabilities, people of small or tall stature, parents with prams, delivery persons and so forth will have greater access to the built environment. Creating built environments and facilities that are accessible to all is a right protected by law under the mandate of the United Nations, to which Malaysia is a signatory. It is an indispensable pre-requisite for social inclusion, focusing on equal opportunity and diversity. Accessibility to the built environment affects a large number of people within society in their day-to-day normal life, concerning their safety and physical, mental and social well being. Even a single step can deny entry to a person pulling a suitcase on wheels, or a person using a wheelchair or pose a safety hazard to anyone with impaired vision.

 

• Business and Human Rights* The business and human rights agenda is expanding rapidly into view. There is now global recognition that business can be a vehicle for the promotion and realisation of human rights. The United Nations Human Rights Council unanimously endorsed the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). These principles provide a global standard for preventing and addressing the risk of adverse human impacts linked to business activity. Businesses can also play a key role in advancing human rights within their organisations and the wider community. For example, businesses that seek to accelerate gender equality through setting targets or adopting special measures, or promote human rights within the community through education and awareness raising activities.

 

• Built environments* are those that have been created or modified, such as buildings, streetscapes, sports grounds, parks and gardens, transport facilities and the like. The term also includes fixtures, equipment, services, communications and other facilities.

 

• Accessibility* Environments with greater accessibility are those that are easier, safer and more enjoyable to reach, use, experience and move around in.

 

• Access Consultants* are experts who offer advisory or other services in relation to accessible environments. Services include accessibility appraisals, audits, design, research, training, information on codes, and advice on good practice in accessibility.

Daniel Wong

Sydney Access Consultants (Malaysia) PLT
Level 6, Menara Darussalam, 12 Jalan Pinang, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50450 Kuala Lumpur

About Us

Details

Sydney Access Consultants (Malaysia) PLT
Level 6, Menara Darussalam, 12 Jalan Pinang, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50450 Kuala Lumpur

 

About Us – Sydney Access Consultants (Malaysia) PLT

At Sydney Access Consultants (Malaysia) PLT, we are a team of dedicated, registered architect professionals with specialist qualifications in access consulting and universal design. We help create more inclusive, barrier-free built environments across Malaysia — from Kuala Lumpur to Penang, Johor Bahru, and beyond — while drawing on proven international expertise.

Our work improves city accessibility, enhances architecture and interior design, delivers project management for accessible developments, and provides training and awareness seminars (including CPD sessions) for architects, developers, local authorities, and building owners.

We align every project with Malaysian standards — MS 1184:2014 (Code of Practice for Universal Design and Accessibility), the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008, and UBBL By-Law 34A — ensuring practical, compliant, and forward-thinking outcomes.

Why We Exist

Sydney Access Consultants (Malaysia) PLT is deeply committed to promoting and facilitating equitable access to the built environment for people living with disabilities (OKU), seniors, families, and everyone in our communities.

We achieve this by helping clients find practical, innovative, and cost-effective solutions to everyday access challenges — whether designing new buildings, retrofitting existing ones, planning inclusive public spaces, or ensuring hotels, workplaces, and aged care facilities truly welcome all Malaysians.

By integrating universal design principles from the earliest stages, we help avoid expensive retrofits, support independence and dignity, and contribute to Malaysia’s vision of livable, age-friendly, and inclusive cities.

Where We Operate

Building on our international experience in smart cities developments and accessible urban projects, we have established a dedicated Malaysian branch: Sydney Access Consultants (Malaysia) PLT, based in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

Kuala Lumpur serves as our strategic gateway to ASEAN, allowing us to support inclusive projects across the region.

Importantly, Kuala Lumpur is the hometown of our Architect Partner Ar. Daniel Wong, giving our team a genuine understanding of Malaysian culture, lifestyle, local regulations, construction practices, and the unique way architecture is delivered here.

We are fully familiar with the Malaysian built environment — from tropical climate considerations to cultural sensitivities — ensuring our advice is always context-appropriate and respectful.

How We Work with Malaysian Partners

We actively collaborate with Malaysian architects, developers, planners, and stakeholders in key growth areas:

• Smart City developments that prioritise good access and universal design from the outset
• Aged care facilities and retirement living communities
• Accessible housing developments — including multi-generational homes and specialist disability accommodation
• Policy development and urban planning for inclusive, livable cities

Our Malaysian partners focus on delivering expert access consulting advice, drawing on our long-standing Australian accreditation and best-practice experience in accessibility.

We are proud to be working closely with Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia (PAM) to introduce targeted education and awareness programs for the Malaysian built environment — helping raise standards, build capacity, and promote inclusive design nationwide.

Our Kuala Lumpur Team

• Gary Finn – Partner
• Daniel Wong – Architect Partner (Malaysian-registered)
• Ahmad Syafiq Bin Mohd Unzir – Graduate Architect & Access Consultant
• Nur Syuhada Binti Che Rahimi - Graduate Architect & SDA Specialist
• Yee Jean - Architect's Assistant & SDA Specialist

Ready to make your next project more accessible, inclusive, and compliant?

Contact us today for accessibility audits, universal design consulting, compliance advice, CPD training, or collaboration on smart cities, aged care, or accessible housing in Malaysia.

Sydney Access Consultants (Malaysia) PLT Level 6, Menara Darussalam, 12 Jalan Pinang, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50450 Kuala Lumpur

Phone: +60 3-2779 7117 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Visit accessconsultants.asia to explore our services and portfolio. For our Australian expertise and global projects, see sydneyaccessconsultants.com.au.

Together, let’s build a more equitable and accessible Malaysia — one thoughtful space at a time.