Ar. Ray Cheah Teik Jin, P.J.K., was the founder and guiding spirit of Akitek Akiprima, an architect whose legacy is defined not only by the buildings he designed, but also by the people, institutions, and values he shaped over a lifetime of service.

Educated in architecture at the University of Melbourne, with further qualifications in Civil Engineering and Electronic Computation, he brought clarity, discipline, and integrity to every aspect of his work. These principles became the foundation upon which Akiprima was built and continue to guide the firm today.

He served the architectural profession with distinction, including as President of PAM Northern Chapter in 1977 and later as Chairman from 1983 to 1984, contributing to professional leadership and mentorship in Northern Malaysia. He also played an active role in the alumni and professional community as Chairman of the ANZGAM Penang Branch (1974–1976).

Beyond architecture, Ray Cheah was deeply committed to education and community service. He devoted many years to Chinese education, serving as Honorary Chairman of the Chung Ling Old Boys and as a Board Member of Chung Ling High School (Penang), Chung Ling (N.T.) High School Bukit Mertajam, SMJK Chung Hwa Confucian Penang, and Sekolah Phor Tay. His belief was simple yet profound: community through education. He was also actively involved with the Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce and supported cultural heritage through his involvement with the North Malaya Cheah Si Chong Soo.

Ar. Ray Cheah was a man of quiet strength, humility, and unwavering principles — a founder who built patiently, a mentor who led by example, and a leader who believed that true legacy lies in continuity.