Develop your passion for design
MANY Malaysian designers and visual artists have graduated from First City University College (formerly known as KBU International College) and excelled in their respective fields, courtesy of its excellent and industry-relevant study programmes offered through the Faculty of Design and Built Environment (FDBE).
“Our design students stand to benefit from our association with professional bodies, namely the Malaysian Institute of Interior Designers, Malaysian Design Council and wREGA,” explained FDBE dean Assistant Prof Khairul Hazrin Hashim.
He cited the example of a recent brand collaboration, which involved students submitting their own unique design concept for King Koil Malaysia’s new showroom layout.
Foundation and diploma programmes
Offered by FDBE, the one-year Foundation in Art and Design is aimed at providing a general art and design education. The experience gained from practical studio work as well as with 2D and 3D designing will mould students’ mindset for the Graphic Design and Interior Architecture Bachelor Degree programmes.
Meanwhile, the seven semester (2 1/3 years) Diploma in Graphic Design programme enables students to further their artistic passion at the workplace.
On the other hand, Diploma in Interior Design students will learn over the course of seven semesters (2 1/3 years) to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of interior design elements. Students are known to utilise software such as AUTOCad, 3D Studio Max, Google Sketchup, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator.
Graduate as a Savvy Fashion Marketer
The BA (Hons) Fashion Marketing is a three-year academic programme that aims to empower fashion enthusiasts to market and brand their own fashion products.
“When students graduate with a
Fashion Marketing degree from First City UC, they are fully equipped with a strong portfolio. It will determine their ability to launch and sustain their own brand, or land a successful career in the fashion industry,” explained Fashion Marketing programme coordinator Tan Eleen, who is also an active fashion illustrator with a portfolio of international fashion brands.
Achieve versatility with Master of Design Management
The first of its kind in Malaysia, the Master of Design Management (MDM) programme combines academic study with creative and professional practice, with the syllabus comprising a project-led curriculum that draws on a range of interdisciplinary perspectives from business and the arts.
“The programme will not only heighten academic excellence but also provide the opportunity for participants to self-actuate and venture into other design-related industries. During the programme, students will develop high-level leadership qualities along with management, communication, research, entrepreneurship and design skills,” asserted Asst Prof Mohd Azali Abd Rahim.
Azali who teaches the Contemporary Issue in Design, Design Innovation Project, Professional Practice and Final Design Project modules, shared that his design portfolio included his involvement in the 1983 National Car Project that birthed the Proton Saga model.
“Our classes enjoy a level of flexibility. For instance, some subjects require group discussions while others may require a personalised tutorial session. Therefore, I realised the importance of independent learning and having a sense of self-direction,” shared 2019 MDM graduate Mike Teo Cheah Fong, who was also a recipient of the “Student of the Year” award.
FCUC programme incentives and facilities
There is much to gain by enrolling in First City UC, such as being a beneficiary of its industry-relevant and Malaysian Qualification Agency-accredited curricula.
The campus comes equipped with state-of-the-art learning facilities such as the Mac Lab, Drawing Studio, 3D Printing Studio and White Canvas Gallery.
Over the years, many design graduates are known to have received multiple job offers, even before completing their studies. Therefore, students eyeing a successful career in the design industry are encouraged to begin their journey at First City UC’s January 2020 intake.
To learn more about FDBE’s study programme offered at Foundation, Diploma, Bachelor Degree and Postgraduate levels, visit the One Stop Education Fair at 1 Utama Shopping Centre from Dec 6-8 for quality education counselling from Design, Engineering and Computing as well as Business academic staff.
First City UC is in the modern township of Bandar Utama located in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. The eco-friendly urban campus is easily accessible via MRT as well as other public transport.
■ To view the work of FDBE students during the recent SEQUENCE 2019 graduation showcase, visit www.firstcityshowcase.com or Instagram page (sq19.dbc). For more details on First City UC, call 03-7727 3200 or visit www.firstcity.edu.my, Facebook page (@firstcityuc) and Instagram account (@firstcity.uc).