APU students shine at 2024 MIIP Interior Design Awards

Two industrial design students from the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), Ong Jing Rou and Lim Xiang Yu, made a remarkable impression at the 2024 MIIP Interior Industry Awards. Competing in the Student Interior Product Design category,

Ong secured the Platinum Award, while Lim took home the Gold Award, highlighting the strength of APU’s industrial design programme.

Their winning designs not only demonstrate creativity but also the practical expertise that APU instils in its students. Ong’s “Frame-Coffer Chair” and Lim’s “Lucie – The Display Island” are prime examples of this, showcasing innovative solutions that blend form and function.

Ong and Lim’s winning designs

Ong’s award-winning “Frame-Coffer Chair” combines luxurious aesthetics with practicality, designed for high-end retail environments.

The chair doubles as a display area, offering retailers a dual-purpose piece that enhances product presentation while serving as a functional seating option.

“This competition pushed me beyond the classroom,” said Ong, reflecting on her success.

“Winning the Platinum Award has boosted my confidence and affirmed that my designs resonate with real-world consumers.”

Lim’s creation, “Lucie – The Display Island,” serves as both a storage and display unit that can also be used as a dressing table.

Lim credited her hands-on experience during her internship for shaping her design approach, stating, “My internship allowed me to explore new ideas and push the boundaries of functionality.”

Winning the Gold Award gave her invaluable exposure to industry professionals and insights into the evolving Malaysian interior industry.

APU: The significance of our success

SOMAD lecturer and mentor Eekang Ooi emphasised the importance of industrial design in seamlessly integrating products with interior spaces.

He said, “Ong and Lim have demonstrated their ability to maintain creativity while meeting the practical demands of design.”

APU’s involvement in the MIIP Awards marked a significant milestone, as it was the first time the School of Media, Arts and Design (SOMAD) entered the competition.

The MIIP Interior Industry Awards, organised by the Malaysian Interior Industry Partners Association, is a prestigious platform that recognises innovation and technical excellence in design.

APU lecturer Liew Yong Kian, who served as a judge for the competition, highlighted that the awards celebrate both creativity and the practical execution of design concepts.

The strong performance by Ong and Lim reflects APU’s commitment to nurturing talents who can bridge the gap between concept and reality.

Ong and Lim’s achievements set a high standard for future industrial design students at APU.

Their success serves as inspiration for aspiring designers, demonstrating the impact of hard work, creativity, and practical experience.

As Ooi advised, “Staying open to learning and embracing new perspectives will help you grow. Surround yourself with mentors and never stop adapting.”

These victories underscore the excellence of APU’s industrial design programme, reaffirming its position as a leader in cultivating design talent in Malaysia.