Youth Innovative Interior Design Challenge (YIIDEC) 2025

Celebrating Creativity & Innovation at YIIDEC 2025! 

The Youth Innovative Interior Design Challenge (YIIDEC) 2025 Award Gala on 7 November 2025 was an inspiring evening dedicated to honoring young Malaysian designers for their creativity, innovation, and excellence in interior design.  

Representatives and students from First City University College (FCUC)’s Interior Architecture & Design programme joined the prestigious event, which featured an elegant dinner, captivating performances, and the presentation of the main and special awards.

YIIDEC initiated by Rekatone.com champions sustainable and inclusive design aligned with the UN SDG 2030 framework, encouraging students to create high-quality interior spaces that positively impact communities while embracing local culture, materials, and details.

🏆 Congratulations to our FCUC winners and finalists!

• Best Bungalow Design (Winner): Lee Chee Yen

• Best F&B Design (Finalist): Hor Wen Cong

• Best Retail Design (all winners are from FCUC!) 
• Finalists: Lee Hao Thang, Alice Lee Kim Lan
• Winners: Desmond Saw Wei Zheng, Justina Lee Yi, Lee Chai Xuan

• Best Sustainable & ESG Design (Winner): Lim Lee Tong, Cheng Ming Hui

👏 We are proud of our students for showcasing innovation and excellence on a national stage!

#YIIDEC2025 #InteriorDesign #FCUC #Innovation #Sustainability #DesignExcellence

Study Trip to Paragon Carpet and De'Nation

CONNECTING DESIGN THEORY WITH REAL-WORLD PRACTICE: INTERIOR DESIGN STUDENTS EXPLORE INTERIOR PRODUCTS AND FINISHING MATERIALS

On 21 October 2025, Diploma in Interior Design students went on a field trip to Paragon Carpet Distributor in Balakong and De’Nation Interior Design Showroom in Jalan Klang Lama, where they explored the latest material innovations and gained insight into real-world production processes.

At Paragon Carpet, students gained firsthand exposure to the intricate stages of carpet manufacturing, from yarn preparation and tufting to backing and finishing. They also learned how sustainable practices, quality control, and digital design technologies are integrated into modern production processes.

Next is the visit to De’Nation further expanded students’ perspectives on interior material applications. Through exposure to a wide range of finishes, furnishings, and modern design solutions, students explored diverse interior elements such as wallpaper, curtain systems, and SPC flooring.

Diploma in Interior Design Semester 2 student Lau Yu Kee shared, “The trips to both Paragon Carpet and De’Nation were very insightful as they provided a comprehensive understanding of the production process, from the initial stages to the final outcomes.”

Similarly, Semester 3 student Chloe Lee reflected, “The field trips were very fruitful and provided valuable exposure to various materials and finishes. The visit to the carpet factory allowed us to observe firsthand how cut pile carpets are produced using specialized machinery, deepening our understanding of manufacturing processes. The interactive Q&A session at the end made the learning experience more engaging, and it was encouraging that three of us won prizes.”

Through these field trips, students learned to apply classroom knowledge to real industry practices, understand the importance of sustainable and innovative design, and see how material choices shape the look, feel, and function of a space. Students also strengthened their critical thinking and professional skills, preparing them to succeed as emerging design professionals.

MIID Students’ Saturday 27:12

First City University College’s Interior Architecture and Design students proudly showcased their creativity and future-forward thinking at the MIID Students’ Saturday 27:12, held on 11 October 2025 at SEGI University, Kota Damansara. The event, themed “Speculative”, was organised by the Malaysian Institute of Interior Designers (MIID) and hosted by SEGI University, bringing together interior design institutions from across Malaysia to explore the future of design and challenge creative boundaries.

Students from both the Diploma in Interior Design (DID) and Bachelor of Interior Architecture and Design (BIAD) programmes participated enthusiastically in various competition categories, including Ideation, Installation Art, Sketching, and Recycled Material Sculpture. Their innovative ideas and design excellence earned them widespread recognition and a remarkable collection of awards.

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🏆 FCUC Winners Highlights

Ideation (Design Competition) – Diploma Level

• Residential Design: Hey Wen Xuan – 2nd Place
• Commercial Design: Ooi Qi Earn – Honourable Mention, Chong Jian Min – 3rd Place
• Integrated Design: Lim Lee Tong – Honourable Mention

Ideation (Design Competition) – Degree Level

• Commercial Design: Lee Chai Xuan – 1st Place
• Hospitality Design: Cheng Jia Hao – Honourable Mention, Kimberly Oddie – 2nd Place
• Integrated Design: Yap Jet Yee – 3rd Place

Exposition (Installation Art)

• Lim Tong Ern, Yap Li Xuan, Kong Yuen Theng & Lee Wei Yan – 1st Place

Scribbling (Sketching) – Lecturer Category

• Ar. IDr Tan Yee Ling – 1st Place

Curating (Art on Surface) – Intervarsity

• Hor Yi Wen & Kong Shi Yi – 2nd Place

Artvgnza (Recycled Material Sculpture) – Intervarsity

• Natalie Wong Zi Ning – 3rd Place
• Cherish Anabelle – 1st Place

💬 Student Reflections

Chloe Lee, a Diploma in Interior Design student, shared:

“This event truly pushed us out of our comfort zones. It wasn’t just about design—it was about imagination, experimentation, and expressing our vision of the future.”

Hey Wen Xuan added:

“Seeing so many creative works reignited my passion for design. Malaysia’s young designers are bold, expressive, and ready to challenge conventions.”

MIID SEED PROGRAMME

The Malaysian Institute of Interior Designers (MIID) officially launched the MIID SEED Program on 7 October 2025 at the Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur. The event was officiated by YBhg. Datuk Professor Dr. Azlinda Azman, Director General of Higher Education.

The launch featured the handover of the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) and Letter of Agreement (LoA) to participating universities, formalising partnerships designed to guide and support Interior Design graduates toward professional recognition and career success. Representatives from First City University College’s Faculty of Design and Built Environment, including Dean Assist Prof Chua Huwi Huwi and Ts Wayne Ng, Head of Programme for BA (Honours) Interior Architecture and Design, attended the ceremony.

Reflecting on the initiative, Assist Prof Chua Huwi Huwi shared, “The MIID SEED Program provides a valuable platform for our graduates to bridge the gap between education and industry, helping them achieve their professional goals.”

The programme will empower Interior Design students with mentorship, industry insights, and career opportunities, equipping them to transition confidently into the professional world and thrive as future leaders in design.

SEQUENCE 2025: FROM SPARK TO SPECTACLE

From 26 to 28 September 2025, First City University College celebrated the 23rd anniversary of its Sequence Showcase with the theme “Spark to Spectacle.”

Held at The School, Jaya One, the showcase presented the works of 55 graduating students from six design programmes, including interior architecture, furniture design, graphic design and fashion marketing. The event was officiated by Adjunct Professor IDr Joe Chan Wan Hoe, Deputy President of the Malaysian Institute of Interior Designers.

Graduation Showcase Group Photo

From Left, Assist Prof Chua HH, Tan Sri Teoh CL, Prof Dr Saw SH and IDr Joe Chan

Event Launching

Best Showcase Awards Recipients

A total of 16 awards were presented during the showcase, including 6 Best Showcase Awards across programmes and 10 special awards recognizing perseverance, creativity, leadership, collaboration, and impact.

Gratitude was extended to all sponsors who contributed to the success of this year’s Design Showcase.

🔶 Gold Sponsor - SNK X Solutions

⚪ Silver Sponsors - Radius Arts & Crafts, UNLTD Design PLT and Mummy Design

The showcase also featured public activities such as workshops and craft booths, extending the celebration to the wider community.

Appreciation is once again extended to all sponsors for their role in empowering the next generation of designers.

SEQUENCE 2025: 26–28 September 2025

Discover the creativity, passion, and innovation of our final-year students as they unveil their finest work to the public.

✨ Don’t miss this inspiring celebration of talent and design!

🔗 Visit us at: https://firstcityshowcase.com/sequence2025/

📸 Follow us on Instagram: @sq.firstcity

DESIGN REVIEW

 

The Interior Architecture and Design Degree programme Final Review Day was held on Thursday, 28 August 2025, to showcase student work from Year 1 to Year 3, across both design studio and theory modules. The session aimed to provide professional insights and feedback to support students’ academic and creative development.

The event featured:

• A welcome gathering with programme coordinators IDr. Fakhul Zaman, Phil Su Sing Kwong, Dean Asst. Prof. Chua Huwi Huwi, and IAD academic staff.
• Student presentations at White Canvas Gallery (Level 3) and Studios (Level 3A).
• A feedback session on students projects and learning experiences.

To ensure alignment with industry standards, the review was conducted by a distinguished panel of 15 external assessors from both academia and the interior architecture industry, including representatives from MIID Council Members, lecturers from UiTM, and leading design firms such as NU-SA Architects, A Moxie Associates, Thinkscape Design Works, TA Properties, Studio + 424, FABKL Design, ARCRADIUS Works, Jujurworks, Metric Global, Index Design, DCS Creatives, and Space Alliance and Contracts M Sdn Bhd.

Their participation brought valuable local and international perspectives, helping students prepare for future careers in interior design.

Immersive Learning @ Worq Bandar Utama

Welcoming speech and introduction to Worq Bandar Utama by Mr Kenny.

On 6 August 2025, Diploma in Interior Design students embarked on an insightful study visit to Worq Bandar Utama, led by Ts. Wayne Ng, the programme coordinator. The visit offered a valuable opportunity for students to connect classroom theory with real-world design practice in a dynamic coworking environment. The session began with a warm welcome from host representative Mr. Ariff, setting the stage for an engaging and educational experience. Students were then divided into three groups for a guided tour of the coworking space. They explored firsthand how effective workplace planning, spatial organization, and interior design principles are applied to create functional and community-oriented environments. This immersive exposure allowed students to observe the interplay between aesthetics and utility in professional settings. 

Entourage Photo With Worq Bandar Utama Staff and Designer

Following the tour, students participated in a lively Q&A session led by Designer Mr. Kenny. Encouraged to ask questions and share insights, the students deepened their understanding of design challenges and solutions relevant to coworking spaces. A reflective discussion with lecturers then helped students link their observations to academic concepts and sharpen their design thinking. The visit concluded with a group photo and a token of appreciation presented by the class representative to the hosts, marking the day’s success and collaborative spirit. Students found the experience both inspiring and practically useful. 

Chiew Tong Ern reflected, “Exploring how coworking spaces are designed to balance functionality and community was incredibly inspiring. It helped me see how spatial planning can encourage collaboration.” 

Jesmine Ting Yu Han added, “The visit gave me new insight into how coworking environments can be tailored to different user needs. It was a great reference for our own design project.” 

Overall, the study visit enriched the Diploma in Interior Design students’ learning journey by offering tangible examples of professional design practice. It strengthened their ability to apply design principles creatively and thoughtfully, helping to prepare them for future challenges in the interior design industry.

AYDA 2025 Competition Briefing

The Asia Young Designer Awards (AYDA) 2025 briefing session provided an exciting and insightful look into one of Asia’s most prestigious design competitions. Hosted at the Postgraduate Studies Lecture Hall, the session gathered aspiring interior design and architecture students to learn more about the opportunities that AYDA offers and how it can be a transformative experience in their design journey. AYDA is not just a competition, it is a developmental platform that nurtures and elevates young talents across the region. During the briefing, students were introduced to the competition's theme, criteria, and submission guidelines, but more importantly, they were inspired by how the initiative challenges them to push creative boundaries and think critically about real-world design issues, especially those related to sustainability and innovation.

Participating in the AYDA competition offers numerous benefits that extend beyond just winning a title. Firstly, it provides students with valuable industry exposure, allowing them to present their ideas to a panel of experienced professionals, which enhances their credibility and visibility in the design field. It also serves as a powerful platform for skill development, encouraging students to refine their design concepts, improve presentation techniques, and strengthen their problem-solving abilities in response to real-world challenges.

The session concluded with a token of appreciation presented to the speaker representative from AYDA, in recognition of the valuable insights shared during the briefing