Interior Architecture and Design Final Review 2026

The BA (Hons.) Interior Architecture and Design (BIAD) Final Review Day and Diploma in Interior Design (DID) Final Review Day were successfully held on Wednesday, 2 September 2026, at First City Hall. The event brought together 24 graduating students, comprising 18 students from BIAD Design Studio 6 and 6 students from DID Design Studio 5, who presented their final design studio projects before a panel of academic staff and industry professionals. The review session was attended by 7 lecturers and 6 guest assessors, creating a dynamic platform for dialogue, critique, and professional engagement.

A highlight of the event was the participation of distinguished industry practitioners who contributed their expertise and insights as guest assessors, including:

• IDr Dylan Tan, Design Director, SL+A Group Malaysia
• IDr Zoe Ting, Founder, Zyon Studio
• Jason Chen, Design Director, Jarsche Interior Design Sdn. Bhd.
• Denice Choo, Creative Director, Suuko Design

The Final Review Day served as an important academic milestone, providing students with the opportunity to showcase the culmination of their design education. Through comprehensive presentations, students demonstrated their abilities in creative thinking, conceptual development, design resolution, technical competency, and professional communication.

The presence of external reviewers enriched the session through constructive critiques and valuable industry perspectives. Students were encouraged to clearly articulate their design intentions, justify their design decisions, and respond professionally to feedback, simulating real-world design review practices commonly experienced within the industry.

Beyond assessment, the event fostered meaningful connections between academia and professional practice. By engaging directly with experienced designers and practitioners, students gained insights into current industry expectations and professional standards, helping to prepare them for their transition into the next stage of their careers.

The BIAD and DID Final Review Day not only celebrated the achievements and growth of the graduating cohort but also reflected the programmes’ commitment to nurturing innovative, competent, and industry-ready design professionals. As these students move forward into the field of interior architecture and design, the event stands as a significant milestone marking the successful culmination of their academic journey.

Congratulations to all graduating students on their achievements, and sincere appreciation to the guest assessors and academic staff for their invaluable contributions to the success of the event.

Graduation Showcase: September 2026

 

More information at: https://firstcityshowcase.com/

or https://www.instagram.com/sq.firstcity/

Students Explore Industry Innovations at ARCHIDEX 2026

On 29 July 2026, staff and students from the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Interior Architecture and Design and Diploma in Interior Design programmes of First City University College (FCUC) recently embarked on an educational visit to ARCHIDEX 2026, held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur.

ARCHIDEX is one of Asia's leading architecture, interior design, and building industry exhibitions, bringing together architects, interior designers, manufacturers, suppliers, and industry professionals from around the world. The visit provided FCUC students with a valuable opportunity to experience the latest trends, technologies, materials, and innovations shaping the future of the built environment.

During the exhibition, students explored a wide range of product showcases, including sustainable building materials, smart home technologies, innovative furniture designs, lighting systems, surface finishes, and environmentally responsible design solutions. The exposure allowed students to gain first-hand insights into current industry practices and emerging developments that are influencing contemporary interior architecture and design.

The educational visit also enabled students to interact with exhibitors, industry experts, and design professionals. Through these engagements, students learned about real-world project applications, professional expectations, and career pathways within the design and construction sectors. Such interactions helped bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry practice, reinforcing the importance of practical knowledge and continuous innovation.

Faculty members accompanying the students highlighted the significance of industry exposure as part of FCUC's commitment to providing a holistic and industry-relevant educational experience. By observing current market trends and professional practices, students were able to better appreciate how design concepts taught in the classroom are translated into functional and aesthetically appealing spaces.

Guest Lecture - Spatial Quality in Residential Design

 

Educational Trip: Green Building Experience at PAM

 On 19 May 2026,  year 2 students from the BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design (BIAD) programme attended an educational trip to Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia (PAM), Bangsar, organised by Ar. IDr Elyn Tan Yee Ling.

The trip aimed to expose students to green building design, sustainable planning, and environmentally responsible architectural practices. During the visit, students explored Green Building Index (GBI) features, sustainable systems, and energy-efficient design strategies implemented at the PAM Centre.

This visit helped students better understand how sustainability is applied in real projects and encouraged them to adopt eco-friendly design approaches in their future work.

Student reflections:

“The visitation gave me a better understanding of green building systems and sustainable design strategies used in real projects. It was a very meaningful learning experience.”
— Carlos Lee

“I learned how sustainable features and energy-efficient systems are applied in architecture design. The trip inspired me to consider greener solutions in future design projects.”
— Yuen Theng

Diploma In Interior Design Final Presentation

On 29th April 2026, the Diploma in Interior Design (DID) programme at First City University College conducted its final semester assessment at FCUC Hall, where 36 students presented their culminating projects. Organised by Ar. IDr Elyn Tan, the session featured five distinguished industry professionals as guest assessors, who provided valuable real-world insights and constructive feedback. 

The assessment aimed to expose students to industry expectations, enhance their presentation and communication skills, and strengthen their design proposals in preparation for professional practice. Through the session, students gained greater confidence and a deeper understanding of industry standards, as reflected in their positive feedback on the experience.

Ms. Eilene Ling (TWKA Architect) together with Ms. Sophia 

attended the student's presentation.

Ar. Yeow Wai Seng (DCA Architect) reviewing the student's work.

Ar. Yeo Khee Liang (YKL Architect) and Ms Li Kuan 
with student after presentation 

The girls with Ar IDr Tan Elyn, their lecturer.

Group photo after the presentation and feedback session.

Students' feedback:

“The assessment helped me understand industry expectations and improve my design presentation skills through valuable feedback from the guest assessors.”
— Janice Tong Yi Hua, Interior Design 5 Student, DID

“I gained more confidence in presenting my design ideas and learned how to further strengthen my project for future professional practice.”
— Eric Chua Ming Zhe, Interior Design 5 Student, DID

Graduation Showcase: April 2026

 

🌠 Ex Stellis From The Stars

📍 First City Hall at @firstcityuniversitycollege
💥 Launching: 30 Apr | 2.30PM
🕙 Opening: 30 Apr - 3 May | 10AM-5PM

Sequence Fcuc

Sharing here some snapshots that capture the spirit of the event:

The group photo

Graduating Artwork Display

Student presented her work to our industry guests.

Best Showcase Awards

Road to Shine – Inspiration Talk Series Ep. 2

 On 25 March 2026, FDBE‑DBE successfully hosted the second session of the Road to Shine series at FCUC, featuring our inspiring alumna Miki Ee Meng Chyi, Founder & Creative Director of Longface Design Atelier Sdn Bhd.

With approximately 40 students from Interior Architecture and Design programme in attendance, Miki shared her journey from a design student to a successful entrepreneur, reflecting on her final year project, passion for design, and the importance of perseverance and lifelong learning. She also showcased award‑winning projects, giving students real‑world insights into design thinking, industry challenges, and professional expectations.

Students were encouraged to step out of their comfort zones, participate in design competitions, and build strong portfolios. The session ended with an engaging Q&A, sparking meaningful discussions on career pathways and industry practice.

Future Design Star Awards 2026

On 13 March 2026, students Justina Lee Yi, Soo Yee Jing and Loo Jang Heng were named Institution-Level Winners of the Future Design Star Awards 2026, organised by ACG Media Group. The event was attended by faculty members, fellow students, industry representatives and members of the media, highlighting the significance of their achievement and recognising their creative contributions.

Sharing her experience, Justina Lee Yi explained that her project, Suara Kulit, focuses on giving greater visibility to local artists by amplifying their voices through design. She also expressed her gratitude for being selected as one of the Institution-Level Winners of the Future Design Star Awards 2026.

Soo Yee Jing will also advance to the regional stage next month with her project, Lightprint Carbonless Awareness Centre. The project aims to raise public awareness of carbon emissions and environmental pollution while introducing sustainable ideas that encourage greater environmental responsibility.

We extend our congratulations to all three students and wish them continued success as they move forward to represent the institution at the regional finals.

Craft and Space: A Study Visit to Royal Selangor Visitor Centre

On 11 March 2026, the Interior Architecture and Design students, accompanied by four lecturers, participated in an enriching study excursion to the Royal Selangor Visitor Centre, gathering a total of 45 students for an afternoon dedicated to exploration, learning, and design appreciation.

The visit provided students with a unique opportunity to observe how heritage, craftsmanship, and design innovation intersect within one of Malaysia’s most renowned brands. A key highlight was the close-up look at the pewter-making process—an integral craft of Royal Selangor—where students witnessed each stage of production, from casting and forming to engraving and finishing.

This firsthand experience deepened their understanding of material behaviour, detailing techniques, production workflows, and the relationship between tools, artisanship, and final design outcomes. Such exposure is especially relevant for interior and spatial design students, who must consider materiality and fabrication methods in their studio work.

In addition to craftsmanship, the Royal Selangor Visitor Centre offered an excellent real-world example of experience centre design. Students explored curated gallery spaces, immersive installations, and narrative-driven exhibits, all of which illustrate how spatial design can communicate brand heritage. Engaging with a professionally designed environment allowed students to draw both inspiration and practical insights to support their creative development.

 

Overall, the visit proved to be a meaningful and impactful learning experience. It enhanced students’ appreciation of material craft, strengthened their understanding of experiential interior design, and expanded their perspective on how thoughtful spatial design can shape memorable visitor journeys.

Road to Shine – Inspiration Talk Series

On 4 March 2026, the Lecture Hall at the Centre for Postgraduate Studies, First City University College, hosted a special sharing session featuring alumna Man Yuet Thung, Silver Award recipient of AYDA 2024 in Interior Design and winner of the Best Colour Choice Award.

During the session, Yuet Thung presented the concepts behind her award-winning project, offering a detailed look into her design process — from early conceptual development and research methods to the strategies that strengthened her final presentation. She also shared practical tips on crafting compelling design narratives, organising effective presentation boards, and delivering confident critiques, providing valuable guidance for students preparing for academic assessments and design competitions.

The event concluded with an interactive Q&A segment, where students eagerly posed questions to gain deeper insights and better equip themselves for future design challenges.

Learning Sustainability Through Residential Design

Year 2 Students Explore Sustainable Residential Design in Subang Jaya

On 28 January 2026, a group of Year 2 students from the BA (Hons) Interior Architecture & Design programme, accompanied by lecturer CK Foo, participated in an educational site visit focused on green and sustainable residential building design.

The study trip featured visits to two award-winning residential projects in Subang Jaya, designed by AATA (Atelier Alan Teh Architect). Personally guided by the architects themselves and generously supported by the homeowners, the visit offered students invaluable first-hand exposure to real-life sustainable living environments. During the site visits, students took part in guided walkthroughs led by the AATA architects, who explained the sustainable strategies integrated into each project. These included material selection, passive design principles, spatial planning, and environmental responsiveness.

Students also conducted on-site observation and documentation, recording design strategies and taking physical measurements of structural and building services components related to sustainable performance. This hands-on approach allowed them to directly connect theoretical knowledge with built realities. The visit included in-depth discussion sessions with the AATA designers and direct interaction with homeowners. These conversations provided insight into design workflows, sustainability-driven decision-making, and the real-world constraints faced in professional architectural practice.

The study trip strongly supported the learning outcomes of the Building Technology & Services module, helping students understand how sustainable principles are translated from concept to construction. It also highlighted the close relationship between architecture, interior design, lifestyle, and environmental responsibility.

Student Reflections

• OOI Qi Earn highlighted the value of direct communication with both the architect and the homeowner, gaining a clearer understanding of the full design process from initial concept to project handover.

• NG Chuan Yuan appreciated the architects’ guidance, noting that the visit broadened his understanding of green building strategies, particularly contextual design and the concept of subtraction in architecture.

• NG Wei Shan expressed gratitude to the architects, homeowners, and lecturer, describing the houses as inspiring and the experience as both educational and memorable.

• KUAN Ern Qi found the on-site experience especially meaningful, explaining that being physically present allowed for a deeper understanding of materials, spatial quality, and the lived experience of sustainable design beyond classroom learning. 

This educational site visit provided students with a rich and immersive learning experience in sustainable residential design. The professional guidance from AATA architects, together with the generosity and hospitality of the homeowners, greatly enriched students’ understanding of sustainability from both architectural and interior design perspectives.

Such experiential learning opportunities play a vital role in shaping future designers who are environmentally conscious, socially responsible, and professionally prepared.

Exploring Design Opportunities in Kajang Town

On 21 January 2026, as part of the Design Studies, students embarked on a field exploration to Kajang Town, Selangor, to identify potential design opportunities within a real urban context. Known for its vibrant food culture and its distinctive blend of heritage shophouses and contemporary developments, Kajang presents a rich and layered setting for contextual and community‑responsive design exploration.

A key highlight of the visit was a session at the Kajang Heritage Centre, where students gained valuable insights into the town’s historical and cultural development. Guided by Mr. Lee, the students were introduced to Kajang’s heritage narratives, community stories, and the everyday lives of earlier generations. This experience deepened their understanding of Kajang’s identity and how its past continues to influence the town today.

The visit continued with an engaging dialogue session involving Mr. Lee and Majlis Perbandaran Kajang (MPKj) Town Councillor, Mr. Ong SP. During the discussion, students explored Kajang’s urban context, planning direction, and community needs, enabling them to better appreciate the town’s current challenges and future opportunities. This exchange provided valuable clarity and direction before students began developing their design proposals.

Reflecting on the experience, students shared their perspectives:

“Understanding Kajang’s heritage gives our design a stronger sense of purpose and responsibility. It helps us design with respect for the town’s identity.”
— Chan Pei Ni

“The dialogue session helped us see how design can directly support the town and its community. It gave us clearer direction before starting our project.”
— Low Le Tao

Overall, the visit served as a meaningful foundation for informed, context‑driven design exploration rooted in respect for the town’s heritage and identity.

 

Discovering History Through Spatial Design: A Study Visit to Petaling Street

On 16 January 2026, a total of 51 students from the Bachelor of Interior Architecture and Design (BIAD) and Diploma in Interior Design (DID) programmes took part in an educational field trip titled “Discovering History Through Spatial Design.” 

The visit to the Yan Keng Benevolent Dramatic Association and Beryl’s Chocolate at Petaling Street aimed to expose students to spatial storytelling, cultural heritage, and the historical layers that shape one of Kuala Lumpur’s oldest and most culturally diverse districts.

Group photo at Yan Keng Benevolent Dramatic Association

At Beryl's Chocolate Shop

Through on-site observations, students explored how adaptive reuse strategies are applied within heritage buildings and examined the influence of commercial architecture in historic contexts. This hands-on learning experience encouraged students to critically analyse spaces from historical, contextual, and human-centred perspectives, offering valuable insights to inform and enrich their future design practices.

A highlight of the visit was the opportunity for students to meet the owner of the Yan Keng Benevolent Dramatic Association, who shared firsthand accounts of the building’s history and its cultural significance. This direct engagement provided students with deeper understanding of how intangible heritage, beliefs, and traditions are preserved and expressed through spatial design.

Reflecting on the experience, one student shared:

“The visit to the Yan Keng Building and Beryl’s Chocolate allowed me to see how cultural beliefs are translated into spatial design, deepening my appreciation of how architectural spaces convey stories through their materials, layout, and symbolism.”
— Carlos Lee Ming Jun, Design Studio 3 Student, BIAD

Site Investigation

 

Compiling and checking on measurements

 Taking Site Measurement

Overall, the study visit served as a meaningful platform for experiential learning, bridging academic knowledge with real-world heritage environments and reinforcing the importance of context-sensitive design in interior architecture.