Two aspiring industrial design students from the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), Ong Jing Rou and Lim Xiang Yu, made their mark at the 2024 MIIP Interior Industry Awards.

Competing in the Student Interior Product Design category, Ong secured the prestigious Platinum Award (Champion), while Lim earned the Gold Award (Runner-up). Their remarkable achievements showcased not only their creativity but also the strength of APU’s industrial design programme on a national platform. 

Ong’s innovative "Frame-Coffer Chair" earned her the Platinum Award along with an RM1,000 cash prize. Lim’s creation, "Lucie - The Display Island," placed her in the runner-up spot with the Gold Award. Their success was celebrated at the MIIP Gala Dinner Award Night on 27th September 2024, where their designs were praised by professionals in the industry. 

The MIIP Interior Industry Awards, organised by the Malaysian Interior Industry Partners Association, aim to recognise outstanding achievements in interior design and related fields. This competition provides a platform for showcasing creativity, technical excellence, and the integration of aesthetic and practical design. For APU’s School of Media, Arts and Design (SOMAD), this was the first time entering the competition, and the decision to field two students proved successful, with Ong and Lim making a lasting impression. 

SOMAD lecturer and mentor Certified Industrial Designer (CIDe) Mr Eekang Ooi, was proud of their accomplishments, highlighting the significance of industrial design in creating products that seamlessly blend with interior spaces. "Industrial designers play a key role in ensuring that every element, from material selection to manufacturing constraints, is aligned with the overall design vision," he explained. "Ong and Lim have demonstrated their ability to work within these parameters while maintaining creativity and innovation." 

The judging panel for the competition included esteemed professionals from leading organisations such as the Malaysian Institute of Interior Designers (MIID), Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia (PAM), and the Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM). APU’s very own lecturer, Mr Liew Yong Kian, served as one of the judges for the Industry Creativity Application of Material and Product Excellence categories, and he explained the significance of the awards: "The Platinum Award celebrates both creative brilliance and the practical execution of design concepts, while the Gold and Silver Awards acknowledge outstanding ideas and their successful realisation."

Ong Jing Rou’s "Frame-Coffer Chair" stood out for its well-thought-out design, combining functionality with a luxurious aesthetic. The chair, designed for a high-end goods retailer, features a built-in display area to showcase products while providing an elegant seating solution. "This competition was a great opportunity to push myself beyond the classroom," Ong reflected. "Winning the Platinum Award has boosted my confidence and affirmed that my designs resonate with real-world consumers. It’s an exciting step forward for my career."

Lim Xiang Yu’s "Lucie - The Display Island" was designed as a multifunctional piece, serving as both a storage and display unit that also doubles as a dressing table. Lim credited her success to her hands-on experience during an internship. "My internship played a key role in shaping my design approach. ‘Lucie’ allowed me to explore new ideas and push the boundaries of functionality. Winning the Gold Award has been a great experience, giving me the chance to engage with industry professionals and gain valuable insights into the Malaysian interior industry." 

For both future designers, Mr Ooi offered words of advice, "The industry is always evolving. Staying open to learning and embracing new perspectives will help you grow. Surround yourself with mentors, keep refining your skills, and never stop adapting. That’s how you’ll make meaningful contributions to your profession and society." 

Ong and Lim’s achievements set a high benchmark for future industrial design students at APU. Their innovative work reflects the university’s commitment to excellence and serves as an inspiration to aspiring designers aiming to make their mark in the industry. 

Reflecting on the double victory, Ms Debbie Liew, the Head of SOMAD said, "These awards highlight the excellence of SOMAD’s industrial design programme. We are incredibly proud that our students excel not only in creative innovation but also in understanding the full spectrum of practical design considerations. This success reinforces our commitment to nurturing talents who can bridge the gap between concept and reality."