Mr Ooi Aik Khong, affectionately known as Eekang by his students, stands as a beacon of achievement in the realm of Industrial Design education at the School of Media, Arts and Design (SoMAD), Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU).

Recently honoured as one of the inaugural 50 Certified Industrial Designers (CIDe) in Malaysia, his journey reflects dedication, expertise, and a commitment to design excellence.

The CIDe, bestowed by the Malaysia Design Council (MRM), represents a prestigious recognition reserved for individuals who exhibit exceptional proficiency and dedication in the field of industrial design.

Established under the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), MRM catalyses fostering innovative design practices within Malaysia, propelling the nation towards international design competitiveness.

In a ceremonious event on February 28, 2024, Mr Ooi Aik Khong was bestowed with the esteemed CIDe title by YBhg. Datuk Hanafi Sakri, Deputy Secretary General (Industry) of MITI.

Reflecting on this milestone, Mr Ooi expressed, “Earning the CIDe certification is a significant accomplishment for any Malaysian industrial designer. It signifies not only our design expertise but also our ability to bridge the gap between creativity and functionality.”

To attain CIDe certification, candidates must demonstrate a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design or a related field, coupled with substantial practical experience spanning at least five years in the industrial design industry.

Alternatively, applicants holding a Diploma in Art and Design must showcase a minimum of ten years of practical experience in a design-related industrial sector. A comprehensive portfolio showcasing both local and international design experience is also required for evaluation.

Mr Ooi's journey toward CIDe certification began with his Bachelor of Design in Industrial Design at RMIT University, Australia, followed by a Master's in Instructional Design & Technology at Open University Malaysia. This was complemented by extensive professional engagement with clients across 14 countries. His clientele included multinational corporations such as Bosch, Agilent Technology, MK Honeywell, and Motorola, honing his skills and expertise in the global arena of industrial design.

Driven by a passion for education and innovation, Mr Ooi is currently pursuing a PhD in Management at APU, with a focus on sustainable design and management. He leverages the success of APU’s Sustainable Materials Lab to develop novel biomaterials from agricultural waste. By empowering industrial design students to experiment with these materials, he aspires to cultivate them as the vanguard of sustainable design, fostering their contributions to a greener future.

When asked about excelling in the Industrial Design industry, Mr Ooi emphasises the importance of learning from the international design community, staying abreast of the latest design trends and methodologies, and gaining practical insights from real-world experiences.

His guidance serves as a roadmap for aspiring designers navigating the path towards potential CIDe certification.

With Mr Ooi Aik Khong, CIDe, at the helm, SoMAD APU is poised to elevate its design programme, offering students a unique opportunity to learn from a distinguished leader in the field.

Through exposure to cutting-edge design principles, real-world industry experiences, and guidance towards CIDe certification, students are empowered to chart their own paths towards excellence in industrial design.

Commented Eekang’s achievement, Ms Debbie Liew Pooi Kuan, the Head of SoMAD stated, “Mr Ooi's journey exemplifies the intersection of passion, expertise, and commitment, inspiring both current and future generations of industrial designers to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation.”

“As Malaysia strives towards global design competitiveness, individuals like Mr Ooi play a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of industrial design education and practice. We are honoured to have a CIDe in the house,” Liew concluded.