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The skilled trade of product design and product making is not something that is often talked about in this digitally inclined age.
However, the effect of this has manifested in the increasing appreciation for physical creations and appreciation for design talent in handmade work or the ability to design products for mass production.
There is a shortage of talent which is why this is a big opportunity you cannot miss and reasons you should consider First City University College’s (FCUC) BA (Honours) Furniture and Product Design.
1. Comprehensive Curriculum Coverage
This course is probably the only degree that specialises in both furniture design and product design you will find in a private university in Malaysia.
There are several reasons this course is offered by FCUC including Malaysia being a key exporter of timber and wood-based products and the rising quality of living globally has resulted in well-made products and craftsmanship a lot more appreciated and in-demand.
The course has a wide and comprehensive coverage where 50% focuses on development of furniture design and 50% on general product design. You will be given a solid foundation in design theory, aesthetics, and human-centred design. The curriculum also emphasises the importance of sustainable design practices and ethical considerations in furniture and product design.
Each year you will be tasked to design and develop prototypes that are furniture or purpose-made consumer or industrial products. Based on skills that are taught for the year such as design communication, material and technology, and visual merchandising, you will use these learnings to complete 2 product assignments using equipment and machinery in the Wood and Metal Workshop, 3D Print Studio and Laser Cutting/Engraving Studio. This means you will create 6 prototypes during the course of your 3-year degree.
You will get to showcase your creations at the Design Portfolio Showcase event organised by the university for the entire design faculty including Furniture and Product Design students, Interior Design students, and Interactive Design students.
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2. High Industry Demand, Low Talent Supply
According to ResearchandMarkets.com, the furniture industry in Malaysia is expected to be USD 1.9 billion in 2024. Approximately 80-85% of Malaysia’s furniture is exported to over 160 countries, with the major exporting countries being the United States, Japan and Australia. This puts Malaysia as the top 10 furniture exporters in the world.
And this growth trend is expected to continue to grow by 5.9% per year to USD 3.9 billion by 2033. Based on the report, this will be driven by the growing urban population and rising disposable incomes and demand for home furnishings and modern furniture designs. In addition, the growing influence of e-commerce and digital marketing channels is expanding the market’s reach and accessibility to a wider customer base.
FCUC’s Design & Built Environment faculty shares that many of the university’s industry partners face a shortage in good furniture and product design talent in the industry. This is also reflected in the wider market sentiment to the point that the Malaysian Government is sponsoring students to get certifications in furniture technology and be absorbed into the industry.
Students must know that opportunity comes when demand exceeds supply. This is not just unique to the furniture industry but many other consumer product-based industries desire high quality product designers which are not met. And currently, being the only handful of education institutions supplying this skillset, you have less competition in the market for this career opportunity.
3. Industry Exposure Strengthens In-Demand Technical Skills
The course emphasises that students be exposed to the real demands of the industry through project collaborations, internships, competitions, industry expos, and guest speakers from the industry.
FCUC’s students are involved in collaboration projects supported by corporates from different industries such as SABINAI (kitchenware), Faber Caster (stationary), King Koil Bed (bedding) and KIAN Furniture (furniture with focus on sustainability).
Students also participated in external competitions organised by the Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF) and ASEAN Furniture Design. Other exposures include industry visits to Export Furniture Exhibition (EFE) and the KL Selangor Furniture Association.
FCUC students are also exposed to the works and case studies of prominent industry leaders of the modern century and also the past such as Dieter Rams (German industrial designer), Charles Eames (innovative American architectural, furniture and industrial designer), Don Norman (cognitive scientist who contributed to the field of design) and Victor Papanek (advocate of environmentally responsible design).
4. Opportunities Not Just Local But Overseas Too
Many successful alumni from the Furniture and Product Design course have landed jobs locally and internationally such as Singapore and China.
Notable alumni highlights who have won design awards and are budding product designers at design firms or running their own services:
- Amanda Ong Sze Xian, TT Racing Chairs
- Gavin Tan Min Yao, SCL Design & Build
- Daniel Chua Yong Ho, self-employed, Singapore-based
Learn more about First City University College. Check out the Complete Guide!
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