LAST year ripped up the rulebook for all sectors, leaving the US$2tril fashion industry to move at supersonic speed to adapt.
The industry will certainly see massive amounts of innovation in the coming years, as new technology and customer trends change, and demands will transform the industry.
In recognition, Taylor’s University introduced the Bachelor in Fashion Design Technology (Honours) programme – the first undergraduate degree of its kind in Malaysia.
Offered under The Design School, Faculty of Innovation and Technology, this unique programme partnered with Malaysia’s premiere fashion showcase, Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week (KLFW) – promising international fashion exposure and experience for its students under the tutelage of Andrew Tan, KLFW founder and Bachelor in Fashion Design Technology programme co-director.
The partnership is set to positively impact Malaysia’s fashion industry by producing more forward-thinking and skilfully equipped graduates.
Tan said that collaborative opportunities with local and international brand players will allow students to participate in project consultations, internships, field studies, workshops and more.
“Students stand to gain a significant amount of fashion technological knowledge, relevant techniques and skills, in addition to a learning space with top-notch facilities.
“The association of KLFW will spur students to be more dynamic in terms of design besides equipping them with an industry-driven mindset.
“It is not only a source of inspiration for many budding designers, but also a fast-track to a foothold in the fashion industry, ” he said.
Industry experience also awaits students as they get the opportunity to be involved in projects led by industry partners and fashion mentors, alongside renowned brands and fashion designers like FJ Benjamin, via the KLFW network.
The programme is also home to Malaysia’s first co-working fashion studio, Mayamode. Located at the Taylor’s Lakeside Campus, the studio provides industry-grade tools and machinery not just for the benefit of Taylor’s students, but also to established fashion designers, fashion entrepreneurs, freelancers, and emerging fashion designers.
“Equipped with industry-grade machines and the latest technology in digital manufacturing and print-making, we aim to elevate the presence of our programme in Malaysia’s fashion industry besides establishing Mayamode as an innovative and creative hub for fashion designers in Southeast Asia in the coming years, ” explained Maria Sandra Wijaya, Bachelor in Fashion Design Technology programme director.
The virtual launch also included a panel discussion session on the topic “Fashion Technology – Meeting the Global Needs for Future Development” that included Maria, Tan and Datin Ts Dr Norsaadah Zakaria who is Clotech Atelier Academy founder and Taylor's University Design School, Faculty of Innovation and Technology, Bachelor in Fashion Design Technology academic advisor.
The discussion explored Malaysia’s readiness in fashion technology, where according to Norsaadah, “the nation realises the potential in incorporating technological aspects into university programmes, including fashion, although there is still more room to grow.
“There needs to be a strategy between education institutions and industry partners to ensure graduates are equipped with skillset, knowledge and resilience to carry the local brand to greater heights.
“It is our ambition one day to produce more fashion designers that are able to join the global leagues, with original designs and brands from Malaysia.
“We need to equip our students well not only to produce something beautiful, but also high quality and demonstrative of expertise at an international scale, ” she said.
The introduction of the three-year programme is also timely considering the rapid progress of Malaysia’s fashion industry.
The Taylor’s Bachelor in Fashion Design Technology will be open for its first intake starting March. More information on this unique programme can be found at https://university.taylors.edu.my/