My writing

Sunday December 11, 2011

Reaching for their dreams

By KATHERINA MARIE
educate@thestar.com.my

FROM the time she was a young child, Nor Atiqah Hamid would sit with her mother, poring over interior design magazines as she looked for ideas to spruce up their house.

Her mother Datin Rohaya Wahab is interested in the latest trends and designs for interior decoration and she was glad when her daughter decided to pursue a Diploma in Interior Design.

Nor Atiqah, 20, was one of 133 Malaysian Institute of Art (MIA) graduates who received their scrolls at a ceremony in Kuala Lumpur recently.

“My mother helped cultivate my interest in interior design and she was very supportive throughout my course,” she said.

Proud graduates: The best student award recipients holding up their certificates at the ceremony.

Alice Sia Lee Peng, who graduated with a diploma in music, attributed Josh Groban’s hit You Raise Me Up as her “lifesaver” that helped her through the tough times while studying.

“Each time I felt down and missed home, the song would encourage me to strive even harder because of my family back in Sibu,” she said.

Fellow graduate Yee Jun Liang, who has started work at an advertising and multimedia company, said the knowledge gained at MIA has prepared him well for the workplace.

Meanwhile, Jessica Edward, who graduated in graphic design, said she has started her own clothing line and is conducting business through social networking sites.

“I plan to open my own business and have my own brand one day,” she said.

Other award recipients who were recognised for their outstanding achievements were Chai Wan Ni, Pan Kien Siong, Michelle Cheong, Lee Yi Tian, Seah Ei Wen and Ong Boon Koon.

Chan Yun Kang who received the best student award for graduating with a CGPA of 3.83 furthered his studies in Birmingham City University in the United Kingdom.

“We are fortunate to witness the graduation of these students who have worked hard for their success today,” said National Visual Arts Gallery director-general Datuk Mohd Yusof Ahmad, who presented the awards to the graduates.

“Graduation fills students with a sense of great pride. Graduates must be well prepared for the challenges,” he added.

The institution’s board of directors chairman Dr Yoon Pooi Kong, general affairs director Khoo Ee Ping and respective head of departments, also attended the event.

“MIA is a niche institution for the arts and creative fields,” said Dr Yoon.

“MIA was also audited under the Malaysia Quality Evaluation System (MyQuest) and was one of 20 institutions which attained five stars out of the 210 audited,” he added.

http://thestar.com.my/education/story.asp?file=/2011/12/11/education/9910331&sec=education