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Launching the Future Design Star Awards to Bridge Education and Industry
Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) has taken a significant step in advancing design education and industry engagement through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ACGMEDIA, a leading design-focused media organisation in the region.
This strategic collaboration, formalised on 9 January 2026 at APU’s campus in Technology Park Malaysia, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, marks a shared commitment to nurturing, recognising, and celebrating emerging design talent within Malaysia’s higher education landscape.
The partnership is anchored by the Future Design Star Awards (FDS) Programme 2026, a dedicated student category under ACGMEDIA’s prestigious Designer of the Year (DOTY) Awards. Through this initiative, APU and ACGMEDIA aim to empower aspiring designers with a national platform that bridges academic learning and professional practice.
A Strategic Alliance to Elevate Design Excellence
ACGMEDIA is widely recognised for its role in championing excellence and innovation in architecture and interior design, particularly across Malaysia and the wider Asian region. Its annual DOTY Awards have long served as a benchmark of professional achievement in the design industry. The introduction of FDS extends this legacy by focusing on students—those poised to become the next generation of creative leaders.
For APU, participation in FDS represents a milestone. It marks the first time the University has entered a national competition dedicated specifically to its architecture students, underscoring APU’s commitment to experiential, industry-aligned education and future-ready graduates.
Formalising a Shared Vision
The MoU was signed by Mr Alvin Chang, Chief Executive Officer of ACGMEDIA, and Professor Dr Ho Chin Kuan, Vice-Chancellor of APU, in the presence of academics from APU’s School of Architecture and Built Environment (SoABE), led by Professor Ar Jasmeet Pal Singh Sidhu, Head of SoABE, as well as representatives from ACGMEDIA led by Ms Juliet Hong, Chief Operating Officer.
The agreement takes immediate effect and establishes a structured framework for collaboration, beginning with the promotion and implementation of the Future Design Star Awards 2026.
Celebrating Students Who Dare to Think Differently
Under the collaboration, ACGMEDIA will spearhead the promotion of FDS through its extensive media ecosystem, including print and digital platforms, social media channels, and editorial coverage via Designspeak Asia. Through compelling storytelling and industry-led narratives, the initiative seeks to inspire student participation while spotlighting design as a powerful force that shapes communities and industries.
“Through DOTY, we introduced the Future Design Star Awards for the student category to recognise talented students who dare to think differently and push boundaries,” said Mr Alvin Chang. “Through Prof Ar Jasmeet Singh, we have come to appreciate the strength of APU’s academic leadership, the dedication of its lecturers, and the passion of its students—students who are not just learning design, but are ready to step onto the global stage.”
Learning Beyond the Classroom
In a post-signing interview, Prof Dr Ho Chin Kuan shared that APU’s decision to join FDS is deeply rooted in the University’s philosophy of innovation and holistic learning.
“At APU, learning should not be confined to the classroom,” he explained, noting that competitions challenge students to innovate, broaden their perspectives, and apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. He highlighted APU’s strong competitive track record, with students securing 268 awards in 2025 alone, as testament to the impact of experiential learning.”
As APU’s first architecture-focused competition, Prof Ho described FDS as a pivotal milestone. “FDS marks a meaningful starting point for our students. It helps build confidence while strengthening communication, leadership, and teamwork within our highly diverse student body, and I also hope to see a stronger integration of technology and AI in design in the future.”
Bridging Academia and Industry
Echoing this vision, Prof Ar Jasmeet Singh emphasised the importance of industry engagement in architectural education. “Architecture lies at the intersection of creativity, technology, culture, and society,” he said. “While universities provide the foundation, it is the industry that brings architecture into the real world.”
He added that collaboration with industry partners through mentorship, guest lectures, and professional guidance—key components of this partnership—exposes students to real challenges, constraints, and opportunities, effectively bridging the gap between education and practice.
Expanding Opportunities Beyond Awards
As a strategic learning institution partner, APU will encourage student submissions across multiple design disciplines, including Architecture and Interior Design. Importantly, all student entries to FDS are free of charge, ensuring inclusivity and broad participation.
Beyond the awards, the partnership extends into a longer-term collaboration designed to enrich student learning and industry exposure. ACGMEDIA will bring its Dialogue with Design Organisation (DDO) programme to APU, featuring established designers who share insights into real-world design impact through interactive “Ask Me Anything” sessions.
APU students will also gain access to The Creators Exchange (TCE)—an experiential platform offering coffee talks, studio visits, workshops, and discussions on branding, presentation skills, and professional growth alongside award-winning designers.
Shaping the Future of Design Together
As part of the collaboration, ACGMEDIA will publish an exclusive interview with APU’s senior leadership on Designspeak Asia, highlighting the shared mission and outcomes of the partnership. Both organisations will also provide reciprocal brand recognition across their communication channels throughout the three-year partnership period.
Through this strategic alliance, APU and ACGMEDIA aim to strengthen industry-academic linkages, celebrate outstanding student talent, and inspire a new generation of designers to shape the future of the built environment and creative industries in Malaysia and beyond.