Cover Malaysia’s first Bachelor of Fashion Design Technology (Honours) empowers students to merge creativity, innovation, and ecological consciousness—preparing them to redefine fashion’s future on a global stage (Image: Taylor’s University)
Malaysia’s first Bachelor of Fashion Design Technology (Honours) empowers students to merge creativity, innovation, and ecological consciousness—preparing them to redefine fashion’s future on a global stage (Image: Taylor’s University)
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From Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week (KLFW) to international platforms, discover how Malaysia’s first Bachelor of Fashion Design Technology (Honours) programme nurtures globally recognised designers redefining fashion beyond borders
In an age of AI-generated art and instant gratification, creativity among the younger generation is far from fading. In Malaysia's evolving fashion landscape, the future belongs to designers who can fuse artistry, technology, and sustainability — a philosophy embodied by Taylor’s University’s Bachelor of Fashion Design Technology (Honours).
Meet Giok Wan Chee Aurelia, 21, and Enya Chok, 22—students whose remarkable achievements prove that age is no barrier to talent. Both credit the programme for turning their passion and sketchbook concepts into award-winning craftsmanship and international acclaim.
Giok clinched First Place at the 2024 International Footwear Design Competition in Guangzhou, China, while still in her first year—an early milestone that spotlighted her emerging talent.
Read also: Taylor’s University introduces Malaysia’s first Bachelor in Philosophy, Politics and Economics
Above Giok’s digitally prototyped designs earned her First Place in the Female Trendy Category at the 2024 International Footwear Design Competition in Guangzhou, China (Image: Taylor’s University)
Giok’s digitally prototyped designs earned her First Place in the Female Trendy Category at the 2024 International Footwear Design Competition in Guangzhou, China (Image: Taylor’s University)
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Meanwhile, Chok, from the Class of 2025, was named Most Promising Designer at THE SHOW Graduate Showcase 2025 and showcased her collection at Indonesia Fashion Week 2025, alongside six peers from Taylor’s University—the only Malaysian institution featured at the event.
Their journeys from classroom projects to international runways reflect the programme’s pioneering approach to equipping digitally skilled, sustainability-minded designers.
Above Chok’s sustainable collection made its international debut at Indonesia Fashion Week 2025, showcasing her innovative designs that merge creativity with conscious fashion (Image: Taylor’s University)
Above The same collection later earned her the “Most Promising Designer” title at THE SHOW Graduate Showcase 2025, held in collaboration with Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week (KLFW) at The Exchange TRX, Kuala Lumpur (Image: Taylor’s University)
Chok’s sustainable collection made its international debut at Indonesia Fashion Week 2025, showcasing her innovative designs that merge creativity with conscious fashion (Image: Taylor’s University)
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“Technology has become a powerful enabler, opening limitless possibilities for experimentation and innovation,” explains Programme Director Maria Sandra Wijaya. “At the same time, sustainability is no longer an option but a necessity.”
See also: Asia’s Most Stylish 2025: ‘Fashion chameleon’ Nazreem Musa is a fashion icon of our time
Malaysia's first fashion design technology degree
Ranked among the World’s Top 100 for Art and Design in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, Taylor’s University designed the programme to redefine fashion education.
The three-year programme blends creative exploration with digital innovation, teaching students to design using CLO 3D simulation software, AI-driven tools and adaptive design methods at Mayamode, Malaysia’s first co-working fashion studio.
Above Mayamode, an open-concept fashion studio for ideation and innovation (Image: Taylor’s University)
Above Mayamode is equipped with industry-grade machines and digital manufacturing tools for hands-on training in garment construction, pattern-making, and fabrication (Image: Taylor’s University)
Mayamode, an open-concept fashion studio for ideation and innovation (Image: Taylor’s University)
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For Chok, using CLO 3D was instrumental in shaping her graduate collection. “It helped me understand garment construction and pushed me to create pieces that are out of the box,” she shares.
Giok, meanwhile, leverages Mayamode’s Design Multifunction Printer to rapidly prototype patterns, “It saves tremendous effort and time — a real game-changer in turning digital ideas into physical pieces.”
Additionally, through the Ethical and Sustainable Fashion module, students learn to transform waste into wearable art, use eco-conscious materials, and integrate sustainability into design and innovation to create timeless pieces beyond fleeting trends.
Industry-embedded learning
Unlike conventional fashion courses, Taylor’s University’s industry-embedded, project-based curriculum ensures students learn by doing.
Co-led with Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week (KLFW), the programme immerses students in real-world projects from Year 1, providing direct exposure to Malaysia’s most prestigious fashion platform.
Above Giok made her runway debut at the Converse Athleisure Showcase 2025, highlighting the programme’s early industry exposure through global brand collaborations (Image: Taylor’s University)
Above Giok made her runway debut at the Converse Athleisure Showcase 2025, highlighting the programme’s early industry exposure through global brand collaborations (Image: Taylor’s University)
Giok made her runway debut at the Converse Athleisure Showcase 2025, highlighting the programme’s early industry exposure through global brand collaborations (Image: Taylor’s University)
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Chok designed bespoke couture for the L’Oréal Paris x KLFW ‘Walk Your Worth’ initiative, creating empowering looks for Zahnita Wilson and Maheswari Jaganathan.
She was previously commissioned to design for Miss Plus Malaysia 2023, championing body positivity and size inclusivity.
Above Chok designed bespoke couture for actress Zahnita Wilson for the L’Oréal Paris x KLFW “Walk Your Worth” initiative—a celebration of women empowerment through fashion
(Image: Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week 2025 / L’Oréal Paris Malaysia / Taylor's University)
Above Chok designed bespoke couture for award-winning oncology nurse leader Maheswari Jaganathan, who pioneered Malaysia’s Patient Navigation Programme
(Image: Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week 2025 / L’Oréal Paris Malaysia / Taylor's University)
Chok designed bespoke couture for actress Zahnita Wilson for the L’Oréal Paris x KLFW “Walk Your Worth” initiative—a celebration of women empowerment through fashion (Image: Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week 2025 / L’Oréal Paris Malaysia / Taylor's University)
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“The most defining moments from these experiences was being able to meet amazing people from the industry who could bring my creative vision to life—models, fellow designers, stylists, photographers and more,” Chok muses. “These experiences showed me what I truly want to contribute to the industry.”
Live briefs with global brands such as Converse, OPPO, Barbie Mattel, and Diamond & Platinum further expose students to client-driven challenges and market dynamics. “By the time they graduate, our students already have professional portfolios that have been tested, critiqued, and recognised both locally and internationally,” Maria notes.
Global exposure and career readiness
The programme’s global outlook is strengthened by United Kingdom Overseas Transfer Options to top universities such as Middlesex University London, University of Leeds, Nottingham Trent University, and University of the Arts London. Students can pursue international pathways or gain early recognition from global platforms without leaving Malaysia.
“Studying abroad would definitely broaden my horizons,” says Giok. “But even here, I have already had international exposure that has shaped my design perspective.”
Graduates emerge ready for diverse roles, from Fashion Designer, Entrepreneur, and Buyer to Fashion Engineer and Director, supported by portfolios built from day one.
The call to create
Above Chok’s collection showcasing her playful yet distinctive approach to fashion design — blending creativity, inclusivity, and contemporary storytelling (Image: @ucxle/@enya.chok on Instagram)
Chok’s collection showcasing her playful yet distinctive approach to fashion design — blending creativity, inclusivity, and contemporary storytelling (Image: @ucxle/@enya.chok on Instagram)
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As Chok sums up, “Your designs can only be authentic if you truly believe in them.”
In a world where technology continues to reshape creativity, Taylor’s University’s Bachelor of Fashion Design Technology (Honours) offers aspiring designers the perfect platform to turn passion into purpose, blending innovation with artistry, and sustainability with style.
Applications for the 2026 intake of the Bachelor of Fashion Design Technology (Honours) are now open. Join us at Taylor’s Open Day on December 6–7 and 13–14 to experience facilities, meet programme advisors, and discover how you can turn your passion for design into a purpose-driven career.
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Previously contributing to Esquire Malaysia, Expat Lifestyle and Newsweek, Tania oversees digital stories across Tatler’s key content pillars, also leading the Front & Female platform exploring issues and topics affecting women today.
