Self-Leadership
Knowing Yourself
Before joining UTM, I spent few years as an Industrial Designer and Designpreneuer as a freelancer while teaching at the Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) for 12 years in the field of Industrial Design. This period not only sharpened my technical expertise but also deepened my understanding of the practical demands faced by professionals. It reinforced the essential role of industrial design knowledge in thriving within the industry. With this experience, I believe university education should go beyond theory, equipping students with the skills needed to excel in real-world environments, where many will apply their knowledge after graduation.
My commitment as an academician is to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical application, particularly within the fields of Industrial Design and New Product Development. Through hands-on training, sharing personal industry experiences, and aligning coursework with current industry standards, I aim to prepare my students to succeed in their future careers. By focusing on fostering critical thinking, advanced design communication skills, and professional competence, I strive to nurture “Premium-Earning Graduates” who stand out in their chosen fields.
Knowing What You Need to Do
As a lecturer specializing in Industrial Design, Design Sketching, and New Product Development, maintaining strong ties with industry professionals is key. These connections help ensure that my knowledge remains up-to-date with the latest trends and technological advancements. By actively engaging in discussions and collaborations with industry leaders, I am able to transfer this knowledge to my students through interactive learning experiences and guest lectures.
This ongoing effort motivates me to continuously refine my curriculum, so students not only graduate with academic credentials but also with practical expertise that makes them competitive in the job market. My focus is on providing real-world relevance and opportunities, from internship placements to mentorship programs.
Knowing What You Need to Learn
To keep my teaching aligned with the evolving demands of the industrial design industries, I focus on professional development, collaborating with industry professionals, and consistently updating my curriculum. This includes inviting experts to offer guest lectures, creating opportunities for internships, and ensuring my students are exposed to the latest tools, methodologies, and design thinking approaches. Additionally, I incorporate valuable feedback from industry partners to continuously refine my teaching strategies.
In today’s fast-evolving design world, it’s crucial to integrate soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and critical thinking into the curriculum. I also design assessments that reflect real industry challenges, ensuring that students are well-prepared to tackle complex problems in their future roles.
Using What You Know
Leveraging my background in Industrial Design and my hands-on industry experience, I incorporate cutting-edge tools and techniques into my teaching. I introduce Artificial Intelligence (AI) infused methodologies relevant to design process, design sketching, product development, and industrial design to ensure my students are proficient in the tools used by today’s professionals.
I invite industry experts to deliver guest lectures and provide real-world case studies, giving students the chance to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios. My courses are continuously updated based on the feedback I receive from professionals who employ my graduates. I also emphasize the development of essential soft skills, such as teamwork, communication, and leadership, which are critical for career success in design and engineering fields.
Through networking events, mentorship programs, and exposure to industry conferences, I aim to help students build strong professional connections that will support their career progression.