The Department of Built Environment at UOW Malaysia recently conducted the Interior Architecture Exhibition titled “Beyond the Door: The Unseen Realms,” held on August 1-2, 2025, at Klippa Shopping Centre in Batu Kawan, Penang. This event attracted over 500 visitors, including industry professionals, secondary school students, parents, academic leaders, and members of the local community.
Official Opening
The exhibition was officially opened by YB Goh Choon Aik, the Member of Parliament for Bukit Tambun. It served as a platform for final-year students from the Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Interior Architecture and Diploma in Interior Design programs to present their innovative, research-driven projects, which were designed to address various social issues.
Notable Projects
Notable projects included:
- A proposal for a community centre by Yeap Yan Xuan, aimed at fostering connections between local and refugee communities through arts and cultural initiatives.
- A design for a women’s empowerment shelter by Shima Balqis, which focuses on providing support, dignity, and growth opportunities for women in transition.
Recent Achievements
The exhibition also highlighted the Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Hons) program’s recent achievement of full accreditation by Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM), distinguishing it as the only LAM-accredited interior architecture degree in Northern Malaysia.
Commitment to Excellence
Ts. Vanessa Serbastian, the Head of the Department of Built Environment, noted that the event showcased students’ abilities to integrate design excellence with social and cultural needs, reflecting the commitment of UOW Malaysia to prepare graduates for industry challenges.
Significance of Design
The exhibition emphasized the significant role of UOW Malaysia students in creating inclusive and human-centered design solutions, especially as Batu Kawan continues its development into a smart city hub.
(Source: UOW Malaysia)
