Carrie Teoh Jin Yi first set foot on Sunway grounds with an interest in multiple fields – software engineering and graphic design. These interests placed her in a unique position as she embarked on her Diploma in Graphic Design at Sunway College Ipoh. Through the diploma programme, she was particularly benefited by the open-ended project themes, which allowed her to freely explore the skills that interested her and unleash her creative ideas. Meanwhile, dedicated staff members like Ts Dr Nur Faizah Mohd Pahme of Sunway College Ipoh taught her the fundamentals of graphic design, helping her to navigate her entire diploma journey and personal growth.

During her diploma internship, Carrie came across an intersection of her dual interests as she met an IT company owner who offered her the opportunity to learn online software development while gaining practical experience. She also connected with the owner of a Digital Marketing company, who invited her to join the team. This kickstarted her professional career even before graduating from the diploma course, and Carrie began to plan her next steps.

With encouragement from her diploma internship and digital marketing employers, Carrie set out to further her studies at Sunway University and pursue her BA (Hons) in Design Communication. The decision did not come without a price, however, as financial burden caused her to be hesitant. However, she received the Sunway University Art and Design Scholarship, which covered 100% of her tuition fees. The scholarship was a game changer for her, as she only needed to cover the university’s resource fees and living expenses. Now equipped with financial aid, Carrie was ready to pursue her degree. “I consider myself fortunate to have the support of a scholarship from Sunway and my employers, which allowed me to continue my career path while enrolled as a student at Sunway University,” she comments.

The combination of the Diploma in Graphic Design and BA (Hons) Design Communication programmes offered Carrie a diverse path. Not only did they hone her software skills, but they also provided her with numerous opportunities for potential employment. Carrie recalls leading a sub-team in an exhibition by The Body Shop at Sunway Pyramid in 2022, in conjunction with Earth Day. The opportunity came about through an assignment facilitated by BA (Hons) Design Communication program leader, Mr Firdaus Anuar. In creating environmental posters on climate change using recycled materials, Carrie was inspired by how graphic design can communicate important messages for the betterment of society. She was grateful for the chance to contribute, using visual posters to create a positive impact.

Meanwhile, Carrie’s eventful degree life continued as she represented Sunway University in the ACP Championship Malaysia 2022, a national poster design competition organised by the Creative Cloud Community. The opportunity further enhanced her charitable spirit, as the competition collaborates with an NGO each year and centres on a generous theme. The theme for the finals, ‘Every Furkid Has its Own Story’, was ultimately a source of pride for Carrie as she secured the 2nd place title while representing Sunway University.

Carrie works full-time as a Full Stack PHP Software Developer and UI/UX Designer for Abacus Solution Sdn. Bhd. She collaborates with investors and executives to design and develop comprehensive online software solutions using PHP. Additionally, she handles the design and construction of various company websites. She also has a part-time job as Creative Manager for Branxon Marketing Sdn. Bhd. She takes charge of the design department’s direction and operations in the company.

Carrie describes her career path as a “planned accident”. Studying at Sunway College Ipoh developed a strong interest in multimedia, particularly web design. The course included UI/UX design and basic HTML coding, which intrigued her. She eventually delved into coding languages for website development in her free time, aiming to meet her design standards and achieve a higher level of web design. “It's somewhat unusual to find someone with a genuine interest in coding and design,” Carrie reflects. Despite her unique combination of interests, she is thankful for the opportunity to pursue both professionally.