BA (Hons) in Interior Architecture alumnus Harraaj Singh is an interior designer at Ooi Design & Associates Sdn Bhd, an interior design firm that specialises in high-end residential, commercial, retail, and F&B space design. His role in the firm focuses mainly on designing custom designer furniture.

Graduating from the class of 2021, Harraaj credits his time at Sunway University as integral to his growth in the industry. The modules introduced in the BA (Hons) in Interior Architecture programme not only taught him the process of design but how it is implemented in the industry. “I was prepared to face the industry by the course modules that are similar to what the actual industry does,” Harraaj commented. 

Harraaj’s connection with the industry began during his varsity years as the lecturers owned their firms – essentially bringing the industry directly into the classroom. The lecturers’ experience allowed them to craft assignments that were relevant to the industry, including allowing their students to work on real projects for the campus or industry partners. The students gained experience by working with Sunway Group while studying interior projects and designing a meeting room on campus.

A notable impact on Harraaj’s education journey came from the late Mr Shaiful, who taught the Architectural Graphics module. Although strict and meticulous in his evaluations, Harraaj expressed gratitude to the lecturer for cultivating the spirit of excellence in his works. “Now I know how important it is to deliver good quality work, and it always reminds me of him,” Harraaj explained. He noted that the lecturers were very helpful whenever he reached out, contributing to a great journey at Sunway University.

Harraaj was able to make his first steps professionally through the competitions arranged by his lecturers for him and his coursemates. Notably, they participated in a design competition organised by the Malaysian Institute of Interior Designers (MIID), in which Harraaj won 1st Place in the Furniture Design category. He also participated in design workshops and exhibited his design projects at Daelim University in South Korea. Through these opportunities, Harraaj was able to secure industrial training via internships, which led him to his position today at Ooi Design & Associates Sdn Bhd. 

Campus life proved to be a memorable time for Harraaj. With the small and close-knit intake for the programme, Harraaj was able to build respect, trust, and friendship with his fellow coursemates over the 3 years of the degree. Meanwhile, the campus was well-equipped with the facilities he required to hone his skills in interior architecture. “This place was like home to me,” he said, expressing gratitude to everyone who was with him on his academic journey. “I will honestly say I grew from nothing to what I am today.”

Overall, Harraaj expressed deep gratitude for Sunway University – its campus, students, and lecturers alike – for a varsity experience that was nothing short of excellent. Through direct exposure to the industry as a student, he was able to pursue his dreams and work in an industry he is passionate about. He had also formed a close network of coursemates who are now fellow members of the industry. “Whatever I am today, the journey started here,” he reflected on leaving the campus as he moves on to the professional world.