Loreen Kavuki Mutuku is an alumna from the Diploma in Graphic and Multimedia Design and BA(Hons) Design Communication programmes. Upon completing the programmes, she found her footing in the industry as a graphic designer in Axle Motorsports, founded by Malaysia’s premier Formula 1 racing driver and three-time Audi R8 LMS Cup champion Alex Yoong. 

Loreen describes her learning journey with Sunway University as “nothing short of amazing.” She expresses her appreciation for the high and low points of her student life, as she fostered a strong community with her coursemates while learning much about design fundamentals. The small class number in the programme allowed the students to form connections quickly. “I’ve made from different parts of the world that I’m glad I met,” she comments, adding that they still keep in touch after graduating.

The BA(Hons) Design Communication programme proved instrumental to Loreen’s professional growth. She cites the variety of course modules and guidance from her lecturers as the most significant contributing factor. The programme taught her to understand and appreciate the design process from ideation to implementation, which allowed her to convey and explain her designs effectively to clients. She also credits the campus facilities for aiding her journey, while recounting her evenings in the library reading design books and testing out 3D prints at the iLabs Makerspace. 

Meanwhile, Loreen is deeply grateful for the support of lecturers, such as the Department of Art, Design, and Media head Maslisa Zainuddin, for pushing her to achieve more significant results. Classes were engaging as Maslisa guided her students with a precise critique of their design works, allowing them to make effective changes and produce quality work. Loreen adds that her openness and compassion for her students allowed her to grow holistically, instilling a sense of trust in her design choices.

Crucial professional attributes such as teamwork, communication, punctuality, and coping under pressure were emphasised throughout her learning journey. She honed these traits while working on group assignments, which greatly benefited her in the workplace. “I was able to work well with others and speak out my thoughts more, rather than going with the flow,” she comments, adding that she now enjoys collaborating with others more than when she first started university.

Loreen was personally impacted by the initiatives set by the programme that allowed her to contribute to society. “I think being a designer makes you aware of situations around you, thus pushing you to participate in society,” she explained. She and her coursemates were taught to participate in society and express that through art. They experienced this by selling their artworks to contribute funds to charity as part of their coursework, which encouraged Loreen to continue volunteering and contributing in any way she could outside the classroom.

Now in the workplace, Loreen is enjoying her experience in the motorsport industry. Her graphic designer job enables her to meet various people and explore new types of design, such as designing liveries for cars. She can create and learn new things, contributing to her growth while bringing a sense of personal satisfaction. “Seeing my designs on screen or in print has made me appreciate the whole experience,” she commented.

Loreen continues to expand her portfolio through personal projects in her free time. She enjoys traditional painting and plans to continue doing so in the foreseeable future.