Kee Kher Wei, an alumna from Sunway University’s BA (Hons) in Design Communication programme has always had a passion for design. A graduate from the August 2020 class, she has been building up her portfolio and has established herself as a freelance graphic designer. To her, graphic design is an exciting challenge because each project is unique, requiring different concepts and elements to cater to the needs of each client. Kher Wei believes that while design includes being proficient with certain software, it carries a greater purpose to communicate a deeper visual message to the right audience especially when the design resonates with them.

Kher Wei described her time at Sunway University as a journey towards personal and professional development. Stepping into the institution with a determination to learn, she cited that she was able to exponentially expand her knowledge and skills in the creative arts with the help of her supportive lecturers. “The lecturers have always been more than helpful,” she commented, “(they) are very knowledgeable and willing to teach and guide me whenever I was in doubt.” She received valuable feedback that helped improve her design work. Sunway’s strong industry engagement also meant that lecturers were active and practicing professionals in the design industry. She also learnt much from the sharing of personal experience of practitioners in the field. Furthermore, the School of Arts’ open-door policy made it easy for Kher Wei and her course-mates to form good connections with lecturers, who were readily available for consultation. Their personalised guidance based on each one’s strengths and weaknesses were valuable for personal development.

The BA (Hons) in Design Communication programme was an eye-opening experience for her as she learnt about the clear process of creating a good design, and how research is a significant factor in that process. The programme allowed her to hone her skills in research methods and effective brainstorming, which Kher Wei states were integral to building a strong foundation that leads to a design’s final outcome. Apart from the specific skills of navigating various design-related software and hardware, the programme also equipped her with soft skills such as time management, teamwork, and effective communication, all of which are crucial when engaging with clients. These skills helped Kher Wei excel in her academic performance and ensuing work performance, fuelling her confidence and motivation in both her personal and professional life.

A proud Sunway graduate, now stepping into employment, Kher Wei is confident of her ability to contribute to the world of graphic design. She aspires to keep striving for excellence in her work by continually learning. Her role as a graphic designer is to help her clients visualise their thoughts and ideas, and then using her knowledge to bring them to life. She firmly believes that graphic design is a solution for clients seeking to launch new ideas into the market, and that graphic designers hold an important role in providing that solution. Her experience at Sunway has also ingrained in her an understanding of how she can give back to society by helping businesses and organisations to further boost and improve their message transmission and communication using visual elements.