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Wong Su Yen is a budding artist and alumna from the BA (Hons) in Design Communication course at Sunway University’s School of Arts. After graduating from the class of 2022, her career journey was promising as she entered the art and design industry with notable achievements. In 2021, she was chosen to showcase her artwork on the Instagram page for the 2021 iJungle Illustration Awards, to a following of about 3,000. Additionally, she was selected to illustrate a children’s book for UNESCO Kuala Lumpur alongside a few classmates. The book was published both locally in Malaysia and internationally in Taiwan!

Su Yen credits the BA (Hons) in Design Communication degree for equipping her with a comprehensive skill set and a deep understanding of visual communication. She had a strong foundation in design theory, typography, colour theory, and composition from the first semester. The degree covered various aspects of graphic design, including visual communication, typography, branding and digital media. Coupled with proficiency in industry-standard software and techniques, she can now easily conceptualise and execute innovative strategies. Meanwhile, the project-based assignments and internships allowed her to develop an impressive portfolio even before graduating.

Besides technical proficiency, Su Yen highlights creativity, versatility, and adaptability as critical traits cultivated by the course. “My coursework emphasised the importance of research, critical thinking and problem-solving, enabling me to approach design challenges strategically,” she comments. Collaborative projects and critique sessions equipped her to work effectively in teams, communicate ideas clearly and receive constructive feedback. These skills boosted Su Yen’s preparedness to contribute and thrive in the dynamic world of graphic design, as she can now dissect complex design problems and find practical yet visually appealing solutions.

Additionally, the Department of Art, Design, and Media’s then-lecturers, Ms Perline and Mr Chris, impacted Su Yen greatly during her time as a student. They helped her with her drawing skills (her primary discipline within the industry) and encouraged her to explore different art styles for personal growth. “Art has become a cherished form of self-expression for me as it allows me to unleash my creativity and delve into a world of boundless possibilities,” she says, reflecting on what the lecturers had taught her. Su Yen was given the freedom to explore diverse art styles throughout her varsity life, pushing her to learn, evolve, and discover her artistic voice constantly. 

Her drawings constantly explore various art styles, serving as a gateway to self-discovery and personal growth. “Art has become a cherished form of self-expression for me, as it allows me to unleash my creativity and delve into a world of boundless possibilities,” she reflects. Moreover, she finds her confidence in pursuing the industry boosted through the Jeffrey Cheah Scholastic Award granted to her upon graduation. “This [award] has not only lightened the financial load but has also served as a powerful affirmation of my hard work and dedication, instilling in me a sense of pride and motivation to excel further,” she added. Looking ahead, Su Yen is equipped with the skills and the confidence to pursue her career goals with unwavering determination.