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In a remarkable display of creativity and design prowess, Ong Jing Rou, 19, a second-year Industrial Design student from Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), has secured her second major award within just two months!
Jing Rou was crowned the sole winner (with a Platinum Award) in the student category at the KL Selangor Furniture Association (KSFA) Golden Axe Award 2024, further establishing her place among future design leaders.
A Winning Design: Frame-Alice's Chair
Her award-winning creation, Frame-Alice’s Chair, a vibrant and innovative concept inspired by Alice in Wonderland, impressed judges with its dynamic colour palette drawn from the 2024 Paris Olympics. The chair’s circular design, coupled with expert metalwork, captured the attention of industry professionals, ultimately leading her to emerge as the top choice among over 40 entries from public and private higher education institutions across Selangor.
The judging panel was chaired by two chief judges, Dr Eric Leong and Mr Walter Tan, who are well-known in furniture design competitions around Malaysia.
Her recent top achievement was at the 2024 MIIP Interior Industry Awards, which concluded at the end of September, where she earned a Platinum Award with “Frame-Coffer Chair”. This remarkable feat demonstrates her consistent ability to deliver innovative, high-quality designs.
Jing Rou described her inspiration: “The whimsical nature of Alice in Wonderland provided a playful foundation, while the sleek aesthetics of the Paris Olympics guided my colour selection. The balance of creativity and modern luxury made this design truly stand out.”
Jing Rou was honoured with the prizes, which included an RM1,000 cash prize on stage, during the association’s 68th anniversary celebrations held on October 19. This is the inaugural competition organised by KSFA, under the leadership of its President, Mr Alfred Yow Song Vooi, and Organising Chairman, Mr Ruvin Wong Ru Yin.
Mentorship That Makes a Difference
Jing Rou’s consistent success in design competitions is a testament to her dedication and the mentorship she has received from Mr Eekang Ooi, a Certified Industrial Designer (CIDe) and Lecturer at APU’s School of Media, Arts and Design (SoMAD). Mr Eekang, known for guiding students to multiple awards, including the James Dyson Awards, praised her attention to detail and her ability to bridge design with practical manufacturing considerations.
He shared, “The design of ‘Frame-Alice’s Chair’ demonstrates a high level of sophistication in both concept and execution. The technical detailing is so precise that it is ready for production, and we are currently in talks with manufacturers to bring this piece to life in a future exhibition.”
Reflecting on her back-to-back wins, Jing Rou expressed gratitude: “Winning two championships in such a short time is incredibly rewarding. I owe so much to my mentor, Mr Eekang Ooi. His guidance and expertise played a crucial role in my success, and I couldn’t have achieved this without him.”
Her mentor, Mr Eekang, emphasised the qualities that make Jing Rou a standout student. “A good designer is curious, hardworking, and always eager to learn. Jing Rou exemplifies this through her ability to build ideas on ideas, an essential trait in this field.”
Recognition for APU’s School of Media, Arts and Design
Commenting on the achievements, Ms Debbie Liew, Head of SoMAD, highlighted the importance of such successes. “Jing Rou’s victory is a reflection of the academic strength and innovation-driven approach of our design programmes.”
“Our faculty members, with diverse industry backgrounds, ensure that students are equipped with the necessary skills and insights to excel in the competitive world of design. This win not only showcases Jing Rou’s immense talent but also reinforces our commitment to nurturing the next generation of designers,” she continued.
Through competitions like the KSFA Golden Axe Award, APU continues to position itself as a leading institution for design education, producing graduates who are ready to take on the challenges of the future.