KUCHING: Students from Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus are showcasing the future of design in their GradX 2026 final year project here.
Organised by lecturers and students at Swinburne Sarawak’s School of Design and Arts (SoDA), the event connects emerging designers directly with the wider community and industry.
The three-day public exhibition held at The Spring Shopping Mall from June 12 to 14 features a diverse range of projects from graduating students across design programmes, including Graphic Design, Multimedia Design, and Digital Media Design.
Chaired by Michael Lee and co-chaired by Jasmine Ng, GradX 2026 reflects Swinburne Sarawak’s commitment to nurturing creative professionals equipped for the evolving demands of the design industry.
Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan, who was represented by Pantu District Officer Raca Mulong said the showcase highlights the university’s strong emphasis on industry collaboration and experiential learning.
“As I walked through the exhibition, I was impressed by the diversity and quality of the works on display.
“From branding and visual communication to animation, interactive media, image technology, emerging applications of artificial intelligence or AI, augmented reality, virtual reality, and Internet of Things or IoT,” he said here, Saturday (June 13).
The projects showcased technical proficiency, innovative thinking and creative confidence, reflecting the qualities increasingly sought by the creative industries in an increasingly digital, interconnected, and experience-driven future.
In conjunction with the exhibition, SoDA also introduced its newly expanded creative pathways and minors, designed to help students build clearer professional identities aligned with the needs of contemporary creative industries.
“Rather than following a traditional creative base, students can define their own career pathways through customised combinations that connect their skills in design, technology, communication, and user experience, allowing stronger portfolios aligned with emerging career opportunities such as UX or UI design,” he said.
The pathways support a range of roles such as UX/Ul Designer, Digital Product Designer, Spatial Designer, Motion Designer, 3D Artist, Animator, Content Strategist, and Interactive Experience Designer.
The initiative reflects Swinburne Sarawak’s commitment to producing adaptable, industry-ready graduates equipped with portfolios that align closely with evolving creative industry demands.
Beyond the exhibition, GradX 2026 also features a lineup of interactive activities designed to engage visitors of all ages.
These include a design forum led by Senior Lecturer Gregory Wee, a Media and Communication forum session led by Dr Christina Yin, Head of Department (Media and Communication), and a talk session on Human-Centric Al by IXING Tech’s Managing Director, Indran Gegathesa.
Hands-on workshops also enhance the experience for visitors, such as an “Arts & Crafts Workshop” tailored for children aged three to six, led by Dr Alicia Lim, Head of Department (Early Childhood Education), as well as workshops in digital animation and flipbook creation.
