SHAPING DIGITAL NATIVES
(From left) Hijjaz, Wong and Tan at the Diploma in Digital Design launch with representatives from the programme's work-based learning industry partners — Ethan Teng (Crave FX), Jason Low (Virtualtech Frontier) and Nina Hayani (iTrainKids).
AS Malaysia positions itself to become a leading digital economy—projected to contribute over 25.5% to the nation's GDP this year—Taylor's College is stepping up to meet the demand for agile, digital-first talent with the launch of its new Diploma in Digital Design (DIDD).
The programme aims to equip students with the practical know-how and essential skills needed to thrive in today's technology-driven economy.
Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities like the Taylor's Virtual Online Future Technology and Extended Reality (VORTEX XR Lab) and 3D modelling studio at Taylor's Lakeside Campus.
These immersive environments allow students to integrate real-world objects into digital settings through extended reality (XR) applications and develop full-scale 3D virtual reality (VR) simulations.
Hands-on access to such technologies prepares graduates for specialised roles across digital media sectors.
According to DIDD programme director Hijjaz Hamidi Abdul Aziz, the curriculum is supported by both cutting-edge facilities and experienced faculty, with a strong focus on industry readiness.
'We want to produce people who can interact, collaborate and solve real-world problems using digital design - in their thinking, attitude and ethics,' he said.
Aligned with national goals
The DIDD also aligns closely with Malaysia's Digital Economy Blueprint by cultivating agile digital talent to excel in diverse digital fields.
Taylor's College campus director Josephine Tan highlighted that the programme addresses critical skill gaps in Malaysia's growing digital and creative sectors.
'Our forward-thinking curriculum and hands-on learning approach are designed to produce graduates who are not only industry-ready but are also capable of making meaningful contributions to Malaysia's development as a global digital hub,' she said.
Experience-driven learning
Taylor's College is among the few Malaysian institutions incorporating work-based learning (WBL) into a digital design diploma.
Delivered as a 20-week module in the final semester, this structured industry placement provides students with practical, in-demand skills.
Unlike traditional internships, the WBL component is designed to boost students' credibility as modern digital architects.
Hijjaz Hamidi noted that students will be guided by leaders in established digital companies.
Industry partners such as CraveFX, FusionWorks, iTrainKids, Geek Fam, Cause Effect Consultants and Virtualtech Frontier have committed to offering close mentorship, guiding students through real-world projects and helping them refine their capabilities in professional settings.
'WBL offers our students a significant advantage by bridging the gap between academia and industry,' Taylor's College School of Diploma and Professional Studies head Dr Wong Chee Kong shared.
'This mode of learning provides continuous mentorship from industry experts, enhancing students' learning experiences and significantly boosting their employability upon graduation,' he added.
Crafting competent creators
During the launch's experiential session, Hijjaz Hamidi showcased some of the creative and technical competencies students will develop throughout the programme.
He also emphasised the importance of connecting with global creative communities, where students design and contribute 3D assets—such as characters, props and virtual accessories—to shared online libraries.
'Designers today don't work alone,' he said. 'They build with others, share resources and support each other. That's the kind of designer we want to produce.'
This collaborative mindset is woven into the curriculum, encouraging students to adapt, problem-solve and innovate in dynamic digital environments.
DIDD graduates can also advance to related Bachelor's degrees at Taylor's University, including the Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media or enter Year 2 of the Bachelor of Interactive Spatial Design (Honours).
From 2021 to 2023, Taylor's College's Diploma graduates achieved a 100% employability rate, as verified by the Higher Education Ministry, a testament to the institution's focus on producing job-ready talent.
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