UiTM MORPHICA: Bridging Academia + Industry
SELANGOR, MALAYSIA – Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) strengthened industry-integrated design education through MORPHICA 2026, connecting final-year Interior Architecture students with professional mentors, industry partners and the wider community. Organised by the Centre of Studies for Architecture and Planning (Interior Architecture), Faculty of Built Environment, UiTM Cawangan Selangor, with IOI Mall Damansara as co-host, the Final Project Exhibition and Assessment was held from 31 July to 2 August 2026.
A total of 51 Semester 7 Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Hons) students showcased their final design projects, demonstrating competencies in design thinking, spatial planning, technical resolution and professional communication. The three-day event attracted nearly 500 visitors, extending students’ learning and exposure beyond the university environment. The final-year studio was led by five lecturers: Ts. IDr Norji Nasir, Dr. Nur Maizura Ahmad Noorhani, IDr Mohd Noor Ariffin, IDr Saiful Hazmi Bachek and Nabilah Aris White, who guided the students throughout the development of their final projects.
A key component of IAD471 – Final Project of Interior Architecture was its industry mentorship initiative, which connected students with practising interior designers, architects and other industry professionals. Mentors contributed professional perspectives, design guidance and real-world insights, helping students relate academic learning to current professional practice. This industry-integrated approach was further strengthened through the involvement of more than 20 organisations and contributors, including Darn Lukis as Legacy Sponsor, and the Ministry of Human Resources Malaysia and Daya One Sdn. Bhd. as Premier Sponsors, alongside other industry partners.
The exhibition was officially launched on 1 August 2026 by the Deputy Dean (Academic Affairs), Faculty of Built Environment, with university representatives, industry practitioners and Puan Noorazimah binti Sarkom @ Hj. Othman, Director of the Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB) among the invited guests.
Through the integration of studio learning, professional mentorship, industry engagement and public exhibition, MORPHICA 2026 provided graduating students with an authentic environment to develop professional readiness while demonstrating UiTM’s commitment to connecting design education with industry practice. For the 51 graduating students, MORPHICA 2026 marked both the culmination of their academic journey and an important transition from the design studio to professional practice.
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