SIX art students from Scotland’s Robert Gordon University (RGU) were on a three-week attachment at the Malaysian Institute of Art (MIA) recently to learn about the art scene here.
Majoring in painting, printwork and sculpture, the students joined MIA’s Department of Fine Art as part of a student exchange programme between the two institutions.
During their stint, the foreign students interacted with local art students and staff members. They were introduced to Malaysian culture, religion, food and of course, Malaysian art, during their stay in Kuala Lumpur.
For some of the students, this is their first time in an Asian country.
Katherine Richardson said, “I enjoyed Malaysian culture. It is so much more vibrant than Britain and although both countries are equally diverse, in Malaysia, you can see different cultures working together. And I must add, the food here s fantastic!”
For Lucy Hrvickova who is from the Czech Republic, this is her second trip to Kuala Lumpur. She said: “Malaysia is one of my favourite countries because it has such a variety of cultures, food and architecture. Everyone here in Malaysia is friendly ad welcoming and I feel safe here.
“I can definitely see the benefits of my visit here. It has opened my eyes to different cultures and the stories I have been told will help me in my future work.”
She said she had also gained pointers from the various styles used by the MIA students and inspiration from the rich Malaysian culture and heritage buildings that she has visited.
MIA students reciprocated that they gained as much from their interaction with the RGU students and were looking forward to future student exchanges.
About the institution
MIA endeavours to provide affordable and quality education in the creative arts by offering a conducive environment for students to develop their creativity and to strive for artistic excellence.
Founded in 1967 as a non-profit organization, the institute has trained thousands of professional artists, designers and musicians for the creative industries, both locally and overseas.
Academic strength
The institute is staffed by experienced lecturers with qualifications from local and foreign universities.
All courses offered are accredited by the Malaysian Qualification Agency (MQA).
All courses emphasize on the mastery of creative and practical skills (both conventional and digital), conceptual development and critical thinking. MIA graduates are sought after by design firms and related industries at home, in Singapore and overseas.
MQA-accredited, three-year diploma courses include:
- Graphic design (multimedia and visual communication)
- Illustration (+graphic and multimedia design)
- Fine art
- Interior design
- Industrial design
- Textile and fashion design
- Music
Strong international links
MIA has established links with prestigious universities and colleges in Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan and China where MIA graduates may proceed to complete their degree programmes for a minimum of one year through advanced placement or credit transfer.
The uniqueness of this 3+1 study programme with MIA-linked universities is to enable students to save time and cost to pursue their degree qualification overseas. It is an ideal pathway to obtain a well-balanced education which combines Malaysian and overseas learning experience and exposure.
With MQA accreditation, MIA graduates may further their studies in local universities.
- MIA will extend counseling hours from now till Jan 16, every Saturday and Sunday from 9.30am – 4pm and Monday to Friday from 9am-5pm
MIA is located at 294-299, Jalan Bandar II, Taman Melawati, KL. For details, call 03-4108 8100 pr 03-4106 4697 (music department), e-mail registry@mia.edu.my or visit www.mia.edu.my
Alternatively, type MIA<space>Enquiry<space>name as in IC and send to 36553 (30sen/SMS).
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