Four Malaysian Institute of Art (MIA) Interior Design students have been selected as finalists in the REKA Design Week (RDW) 2026 Student Design Competition, showcasing their creativity, design thinking and technical abilities on a platform organised by the Malaysian Institute of Interior Designers (MIID).
Held as part of MIID Reka Design Week 2026, the student competition provides an opportunity for emerging designers to present innovative design solutions and respond to contemporary challenges through interior design. This year’s theme, “Designing Dignity,” encouraged students to explore how design can contribute to human well-being, inclusivity, accessibility and quality of life.
MIA’s Interior Design students demonstrated their ability to translate these considerations into thoughtful spatial design proposals, earning four finalist positions across the Diploma and Degree categories.
Diploma Category – Future Kitchen Design
Three MIA Diploma in Interior Design students were selected as finalists in the Future Kitchen Design category:
- Chai Ying Jie
- Teh Yu Chen
- Wendeline Wong Mei Shee
The category challenged participants to envision a future-ready kitchen that responds to evolving lifestyles, technological advancements, sustainability considerations and changing user needs. Students were expected to demonstrate creativity, functionality, innovation and an understanding of how kitchen spaces may adapt to future living environments.
Degree Category – Public Toilet Design
MIA also celebrates Chong En G as a finalist in the Degree Category – Public Toilet Design.
The category focused on creating contemporary public toilet environments that enhance user experience through considerations of accessibility, inclusivity, sustainability, hygiene and functionality, while demonstrating spatial efficiency and creative design thinking.
Celebrating Emerging Designers
Being selected as finalists at REKA Design Week 2026 is a meaningful achievement for MIA’s Interior Design students. Their recognition reflects their willingness to explore new ideas, challenge conventional approaches and apply their design knowledge to contemporary interior design challenges.
More importantly, opportunities such as this allow students to experience design beyond the classroom—developing their confidence in presenting ideas, responding to professional briefs and sharing their work with a wider audience.
Congratulations to our four MIA Interior Design finalists for representing the Malaysian Institute of Art and demonstrating the creativity, commitment and potential of the next generation of interior designers.
Their achievement is a reminder that with curiosity, creativity and dedication, students can turn their design ideas into opportunities to be seen, heard and recognised.
