PENANG, 1 July 2026 – The School of The Arts (SOTA), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), successfully hosted the Prize Giving Ceremony for the Baba Nyonya-Inspired Jewellery Souvenir Product Innovation Design Competition at Peseban Agung, SOTA USM, celebrating creativity, innovation, and cultural heritage through design.
The competition was organised by the Product Design Programme, School of The Arts, USM, in collaboration with Jin Huo Gold & Jewellery Industries (M) Sdn. Bhd. Through this strategic academia-industry partnership, students were challenged to reinterpret the rich cultural heritage of the Baba Nyonya community into contemporary jewellery souvenir designs that reflect both tradition and modern market appeal.
The competition provided an invaluable platform for aspiring designers to showcase their creativity while applying design thinking and innovation to develop products with real-world commercial potential. Participants demonstrated exceptional craftsmanship and a deep appreciation for Malaysia's multicultural heritage, producing unique jewellery concepts inspired by the distinctive aesthetics and stories of the Baba Nyonya community.
During the ceremony, outstanding finalists and winners were recognised for their remarkable achievements, dedication, and innovative design solutions. Their work exemplifies the role of design in preserving cultural identity while responding to contemporary consumer needs.
SOTA USM extends its sincere appreciation to Jin Huo Gold & Jewellery Industries (M) Sdn. Bhd. for its continuous support and commitment to nurturing the next generation of designers through meaningful industry engagement. Such collaborations reinforce SOTA USM's commitment to producing graduates who are creative, industry-ready, and capable of contributing to the nation's creative economy.
By fostering strong partnerships between academia and industry, SOTA USM continues to bridge education, innovation, and cultural preservation, ensuring that traditional heritage remains relevant and appreciated by future generations through contemporary design.
