Management and Science University (MSU) has partnered with UEDA College of Fashion to provide Malaysian students with an immersive, hands-on learning experience in Japan from 16 till 29 January 2025. This collaboration offers students from the School of Hospitality and Creative Arts (SHCA) a unique opportunity to explore Japan’s fashion industry, gaining invaluable real-world exposure and cross-cultural insights.
For students like Nurul Insyirah Abdul Zabir, a Bachelor in Fashion Design with Marketing (Honours) student, the trip was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that broadened her perspective, enhanced her skills, and deepened her understanding of the global fashion landscape.
“It has been enriching to interact with UEDA students and gain insights from their perspectives,” said Nurul. “I’ve learned the importance of having a broad mindset. Fashion is not just about sewing garments, it encompasses designing, creating, promoting, selling, and ensuring quality. For instance, we discovered how music can be integrated into fashion, where specific genres complement different styles of garments.”
Another student, Zansa Balqis, also pursuing a Bachelor in Fashion Design with Marketing (Honour), highlighted the transformative impact of the experience.
“Exposure is key to gaining valuable experience,” she said. “This opportunity has expanded my understanding, boosted my confidence, and developed my designing skills. The feedback I received from industry professionals helped me identify areas for improvement and refine my craft.”
Nurul further emphasised how the trip improved her craftsmanship, attention to detail, and ability to network with industry leaders while gaining insights into global fashion markets.
“This experience has taught me the significance of understanding different cultures, blending classic and modern designs to foster creativity and innovation. Additionally, learning about the integration of technology in fashion has equipped me with the skills and cultural awareness needed to thrive in this dynamic industry.”
SHCA Dean Azizul Jamaludin, praised the collaboration for its role in exposing students to Japan’s innovative design methods and precision-driven approach to fashion.
“Japan is known for its ability to balance tradition with modernity,” he noted. “Visiting Osaka and observing the Japanese fashion industry has been enlightening.”
Azizul highlighted that Japanese fashion schools emphasise technical expertise, pattern-making, and sustainability, while also encouraging bold experimentation. He believes Malaysian institutions can enhance their fashion education by strengthening industry collaborations, interdisciplinary workshops, and a greater focus on global fashion trends.
He also underscored the potential for Malaysian students to introduce their heritage to Japanese audiences through fashion.
“By modernising traditional textiles like batik and songket for contemporary designs, students can showcase Malaysia’s diverse cultural influences. Japanese audiences, who deeply appreciate craftsmanship and storytelling in fashion, would find these elements captivating. At MSU, we emphasise culture, heritage, and modest fashion, creating significant opportunities for our graduates in the global market.”
The MSU-UEDA partnership supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting inclusive and equitable learning opportunities (SDG 4), equipping students with the skills needed for sustainable and productive careers in the fashion industry (SDG 8), and fostering global collaborations for education and skill development (SDG 17).
This collaboration has provided Malaysian students with an invaluable international learning experience, equipping them with global industry exposure, cross-cultural awareness, and hands-on training. By engaging with industry professionals and immersing themselves in Japan’s fashion landscape, these students are now better prepared to excel in the global fashion industry.
Management and Science University (MSU) has partnered with UEDA College of Fashion to provide Malaysian students with an immersive, hands-on learning experience in Japan from 16 till 29 January 2025. This collaboration offers students from the School of Hospitality and Creative Arts (SHCA) a unique opportunity to explore Japan’s fashion industry, gaining invaluable real-world exposure and cross-cultural insights.
For students like Nurul Insyirah Abdul Zabir, a Bachelor in Fashion Design with Marketing (Honours) student, the trip was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that broadened her perspective, enhanced her skills, and deepened her understanding of the global fashion landscape.
“It has been enriching to interact with UEDA students and gain insights from their perspectives,” said Nurul. “I’ve learned the importance of having a broad mindset. Fashion is not just about sewing garments, it encompasses designing, creating, promoting, selling, and ensuring quality. For instance, we discovered how music can be integrated into fashion, where specific genres complement different styles of garments.”
Another student, Zansa Balqis, also pursuing a Bachelor in Fashion Design with Marketing (Honour), highlighted the transformative impact of the experience.
“Exposure is key to gaining valuable experience,” she said. “This opportunity has expanded my understanding, boosted my confidence, and developed my designing skills. The feedback I received from industry professionals helped me identify areas for improvement and refine my craft.”
Nurul further emphasised how the trip improved her craftsmanship, attention to detail, and ability to network with industry leaders while gaining insights into global fashion markets.
“This experience has taught me the significance of understanding different cultures, blending classic and modern designs to foster creativity and innovation. Additionally, learning about the integration of technology in fashion has equipped me with the skills and cultural awareness needed to thrive in this dynamic industry.”
SHCA Dean Azizul Jamaludin, praised the collaboration for its role in exposing students to Japan’s innovative design methods and precision-driven approach to fashion.
“Japan is known for its ability to balance tradition with modernity,” he noted. “Visiting Osaka and observing the Japanese fashion industry has been enlightening.”
Azizul highlighted that Japanese fashion schools emphasise technical expertise, pattern-making, and sustainability, while also encouraging bold experimentation. He believes Malaysian institutions can enhance their fashion education by strengthening industry collaborations, interdisciplinary workshops, and a greater focus on global fashion trends.
He also underscored the potential for Malaysian students to introduce their heritage to Japanese audiences through fashion.
“By modernising traditional textiles like batik and songket for contemporary designs, students can showcase Malaysia’s diverse cultural influences. Japanese audiences, who deeply appreciate craftsmanship and storytelling in fashion, would find these elements captivating. At MSU, we emphasise culture, heritage, and modest fashion, creating significant opportunities for our graduates in the global market.”
The MSU-UEDA partnership supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting inclusive and equitable learning opportunities (SDG 4), equipping students with the skills needed for sustainable and productive careers in the fashion industry (SDG 8), and fostering global collaborations for education and skill development (SDG 17).
This collaboration has provided Malaysian students with an invaluable international learning experience, equipping them with global industry exposure, cross-cultural awareness, and hands-on training. By engaging with industry professionals and immersing themselves in Japan’s fashion landscape, these students are now better prepared to excel in the global fashion industry.