PERDA-TECH Offers Creative Fashion Technology Diploma

BUKIT MERTAJAM, Nov 14 (Bernama) -- Institut Kemahiran Tinggi PERDA (PERDA-TECH) is expanding its fashion studies to diploma level to strengthen technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and produce more skilled workers for the country's fashion industry.

Penang Regional Development Authority (PERDA) General Manager Datuk Mohd Asri Baharum said the introduction of the Creative Fashion Technology Diploma programme was a continuation of studies previously offered only at certificate level, with emphasis on students' mastery of technical skills and creativity.

"Our first intake in July was an initial trial, with 13 students enrolled against a target of 15. Insya-Allah, in July next year, we will offer the programme to another 15 new students.

"With this new programme, PERDA-TECH now offers about six diploma programmes and 12 certificate-level programmes accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and recognised by the Department of Skills Development (JPK)," he told reporters after officiating the Youth Fashionista Runway 2026 (YFR'26) competition at Mydin Mall here today.

Mohd Asri said the three-year programme also included six months of industrial training at fashion boutiques and related establishments, with the support of six instructors from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) and polytechnics.

He added that the study modules were also developed with the involvement of industry panels and higher education institutions to ensure that the training provided was in line with the needs of the fashion industry.

Meanwhile, Mohd Asri said the YFR'26 competition was part of the practical assignments for the first batch of Creative Fashion Technology Diploma students, providing them with exposure to planning, managing and organising programmes related to the fashion industry.

He said the competition, organised by Treize Production, comprising 13 third-semester students of the programme, attracted 50 participants from 14 public and private higher education institutions nationwide.

"This is a very good opportunity for these students to gain exposure and experience in organising an event, and insya-Allah, they can apply these skills when they enter the workforce," he said.

He said the competition also demonstrated TVET students' ability to organise programmes involving participation from various institutions, while providing real-life experience that would benefit them upon entering the workforce.

Mohd Asri also hoped the competition could continue next year on a larger scale, with more participants and more attractive prizes, to give more young fashion designers the opportunity to showcase their talents.

Meanwhile, YFR'26 Project Director Nur Qaseh Mohd Wira said the opportunity to pursue the Creative Fashion Technology Diploma at PERDA-TECH had given her new experiences in fashion despite having no background in the field when she first enrolled.

The third-semester student said she had learnt various skills throughout the programme, including sewing, design illustration and draping techniques, as well as communication, teamwork and event management through the Styling Production subject.

"I feel fortunate to have enrolled at PERDA-TECH because I had absolutely no background in fashion before this. Here, I have learnt from the basics up to the third semester and acquired various new skills.

"Among the challenges in organising this competition were securing participation, contacting participants, preparing the paperwork and ensuring smooth communication among group members," she said.

Nur Qaseh said preparations for the competition took about a month, and the cooperation of all 13 students involved enabled the programme to be successfully organised, attracting 50 participants against the initial target of 30.

The competition, themed "The Art of Fashion Without Limits", also featured 18 exclusive collections designed by PERDA-TECH students, with cash prizes of RM700 for the first-place winner, RM500 for second place and RM300 for third place, as well as several other prizes.

-- BERNAMA