Journey to Excellence: Shaping Your Next Step

What comes after graduation? For some students, the answer may be further study. For others, it may be stepping into the industry. And for many, the answer may still be taking shape.

This question took centre stage at Journey to Excellence: Shaping Your Next Step, a forum organised by the Department of Communication, Sunway Diploma Studies, in collaboration with Middlesex University, bringing together students from across communication programmes with different intakes for a meaningful conversation on progression, possibilities and preparing for what comes next.

The event began with opening remarks by Sunway Diploma Studies Director, Mr. Goh Wai Meng, who welcomed students and highlighted the importance of continuing to learn and building knowledge beyond what is covered in the classroom. The event was also attended by the Heads of Programme across Sunway Diploma Studies.

The forum featured five speakers representing different stages and perspectives of the education-to-industry journey. They included Karen Wong, Regional Director for Middlesex University’s Asia Pacific Hub, who brings more than 20 years of experience in international higher education; news presenter Shafiq Adnan, who has 10 years of experience across the media and corporate sectors; and Lai Cheah Yee, a contract lecturer with the Department of Communication at Sunway College with industry experience spanning content, programming, brand management and media.

Joining them were DCOMM alumni Aabid Anas and Ahmad Harraz, who have both progressed from the Diploma in Digital Creative Content at Sunway College to degree studies at Sunway University in Design Communication and Advertising and Branding respectively.

Moderated by Department of Communication lecturer Mieza Shafieza, the approximately 90-minute forum explored the decisions, challenges and opportunities that come with progression.

A key part of the discussion focused on what students can build beyond their academic qualifications. The panellists highlighted the value of gaining experience through opportunities such as internships, competitions, student activities, freelance work and other activities outside the classroom.

The forum also challenged students to think through practical scenarios, including whether to enter the workforce or continue directly into a degree, and how qualifications, portfolios and industry experience can each contribute to a graduate’s readiness for employment. Students were also given follow-up tasks based on the forum, allowing them to reflect on the discussion and apply the ideas raised during the session.

The programme also featured a student competition held as part of the collaboration with Middlesex University. Students from Sunway Diploma Studies and Sunway College Velocity took part in real-world, client-based projects across three categories: Instagram Post, Showreel and Video.

The competition brought together students from DCOM, DINM, DDCC and CDCC, as well as DINM students from Sunway College Velocity. Their submissions were developed according to Middlesex University’s requirements and brand guidelines, giving students the opportunity to respond to a real client brief while demonstrating creativity and practical communication skills.

The experience also allowed students to produce work that could contribute to their portfolios and gain a better understanding of how creative work is developed for a real-world client.

Through both the forum and competition, Journey to Excellence: Shaping Your Next Step provided students with an opportunity to connect their classroom learning with the decisions and experiences that lie beyond their diploma. Ultimately, the event served as a reminder that there is no single route to progression. For students preparing to take their next step, the journey may look different for everyone, but each experience can become part of shaping where they go next.

This article is written by SDS lecturer, Mieza Shafieza Mohd Fuad.