A Collaborative Triumph Championing Excellence

APU's Automotive Design Lecturer and Student Propel to ACSDC 2023 Victory

Compact sedans have carved a niche as the preferred choice for budget-conscious consumers, offering a balanced 3-box design that incorporates the engine bonnet, cabin, and trunk. The allure of compact sedan design extends beyond aesthetics, encompassing functionality, practicality, and ergonomic considerations, making them a cornerstone of the automotive industry.

In the realm of innovative design, Bryan Teh Yea Quan, a Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Design student at the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), has demonstrated exceptional prowess. Following his victory in the rim design challenge of 2022, Bryan added another feather to his cap by clinching the Champion title in the student category at the Asian Compact Sedan Design Challenge (ACSDC) 2023.

Bryan Teh Yea Quan (3rd from the left) was crowned the champion on December 19, 2023, at Hilton Kuala Lumpur, where the finale and winner announcement ceremony for the Asian Compact Sedan Design Challenge (ACSDC) 2023 took place.

The ACSDC, co-organised by Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua), Malaysia, and the Malaysia Design Council (MRM), attracted 93 entries from seven Asian countries. This unique challenge, guided by Perodua's chief designer Muhamad Zamuren Musa, presented an unprecedented opportunity for designers to redefine the future of compact sedan design.

At the forefront of Bryan's success is Mr. Saifullizan bin Abdul Wahab, an industrial professional turned lecturer at the School of Media Arts and Design (SoMAD), APU, specialising in Transport Design. With over a decade of contributions to education, Mr. Saifullizan's unique strengths in physical 3D modelling, 2D and 3D Software, and a keen understanding of global automotive design trends played a pivotal role in shaping Bryan's creative journey.

“A good automotive design is characterised by a combination of aesthetic appeal, functionality, innovation, and practicality. The ultimate goal is to create a car that not only meets contemporary standards but also has the potential to become an iconic presence on future roads," emphasised Mr. Saifullizan, who worked with Perodua Automotive Manufacturing for 14 years.

The ACSDC 2023 prompted Bryan Teh Yea Quan to see himself as a pioneer, envisioning innovative solutions and integrating cutting-edge technologies into his designs. He posed at the exhibition hall with his compact sedan design on display.

Choosing to participate in ACSDC 2023 together, Bryan and Mr. Saifullizan embraced the competition's ethos of encouraging designers to test their talents and explore different design philosophies. The event prompted participants to view themselves as pioneers, envisioning innovative solutions and integrating cutting-edge technologies into their designs.

Bryan's remarkable achievements, including the rim design challenge and ACSDC 2023 victory, have not only showcased his skills but have also significantly contributed to APU's reputation for nurturing and producing talented designers. Mr. Saifullizan expressed immense pride in Bryan's accomplishments, highlighting their collective impact on APU's success.

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Bryan Teh Yea Quan, 21, a Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Design student at APU, expressed gratitude for his lecturer-mentor Mr. Saifullizan bin Abdul Wahab's guidance during the competition, acknowledging its profound impact on refining his ideas and enhancing his work to achieve the prestigious ACSDC 2023 title.

Bryan, fueled by this success, envisions a future career in automotive design. "I have learned that automotive design is where my talent lies. Moving forward, I am driven to leave a lasting mark in the field of automotive design," he declared passionately. Aiming for greater heights in the next decade, Bryan, 21, aspires to pioneer innovative ideas, infuse fresh perspectives into car design, and explore sustainable avenues that push creative boundaries.

As Bryan reflects on his journey at APU, he recognises the university's role in providing a stable ground to nurture his passion for automotive design. He values APU's commitment to fostering technical skills and a design mindset crucial for carving a place in the competitive world of industrial design.

Bryan expressed gratitude for Mr. Saifullizan's guidance during the competition, acknowledging its profound impact on refining his ideas and enhancing his work to achieve the prestigious ACSDC 2023 title. As SoMAD at APU continues to set new benchmarks in design excellence, the future of automotive aesthetics appears bright.

The student category of ACSDC 2023 also witnessed Alfred Han Wen Hao from Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) Malaysia securing 1st runner-up and Muhammad Amin Othman from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) as the 2nd runner-up, further emphasising the strength of talent emerging from the academic landscape of Malaysia.