Qing Ling Lim
BSc (Hons) Product Design Technology, 2021
Malaysia
I think what most attracted my current employer were the skills that I’d gained, like working with 3D printers and some of the other technological know-how I now had up my sleeve.”
Growing up, I attended an international school where one of the compulsory subjects was Design and Technology. During one lesson, our teacher used the iPhone as an example of good design, encouraging us to think about the careful planning behind every detail. That lesson changed the way I viewed products. Instead of simply seeing electronics as “cool,” I began appreciating the thought, functionality, and user experience behind them. I became fascinated by what makes people connect with certain products and eventually asked myself: why not become someone who designs products people truly enjoy using?
As the course progressed, I discovered how much I enjoyed collaborating with others toward shared goals. I preferred teamwork and practical projects over purely theoretical work, which motivated me to pursue Product Design at university. After completing my A Levels, I realized my academic background did not fully align with the field, so I enrolled in a product design course in Malaysia and completed an International Year One program to prepare for further study abroad.
When searching for universities, many institutions required me to restart from first year despite my prior studies. Fortunately, UWE Bristol contacted me and offered to map my credits, allowing me to enter directly into the second year. The support from UWE Asia Pacific in Malaysia made the transition smooth, helping with everything from credit transfers to visa processing. Moving abroad was a major step for me, but my family was supportive, especially since my brother had already studied in the UK.
At UWE, I quickly adapted to a much larger and more dynamic learning environment than I had experienced in Malaysia. My classes focused heavily on practical learning, group projects, and hands-on experimentation. We regularly used 3D printers to create physical prototypes, an essential part of Product Design Technology. Living on campus also gave me access to facilities late into the night, allowing me to maximize my project work.
One of the biggest challenges during my studies was the Covid-19 pandemic, which forced classes online. It became harder to collaborate and exchange ideas virtually, especially in such a hands-on field. However, once restrictions eased, my classmates and I continued working together and supporting one another.
A highlight of my time at UWE was a branding project in which we designed a new product for an existing brand. My group collaborated effectively, combining our strengths to create a concept that reflected the brand’s identity successfully. The project reinforced how much I value teamwork and creative collaboration.
Studying at UWE also exposed me to people from many different cultures. Living with flatmates from countries such as Nigeria, South Africa, and India broadened my perspective and introduced me to new lifestyles, foods, and viewpoints. These experiences helped me grow personally as much as academically.
After returning to Malaysia, I secured a role in an R&D team specializing in green energy solutions. My experience with 3D printing and product development helped me stand out to my employer. Today, I design casings and product components for new technologies aimed at reducing carbon emissions. Looking ahead, I hope to continue building my expertise in design and innovation while exploring opportunities to contribute to larger strategic and sustainable solutions within the industry.
