The growing shift towards sustainability is increasingly influencing industries worldwide, with the design and fashion sectors taking significant strides to align with this global agenda.
The International Design Forum 2026, organised by Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysia Italy Design Institute, reinforced the importance of integrating sustainability into design practices, from concept development to production, while promoting continuous innovation and global collaboration.
Held on 8 April 2026, the forum brought together distinguished guests, industry leaders, academicians and students on a dynamic platform centred on design innovation and sustainability.
Deputy Director General (Entrepreneurship) of Majlis Amanah Rakyat, Zahari Aziz, said the agency will continue to empower entrepreneurship within the design and creative industries.
“Through programmes such as NextGenBiz, MARA provides exposure and opportunities for students and young entrepreneurs to understand business ecosystems, develop practical skills and explore pathways in entrepreneurship, particularly in creative industries.
“We want to see more young designers not only creating products but building brands, startups and sustainable businesses that can penetrate both local and international markets,” he said in his officiating speech.
The forum, themed “Sustainability in Motion – Shaping Tomorrow’s Design”, featured welcoming remarks by President and Chief Executive Officer of UniKL, Prof. Ir. Dr. Azman Senin.
A special address was also delivered by Francesco Pezzarossi, the Italian Embassy’s representative in Malaysia, highlighting the strong collaboration between Malaysia and Italy in design and education.
The programme was held in conjunction with Italian Design Day 2026 and MARA’s NextGenBiz initiative, further strengthening international collaboration and promoting the integration of global design excellence with local innovation ecosystems.
A key highlight of the forum was the keynote address by Giulia Bruno from Politecnico di Torino, Italy, who shared insights on sustainable design and emerging global trends shaping the future of the creative industry.
An interactive Meet and Greet session, alongside an introduction to NextGenBiz, provided participants with the opportunity to engage directly with Mr. Zahari.
The session introduced a MARA-driven entrepreneurship platform offering exposure to business opportunities, support systems and practical entrepreneurial knowledge, while fostering networking, idea exchange and potential collaborations among students, young entrepreneurs and industry players.
Another highlight was the launch of two publications: Z Design: Malaysian-Inspired Design – Industrial Design Journey and Next Gen Moda: Fashion Design with Marketing at FASH MIDI, showcasing student creativity through the integration of cultural inspiration, design thinking and industry-relevant competencies.
The event also featured a design exhibition and fashion showcase, presenting innovative student projects, functional prototypes and creative works that reflect sustainability, advanced manufacturing and user-centred design.
