Final-year students preparing the ‘Under the Sea’ installation, with used plastic waste to raise awareness of marine pollution.
It’s not every day one comes across discarded snack packaging being upcycled into fashion statements and sustainable art.
But that’s exactly what Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) final-year Advertising students did, with standout creations like the tongue-in-cheek Oat Couture bucket hat, crafted entirely from biscuit packaging.
“I’ve always been passionate about repurposing and crocheting a bucket hat from snack packaging was a new challenge,” said student Siti Zulaikha Nor Ahmad Fauzi, whose Oat Couture bucket hat won the Best Overall Creation award.
“It was tough but it allowed me to explore a different side of my creativity.”
The project merged creativity with sustainability, demonstrating how waste can be transformed into trendy, functional items.
As part of the students’ Art Direction for Advertising course, an exhibition across three spaces was held to showcase repurposed packaging of biscuit manufacturer Julie’s to engage visitors and encourage sustainable living.
Final-year students preparing the ‘Under the Sea’ installation, with used plastic waste to raise awareness of marine pollution.
Each space highlighted the students’ artistic talents while addressing global issues like environmental conservation.
“I wanted to expose my students to real-world topics such as Sustainable Developmental Goals and upcycling,” said TAR UMT lecturer and strategic communication programme leader Cindy Poh Huay Yuet.
“Through this project, they not only develop creative skills but also critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.”
The students’ upcycled projects were evaluated by Julie’s and given awards such as Most Innovative Design and Best Practical Solution.
“The students gave us ideas we hadn’t even thought of,” said Julie’s branding and marketing manager Koo Chee Cheng.
“Their work shows how our packaging can be repurposed into valuable, everyday items.
“We hope this inspires more people to give new life to materials that might get discarded.”
Another highlight of the exhibition was an “Under the Sea” installation, created by Siti Zulaikha’s group, which used plastic waste to raise awareness of marine pollution.
“A large whale, made entirely from plastic, symbolises the devastating impact of pollution on marine life,” said Siti Zulaikha.
“We also wanted to show how overfishing and pollution threaten maritime life.
“The fish hook in our design represents the dangers of depleting fish populations, as overfishing prevents marine ecosystems from recovering.”
Poh said the university chose to collaborate with Julie’s because of its creative brand image and its commitment to sustainability.
“This project bridges the gap between industry and academia, giving our students a platform to address important issues while developing their skills,” she added.
The exhibition, being held at GMBB, Kuala Lumpur, as part of the KL Literature and Art Fair, ends today.
