In a quiet café in Putrajaya, Malaysia, Elise Chiong Bi Zhen stirs her coffee thoughtfully, a hint of nostalgia in her voice as she recalls, "Our class went on a graduation trip to Pangkor Island for three days and two nights. It was a wonderful time. The memories are bittersweet, especially given the challenges posed by the pandemic. Unfortunately, we only had a little over a year on campus to truly get to know each other."
Elise, along with her classmates from the Digital Media Technology programme, Class of 2020/04, spent countless hours working together in teams. Without realizing it, graduation had arrived, and each embarked on their own unique journey.
Elise at Xiamen University Malaysia
When asked about her choice to study at Xiamen University Malaysia, Elise shares, "I was drawn to the campus environment and had a strong interest in technology. This university offered the perfect programme for me."
However, her academic journey was not without challenges. Reflecting on her Foundation year, Elise recalls struggling with the basics of academic writing: How do you write an essay? What should the format be? The content? The structure? These questions took a lot of time to figure out, and even then, the results were not always satisfactory.
Determined to improve, Elise sought guidance from her lecturers. "I mustered the courage to knock on a lecturer's door, and she patiently explained everything to me, sharing practical writing tips," she says. This experience taught her an important lesson: Asking for help is not a sign of weakness; it’s a way to gain new perspectives and simplify complex tasks.
As she advanced in her studies, Elise faced another dilemma: choosing a direction in the vast field of digital media technology. "Initially, I wasn't sure which area I was most passionate about, so I explored every aspect according to the course schedule," she explains. Over time, her interest in design became clear.
From her second year onward, Elise focused on design-related courses, which, while challenging, deeply engaged her. One course, in particular, stood out: Human-Computer Interaction. "This course constantly reminded me that design is more about the thought process than just technical skills. It’s about understanding human psychology and needs," she emphasizes.
Elise's dedication to design culminated in her thesis and Final Year Project on Human-Computer Interaction, which earned her the first place in the Best Thesis Award. But she is quick to admit that the journey was anything but easy. To achieve excellence in UI (User Interface) and UX (User Experience) design, she conducted in-depth user interviews and rigorously tested various design elements, continuously refining her work based on feedback.
Throughout this process, Elise benefited from the guidance of her thesis supervisors, Ms. Ana and Dr. Ili. "Their rigorous academic attitude and attention to detail have greatly influenced my current work," she says, expressing gratitude for their weekly meetings and invaluable advice.
In her final year, Elise secured an internship at the globally renowned company CoinGecko, an opportunity that marked a period of rapid growth. The rigorous interview process, which included resume screening, a design challenge, and multiple rounds of interviews, tested both her professional skills and mental resilience.
Elise at CoinGecko, with her mentor - an alumnus of Xiamen University Malaysia as well
So, how did she stand out among so many candidates? Elise attributes her success to the extra time and effort she invested in creating a project that truly reflected her creative ability and style. "I wanted to showcase something that went beyond classroom assignments," she explains. Additionally, she presented her work in a unique way: "I like to narrate my design story, which helps interviewers better understand my concepts and processes."
At CoinGecko, Elise worked closely with project managers, product managers, and engineers, gaining firsthand experience in the entire design process - from conception to launch. "It was a challenging yet exhilarating experience," she recalls.
After graduation, Elise joined Malaysia's well-known lifestyle platform Funhub as a UI/UX designer. She finds inspiration in every aspect of life, from the vastness of the internet to the smallest details of daily living. "Good design is not just about aesthetics or technical prowess; it's about balancing visual impact, technical execution, and user feedback," she asserts.
Despite the pressure of her work, Elise finds immense satisfaction in seeing her designs come to life. Outside of work, she maintains a healthy work-life balance through regular exercise, including basketball, running, cycling, and hiking. "Of course, if perfect balance isn’t achievable, at least ensure a good night's sleep," she adds with a smile, noting that her short 5-minute commute also helps her maintain this balance.
Elise with her friends from XMUM Basketball Club
(Contributed by Zhao Li)
