FCM Re-CREATE with remadesia Turns Discarded Umbrellas into Tote Bags

In September 2026, a total of 91 students and 10 staff members from the Faculty of Creative Multimedia (FCM) took part in an upcycling sharing session and workshop organised with remadesia at the MMU Cinema and FCM Atrium.

Held as part of the Personal Social Responsibility (PSR) programme, the event was organised in collaboration with remadesia and involved students from the MDS4133 Drawing Fundamental class. The programme was coordinated by Dr. Yong Chyn Chye from the Learning Institute for Empowerment (LIfE) and advised by Ts. Siti Iradah Ismail from FCM.

The session featured sharing sessions by remadesia founder Mr. Alfred Kong and Ms. Jan Teo, who introduced participants to the brand’s journey and approach to upcycling. Participants also had the opportunity to explore remadesia’s work and learn more about its creative approach to giving discarded materials a new purpose.

The hands-on workshop then introduced participants to simple techniques for transforming discarded umbrellas into tote bags without using a sewing machine. Participants learned basic cutting, tying and weaving techniques while exploring different ways to personalise their creations.

The remadesia team also visited the FCM e-Gallery, where they viewed students’ work featured in the UNLOCK showcase and explored potential opportunities for future collaboration.

The activity gave FCM students an opportunity to engage with an industry partner while applying their creative skills to a sustainability-focused activity. It also encouraged participants to look at everyday waste differently and explore how discarded materials can be reused creatively.