As I am drafting the message for this year’s MUIC CDP Thesis Exhibition themed "Design Rush Hour," I am struck by how much it captures the spirit of the time in which we live. It speaks of the transition, that exhilarating moment when one chapter closes and another rush in with energy, urgency, and promise. It also speaks of the potential for noise and disruption that you all will be experiencing as you step into the challenging and fluid world of work or further education. Like the peak hour of a bustling city, you will inadvertently find yourselves at a crossroads where everything moves faster, expectations grow higher, and the world opens up in all directions.
However, rush hour is not always just about chaos. It is about motion, momentum, and opportunity. It is about navigating complexity with creativity, communicating clearly in a crowded world, and designing solutions that not only catch the eye — but also touch the heart and shift perspectives.

As you navigate this new environment, please always remember that good design is more than just beautiful, it is purposeful. When done right, it helps people and businesses connect, grow, and innovate. It helps communities communicate, collaborate, and thrive. It shapes how we move through the world, access services, understand information, and feel seen.
The work you see here today is a reminder that design has real-world impact — and that great design can be a force of optimism and hope.

Despite the fact that world you are stepping into will challenge you, it will also need you. It needs your vision, your empathy, your bold ideas, and your ability to communicate what matters. If life is a rush hour, you are not just passengers — you are drivers, mapmakers, and storytellers of the road ahead. Whether you realize it or not, you are the future of design. I, along with all of your teachers, am immensely excited and proud to see what you can accomplish.
Congratulations!!!!