Three UiTM Students To Become Jimmy Choo's Apprentices.

Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) will select three of its students in shoe design and technology as apprentices to renowned shoemaker Datuk Jimmy Choo from June next year.

They will be sponsored under the university's Young Lecturer Programme to undergo training at Jimmy Choo Couture boutique in London.

UiTM's Art and Design Faculty dean Associate Prof Dr Baharuddin Ujang said Choo made the offer on the apprentice programme during a meeting with Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed recently.

"Jimmy Choo is a world icon in the shoe design industry. This is his opportunity and big contribution to UiTM," he said.

Jimmy Choo has designed shoes for several international celebrities including the late Lady Diana, Madonna and Michelle Yeoh. He owns about 40 boutiques worldwide.

Dr Baharuddin said the students, besides being Choo's trainees in London, would also further their studies for the bachelor and masters degrees at universities there.

Among the universities being considered for the purpose were Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design London and London College of Fashion where Choo was a visiting professor, he said.

He said UiTM was also considering to send several top students of the faculty to undergo practical training under Choo's supervision for three to six months under the student exchange programme with the two universities.

Dr Baharuddin said the matter was being discussed and hopefully, it could be realised by mid-2007.

He also said UiTM vice-chancellor Datuk Seri Prof Ibrahim Abu Shah had agreed to appoint Choo as a visiting professor and academic adviser for the university's Shoe Design and Technology Programme.

UiTM also planned to set up a centre of excellence involving a smart partnership between the university and the shoe, fashion and textile design industries, he said.-- BERNAMA
Picture Source