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YU CHEN ONG

Ling Tung University

Fashion Design BFA

Apparel, Bags

I am Ong Yu Chen, and my Chinese name ‘辰’ (chén) sounds similar to "orange" in Chinese. That might be one of the reasons I have always felt a special connection with the shape of a circle or round. To me, it perfectly conveys the sense of wholeness and happiness. I am from Penang, Malaysia, and a fun fact about me is that I have always lived close to the sea; it is right across a street all the time. The scenic ocean view with the glowing sunset has always been part of the journey on my way home. Since I was a kid, I have been easily distracted and attracted to beautiful things; they could be clothing, art, wildflowers, or the dreamy shape of clouds to the vibrant color of the ever-changing sky. My albums are filled with daily scenes and special moments of my life. My favorites are nonetheless the breathtaking sunset and beach. During my free time, I would edit them into mini vlogs while reminiscing about the essence of time. Other than that, I have an interest in music. Whenever I turn on the volume of my headphones, I indulge in my own little world. Sometimes, I picture a different universe, while other times, I am surprised by the new ideas they spark in my mind. I also love movies; cinemas are my go-to places. Art has always been a big part of my life.

window of the soul

Category: Accessories

Competitions: Taiwan Region

I draw my inspiration from the eye. In Chinese there’s a saying that eyes are the windows to the soul. Eyes can express great emotions as well as it is the most direct way to strike a note in one’s heart. Through a tearful eye, warning us of the importance of protecting the environment, we are reminded to cherish our one and only Mother Earth before it is too late. As for the choice of colour, I start with a central blue that gradually transitions to yellow, symbolizing hope and faith. Lastly, both the iris and the Earth are round, the shape of unity and infinity. On top of that, the wholeness and completeness of the round shape create a sense of flow and continuity, carrying the message of sustainability.

Working with our partners at Arts Thread to develop lifelong learning and career opportunities for students of fashion and design. Our partnership provides the opportunity to compete on a world stage, participate in industry led workshops, set up an outstanding portfolio and gain access to the resources that will kickstart careers in fashion and design.