KUALA LUMPUR, December 17 - Designer of the world-renowned luxury women's shoe brand Lewre Bespoke, born in Tapah, Perak, Datuk Lewre Lew Fong Voon has been appointed as an Adjunct Professor at the Faculty of Arts, Sustainability and Creative Industries (FSKIK), Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI). The appointment is for a period of two years, beginning November 2024 to October 2026.
UPSI Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Dr. Md Amin Md Taff said that through the appointment, UPSI continues to be committed to strengthening ties with the industry in line with the university's aspiration to become a centre of academic excellence and international-class innovation.
"This appointment is part of UPSI's efforts to bridge the gap between academia and industry by featuring recognized professional figures in the fields of branding and entrepreneurship," he said in a media statement.
Lewre received the letter of appointment, presented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International), Prof. Dr. Abdul Rahim Razalli on November 13.
He is expected to bring extensive industry expertise and experience to UPSI.
Lewre expressed his excitement over the appointment and was pleased to collaborate with UPSI in an effort to share knowledge and experience.
“I believe that the integration between academia and industry is the key to producing quality graduates who are ready to face the challenges of the future,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Dean of FSKIK, Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Muhammad Zaffwan Idris said that the appointment is expected to have a major impact on the academic and professional development of the faculty.
“Lewre’s presence as an Adjunct Professor will not only increase UPSI’s visibility globally, but also strengthen knowledge sharing between the university and industry.
"This will empower students and lecturers in the creative and entrepreneurial fields," he said.
Various programmes have been planned throughout the appointment period, including talks on branding, career guidance sessions, internships with students, as well as university-industry collaborations through research grants.
Among the main activities to be implemented are the lecturer attachment programme at Lewre Bespoke and the industrial training programme for UPSI students, aimed at providing real-world experience to students.
The Lewre brand was launched in 1997 and is well-known internationally. Lewre's shoe brand has been worn by several famous figures such as Kate Middleton and Peng Liyuan (China's first lady).
Lewre also designed the most expensive wedding shoes in Malaysia, worth RM5 million, as recorded in The Malaysia Book of Records in 2018.