“If
you need help, call his mobile, look for him in the office or class or
cafeteria, as long as you reach him, your problem is solved,” says Rickson Lee
Kuang Heng, 25, a student of Diploma in Graphic Design.
 |
| Rickson Lee is talking about Mr. Fignon |
“He”
refers to Tee Meng Wah, or best known by students as Mr. Fignon, a nickname
derived from his favorite cyclist’s name, Laurent Patrick Fignon.
 |
| Mr. Fignon - the voted best lecturer of School of Creative Design |
Laurent
Patrick Fignon was a French professional road bicycle racer who won the Tour de
France in 1983 and 1984.
“I
admire Laurent Fignon’s stamina - it is not easy to win a road race that is
full of unexpected hassles such as the weather and unforeseen road conditions.
“During
my high school, I like cycling very much - nevertheless, I know that deep in my
heart, arts are something to me!
“Some
people may be good in public speaking or writing or singing, for me, drawing is
always the best way to express myself – I sketch, I paint, I design,” Fignon,
40, says.
Growing
up in a Chinese family, elders treat arts as nothing.
There
is a Cantonese saying supposed an art student might starve his wife to death
and stink the house.
Fignon
explains, “That is not the case, especially in this era.
“Arts
students are not academic underperformers as think by most people, like being
doctor or accountant or business person, arts students like me feel an urge, an
urge to delve deeper into the world of shapes, colors, contrast and brightness.
 |
| The world of shapes, colors, contrast and brightness. |
“Arts
is also a practical interdisciplinary subject related to human cognitive
perception, communication pattern and consumer behavior.
 |
| Beautiful glasses creates urge for people to bring them home. |
“Well,
it is not easy to convince elders to let me follow my path back then, yet I
insisted and completed my Bachelor of Design in Curtin University, Australia.
“Where
there is a will, there is a way!” Fignon proudly declares.
Fignon
joined Segi in August 6, 2012, after working at Limkokwing University for 12
years.
“I
have a sense of belonging working with Segi.
“The
working hours are scheduled according to my will and the location is close to
my home at Kelana Jaya where I do not have to suffer long-haul tour daily.
“My
colleagues here are easy to mingle with; also the students are more open-minded
and willing to accept criticism with open arms,” he explained.
Fignon
is currently teaching three subjects in Segi, which are Art Direction, Print
Production, as well as Text and Image.
Every
Friday from 12 noon to 2pm, Fignon holds an extra free of charge drawing class
for students who are interested in learning.
 |
| Tools to bring to Friday free of charge drawing class. |
He
does mention that studying is not about spoon-feeding.
“As
learning is a lifelong process, I have the skills and I do not mind sharing –
in turn, I always learn something new from my students, like the way they
design decorative light.
 |
| Egg-shaped decorative light. |
“I
would say that those who crave for more get more.”
Lim
Zhi Feng, 19, another Graphic Design student agrees that Fignon is helpful -
“He helps me to resolve most of my design blind spots.
“Fignon
is very critical and willing to spend time to comment on my work so that I can
improve.”
Yes,
Fignon feels delighted when students show progress.
“As
a lecturer, I have the responsibility to teach students with proper attitude
and proper theoretical approaches as to get them ready and make use at work
when they graduated.
“Most
students have the potential to develop and become success – we, lecturers, are
there to trigger and stimulate students, let them have their own ideas, while
we are by their side polishing and molding the idea into feasible plan.”
Fignon’s
colleague, Khor Kheng Kia, 37, a programme coordinator cum senior lecturer in
the School of Creative Design, adds that employers in arts industry also
emphasize the importance of employees in providing added value.
 |
| From left: Mr. Fignon, Ms. Raden and Mr. Khor are delighted when students are showing progress. |
“Most
of the students graduated from tertiary education think they deserve a
well-paid job.
“Yes,
you hold a certificate yet others may have better result than you – the
highlight here is: what makes you different from others?
“Employers
of course will look at your resume but what makes them hire you is your added
value.
“Fignon
has good attitude and years of experience working in this line while I am a
licensed Adobe educator – these are what impress our employer.
“Hence,
students will have to rethink twice as academic result is not everything but a
cornerstone – we have to know our direction of life and what we plan to
achieve, like Fignon,” said Khor.
Another
colleague Raden Ajeng Kartini Nazam, 29, says that Fignon is caring to
students, as well as to colleagues.
“Fignon
has an ability to make even a stranger opens up to him in few minutes; the way
he interacts with people with a genuine manner brings conversation alive which
you do not feel tired to talk to him, to get to know more and to disclose
more,” said Raden.
Similarly,
the Head of School, Cheng Seah Chuang, 38, feels happy that Fignon is being
nominated as the best lecturer of the School of Creative Design in such a short
working period with 32 over 38 votes.
He
agrees that Fignon is humble, friendly, caring and adaptable teaching in Segi.
Also,
Cheng would love to pinpoint Fignon about the importance of time management
when dealing with students especially he works as a lecturer.
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