Communication students from Quest International University (QIU) in Perak have launched a trailblazing student-run advertising agency that is set to redefine hands-on education in the communications field in the country.

Run entirely by students from QIU’s Advertising, Corporate Communication, and Journalism programmes, the Ad.U agency will provide a broad range of marketing communication services for print, broadcast and social media to businesses across Malaysia.

The student-run agency will be a business that operates within the University’s academic programme. The agency replaces the old fashioned “read a book, listen to a lecture and take a test” model of learning with real-world clients and situations, marketplace challenges, fast deadlines and no easy answers. It puts the students in the driver’s seat and the resulting performance and knowledge gain exceeds anything that can be done in a classroom, making them invaluable in today’s job market.

Led by QIU’s Advertising programme, the project was unveiled at an on-campus event. At the launch event, the Ad.U team showcased their first project — a promo video series for client HOGA Gaharu Tea Valley.

The experience of delivering a project on time and on point under pressure was priceless for the Ad.U team, as they got a taste of what to expect in the world of professional advertising after graduation.  HOGA Gaharu Tea Valley Chief Executive Officer, Nicklaus Ho, enthused that the final product was “beyond our expectations”, adding that they looked forward to partnering with QIU on future projects.

QIU’s Chief Operating Officer, Nicholas Goh underscored the agency’s significance to students. “Ad.U will prove an excellent vehicle for advancing the personal and professional development of communications students in line with industry demands.”

The Ad.U initiative is the brainchild of Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Associate Professor Dr. Adeline Kok. The idea was conceptualised in line with QIU’s ongoing mission to provide deep experiential learning opportunities to students, which will allow them to graduate with job-ready skills.