The 20-year-old was ecstatic when he took home the grand prize for the Malaysia Footwear Design Competition 2012, a fully-sponsored trip to the competition in Guangzhou.

“I was determined to come out tops in this competition (the Malaysian version) even though it was my first time entering a shoe-designing contest. “And I wanted to represent Malaysia on an international platform.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” he said at the International Shoe Festival 2012 at the Putra World Trade Centre yesterday.

Lim also won a trophy, RM5,000 and an iPad 2 for the ladies shoes category.

The Limkokwing University final-year student said he used to give advice and tips to his mother and two older sisters when they were chosing shoes and handbags.

“They usually listen to my input and suggestions whenever we go shopping,” he added.

On his creation, Lim said the colours of the shoe were inspired by the national flag.

“It may not be the most beautiful shoe design but it is definitely one of the most innovative,” he added.

Meanwhile, Lorenzo Peh Chin Yee, 22, and his four friends won the second prize for the “miniature shoes” category and first prize for the “creative art” category.

Peh said they took part in the competition as there were not many contests like this in the country.

“We had not expected to win the two prizes. We were truly surprised as the competition was fierce,” he added.

“We’re glad that all the hard work has paid off.”