On 3 October 2025, a group of 10 Digital Animation students from The One Academy swapped their screens and sketchpads for shovels and feed buckets as they took part in a volunteering programme at Zoo Negara under the Keeperku Programme. The initiative gave students the chance to step behind the scenes and experience what it truly takes to care for wildlife. More than just a visit, it was a hands-on opportunity to support the zoo’s daily operations while learning directly from the zookeepers who dedicate themselves to animal care every day. The day began with a safety briefing by supervising zookeepers – an important reminder that working with animals requires responsibility, awareness, and respect. From there, the students rolled up their sleeves and got to work. Their tasks included preparing food for various animals, cleaning enclosures, disposing of animal waste, and assisting keepers with routine care duties. It was eye-opening to discover how much effort goes on behind the scenes to ensure the animals’ wellbeing and the cleanliness of their living spaces. Along the way, they also learned about animal behaviour, habitat management, and the many parts involved in operating a zoo. While their contributions helped lighten the workload of the zookeepers and supported the upkeep of the enclosures, the experience offered the students something equally valuable in return. Through this volunteering effort, they gained firsthand insight into animal welfare and conservation work. They developed a deeper appreciation for the dedication required in caring for wildlife and the teamwork needed to make it all possible. More importantly, the programme encouraged a sense of social responsibility. By stepping outside their usual creative environment, the students were reminded that care, empathy, and environmental sustainability are values that matter in everyday life. The experience wasn’t just about volunteering – it was about understanding, contributing, and learning how even small efforts can make a meaningful difference.

Every parcel looks ordinary… until you open it. BOOGA, inspired by the Malay word “buka” (to open), marks the moment we reveal what we’ve been building behind the scenes. Like a sudden “Booga!” jump scare, this exhibition celebrates the thrill of the unexpected. Inside each creative parcel lies an idea, a story, and a talent ready to meet the industry. Ready to buka the surprise? Unbox the unexpected.

On 6 February 2026, ESMOD Kuala Lumpur hosted a distinguished Fashion Awards Ceremony at The One Academy, honouring the best-performing students from the graduating class of 2025. The event brought together faculty members, industry guests, and proud families to celebrate the remarkable achievements of two dynamic batches – FD2203 “MiRAGE” and FD2209 “Breaking the 4th Wall”. A total of 10 awards were presented, recognising excellence in design, innovation, craftsmanship, and creative vision. Each accolade reflected ESMOD’s commitment to nurturing technically skilled, conceptually strong, and industry-ready fashion designers. From batch FD2203, three outstanding graduates were recognised for their exceptional work: Ling Yi Chien received Best Fashion Design for her designer sportswear collection, “Neo-Retro”. Ananda Paramitha Saputra was awarded Best Pattern Making for the ready-to-wear collection “Emotional Scars”, while Jeff Lee Terk Chwen earned the ‘Coup de Coeur’ award for his designer collection “Turmoil”. Batch FD2209 demonstrated equal brilliance, with multiple designers earning top accolades: Christine Liew Wei Ee won Best Ready-to-Wear for “Armageddon”, Shey Wan Xuan received the Kuala Lumpur ‘Coup de Coeur’ for “Trihouse”, and Davemond Ng Jia Le was presented the Paris ‘Coup de Coeur’ for “Mirage d’élégance”. Lim Yu Jie achieved a double win with Best Innovation and Best Editorial for “Light, Space, & Everything In Between”. Kelly Woo Si Hui also secured two major accolades – Best Pattern Making and the highly coveted Golden Needle Award – for her collection “Keepsakes”. The Golden Needle Award, the ceremony’s most prestigious honour, is symbolised by a pure gold needle crafted into a necklace. It is bestowed upon the most exemplary student in recognition of consistent excellence and outstanding achievement throughout their studies at ESMOD Kuala Lumpur. Meanwhile, the ‘Coup de Coeur’ award – equivalent to a Jury’s Choice Award – celebrates innovation and creativity that transcend conventional categories. It is presented when a collection is exceptional in more than one area, or in a way that defies easy definition, embodying originality and artistic distinction. The awards were presented by Paul Marchand, ESMOD International’s Head of Curriculum Coordination for Fashion Design/Fashion Business; Tatsun Hoi, Founder and Principal of The One Academy; and Jimmy Tan, Group Executive Director of The One Academy. As the evening concluded, the ceremony stood as a testament to the talent, discipline, and creative courage of the Class of 2025. Through “MiRAGE” and “Breaking the 4th Wall”, these emerging designers not only completed their academic journey but also marked the beginning of promising careers in the global fashion arena.

More than just rooms or structures, interior design creates spaces where life unfolds, spaces that hold memories, emotions, and stories. It is the art of shaping environments that reflect our lifestyle, personality, and values, creating spaces where we feel a sense of belonging, comfort, and ease. From the first strokes on floor plans to the final touches, “[b]Aurivelle[/b]” brings together the visions of our [a link="https://www.google.com/"]GEX2305[/a] Interior Design students, as they continue to transform lifestyles!