NEWS & EVENTS

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!

Rising concept artist Tan Jiun Qi has recently been named the winner of the Student - Character Concept Art category at the 2025 Concept Art Awards in Los Angeles, USA, for his work Nocshire - Lady Monochrome. He is the first Malaysian to receive an award at this prestigious event. This international recognition not only cements his place in the global movie and game art industry but also highlights Malaysia’s growing presence as a creative force on the global stage. The annual Concept Art Awards – judged by a panel of seasoned industry veterans – celebrates outstanding work across categories including character, creature, vehicle/prop, environment, keyframe, colour keys, and visual development. The awards ceremony, held on Saturday, October 25th at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, brought together some of the world’s most skilled and visionary artists in a true celebration of creativity and artistic excellence. A graduate of Illustration, Jiun Qi has been a consistent force in the creative scene. In 2024, he earned the Rookie of the Year in Concept Art title from The Rookies – the world’s leading and highly competitive platform for aspiring creatives to showcase their best skills and abilities – with his personal IP, Pupillary. This huge achievement earned him industry-wide recognition. In 2025, he earned First Place in the Concept101 Art Competition in London, UK, for his artwork titled Adornment of the Soul. “The One Academy truly gave me an environment where I could keep pushing my limits, explore new techniques, and experiment freely with traditional and digital mediums. My lecturers really kindled that passion within me as well,” Jiun Qi said, reflecting on what he described as the most intense yet rewarding period of his life. His dedication and passion for the arts are evident in his work and achievements, paving the way for him to complete his Master’s Degree immediately after his diploma. His work has also been featured twice in ImagineFX, which he described as a surreal feeling, as it is a magazine that inspired him throughout his childhood. Known for creating elaborate narratives and stories for each character, scene, expression and costume that he illustrates, Jiun Qi has always captivated people with his mind-blowing artworks. His accomplishments not only celebrate his personal artistic excellence but also highlight the immense potential of Malaysian artists in shaping the future of the global entertainment industry. “Never, ever doubt yourself. You’ll be amazed at how far you can go simply by putting your work and ideas out there. Take risks, challenge your limits, and never lose sight of your goals, principles and values,” Jiun Qi’s motivating words for all aspiring artists chasing their dreams.