NEWS & EVENTS

The One Academy's Hall of Fame 2026 brought together students, lecturers, alumni and industry guests for an inspiring celebration of creativity, innovation and artistic achievement. This year's event highlighted the exceptional talent and dedication of students across diverse creative disciplines. The event featured an impressive exhibition showcase, transforming the venue into a vibrant gallery of outstanding student work. From graphic design and illustration to animation, digital media, interior architecture, and other creative fields, visitors explored projects that reflected months of research, experimentation and craftsmanship. Each exhibit demonstrated not only technical excellence but also the originality and passion that define our creative community. The highlight of the evening was the prestigious Hall of Fame Awards Ceremony, where outstanding student projects across all majors were recognised for their excellence in concept, execution and innovation. As recipients took to the stage, the ceremony served as both a recognition of their achievements and an inspiration for aspiring creatives, exemplifying the academy's commitment to nurturing creative thinkers and future industry leaders. The event kept the audience on the edge of their seats as the winners were announced. The Best of the Best Idea award was presented to ‘Briefly Speaking’ by Hii Xin Hui in the Self-Promotion category, while the Best of the Best Craft award went to ‘The Last Alkonost’ in the Animated Short Film category. Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, members of the Music Club delivered a series of live performances that energized the audience throughout the evening. Their performances created memorable moments between award presentations and exhibition visits, showcasing another dimension of the academy's vibrant student culture. More than an awards presentation, Hall of Fame 2026 served as a platform to celebrate the creative journey of every student. It reflected the countless hours of dedication, collaboration, and perseverance invested in bringing ideas to life while providing opportunities for meaningful connections between students, educators, alumni and industry professionals. As the event concluded, Hall of Fame 2026 reaffirmed The One Academy's commitment to fostering creative excellence and empowering the next generation of designers, artists and innovators. The remarkable works on display and the achievements celebrated throughout the evening stand as a testament to the academy's vision of inspiring creativity that makes a lasting impact.

The London-based D&AD Awards are widely regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious accolades in advertising and graphic design. In the winners’ announcement on 30 June 2026, only two submissions from Malaysia received awards in this highly competitive international competition. A team of four students from the Diploma in Visual Communication Design programme – Sun Jia Yang, Amy Ding Zi Yi, Arviola Poa and Puteri Nur Mysarah Iskandar – won one of the most prestigious honours, the “Wood Pencil”, at the international D&AD New Blood Awards. The award recognises outstanding work by students and emerging creatives in design, advertising, illustration, animation, digital, branding, product design, and related creative disciplines. This latest achievement marks another milestone for The One Academy, bringing a total of eight awards won in the five years we have participated in the D&AD New Blood Awards, underscoring our academy’s consistent success on the international creative stage. Participating in the competition was both an exciting and meaningful experience for the team. The journey was far from easy, as many of their proposed ideas were rejected during critique sessions with their lecturers. “However, thanks to the guidance of our lecturers and our team’s determination to never give up, we eventually brought home the Wood Pencil. Winning this award made me realise that all the hard work, rejection and constant refinement were worth it,” said Sun. Their winning submission, “Send Me Shifts”, was awarded as one of the best works of the year in its category. The team responded to a creative brief by giffgaff and The Big Issue to develop a solution addressing how mobile connectivity and data can be used as a force for social good to support people experiencing digital exclusion. Participants were challenged to create innovative ideas that help disadvantaged people access opportunities while using connectivity as a tool for education, employment and financial inclusion. “Our idea is simple but powerful. There are around one million NEETs (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) in the UK. At the same time, many gig job opportunities are available online. Through our research, we discovered that some people owned smartphones but couldn't afford mobile data. So, we came up with a tagged SIM card that delivers gig job opportunities via SMS without requiring mobile data or Wi-Fi,” Sun explained. Reflecting on their experience, the team shared that The One Academy has trained them to think more critically and empathetically as designers. They learned to prioritise solving real problems over creating work that merely looks visually appealing, and to let go of ideas they personally favoured if those ideas did not effectively address the client's objectives. “If you put in the effort, do proper research, stay curious, and never give up, you’ll eventually develop ideas that genuinely solve problems. A great idea is important, but strong execution is what brings that idea to life. Don't be afraid to experiment, learn new techniques, enjoy the learning process, and keep improving with every project,” he concluded.

The nation’s largest secondary school art competition, the Malaysia Top 10 Outstanding Young Artists Awards (MT10), has made a comeback – bigger and bolder than ever! Offering lucrative scholarships from The One Academy and cash prizes, this highly anticipated annual competition attracts thousands of aspiring young artists eager to showcase their talents and compete among their creative peers. Now in its 29th year, MT10 once again collaborated with The Walt Disney Company, featuring Disney•Pixar's Toy Story 5 as this year's competition theme. The drawing prompt, "A Toy's Promise," invited participants to revisit their childhood and illustrate the role toys have played in their journey of growing up, as well as the cherished memories they share. Through their artwork, contestants explored the unseen bond between a toy and its owner. Held from May onwards, this national-level drawing competition, open to secondary school students aged 14 to 18, was conducted across 13 locations in eight states. The competition culminated in the Grand Finale and Awards Ceremony on 26 July at The One Academy's main campus in Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya. For nearly three decades, MT10 has served as a launchpad for aspiring creatives, empowering young talents to pursue their artistic dreams. Since its inception, the competition has awarded more than RM21.7 million in scholarships and cash prizes to outstanding students nationwide. The prestigious "Best of the Best" Gold Award was presented to Lim Hong Ze from Johor, who took home a RM90,000 scholarship from The One Academy and a RM3,000 cash prize. The Silver Award went to Chong Zi Xuan from Perak, who received a RM70,000 scholarship and a RM2,000 cash prize, while the Bronze Award was presented to Law Sin Yow from Kuala Lumpur, who was awarded a RM50,000 scholarship and a RM1,000 cash prize. The 10 Young Artists Awards winners were Zeti Nurhumaira Harumi binti Mohamad Zulkeflee (Melaka), Liew Chui Ying (Johor), Janice Sim Yan Sze (Johor), Chong Kai En (Perak), Aqilah binti Zulkarnain (Sabah), Siew Hou Yim (Johor), Keira Chan Ik Xin (Sarawak), Liew Jae Ning (Selangor), Serenne Chan Su Xin (Johor), and Khor Ruyvi (Penang). Each of them received a RM30,000 scholarship from The One Academy and a RM500 cash prize in recognition of their achievement. The recipients of the Gold, Silver, Bronze and Top 10 Young Artists awards also received exclusive Toy Story 5 merchandise. Beyond the top awards, another 27 participants walked away with the Encouragement Prize, each receiving a RM8,000 scholarship, while 50 participants were presented with the Jury's Special Selection Prize, each awarded a RM5,000 scholarship. Students, families and teachers also immersed themselves in the Creative Art Exploration at The One Academy’s Bandar Sunway campus, where they explored the vibrant learning environment, inspiring student artworks, interactive installations, 3D animation showcases, live digital art demonstrations, fashion showcases, fine art exhibitions, creative seminars, and much more.

ESMOD Kuala Lumpur is collaborating with Nuwa Pierre, a luxury jade jewellery brand, on an exciting jewellery design project tailored for the Malaysian market. During a workshop conducted by the brand's representatives on campus, students were introduced to the fascinating world of jade, exploring its cultural significance, the characteristics of its two main varieties – jadeite and nephrite – and their applications in contemporary jewellery design. To inspire the creative process, students had the rare opportunity to examine an exclusive selection of jade samples up close, ranging from raw stones to exquisitely polished pieces, including a remarkable jade specimen valued at USD10,000. This hands-on experience allowed them to appreciate the material's natural beauty, craftsmanship and design potential. As part of the upcoming semester's industry project, Nuwa Pierre will provide authentic jade materials for Year 3 students to conceptualise, design and create original jewellery and accessories. Selected designs will be professionally produced and may be commercialised, giving students invaluable exposure to the complete design journey – from concept development and material exploration to production and the marketplace. By collaborating directly with an established luxury jewellery brand, students gain first-hand insight into industry expectations while developing designs that balance creativity, craftsmanship and commercial viability. This partnership exemplifies ESMOD Kuala Lumpur's commitment to bridging creative education with professional practice, empowering students with authentic industry experience before they graduate.

The HONOR Talents Global Design Awards is a competition that focuses on art design, experiential product design, and new forms of design expression. It aims to nurture creative talent while bringing innovative design ideas closer to real-world applications, serving as a global platform for young creators and showcasing how art and technology can blend seamlessly. The 2025 edition attracted 978 submissions from students and independent designers across Southeast Asia. From this highly competitive pool, 33 talented artists from Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia were named winners, with the results announced between January 12 and 31, 2026. Among the many impressive participants, eight of our students emerged as winners, demonstrating the strength of their creativity and design thinking on an international stage. Ch’ng Jie Xun won the Grand Prize for her work, ‘Glitches of the Rainforest’, receiving an HONOR Magic8 Pro smartphone. Second Prize winners Natania Joylynn Wu, Chow Wen Xuen, and Lam Xin Qi were each awarded an HONOR 400 Pro smartphone for their respective works – ‘The Beautiful Indonesia’, ‘Thundering Drums, Leaping Lions’, and ‘Rhythm of Roots’. Ng Ying Hui received the Third Prize for ‘夜影・自映’ (Night Shadows • Self-Reflection). earning an HONOR Pad V9. Meanwhile, the Special Award (Judges’ Choice Award) recipients – Abhay Singh Manhas, Sia Xing En, and Liz Yee Tian Yen – were each presented with an HONOR Watch 5 for their works ‘Solaris Ark’, ‘Pond of Renewal’, and ‘Solar Panels in Artic’. Participants explored four key conceptual directions: Cultural Prosperity, Renewal of Life, Genesis, and Youth Convergence, submitting works across multiple categories including themes, watches, HONOR Pad creations, accessories, and art & technology. Winning the HONOR Talents Global Design Awards offers far more than recognition. Award recipients gain valuable opportunities that can help shape their creative careers – having their works developed into actual HONOR products, international exhibition exposure, meaningful industry exchange through the HONOR Talents “Youth Empowerment” training camp, and rare opportunities to interact with leading voices in the international design industry. These achievements reflect not only the students’ creativity and dedication, but also the spirit of innovation that the platform champions – where art and technology come together to shape meaningful and inspiring possibilities for the future. These young creators represent the next generation of designers who will transform ideas into experiences and imagination into innovation.

The Malaysia Interior Designers Association (MIID), the representative body of Malaysia’s interior design industry, has announced the winners of the MIID REKA Awards 2025. Held in conjunction with the MIID Annual Ball & Awards Night 2025, it celebrates excellence across the profession, including the highly anticipated Student Works Category. This prestigious category recognises promising interior design students who demonstrate exceptional creativity, innovation, and design competence, highlighting the next generation of industry talent. Participating students were required to submit interior design projects developed as part of their academic coursework. Entries were evaluated based on concept and originality, spatial planning, material and finishes selection, and overall presentation. The judging panel, nominated and approved by the MIID Council, consists of established design professionals and industry leaders from the fields of interior architecture and related disciplines. The One Academy’s degree and diploma students from the School of Interior Architecture and Design emerged as winners. Students Geng Li Yuan and Lee Ruo Ling secured the Silver and Bronze Awards, respectively, while Wong Jie Ming received the Honorable Mention Award. Silver Award winner Geng Li Yuan’s project, ‘From Bean To Cup’, is a thoughtfully designed community-based hotel concept that seamlessly blends the art of coffee-making with hospitality. Rooted in the idea that coffee brings people together through shared warmth and connection, the project translates this concept into an immersive spatial journey. The design itself was a masterpiece, combining warm tones with exquisite patterns elegantly expressed through tiles, upholstery, and drapery. Consisting of a deluxe loft suite design, all-day dining area, coffee bar and a rooftop community area, Geng successfully created a cohesive and continuous design narrative, resulting in a truly remarkable and memorable project. Lee Ruo Ling, however, secured the Bronze Award with her project, ‘Rimba di Kota’. The project is a Journal Hotel design that blends ecological awareness with local culture and city life. Responding to wildlife such as monkeys and civets that often wander into dense city areas, the project introduces a Ceiling-Top Animal Tunnel System to allow safe wildlife movement, alongside a Water Pipe Ceiling Cooling System for passive ventilation. This project made a strong statement about humanity living in harmony with wildlife, blending luxury with nature. Lee created a space that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also deeply meaningful and purposeful in its design. When asked about the process behind her concept, Lee shared, “The lecturers at The One Academy consistently encouraged exploration while also challenging me to justify my decisions. That balance between freedom and discipline guided me.” Lastly, Wong Jie Ming’s ‘Echoes in the Ruin’ won the Honorable Mention Award. The project fuses mountain gear with analog acoustics, creating a sensory experience rooted in nature. Set deep within a dense forest, the modern structure, built with stone, concrete, and industrial-inspired finishes, reflects raw natural beauty. The grey walls and restrained material palette represent mountains, allowing the architecture to seamlessly integrate with nature. Wong’s design celebrated the quiet, meditative art of the natural landscape. “I am truly grateful to have received this award. One of the most valuable aspects of this experience was attending the event, meeting industry professionals from various firms, and connecting with myself as a designer throughout the entire process,” said Wong. Impressing industry professionals with fresh, innovative ideas is a significant achievement for young, aspiring interior design students. These awards help elevate their portfolios and strengthen their professional credibility. Platforms such as the MIID Reka Awards provide talented students with valuable opportunities to showcase their work, connect with industry professionals, and gain recognition in a space filled with leading designers and companies.

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.

The Kancil Awards are Malaysia’s most prestigious and long-established awards for creative excellence honouring outstanding work across advertising, design, digital, film, craft, strategy, and creative innovation. This year’s awards ceremony was held on 28 November at Ex8, Subang Jaya. The Student Kancil x sCooler Awards are the student division of the Kancil Awards, offering driven young creatives the opportunity to submit their work to be assessed by industry professionals and compete for highly regarded accolades. Entries are judged by luminaries from the Malaysian advertising industry, including group heads and creative directors, based on the creative skill, talent, and artistry demonstrated in bringing ideas to life. This year, The One Academy swept an impressive 64 awards, emerging as one of the top winners of the night with 11 Golds, 12 Silvers, 24 Bronzes, and 17 Merits. Making the achievement even more remarkable, we also took home several of the most coveted Grand Prix-level honours: Idea of the Year, Student of the Year, and Creative School of the Year. The Creative School of the Year award honours the institution whose students collectively achieved the highest level of creative excellence. This marks The One Academy’s sixth consecutive year receiving the title. It is the highest honour that recognises schools that demonstrate strong overall performance in terms of awards won, high standards of teaching, and creative culture, as well as a proven ability to nurture industry-ready creative talent. The Student of the Year award recognises the student whose overall creative achievements stand out above all others, demonstrating exceptional skill, creativity, innovation, and execution across multiple award categories. This year, the honour was awarded to Woo Yen Qin, an Advertising & Graphic Design student. “My learning experience at The One Academy really shaped the way I think about design. I began to consider more about how others see my work, how they understand it, and whether it is meaningful to them. It helped me create designs that communicate better and have real value, not just good visuals,” said Yen Qin. She also credited her lecturers for their encouragement and motivation, pushing her to continuously achieve better results. The Idea of the Year award was clinched by Karma HP, a group project that Yen Qin was also part of. It addresses the issue of cyberbullying in online games, proposing an innovative solution to curb toxic behaviour by slashing a player’s HP when they are detected insulting other players in-game. “This outstanding achievement reflects our enduring commitment to student excellence and uncompromising educational standards, upheld through our core teaching philosophy of “Masters Train Masters,” in the mission to produce exceptional creative talent across Malaysia.

One of Malaysia’s top art and design colleges, The One Academy has once again put Malaysia on the world map with its outstanding achievements in the 2025 Rookies Global School Rankings – a global platform that celebrates creativity across fields such as games, animation, visual effects, immersive media, graphic design, motion graphics, and architectural visualisation. Recognised as the ultimate benchmark for creative excellence, the rankings spotlight the very best in creative education worldwide This year, the competition received 6,577 entries from 486 schools across 104 countries, reviewed by 132 renowned creative professionals. Outshining creative powerhouses from the United States, Spain, and Germany, The One Academy achieved outstanding placements across multiple categories. We ranked the World’s No. 1 for Graphic Design, No. 1 for Immersive Media, No. 1 for Web & App Design, Top 2 for Concept Art, Top 3 for Product and industrial Design, Top 5 for Motion Graphics, Top 7 for 2D Animation, and Top 9 for Architectural Visualisation. To ensure the legitimacy of these prestigious titles, the school’s overall standing is also determined by calculating the median student score. Bonus points are granted to students designated as finalists, highly commended, runners-up, or winners in each category. Our students took centre stage with several individual award wins for their incredible projects. The Rookie of the Year title for Web & App Design was awarded to Tan Ning while Yap Li Wen won the Runner-Up title. Four students garnered the People’s Choice award – Nigel Phang for Web & App Design, Angelina Vivian Kay for Immersive Media, Yow Xing Tong for Graphic Design, and Teow Rui Qian for Concept Art. For Game of the Year, Gavin Gan Zi Yang earned Runner-Up title for Immersive Media. “One key reminder from my lecturer was to ‘do good projects’. This mindset pushed me to look for real problems and not just design something that looks nice. It helped me think about the people I am designing for,” said Tan Ning when asked what led to her huge win. Lastly, the Career Opportunities Award (sponsored by PlaySide Studios) in the Concept Art category was awarded to Tan Mei Shan. This special award goes beyond creative excellence, it recognises one talented participant who can effectively position themselves in a real-world career setting. As part of the award, she will be given a four-week paid onsite internship with PlaySide Studios, an Australian video game developer and publisher. When asked what the award meant to her, Tan Mei Shan shared, “This award gave me more confidence to keep creating. It feels like a sign telling me that I’m on the right path. I hope to carry this motivation forward.” It takes confidence to submit students’ creative artworks internationally to be evaluated. Our achievements in the 2025 Rookies Global School Rankings and recognition as the top creative school highlights our commitment to student success. By taking part in competitions like this, it not only solidifies the college’s position among industry giants but gives our students the confidence and reassurance they deserve for their exceptional skills.

Based in London, UK, the D&AD Awards is known for being one of the world’s most prestigious advertising awards. We are proud to share that our students have earned a place among this year’s honourees in the D&AD Awards 2025. Since 1962, the Design and Art Direction Awards gather the world’s best creative work from across the commercial design, advertising and craft disciplines to be judged by a cohort of over 300 of the world’s leading creative minds. The Visual Communication Design students from The One Academy won the Graphite Pencil (Silver Award) in the New Blood student category for stand-out work that rises above the rest. With nearly 6,000 entrants from 65 countries and more than 3,000 submissions, securing this Pencil required not only hard work but an exceptional level of creativity and strategic thinking. Covering a wide range of disciplines including UX/UI, animation, advertising, typography and experiential, the briefs were designed to provide new talent with the experience of working on client briefs. Students had to not only deliver stunning visuals but crafting ideas that communicate powerfully and resonate with audiences. Entering the competition as a team project, students Amber Cheow Wei Sum, Natalia Voloshanovskaia, Tam Zhe Zheng, Yu Yihan and Yong Xiao Jing took home the Graphite Pencil for their standout and impactful campaign, ‘Heaven & Hellmann’s’. “Our idea was based on a wordplay from the brand name, Hellmann’s. Since labelling something as ‘heavenly’ signifies high praise, we thought it would be fitting to use this theme as a way to highlight the brand’s extraordinary quality,” the team shared when speaking about their award-winning concept. The students developed a clever and memorable campaign that played with the iconic mayonnaise brand’s name by using wordplay and a fresh creative angle to show how just one bottle of Hellmann’s can elevate an entire dining experience. It was a smart way to position the brand as the ultimate flavour enhancer that transforms ordinary meals into heavenly experiences. More than attractive visual and copywriting, the campaign also introduced the “Singing Bottle”, a limited-edition Hellmann’s bottle that sings when squeezed. The highlight of this concept is its interactive feature, which allows consumers to choose the heavenly hymn they want their bottle to sing with the Hellmann’s app. It was a well-thought-out creative campaign that not only entertained, but effectively encouraged consumers to download the app, engage with the brand, and keep using it.

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.

The annual, highly anticipated Malaysian projection mapping competition, TERANG, once again transformed Penang’s UNESCO-listed Town Hall in George Town into a glowing canvas of digital artistry. As a powerful form of cultural storytelling, projection mapping stands out as one of the most immersive and entertaining mediums, captivating audiences. This year’s competition featured works by established digital artists from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand, alongside student submissions from universities across Southeast Asia. Out of 78 entries, 37 finalists were selected, including 11 guest works. The showcase revolved around the theme “Rojak,” the beloved local street food, symbolising diversity, contrast, and harmony. We are proud to share that our Digital Media Design students’ projects, “Pieces of Me” by VYN Studios, secured 3rd Place in the competition, while “Different Us, Same Hustle” by Team XYZ secured 7th Place. Bursting with vibrant colours and seamlessly aligned visuals and animation, the projects were nothing short of spectacular. Congratulations to the creative individuals behind this achievement, whose collaboration resulted in a truly memorable masterpiece. Their work impressed the judges with its striking visuals, compelling storytelling, and technical excellence, an outcome shaped by dedication, perseverance, and countless rounds of refinement. Over the nine-day festival, projections of iconic Malaysian symbols such as the Jalur Gemilang, hibiscus flower, and Penang’s famed shophouses, landmarks, and street food danced across the historic façade. Families, tourists, and local photographers gathered beneath the illuminated building, their faces lit by a shared sense of awe and wonder. Participating and winning competitions such as this gives our students the motivation and confidence to keep producing mind-blowing artworks. It is truly amazing that within the Malaysian creative scene alone, there are ample opportunities and platforms for young talents to emerge, showcase their best creations and get recognised. We are proud to witness student works gaining the recognition they deserve.

The MIID Students’ Saturday organised by the Malaysian Institute of Interior Designers (MIID) is an annual competition that invites all interior design institutions across Malaysia to break boundaries, spark creativity, and explore ideas that will shape the future of Interior Design. With 17 competitions, local and international guest talks, sponsors sharing, lucky draw and performances, the exciting event brought together almost 400 students and 50 lecturers. Following the theme “27:12 Spceualtive What’s Next?”, students had to imagine and prototype the future of interior design. Participants were challenged to present original, conceptual ideas through ideation, installation art, sketching, or even recycled-material sculpture. Our School of Interior Architecture and Design won several awards and attained commendable victories. Wan Jennie and Geng Li Yuan both won First Prize in the Habitation Design and Hospitality Design categories respectively. Wan Jennie’s residential design, ‘Sinking of Art in a Treehouse’ is a concept that harmoniously merges creativity with nature. A uniquely designed sanctuary where artistic expression flows seamlessly into organic forms, the structure incorporated the raw beauty of timber, natural textures, and earthy tones, integrating curated artworks into the space and blurring the boundaries between human creativity and the living forest. Geng Li Yuan’s hospitality design was inspired by the concept of ‘from bean to cup,’ which uses the journey of coffee-making as a metaphor for nurture, patience, and togetherness. The community-based hotel is envisioned as a pause from the city’s restless pace, embodying a sanctuary where guests can slow down, reconnect, and savour not only the aroma of coffee but also the beauty of being together. Additionally, lecturer Kevin Tan Wei Jie and eight students – Ang Hui Xin, Ong Sue Ying, Suryani Fortunata Ongko, Lim Wei Shan, Nur Elis binti Abdul Halim Egoh, Low Jun Yu, Goh Ming Wee, and Lincoln Tan Wei Chean, all received Honourable Mentions. Through this competition, the students participating gained valuable exposure to industry standards and enjoyed inspiring exchange of ideas among their peers. It not only strengthened their reputation as talented designers but also boosted their confidence in their own creative abilities.

Five of our talented Graphic Design degree graduates just flew in from their 3-month internship programme in Shanghai, China! In an exclusive interview with us, they shared their unforgettable experience not only stepping foot into the creative industry for the first time but doing it overseas at the agency, LIQUID. The exposure they received and learning outcomes was nothing short of exciting. “I definitely learned a lot about the industry and it confirmed my interest in pursuing a career in this industry”, said Sammy Yip. During her time in LIQUID, one her favourite projects was working on a campaign for 618 Yi Jianlian who was a former professional basketball player in China. Graduate Chloe Lim however, worked on an advertising campaign and TV commercial for renowned apparel brand, Kailas. Working on brands and collaborating with clients to fit an international audience and culture was indeed and eye-opening experience for her. “It has helped me look beyond design aesthetics and to be more confident and adaptable when it comes to overcoming challenges and expressing my ideas,” she added. From developing visual contents for product launches to designing campaigns, handling collaborations and idea generation, each of them handled a variety of projects. However, it was always a team collaborative effort for every project. The designers got to work with 3D visual teams, copywriters and animators. As for Loh Si Man, her major project was designing social media posts for the internationally well-known brand, IKEA. She was tasked to design posters introducing their newest kitchen set. She felt completely validated as a designer and satisfied when she saw several comments praising the artwork. While each designer shared their creative process and the extraordinary work they produced, they also made time to enjoy the experience. Working overseas allowed them to gain independence and build friendships, often spending time with colleagues from China and exploring popular cafés and hangout spots recommended by their local friends. Now, with an impressive portfolio in hand, these designers are ready to make their mark on both the global and local creative industry. Their confidence has skyrocketed after contributing to major projects and clients. Had they not taken the opportunity to work at an agency in Shanghai, they would have missed out on the invaluable experience of understanding distinct design trends, artistic styles, cultural approaches, materials, and professional work environments.

If working on projects like Call of Duty, Destiny2, SMITE and Cartoon Network sounds like a dream job, then meet concept artist Benjamine Low, an Illustration graduate from The One Academy and storyboard artist Edward Gan. Low currently works at Bear Down studios, a Malaysian game production studio home to international clients like Play Station, Activision, Bandai Namco, Ubisoft and many more. Gan however, is a freelance storyboard artist known for his work on animated series for major TV networks. Sharing their experiences as renowned artists to illustration students, both speakers highlighted the different perspectives of working in a studio and as a freelancer in the creative industry. It showed students the diverse successful pathways to explore based on their preferred working styles. “We work on 3D texturing, environment, character, props and weapon designing,” said Benjamine Low as he shared the main roles illustration artists play in game production studios. He went on to explain the importance of understanding clients. Some are very particular about art styles and expect extensive research behind every sketch. In contrast, clients like Bungie, the makers of Destiny2 are known for embracing creative freedom. They welcomed new ideas, designs, and experimental concepts. According to him, they were always open to what the artists brought to the table, making them some of the most enjoyable and creatively fulfilling clients to work with. “When applying for jobs, make sure your portfolio highlights the projects that play to your strengths, avoid overwhelming employers with too much information,” he advised. Low encouraged students to showcase their niche and the work that best reflects their specific skill set. Whether it's concept art, environment design, or another area of focus, the key is to present work that aligns with their personal interests and expertise. Apart from the industry, Edward Gan shared a fascinating career pathway which young artists today love exploring, working remotely. Enjoying the perks of a work-from-home lifestyle while contributing to cartoon series, Gan walked the audience through his daily routine, which includes client briefings, meetings, storyboarding, and even squeezing in a few video game sessions in between. “It’s all about managing your time. Making sure you get your work done on time and meeting deadlines gives clients confidence in you,” he shared. As a 2D Animator, Gan also showcased some of his animated series work and encouraged students who dream of starting their own studios to watch a wide variety of animated shows and avoid sticking to just one drawing style. He emphasized the importance of constant observation and sketching, explaining that these habits are mandatory for visual storytelling.

Two of The One Academy’s accomplished alumni, Jared Lee, filmmaker and founder of Grim Film, and Johnson Ting, concept artist and founder of Bear Down Studios, returned to the college for an inspiring session titled “Creator Series: From Vision to Creation”. The duo shared their creative journeys – filled with passion, challenges, and purpose – offering students valuable insights into what it truly means to pursue one’s vision. For filmmaker Jared Lee, the path to discovering his purpose was anything but straightforward. Like many young dreamers, Jared often spent time lost in his imagination, doodling in his exercise books and sometimes getting reprimanded for it. He spent two years cutting and washing hair following his mother’s footsteps as a hairdresser but realised it was not for him. “I had to think of something that could put food on the table. I thought about what I liked – and I realised I like telling stories.” Armed with a camcorder and a few friends, Jared began making short films. Winning a small prize for one of his early works gave him a powerful affirmation that this was what he was meant to do. His viral short film The Long Distance Relationship (2013) amassed 700,000 views in its first week – and has now surpassed 3 million. That success led to the founding of Grim Film, a creative agency now producing TV commercials, short films, and even a full-length movie scheduled for release by the end of the year. Despite the growing success, he found himself drifting. “At one point, my brain was so conditioned to tell stories that relate to people – wondering if they’d go viral, if they’d get more views. But I realised what truly matters is telling stories that matter to me. As artists, we have to put a bit of ourselves in our art. Otherwise, why make art at all?” He reminded students that art’s greatest power lies not in popularity, but in authenticity. “It’s not about pleasing the whole world. It’s about reaching the people who see things the way you do. When your story carries a deeper meaning, it can touch lives.” Concept artist Johnson Ting began his journey with two of the biggest studios in the country – Lemon Sky Studios and Passion Republic, before spending a decade freelancing for renowned game studios worldwide. Today, he is the founder of Bear Down Studios, a Malaysia-based concept art studio known for its work-life balance and artist-first philosophy. A sci-fi enthusiast at heart, Johnson created his own IP, Neo Japan, which gained international attention for its intricate designs and futuristic world-building. His portfolio includes work on major titles like Destiny 2, Call of Duty, and VALORANT. But beyond artistic success, his mission is deeply personal – to reshape Malaysia’s creative industry into a healthier, more sustainable space. “When I founded Bear Down Studios, I promised myself it wouldn’t become a ‘sweatshop’. It was a goal of mine to build an environment where people feel safe and happy being who they are and working on what they love.” Even as a college student, Ting had already envisioned creating such a space. His dream was to establish a Malaysian studio that could compete internationally – proving that local talents do not have to go abroad for career opportunities to work on world-class projects. He also emphasized the importance of mastering fundamentals over relying on shortcuts or tools: “AI won’t change much if you already have strong foundations – anatomy, design sense, visual library. These are what help you use tools better, not replace your creativity.” Both Jared Lee and Johnson Ting’s journeys are testaments to resilience, purpose, and authenticity. Jared’s message reminds students to create with meaning, while Johnson’s story proves that greatness can be built from anywhere – with passion, discipline, and commitment. Their paths may differ, but their core belief aligns: creative success is not just about skill, fame, or recognition – it’s about staying true to one’s vision, working with integrity, and building something that lasts.

Two leading interior design entrepreneurs, Jemica Cheah, Co-Founder and Creative Director of the award-winning studio WHAT Design and John Jong, Managing Director of the renowned Thinkscape Design Works shared valuable insights into running a successful design business to our Interior Design students. Jemica Cheah showcased some of her team’s impressive projects, ranging from residential and showroom spaces to corporate offices. She emphasized the importance of having confidence in your design vision while also prioritizing client needs. Each project, she explained, begins with an in-depth research process that helps develop unique concepts and sources of inspiration. “The projects require a lot of research and, most importantly, understanding your client,” said Cheah. She walked the audience through her step-by-step approach to truly understanding her clients’ visions. Beyond formal meetings, Cheah takes the initiative to meet them on site and engage in friendly conversations to get to know them better. “When talking to clients, you need to know their likes, dislikes, and even their hobbies. This way, you can incorporate these meaningful details into their space, especially in their homes,” she added. Meanwhile, John Jong, offered a glimpse into the complexities of large-scale projects. He shared the collaborative workflow involving architects, interior designers, and graphic designers to deliver well-rounded creative solutions. His company not only manages the design and blueprints of a project but also oversees its marketing, advertising, and promotional aspects. Jong has a vast experience in the industry and expanded his knowledge in several different directions. This not only shows the ever-evolving side of this industry but the immense creative workforce needed to run just a single design firm. It gave students a great insight into the huge world of interior design. During the Q&A session, one of the students asked both speakers what they look for in fresh graduates applying for a job. Both Cheah and Jong agreed that it ultimately depends on attitude, particularly their eagerness to learn, explore, and embrace real-world exposure. “When I was an Interior Design student, I didn’t get good grades, but I knew how to network and understood the art of design. So, when it comes to applicants who come to our company, we mainly look for designers who love their job and are excited to learn,” said Cheah.

The world of advertising is rapidly evolving. From setting trends and shaping beauty standards to raising awareness about equality, racism, and human rights, this creative medium continues to influence how people think and respond. It has been the ultimate art of persuasion for decades. In an era defined by ‘woke’ culture, consumers have become more self-aware and discerning than ever before. While Artificial Intelligence (AI) clearly lacks empathy and authenticity, this shift now challenges creative thinkers to approach audiences in more meaningful and innovative ways. Award-winning creative director Thomas Hongtack Kim, Creative Solutionist and founder of 2kg in Korea, was invited to share his profound knowledge of the creative industry with our Visual Communication Design students. He unfolded the value of developing thought-provoking concepts that speak to people and connect with them on a deeper level, as opposed to just vibrant visuals and catchy taglines. To keep up with today’s fast-paced creative industry, Kim believes the secret lies in looking back. He kicked off the session with a trip down advertising memory lane, revisiting iconic case studies like Guinness’ 1996 campaigns, ‘Not Everything in Black and White Makes Sense’, ‘Good Things Come to Those Who Wait’ as well as Apple’s legendary 1984 Macintosh commercial. Despite being decades old, these campaigns struck a chord with audiences of their time, addressing real issues while promoting products in ways that were clever, emotional, and unforgettable. “You end up falling in love with the philosophy of these brands, not just their product,” said Thomas. The underlying message in each of these commercials, whether it was feminism, equality or challenging outdated beliefs, each told a story. The product barely made an appearance throughout the commercial. In other words, it is the story behind the brand that stuck with people and the way it was delivered. “Concept building is designing your thoughts. It uses information, knowledge, and experiences that are unique to each individual yet universally relatable. That’s what it’s all about,” Thomas emphasized as he explained how these timeless commercials continue to leave a lasting impact on people’s minds. Relating this to the current concerns of AI now generating ideas and concepts for commercials, posters and campaigns, Kim simply stated that true creative magic happens only when ideas are brewed from personal experience together with advanced technology. He urged our young designers to embrace innovation not as a replacement, but as a powerful extension of human creativity.

The HUAWEI GoPaint Worldwide Creating Activity has finally crowned its top winners. a global contest that encourages digital art creation using Huawei tablets. Open to all genres and styles, whether cultural, cityscape, or character-based, the competition aims to showcase artistic talent and inspire creativity across the world. This year, the winners were handpicked from several entries worldwide. Two of our lecturers and three students collectively received eight Honourable Mention Awards, earning USD 1,000 each with a total of USD 8,000 in winnings! They were; Liew Sio Yean, Foo Chow Ping, Pang Shi Shi, Chu See Khye, and Ng Jia Ying. Winners have the opportunity to feature their work on a global stage, from brand events and art exhibitions to media collaborations and Huawei’s official social media platforms. Some winning artworks may also be turned into wallpapers for Huawei Themes or printed on merchandise, available to a global user base. Both lecturers, Liew Sio Yean and Foo Chow Ping, showcased breathtaking and vibrant digital artworks titled “Tent in the Woods” and “Endless Hope.” Liew’s “Tent in the Woods” leans toward an abstract and subtle approach, capturing the serene stillness of the wilderness. In contrast, Foo’s “Endless Hope” took on a more vivid and symbolic angle, embodying the richness and abundance found in hope. Student Pang Shi Shi’s “The Hot, Exhausting, and Drowsy Afternoon” is both humorous and deeply relatable. It portrays an exhausted young art lover who has dozed off on the floor mid-doodle. A reflection of creative burnout many can identify with. She also received two additional Honourable Mention Awards for her works “Fleeting Night” and “Hydrangea and Lion Dance.” Meanwhile, Ng Jia Ying’s “A Newborn’s Awakening” offers a tender portrayal of life’s miracles, capturing a mother bird watching over her eggs as they begin to hatch. Chu See Khye’s digital pieces, “An Abandoned Life,” which sheds light on stray animals, and “Chance Meeting,” which depicts an underwater encounter between humans and marine life, were extremely meaningful artworks. It is truly inspiring to see young local talents celebrated for their extraordinary skills. The Malaysian creative industry thrives increasingly through major competitions hosted by industry giants like Huawei. Involving students in international competitions not only builds their portfolios but also boosts their confidence.

Born in Kuching, Sarawak, Dickson Lim shattered records as the youngest fashion designer to debut a collection at Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week at just 19. Now, the internationally acclaimed designer and founder of his own fashion label, ‘Dickson Lim’, has designs spotlighted in Vogue, Hypebeast, and Highsnobiety. In 2023, he made history as the first Malaysian-born designer to dress a celebrity at the Oscars. With designs gracing global icons like JJ Lin, Jeremy Zucker, Bretman Rock, 24KGoldn, and more. This visionary designer pushes fashion boundaries, through innovative tailoring, unconventional constructions, and luxurious textiles…and it shows. What an honour it is for young designers to learn from such a trailblazer. Lucky for us, Dickson recently shared his personal experiences, journey and advice with our ESMOD Kuala Lumpur’s fashion design students. The insights he shared were perfect for aspiring designers and fashion lovers. “I met the founder of Kuala Lumpur Fashion week, he came to Kuching to give a talk and I was wearing one of my own designs. He thought my outfit was really then handed me his name card,” Lim recalled. “I wasn’t even a fashion student, I was studying business and helping out my dad in his tailoring shop at that time. I had no experience in creating original collections but when the founder of KL Fashion Week asked me to produce 30 pieces and showcase them in Kuala Lumpur after a few months, I did it,” he added. It was an opportunity of a lifetime that Dickson refused to ignore. despite his lack of experience and exposure he poured his heart into the collection, working day and night on each piece. That daring leap of faith combined with his relentless perseverance, opened the doors to his fashion career. At this point, he reminded students that the way designers present themselves is just as important as their work. Lim told them that designers represent their own brand, encouraging students to wear their designs and take note of how they carry themselves as that is what led him to his very first opportunity. Moving forward, he delved into the business side of fashion, the part often overlooked by young creatives. He advised students to always stay active on social media. He urged students to stay active on social media and let people in on their creative process as people mostly look for the story in fashion, that is what pulls them to the brand. Being in the presence of a designer like Dickson, a Malaysian visionary who turned humble beginnings into global recognition. His story is truly inspirational and the valuable lessons stand as proof that with courage, passion, and authenticity, even the most far-fetched dreams can turn into defining moments of success.