As the world is turning digital, it is inevitable that the development of digital content is on the rise. On Youtube alone, about 5 billion videos are viewed on average every day.
According to Thailand’s Software Industry Promotion Agency, ASEAN markets are the fastest-growing for both consumption and production of digital content globally, and it will continue to expand as a hub for digital content development.
In 2018, the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) initiated an on-ground survey to find out and analyse the animation industry amongst selected ASEAN countries. Findings showed that the region’s animation industry is young yet robust and promising.
For example, in Malaysia alone, the market revenues for animation and related efforts have reached USD187.7 million in 2016. Although the industry only started to be active about a decade ago, it has an estimated number of 11,000 creative content and technology professionals today.
As the animation industry is booming, it is no wonder why many young school leavers are opting to be part of it.
In this article, we will focus on 3D animation and the best places to learn 3D animation in Malaysia.
The One Academy
The One Academy is an internationally recognized institution in art, computer graphics and communication design. All their programmes are accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). With its ‘Masters Train Masters’ teaching philosophy, the students are coached by top-notch industry gurus. To date, The One Academy has produced many extraordinary and successful graduates with high-profile careers in the creative industry around the world.
The One Academy offers Diploma in Digital Animation which is a 3-year course comprising 9 semesters.
LimKokWing University of Creative Technology
Boasting the tagline “The World’s Most Globalized University”, LimKokWing has a global presence with students from over 165 countries, in 13 campuses across 3 continents. The courses offered at LimKokWing are formulated with end result in mind, mirroring industry environment to prepare the graduates for the job force. The university engages in industry collaboration to give a real work experience for their students.
LimKokWing offers the Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Animation programme which explores the fundamental aspects of animation using contemporary approaches.
UCSI University Malaysia
UCSI University’s De Institute of Creative Arts and Design (ICAD) offers unique art, fashion courses, multimedia and web design programmes to cater to the needs of the rapidly evolving creative industry.
In line with the University’s Praxis® model – an approach that advocates the application of theory to practice, ICAD makes industry learning its central priority through internships, international programmes and competitions, curriculum and workshops.
The university offers Bachelor of Creative Arts (Hons) in 3D Animation Design where students are trained to think, produce and speak the language of 3D animation.
4) Taylor’s University
Established in 1969, Taylor’s University has become a leading private education institution with world-class facilities in Malaysia. The university has produced over 70,000 graduates to date. The university adopts a student-centred approach where it provides students with support services that help growth and personal development whilst they strive to achieve their academic goals, supported by its Student Experience Department.
The University offers Animation and Visual Effects as an option as part of the Bachelor’s (Hons) in Creative Media.
UNDO School of 3D Animation
UNDO is a training school that caters to both newbies to the 3D animation industry, as well as professional artist seeking to further enhance their skills. UNDO is a certified partner with Britlink International, approved by East Durham College to run the Level 3 Diploma in 3D animation. Apart from that, the institute also provides a networking hub for all local talents to share their experiences, connecting students and professional artists to propel the industry forward.
Multimedia University (MMU)
MMU specialises in programmes to help serve the country’s high-tech ICT industry with campuses in Melaka, Cyberjaya and Nusajaya with 13 research centres focusing in a few niche areas.
MMU offers Bachelor of Multimedia (Hons) Animation which focuses on the art of design of animation, visual effects and film language. The programme was initially created to be the catalyst of the animation industry in Malaysia.
Image credit: Igor Kozak – dribbble.com/igorkozak