"Little Spotlight,” a joint platform for animation professionals from Taiwan and Malaysia to exchange ideas, was held from Aug. 25 through 27 in Malaysia.
Co-organized by the Ministry of Culture, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Malaysia, and the Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), the exhibition offered free forums and workshops for students who are interested in animation to gain a deeper understanding of the industry.
Joined by the Taiwan Design, Art, Technology, Education Association, many animation professionals from Taiwan and Malaysia were invited to share their experiences of creating animated works. They also discussed their challenges, expectations, work methods, and creative routines.
The three-day event was also joined by Chang Yen-jung (張晏榕), National Taiwan Normal University professor, and Ken Lai, founder of the Lemon Sky animation production company. Chang and Lai delivered keynote speeches that attracted considerable participants.
Engine Studio Director Vick Wang (王世偉), TurnRhino Original Design Studio Director Hung Yun-sian (黃勻弦), and indie animation director Hsueh Yu-ting (薛佑廷), as well as local talents including Leong Chun Chong, Terence Neoh Choo, Kent Wong Kee Yen, Usamah Zaid, and Andrew Ooi, were among the forum, seminar, and workshop participants.
Representative Chang Chi-ping (章計平) of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Malaysia stated that it was an honor to cooperate with UTAR in carrying out the Spotlight Taiwan Project, which aims to promote cultural exchange, foster overseas communities' understanding and appreciation of Taiwan, and seek long-term collaboration with foreign universities in organizing various events featuring Taiwan culture.
Initiated by the Ministry of Culture, Spotlight Taiwan Project invites foreign universities and institutions to partner with Taiwan in promoting Taiwan's culture and art through cultural activities. 'Little Spotlight' is the term coined for shorter, salon-style cultural collaborations.