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Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) has formalised its long-standing collaboration with Toon Boom Animation through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking an important milestone in a partnership that has developed over approximately ten years.

With more than 30 years of experience and a global presence spanning over 140 countries, Toon Boom Animation brings extensive industry expertise in pre-production and 2D animation software to support this collaboration.

Reflecting a shared commitment to advancing animation education, industry engagement, and talent development, while preparing students for the evolving creative industry, the MoU was signed by Professor Dr Ho Chin Kuan, Vice-Chancellor of APU, and Mr Sean LeRoy, Head of Channel Sales at Toon Boom Animation.

The hybrid signing ceremony brought together APU representatives, including Ms Debbie Liew Pooi Kuan (Head, School of Media, Arts, and Design at APU), Mr Edwin Pio Rufus Samiraj (Senior Lecturer, School of Media, Arts, and Design at APU), and Mr Jack Lai Yong Geat (Senior Lecturer, School of Media, Arts, and Design at APU).

Toon Boom Animation was represented by Mr Sushil Pawar, Director of Channel Sales for Asia Pacific at Toon Boom Animation, and Mr Firdaus Mah, Sales Representative at Toon Boom Animation.

Building on a Decade of Collaboration

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Prof Ho emphasised the importance of strengthening APU’s long-standing collaboration with Toon Boom Animation in supporting students with industry-relevant skills and professional exposure.

“The connection between education and industry is particularly important in a field as dynamic as animation.

“Our partnership with Toon Boom Animation allows students to work with professional tools throughout their studies; giving them a stronger foundation as they progress towards careers in the creative industry,” he said.

Sharing Toon Boom Animation’s perspective, Mr Sean highlighted the value of continuing the partnership in strengthening animation education and creating opportunities for students to engage with professional tools and industry practices.

“Our collaboration with APU over the years reflects our shared commitment to supporting the next generation of animation talent.

“We look forward to building on this partnership and creating further opportunities for students to develop their skills and prepare for careers in the creative industry,” he said.

Recognising Excellence in Animation Education

APU is also recognised as the first Toon Boom Centre of Excellence (COE) in Malaysia, reflecting the university’s commitment to integrating professional production tools and industry practices into animation education.

With Toon Boom Harmony and Toon Boom Storyboard Pro introduced to APU’s Animation students from their first semester, the collaboration has enabled students to develop practical skills in 2D animation, storyboarding, and production throughout their academic journey.

This recognition further demonstrates the strength of the long-standing collaboration between APU and Toon Boom Animation, as well as their shared commitment to advancing animation education and nurturing emerging creative talent.

Enhancing Industry-Relevant learning Opportunities

Through the collaboration, students and academics will benefit from greater opportunities to engage with professional animation practices, industry developments, and knowledge exchange, while strengthening the skills and competencies needed in the evolving creative industry.

Among the opportunities supported through the partnership:

1. Exposure to professional animation software and production practices
2. Opportunities for student development and industry engagement
3. Collaborative initiatives in animation education and production
    

The collaboration will also encourage continued exploration of emerging developments in animation, storyboarding, and digital content production, enabling students and academics to remain connected with evolving industry practices.

Strengthening Animation Education through Industry Collaboration

The collaboration between APU and Toon Boom Animation reflects the importance of meaningful academia-industry partnerships in preparing creative professionals.

Moving forward, both organisations look forward to building on the foundation established over the past decade; creating further opportunities for students and academics, while continuing to strengthen animation education and industry engagement in Malaysia.