As transmedia and character-centered projects have become increasingly prevalent, the demand for innovative approaches in character design and storytelling has grown significantly. This year, our collaboration with Medialink Group Limited, a leading content distributor and licensor in Hong Kong specializing in Japanese anime and brand licensing, greatly enriched the educational experience for students. This partnership opened up opportunities in Creative Intellectual Property and Extended Animation Career Potentials, focusing on the evolving media landscape.
A significant milestone was achieved this year when IMD student character designs were showcased at the Hong Kong International Licensing Show in April 2024. Organized by the Trade Development Council, this premier licensing event in Asia featured over 320 exhibitors and attracted global industry leaders. Among the highlights were two projects from the AMA program: “ReSolve” created by student Jordan Lau, and “CyberRun” developed by student team Olivia Chau and Jack Cheung. These projects demonstrated the creative potential of our students in the field of character design.
Furthermore, student-designed IP character products, including sports towels, keychains, and gym bags, were successfully launched on Medialink's WhateverSmiles online platform. These items were also sold during the Ani-Com & Games Hong Kong (ACG 2024) event in June, at Medialink's booth. This initiative not only showcased student talent but also reinforced the importance of collaboration between education and industry in nurturing future animation careers.