(From left) Liew, Prof Ho, Loo and Thuah at the MoU signing ceremony for the academic-industry initiative.
TWO of Malaysia’s digital tech leaders – 3Particle Solution Sdn Bhd and Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) – have entered a joint partnership in talent development programmes related to extended reality (XR), augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) in virtual production, and will further collaborate and develop XR virtual production facilities within APU campus.
3Particle Solution founder and strategy director Carl Loo Chun Qe and APU vice chancellor Prof Dr Ho Chin Kuan signed a memorandum of understanding at the XR Stage Studio on this collaboration, witnessed by 3Particle Solution virtual production director Nixon Thuah and APU head of School of Media, Arts and Design (SoMAD) Debbie Liew Pooi Kuan. Present was SoMAD senior lecturer Edwin Pio Rufus Samiraj, who was instrumental in establishing this MoU.
3Particle XR Stage is Malaysia’s first studio to offer XR-based virtual production services and is the current evolving technology of the future that will be seen as a faster and cost-effective way to create film/video compared to traditional production.
SoMAD, one of APU’s schools with a strong presence in animation and visual effects (VFX), is always prepared to embrace new technologies, including the adoption of new virtual production technology based on XR, AR, and VR while providing programmes related to current needs in various areas of media and design.
The agreement allows both organisations to develop a one-of-a-kind programme that will train content developers and technicians for the XR, AR, and VR virtual production industries, which are in dire need of skilled talent.
Loo described this partnership as a solid talent development programme based on the growing demand for special content developers and interactive media talents in the Asean region.
“This is an important milestone for 3Particle Solution. APU adds value by diversifying our capabilities through deeper partnerships to exchange knowledge, train students with specific skills related to virtual production of XR, AR and VR, and jointly collaborate and develop exclusive short or long-term courses.
“This partnership not only allows us to provide industrial experience/internship opportunities but also provides academic support and access to XR Stage Studio, as well as the best advice for APU XR virtual production facilities or the media hub at the APU campus and we could not be more excited,” said Loo.
According to Prof Ho, Malaysia is currently catching the virtual production trend and looking for more opportunities within these technological innovations. As a result of this collaboration, APU will be able to provide a more refined hands-on education experience with 3Particle Solution.
“APU’s creative courses, digital experience, and industrial opportunities will be expanded as a result of this partnership – providing our students with accelerated learning of the booming areas of XR, AR, and VR virtual production with our upcoming XR virtual production house at APU Media HUB.
“Working with 3Particle Solution means we will be able to provide best-in-class solutions in less time, and we will have a better platform to provide valuable academic-industry programmes to our students and create new opportunities in the future,” said Prof Ho.
Liew confirmed that 3Particle Solution and APU will team up on the SoMAD VFX short film Earthfall as their first project with XR Stage Studio.
“I am very pleased to have this collaboration with one of the pioneers in this field. Virtual production is the next game changer in the creative industry, especially for the media sector.
“It is amazing how digital technology has progressed over the last two decades to the point where we now have the trinity of film, game engine and CGI all under one roof. I am looking forward to seeing our students’ future project outcomes from this new workflow,” said Liew.
This MoU will benefit 193 students studying for a diploma in design and media, and degree students in animation and visual effects. The partnership, which is in line with APU’s strategic direction, will be an attractive element for potential students interested in the virtual production of XR, AR, and VR.
From their first-hand practical experience and the additional skill learned at the virtual production house, APU students will have better employment opportunities in the creative arts, media, and design industries.
