INTERPLAY 2017 – KDU SHEDS LIGHT ON THE PHENOMENON AND SOCIAL IMPACT OF VIDEO GAMES

I mean like who does not like or enjoy video games or at the very least hop in it to kill some time? Famously known as ‘Glenmarie Games’, KDU University College’s renowned Game Development Department with the support of MyGameDev, an Entry Point Project (EPP14) under the Education National Key Economic Area (NKEA), organised Malaysia’s first Game Symposium that hopes to bridge that gap by identifying and attempting to shed light on the phenomenon that is game addiction. Exactly, ‘Game addiction’, the daunting side effect that would scare most or not, all considerate parents out there. But being the main hub for producing top notch graduates in the game development industry, KDU’s ‘Glenmarie Games’ is going to tackle this issue head on with the endorsement from non-other  than the Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) themselves.

The symposium was a one-day event separated into segments where parents, teachers, academicians, counsellors and students can obtain information and gain awareness on the positives and negatives of playing games to arm parents better in facing the challenges of raising children in the digital era. Video games are nothing new and neither are the notions of video game addiction. However, due to technological advancements that has made video games highly immersive, video games have now evolved from a simple single player games to the massively multiplayer experiences complete with vast digital landscapes and eye-popping visual aesthetics. This has made video game addiction even more prevalent and widespread. Video games are deliberately designed, with the help of psychology consultants, to make players want to keep playing, and they are available on every platform and devices from gaming consoles to computers to smartphones. However, many scientists and psychologists find that video games can actually have many benefits. Game-based Learning and Serious games are one aspect of this.

 Mr. Tan Chin Ike, Chairperson of MYGAMEDEV, sharing the reasons for organizing the Interplay 2017 to address issues facing parents raising children in today’s interconnected world.

According to Mr. Tan Chin Ike, Chairman of MyGameDev and Head of the School of Computing and Creative Media, KDU University College, “We recognise that there are negative outcomes as a result of game addiction but we also want to create awareness that playing games in itself is in fact a force for positive changes in a child’s development.”

*Drops the microphone. There you have it, being a gamer myself, it would be a lie if I don’t stand strong and defend this case, believing that video games actually helps out tremendously in the development of one’s child. However, there is always one rule that we should all tag along with any beliefs, ‘too much of anything, is never really good’, even if it’s money! Ideally, consumers should pay attention and well-discipline in regards to the time allocated to enjoy their favourite video game – this never really applies to me since I just immersed myself in playing video games endlessly, all day, every day.

Panellist (from left) Shern Chong, Hany Cheng, Angelia Ong and Dr. Tan Wee Hoe, discussing how games can be beneficial to a child’s development.

Other than that, Amongst the speakers were Rinie bin Ramli, a 3-time Asian E-Sports Champion who is ranked 4th in the world in the FIFA series and has won more than RM100,000 in prizes. He is currently championing pro-gaming across Malaysia and hopes to clear some of the misconceptions surrounding e-sports and to show that responsible gaming can lead to healthy outcomes. The key word here is ‘responsible’ since it will not only benefit ourselves, but also the people around us.

Another notable speaker was Keith Woo, a digital psychologist. Keith is regularly engaged by various education and government bodies to speak on user well-being, psychological effects of addiction, youth development and digital safety. He shared about his own journey and struggle with game addiction and gave many insights. He states that video games itself is just a medium or a tool and the real crux of the matter lies with the individual and their mental, social or emotional state.

Panellists (from left) Johann Lim, Adrian Wong, Adam Goh and Vincent Xu, speaking to educational game developers who create content to encourage learning in students.

The last speaker of the day was Hilmy Rahim, one of the pioneers in the academic sphere of game design. He shared about the present mindset regarding game addiction. He touched on the issue of stigmatisation attached to claims of "game addiction" and how the stigma of 'liking it too much' is a normal occurrence for any new medium that appears in history. He also shared about how to balance the negative opinions of excessive gaming with positive opinions, using anecdotes from real gamers who have done well in life; such as Az Samad, a musician who attributes his youthful game playing to defining his musical style leading him to play in video game concerts at the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra.

At the end of the day, what I can safely conclude is, video game is a mere tool that we can utilise to blow off some steam, kill time, or even socialising virtually, that should not be taken for granted. We need to be responsible and try our best to strike the balance when enjoying ourselves as there are still our loved ones who really care about our well-being and need our attention as well.

Become A Superstar! Let KDU Entertainment Arts Bring You There!

For today’s blog entry let us get excited and explore the possibility of becoming a celebrity when we enrol with KDU for its Diploma in Entertainment Arts by the School of Communication and Creative Arts.  What’s more thrilling is that our campus here at Glenmarie is well equipped with state of the art facilities which are actually used in the real industry. It is a perfect blend of real world education that meets the real world needs for this line of industry which could prepare KDU students to be ever ready to take on the challenges to build their career.

This programme also ensures them to be exposed to a variety of roles such as singing, dancing, acting, and management skills to make them all-rounded talents.  On top of these vital skills, industry professionals or lecturers will teach and guide students how to brand, position and market themselves so that they may steer their own career in this highly competitive space. There are a myriad of subjects specifically designed for students to be well equipped once they graduated from KDU such as “History and Aesthetics of World Theatre”, “Introduction to Contemporary Film Industry”, “Navigating Hollywood”, “Entertainment Marketing”, “Acting/ Directing Lab”, “Public Speaking”, “Writing and Referencing Skills”, “Critical Thinking and Reading Skills”, and the list goes on. While preparing students for local and regional entertainment industry, the course structure will also inspire them on how to move within complicated structures of formal and informal networks in established institutions such as Hollywood.

Two Diploma in Entertainment Arts students Nurul Elfira Loy (from left) and Neeta Manishaa, hitting the ground running even before graduation

Shery Chong Sher Yean who climbed her way to the Top 10 on the MY FM DJ competition while doing her diploma in KDU. 

If that does not get you excited enough, KDU’s unique internship placement programme will allow entertainment arts students to get first-hand experience in mingling and navigating amongst the celebrities in the Malaysian entertainment industry. Notable examples of Entertainment Arts graduates who seamlessly integrated into the entertainment industry are Nurul Elfira Loy Binti Ahmad Sabri, who better known by her stage name Elfira Loy, famous Malaysian actress even before graduating; Neeta Manisha, a renowned vocalist while she still studying in KDU; Shery Chong Sher Yean who climbed her way to the Top 10 on the MY FM DJ competition while in the midst of doing her diploma; Jayson Puah Jia Sheng, has landed in title roles in local theatre scene, the musical ‘MUD’ and ‘Cheras’ to be precise.

With all the outstanding edge that KDU Diploma in Entertainment Arts would bring for the students, the most important thing that struck me is the magnitude of possibilities that this programme could bring me in order to venture into the entertainment industry to embrace my passion and goal.

Broaden Branding Exercise with Entrepreneurial Design KDU Groom Highly Skilled Designers to Grow Business

KDU Entrepreneurial Design students proudly hold their works exhibition at Marketplace, Utropolis Glenmarie.

When we talk designs or brands, we think of some prominent brands in the fashion line such as Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and many more. Here at KDU University College, we developed a Diploma in Entrepreneurial Design the first programme of its kind in Malaysia, by KDU’s School of Communication and Creative Arts (SCCA) to meet the demand of rapidly changing businesses and trends nowadays. With aims to develop and nurture young creative talents who are business-savvy and entrepreneurial, this programme with multi-disciplinary approaches seeks to navigate every student to be a thinking designer, a resourceful problem solver and an innovative entrepreneur. Upon graduation, students are expected to have their own start-up business, highly skilled and are ready to join the creative industry.

According to Mr. Loo Chong Hang, Deputy Head of SCCA, “This programme cultivates a strong background of business with essential components of design concept, design skills, and techniques.” I personally think that this is the best if not, the greatest opportunity for those who want to delve into the business industry while mastering the fundamental concepts to actually run the business themselves.

There are three main areas in moulding an entrepreneurial designer – Design Skills and Techniques; Creative and Innovative Concept; Business Knowledge and Practice. Under these three main areas, students will go through modules such as Web Design, Mobile Apps Design, Photography, Exhibition Design, Fashion Merchandise, Packaging and Strategic Branding, Sustainable Design, Consumer Behaviour, Design and Business Management, Social Entrepreneurship, Enterprise Communication and Skills, Technology with Business, just to name a few.

Tricia Pang Huey Yeeng, a student of Diploma in Entrepreneurial Design with her sustainable design concept applied to the table lamp. 

What is rather unique for this programme is beyond the classroom experience such as workshops, seminars, meetings and out-of-classroom learning with tutors, meeting up with industry practitioners, and real-world entrepreneurs. In addition, a teaching body of academics, industry practitioners, and professional artists will also guide the students’ learning, where students are constantly encouraged to stay up-to-date in both creativity and start-up models.

Entrepreneurial Design students at KDU are required to integrate what they have learnt with real-life applications through challenges and tasks given along the way. In this process, they are able to discover themselves more, as Tricia Pang Huey Yeeng, a second-year student depicted, “I have been afraid of being wrong that I end up not taking chances and remain average and stagnant. This programme made me realise this and has helped me to start anew with perspective. This has been a great turning point in my life.”

Khadija Binti Sheikh Fuad, a second-year student, also shared her experiences in this programme. “As I wanted to get into the fashion industry, I thought I should broaden my horizon in every design aspect, hence why I enrolled myself into this programme.” “I came in with zero knowledge of designing, but I am now able to create visually pleasing outcomes that are practical. This programme has helped me tremendously, as I dream of opening a boutique with my own brand. It gives me concrete designing skills and entrepreneurial knowledge,” continued Khadija, who plans to sell her products online prior to opening a physical store.

Another final year student, Saidah Nafisah Binti Yunos, enthused, “I was a pastry chef, two years ago, I have decided to pursue my dream to learn up design. By taking this big challenge, it makes me feel good about myself grew in ways that surprise me!”

Enjoying the inspiring learning process, students of Diploma in Entrepreneurial Design generally grateful for their dedicated lecturers who made their dreams even more possible. “I would like to thank my lecturer, Ms. Regina Chin, who helped and guided me throughout the journey in the Designpreneur Faire. If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t have had the knowledge I have today to become a better designer,” said Felicia She Suek Fern, a final year student who successfully put up her works exhibition recently.

Final year students unleashed their designing talents as well as making some profits from their original work at the Designpreneur Faire

YB Dato’ Seri Hishammuddin Launches KDU Youth Empowerment Plan at IOJ Volunteer Appreciation Day

YB Dato’ Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein Onn (centre) is posing with student-volunteers for JOM BEKPES. Joining are KDU’s VC Prof. Dr. Hiew Pang Leang and Deputy VC Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hon Wei Min. 

We live in a world where good deeds are valued highly and as such, people should take care of each other and lend a helping hand whenever possible. This initiative to reach out to those who really need, is officially shouldered by a glorified Non-Governmental Organisation, Institut Onn Jaafar with its modest patron, Dato’ Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein Onn. IOJ’s patron, Dato’ Seri Hishammuddin officiated KDU University College’s Youth Empowerment Plan, together with KDU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Hiew Pang Leang and Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic Associate Professor Dr Hon Wei Min, at the IOJ Volunteer Appreciation Day held on 18 December at KDU’s Utropolis Glenmarie campus.

As part of their commitment towards IOJ initiatives, KDU also pledged to channel its students taking Corporate Social Responsibility as a subject towards charity programmes organised by the NGO. KDU believes that one of the most vital traits of real world education in parallel with real world needs, is to work with surrounding communities. The institution interacts with a variety of communities and instils in its students the skills required to work with these communities effectively through compulsory subjects, such as Corporate Social Responsibility and Co-Curricular Activities & Community, in its programmes. The commitment is part of KDU’s Youth Empowerment Plan and is in line with the Malaysia Education Blueprint (MEB) to produce all-rounder graduates with outstanding capabilities and interdisciplinary skills.

YB Dato’ Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein Onn (from left) and Prof. Dr. Hiew Pang Leang exchanging T-shirt of IOJ and KDU. 

“For us here at KDU, we stay true to our ethos of real world education meeting real world needs, and ensuring our students become all-rounders with outstanding capabilities and interdisciplinary skills. This is an ongoing process within KDU, so the empowerment plan is actually not something new to us. However, there are always continuous measures to strengthen this empowerment plan. Therefore, the KDU Youth Empowerment Plan that was launched today is a reflection of that – our continuous effort to ensure our students develop the skills and attributes necessary for them to hit the ground running,” Professor Hiew explained.

Continuing, he said, “The National Education Philosophy’s vision aims to educate graduates to be ethically and morally upright, spiritually grounded, compassionate and caring; appreciates sustainable development and a healthy lifestyle. Our Youth Empowerment Plan is built around the MEB and what it hopes to achieve.” Together, let’s hit the ground running and strive to make this world a better place where good moral values are practised holistically in our everyday life.

YB Dato’ Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein Onn (from left) and Prof. Dr. Hiew Pang Leang signing MOU of partnership on behalf of IOJ and KDU. 

KDU’s Jingle Mingle 2016 Where Game Developers, Talents, and Industrial Players Meet

We combined the element of fun, socialising, creativity and talent exhibition under one roof and amazing things happen as students showcase their talents, passion, and unique creative work to real industry guests, potential employers and other people from the games industry in hopes to land a fabulous deal with the big boys. It is a tradition for KDU’s School of Computing and Creative Media (SCCM) to organise Jingle Mingle, an annual event that creates opportunities for students to reach out to the real industry players and demonstrate their potential.

“This year, we’ve increased the number of games, improved the quality and showcased more outstanding games in the event,” commented Yee I-Van, Game Development Programme Leader, Creative Media Department of SCCM. “These games are fun and hold value to those that created them, from the perspective of the academic staff, we unanimously agree that the quality of the products on display make us proud!” continued Yee.

Jingle Mingle, a networking avenue organised by the School of Computing and Creative Media, KDU University College, aimed to showcase students’ works and project to the industry guests and potential employers.  

As this is part of SCCM’s continuous efforts to bring employment opportunities for the graduates, Jingle Mingle also served as a channel for game companies and studios to identify young minds and fresh talents for the booming industry out there. According to Global Games Market Report released in April 2016, it showed that gamers worldwide will generate a total of USD 99.6 billion in revenues in 2016, up 8.5% compared to 2015.

“We have always maintained a strong relationship with the game companies through networking. As such, we continued on this tradition to enable students to reach out to the real world upon graduation,” said Yee. With aims to produce graduates who are skilled in production processes and aware of what is needed to produce successful games, the academic team in SCCM are actively involved in the industry and are experts in their respective fields.

During the 5^th Jingle Mingle, all games produced by students throughout the course of the entire year, be it a PC game, mobile game or varying genres were put to the show. There were 32 games in total. Each project team had a short 10 to 15 minutes presentation to pitch their games to the audience. Games that were showcased included Combat Infiltration Droid (C.I.D), the first-person co-op shooter game which had clinched the MSC-APICTA 2016’s Best of Tertiary Student Category – Creative Multimedia prize two months ago. 

The Pandora game developed by (from left) Jonathan Choo Tun Jiat (character artist), Tan Kian Sheng (environment artist) and Chong Zhi Heng (programmer), stood out in the show. 

With no doubt, C.I.D has attracted a lot of industry players who appreciate the talents behind the great works used to utilize Unreal Engine 4 in achieving high-quality effects. It was developed by Roger Ng Khang Shen, Haw Jing Hann, and Wahid Dawod Mohammed Hamid. The trio are 2016’s graduates in the Bachelor of Game Development (Hons) programme.

Other games demonstrated include The Marketplace, a game art showcase built by a single game artist, resembling a scene from a popular PS4 game, Uncharted 4. Catastrophe Armageddon, Pandora and few other games also drew a lot of attention from the participants.

At the scene of game-demonstration, Pandora was favoured by few industrial players who not only tried out this game but extended their compliments and suggestions to the three developers – Chong Zhi Heng (programmer), Jonathan Choo Tun Jiat (character artist) and Tan Kian Sheng (environment artist). I took a closer look at the game myself and found it extremely fascinating as the details of the game seems professionally crafted and managed to bring life to the game. It reminded me of the earlier version of Tomb Raider back in the good old days! So kudos to the development team for bringing the reincarnation of the game in a totally different game and unique concept.

“We developed this game in 3 months, with many sleepless nights working hard in meeting the deadline. We delved into research and prototypes, and finally produced the final game using Unity Engine, 3Ds Max and Z-Brush. In this period, our lecturer tirelessly met up with us weekly, to check on our progress and make sure our project is alright. We truly appreciate all that he has done for us,” said Chong.

Talking about their expectation for the show, the trio expressed their hope of getting more feedback from the guests. Most importantly, they anticipated getting in touch with potential employers, and pave the way in making their dreams come true.

Apart from games presentations by the senior students, there was also a game art exhibition by the junior students. Nur Sabrina Syuhada Binti Nazri, Adel Tazhidinova and Natalie Nawie Anak Omar – three girls who are currently in the Foundation Studies (Art and Technology) programme, exhibited their group design work for the first semester. “The exhibition is the best proof that we could do something, we have been working hard for it and gained a sense of fulfilment throughout this process,” said Nur Sabrina Syuhada.

Adel Tazhidinova (from left), Nur Sabrina Syuhada Binti Nazri and Natalie Nawie Anak Omar – three girls from the Foundation Studies (Art and Technology) programme with their design work.

While the game stations set at the venue provided a time of leisure and entertainment, it also served as a hub for building rapport among the game talents and the invited guests. At the end of the show, a Christmas feast in buffet style was served which marked a memorable and fruitful finale.  

KDU Driving Dreams Scholarship for Local Artiste Ayda Jebat

Ayda Jebat performing her latest “Pencuri Hati” Dangdut Version at KDU University College

Who would have thought that you could do something that you are really passionate about and get rewarded from it! This applies to non-other than one of our favorite local artistes, Ayda jebat as she recently received the prestigious KDU Driving Dreams Scholarship from KDU University College to pursue a degree or diploma certificate in any programme with us. The award ceremony was in conjunction with the celebration of Ayda Jebat’s song ‘Pencuri Hati’ dangdut version, as well as the release of the OPPO F1s Ayda Jebat special edition.

As a pioneer in providing private tertiary education, KDU has seen thousands of spirited and hopeful youths from a different background, cultures, and countries teeming its corridors of vibrant campuses in pursuit of quality education for the past 34 years. KDU offers a wide range of home-grown and international programmes at Certificate, Diploma, Degree and Masters levels that include the American Degree Transfer Program, Pre-University Studies, Business, Communications and Creative Arts, Engineering, Game Development and Computing, Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts, Law, Professional Accounting.

KDU’s Deputy Vice Chancellor of Administration, Mr. Shanker Sathivellu presenting the Driving Dreams Scholarship to Ayda Jebat

The Driving Dreams scholarship is a full tuition fee scholarship awarded to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership ability through active participation in co-curricular activities, social services or volunteerism. KDU chose Ayda Jebat as the recipient of the scholarship scheme for her relentless efforts in making her name in the local entertainment industry and pushing our local brand internationally to suit the taste of her fans. This scholarship is also given in acknowledgement of her recent reputable achievements such as winning the 2016 Anugerah Top Top MeleTOP Era Ke-3 (Female Category), Best Singer, Song and Actress award in the 2016 Anugerah MeleTOP Era Ke-3 and many more. Those are pretty outstanding achievements made by an individual in such a stiff and competitive industry if you ask me!

At the event, Deputy Vice Chancellor - Administration of KDU University College, Mr. Shanker Sathivellu, said, “This scholarship is not only to acknowledge Ayda’s talent, but also to  groom our local artistes so that they will be able to create a sustainable career in the future in this rampant entertainment industry.” He further added, “Ayda is a multi-talented artist who is shining in the industry. She’s an inspiration to students, and is can be a good role model especially to our students pursuing the entertainment arts programme.”

Ayda Jebat posing with her Driving Dreams Scholarship and a token of appreciation from KDU Student & Alumni Centre (SAC) 

KDU programmes are carefully designed and developed with insights from industry professionals, and its syllabuses are thoughtfully curated to keep students up-to-date with emerging practices and standards. KDU’s Diploma in Entertainment Arts ensures students are exposed to a variety of roles such as singing, dancing, acting and management skills to make them all-rounded talents. This vibrant programme offers hands-on experience with industry professionals who will teach and guide students how to brand, position and market themselves so they may steer their own career in this highly competitive space. Students will be guided to expand on existing talents and amass an impressive portfolio even before graduation.