The Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) that is has signed an agreement with a leading digital tech firm. The partnership will focus on talent development programs in the fields of Extended Reality (XR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Virtual Reality (VR) in Virtual Production. It will also involve collaboration and development of XR Virtual Production facilities within the APU campus.
The Founder & Strategy Director of the tech company and APU’s Vice Chancellor signed the memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the XR Stage Studio. It was witnessed by the firm’s Virtual Production Director and APU’s Head of School of Media, Arts, and Design (SoMAD). SoMAD’s Senior Lecturer, who was instrumental in establishing this MoU, was also present during the signing ceremony.
3Particle XR Stage is the first studio in Malaysia to offer XR-based Virtual Production services, it’s considered to be an evolving technology of the future that is faster and more cost-effective for creating film and video compared to traditional production methods.
The School of Media, Arts and Design (SoMAD) at APU places a strong emphasis on animation and visual effects (VFX) and is always open to embracing new technologies, including XR, AR, and VR in virtual production. SoMAD provides programs that align with current needs in various areas of media and design.
The partnership agreement allows both APU and the firm to develop a unique program that will train content developers and technicians for the XR, AR, and VR Virtual Production industries, which have a high demand for skilled talent.
According to the firm’s Founder & Strategy Director, this partnership is a strong talent development program that addresses the increasing need for specialised content developers and interactive media talent in the ASEAN region.
He noted that the partnership is a significant achievement, as it allows the company to diversify its capabilities through deeper partnerships, exchange knowledge, train students with specific skills related to virtual production of XR, AR, and VR, and jointly develop exclusive short or long-term courses.
The partnership provides industrial experience and internship opportunities as well as academic support and access to the XR Stage Studio. Students will also receive guidance for the development of XR Virtual Production facilities or Media Hub at the APU campus.
APU’s Vice Chancellor said that Malaysia is currently embracing the trend of virtual production and seeking more opportunities in these technological innovations. Through this collaboration, APU will be able to provide students with a more refined, hands-on educational experience with the support of 3Particle Solution.
As a result of this partnership, the University’s creative courses, digital experience, and industrial opportunities will be expanded. Students will have access to accelerated learning in the rapidly growing areas of XR, AR, and VR Virtual Production, thanks to the upcoming XR Virtual Production House at APU Media HUB.
The Vice-Chancellor stated that working with the firm will APU to provide top-of-the-line solutions in a shorter amount of time. It will also provide a more robust platform for delivering valuable academic-industry programs to our students and create new opportunities in the future.
APU Head of School of Media, Arts, and Design (SoMAD) stated that the two will work together on a VFX short film called “Earthfall” as their first project using the XR Stage Studio.
The partnership will benefit 193 students who are studying for a Diploma in Design & Media and degree students in Animation and Visual Effects. It is consistent with APU’s strategic direction and is expected to be an attractive feature for potential students interested in the Virtual Production of XR, AR, and VR.
As a result of their hands-on practical experience and the additional skills acquired through the Virtual Production House, APU students will have better employment opportunities in the creative arts, media, and design industries.
