THE One Academy joyously celebrated its 33rd anniversary, honouring over three decades of excellence and marking the significant grand opening of its new campus.
Hosted at The One Academy’s new campus at Leisure Commerce Square in Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, the event took place on the rooftop, drawing together the college’s alumni, staff, faculty, board members, renowned artists and its founder, Tatsun Hoi.
The celebration was also attended by Disney legend and Oscar award winner Glen Keane, who earlier in the day, conducted a masterclass session with The One Academy’s students and alumni.
Keane was the animator and illustrator behind iconic characters in Disney movies such as Tarzan, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Tangled, Aladdin, Pocahontas and more.
Having an international art virtuoso officiate the grand opening of the new campus, and also congratulatory wishes from master professionals around the world, brought a deeper meaning to the celebration of this art and design college.
Some of the wishes were from Oscar award winner and Tau Films president John Hughes, Lucasfilm vice-president and executive creative director Doug Chiang, Industrial Light & Magic animation supervisor Shawn Kelly, co-director of Minions and Despicable Me 3 Kyle Balda, and former Pixar Animation Studios directing animator Andrew Gordon.
The One Academy also presented a video tracing its journey back to its beginnings as a training centre in 1991.
It was established by Hoi, alongside a panel of creative leaders, in response to an acute shortage of properly trained creative professionals.
They believed in forming an institution dedicated to providing authentic art and design education.
Known for its “Masters Train Masters” teaching philosophy, today, the academy is renowned for its success in cultivating internationally recognised graduates who are now leaving their imprints on the creative industry across the globe.
What began as a vision shared by only a handful of people, soon became a never-ending passion shared by many.
The video highlighted The One Academy’s incredible journey featuring pivotal moments such as accolades from various art and design competitions, its first collaboration with Disney’s Pixar Animation Studios, successful alumni achievements, international collaborations and recognition, and substantial contributions to creative projects for the nation.
Overwhelmed with emotions as the video came to an end, attendees were proud to witness the hard work and efforts that led to what The One Academy is today.
The One Academy principal and founder Tatsun Hoi expressed his gratitude to all those in attendance.
“None of this would have been possible without all of you,” he said during his speech.
Hoi honoured the dedicated staff members who have served the company for over 20 years, presenting each of them with a pure gold chain as recognition for their long-standing dedication and contribution to the institution.
The enchanting night was wrapped up with a fireworks display that lit up the night sky for five minutes as attendees watched on from the rooftop.
The grand celebration perfectly highlighted the unwavering passion and dedication to making the Malaysian creative industry what it is today by nurturing passionate artists.
The One Academy is committed to providing the best art education programmes and continues to nurture its students passionately through its “Masters Train Masters” philosophy, which has been practised for 33 years.
The institution makes this possible by providing diploma and degree courses in Advertising & Graphic Design, Digital Animation, Digital Media Design, Film Visual Effects, Interior Architecture & Design, Illustration, Fine Arts, Paris Fashion Design & Pattern Making and Computer Science & Game Design.
■ For more information, visit www.toa.edu.my, call 03-7875 5510 or email your enquiries to [email protected]
