Berita

CYBERJAYA: On 19th of January, the next generation of Malaysian animators received a rare “behind-the-scenes” pass as 25 students and six lecturers swapped the lecture hall for a deep dive into the world of professional animation. Visiting Warnakala Studios and Wau Animation, the group traded theory for reality in the heart of Malaysia’s creative hub.

Spearheaded by Mr. Mohamad Fazirul Rafiq bin Afandi for the A-Trip: Animation Studios programme, the visit was supported by a dedicated faculty team. Lecturers: Mr Muhammad Fazrulhelmi bin Ahmad, Mr Mohammad Haikal Danial bin Mohammad Jota, Ts Muhammad Amirul bin Razali, Ts Bakhreza binti A. Talip and Dr Mohd Khairul Nizam bin Mohd Zuhan were all on hand to help students navigate the professional landscape.

The highlight was a front-row seat to the local animation scene. Stepping out of the lecture halls and away from their screens, students witnessed how projects evolve from initial concepts to finished masterpieces. The teams at Warnakala Studios and Wau Animation pulled back the curtain on the entire pipeline - from pre-production sparks to post-production polish. Students gained a true feel for studio culture, seeing firsthand how scripting, storyboarding, modelling, and animating converge in a high-pressure environment.

The experience went deeper than the technicalities of the craft. Industry pros shared what it really takes to succeed, emphasizing that while technical skills are vital, a killer portfolio, work discipline, and teamwork are the “secret ingredients”. This gave students a chance to tackle the nitty-gritty of internships and career paths during Q&A sessions, gaining insights that simply can't be replicated in a classroom setting.

The day also secured a major win for the university’s future. At Warnakala Studios, a formal Letter of Intent (LOI) was signed by Mr Mohamad Fazirul Rafiq and Warnakala Studios' Senior HR Manager, Mr Nur Faisal Akmal bin Sharuddin. This partnership officially links UTHM with the industry, paving the way for long-term collaboration.

As the programme wraps up, the goal is clear: sending students back to their drawing tablets with a fresh burst of motivation. By bridging the gap between theory and the high-energy reality of professional studios, UTHM is shaping a new wave of graduates – skilled, competitive, and ready to make their mark on the creative industry.