Study Guide: Animation in Malaysia

Did you know that Malaysian animation, along with Japanese and Western animation, is dominating and the largest in the ASEAN market? That being said, Malaysia's animation industry is thriving. In fact, three local animated films done remarkably well at the box office in 2019. Upin & Ipin: Keris Siaman Tunggal, Ejen Ali: The Movie, and BoBoiBoy The Movie 2 were the movies. Malaysia is also recognised as the ASEAN animation industry's core.

If you want to be in the Malaysian animation industry and have always wanted to make animated cartoons, visually appealing movies, or even video games, an animation course could be the way to go! This article will teach you all you need to know about studying Animation in Malaysia.

Animation

The capture of consecutive, static images—drawings or photos of inanimate objects—and their fast succession to resemble real-world motion is known as animation.

Animation is the process of planning, drawing, laying out, and preparing photographic sequences for use in multimedia and gaming goods. Animation is the creation and transformation of still pictures to create the illusion of movement. An animator is someone who creates animations. He or she employs a variety of computer technologies to collect still photographs and then animate them in the desired sequence.

Within the field of animation, there are various types of animation, which are:

Traditional animation (cel animation or hand-drawn animation)
Stop motion animation (claymation, cut-outs)
Motion Graphics (typography, animated logo)
Computer animation
2D animation
3D animation

Entry Requirements to Study Animation

These are the general entry requirements to pursue an animation degree in Malaysia. Entry requirements for some universities may be higher, so do make sure you check the details carefully.

A-Level: Minimum CDD
Australian Matriculation SAM/SACE International: Minimum of ATAR 60
Canadian Pre-University programmes: Minimum average of 60% in 6 subjects
Foundation or Matriculation programme: Pass with minimum CGPA of 2.00
International Baccalaureate (IB): Minimum 24 points in 6 subjects
UEC: Pass with minimum 5Bs
STPM: A pass with grade C in at least 2 subjects including Pengajian Am, with CGPA of 2.00
Diploma: Minimum CGPA of 2.00

Pathway to Study Animation

This is the general pathway to study animation after completing your SPM or IGCSE.

Step 1: Complete STPM/UEC/Pre-university programme for 1-2 years. You can also opt to be enrolled in Diploma in Animation for 2.5 years.

Step 2: Once you graduate with an animation diploma, you can choose to go straight to the workforce.

Step 3: If you want to pursue an animation degree, enrol in a 3-year animation degree programme.

Step 4: Once you've completed your degree, you can choose to go straight to the workforce.

Subjects in An Animation Degree

A degree in Animation is generally 3 years long. However if you decide to do a diploma instead, it is usually 2 to 2.5 years long. Upon successful completion of your diploma, you can choose to either start working, or enter directly into Year 2 of a degree in Animation

Some of the subjects you may learn include:

2D Animation
3D Modelling
3D Animation
Conceptual Rendering
Film Studies
Visual Effects & Compositing

Most Animation courses will require you to showcase a project during your final semester. Some courses may also have a semester of internship / practical training, which is crucial to help you gain industry knowledge and experience to prepare you for the working world!

Note: Courses at certain universities may cover several types of media, such as Web Design & Photography in addition to Digital Animation, while others only focus on 3D Animation. Make sure you read through the course syllabus before making a decision!

Job Prospects with An Animation Degree

Animation degree-holders can pursue long and fruitful careers. Many choose to stay within the animation field by working positions dealing with 2D and 3D animation, storyboarding, or design. Some graduates may pursue related jobs in motion design and visual effects, while others delve into graphic design and advertising so they can utilize their technical prowess and artistic skills for agencies and clients.

Here are some careers you can pursue upon graduating with a degree in Animation: