Creative education for 21st century
FACULTY of Creative Industries (FCI) Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) was one of the first three faculties established during the birth of the university in 2002.
Since then, the faculty carries with it the vision of UTAR to bring along transformative societal impact by nurturing creative and intelligent talents.
The faculty anchors on programmes that enhance students' understanding and appreciation of the Malaysian creative industries, socio-cultural, political and economic environment.
These programmes include Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Digital Animation, Game Design, Graphic Design and Multimedia, Game Development, Media and Creative Studies, Corporate Communication, Broadcasting, Early Childhood Studies and Journalism (Chinese Media).
In 2008, UTAR set up of the Centre of Immersive Technology and Creativity (CITC), which aims to boost quality researches in immersive technology and communication field.
CITC chairperson and FCI lecturer Aloysius Yapp sees the two functional units as a dynamic synergy with complementary roles that empower the nation's creative industries – by providing excellent creative education while encouraging the international standard researches in related areas.
“The objectives and missions of both FCI and CITC are guided by the university's core values – the integration of knowledge, technology, nature and humanistic values contributes to the harmonious development of the community and its surrounding.
“We focus on developing the 21st century solution providers at all levels. For our students in Creative Studies, emphasis is given on evolving their creativity and critical-thinking abilities using new media and the latest advancement in technology,” said Yapp.
While encouraging the new generation to master emerging new media and keep abreast with the latest technological innovation to stay competitive, Yapp stressed on the use of technological innovation in preserving cultural heritage.
His team has been working on the digital preservation of Malaysian cultural elements through web media development.
Some of these include the Arts of Panglima Bukit Sadok, a 2D-illustration of a Borneo historic figure, Panglima Bukit Sadok (General of Mount Sadok), which earned Yapp the Asia Digital Arts Award at Fukuoka, Japan, in 2004. The animation was also picked for viewing at the Venice Film Festival and Cannes Film Festival in 2005.
Both FCI and CITC are equipped with up-to-date IT facilities, including Macintosh labs, multimedia design labs, practical and Internet labs, as well as game rooms.
The university's libraries in each campus are also linked through the Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) system, giving its community access to study resources across campuses.
For the May 2015 student intake, UTAR invites school-leavers, friends and families to a campus tour on April 11, 18 and 25, from 10.30am to 4.30pm, at UTAR Sg Long in Bandar Sg Long and UTAR Perak campus in Kampar.
UTAR will also hold an Open Day for potential students to enquire about the programmes and participate in activities, to be held on May 16 and 17, from 9.30am to 5.30pm, at both the campuses.
Weekend counselling is held at the Petaling Jaya, Sungai Long and Perak campuses from 9am to 5pm, except during public holidays.
For programme enquiries, call 03-7958 2628 (PJ campus), 05-468 8888 (Perak campus) or 016-223 3559, e-mail enquiry@ utar.edu.my or visit