The Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI) has recently formalised partnerships with the globally acclaimed blockchain game platform and its Agency Partner via the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs). These MOUs encompass a wide range of collaborative initiatives in arts technology, such as academic collaborations, internships, joint projects, participation in international competitions, and industry exchanges. As the first design institution in Hong Kong to establish such partnerships, HKDI remains committed to nurturing talent in close collaboration with industry leaders.
Aligned with the evolving landscape of innovation and arts technology, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has unveiled initiatives in the recent Hong Kong Budget to proactively promote the growth of cultural and creative industries and foster talent.
As a forward-thinking institution that stays abreast of industry advancements, HKDI took the lead in 2022 by introducing the Higher Diploma in Arts Technology program, which embodies the Vocational Training Council (VTC)’s “think and do” approach. HKDI became the first design institution in Hong Kong to offer this cutting-edge program that combines theoretical knowledge with practical application.
The signing of MOUs with the prominent blockchain game platform, and its Agency Partner marks a significant milestone for HKDI, positioning itself as a vital conduit bridging the gap between industry and education. These MOUs are poised to broaden students’ global perspectives and foster talent for Hong Kong’s creative industry, while also promoting the development of cultural and arts technology.
The ceremony saw the Principal of HKDI and IVE (Lee Wai Lee), the Chief Operating Officer and Co-founder of the blockchain game platform, and the Chief Operating Officer and Co-founder of the Agency Partner as signatories to the agreements.
The five areas covered in the MOUs include:
- Academic: Leveraging their wealth of professional industry expertise, the industry partners will collaborate with HKDI to co-create new content for the Higher Diploma in Arts Technology program. This collaboration aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the latest industry technology through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application. By integrating real-world industry insights into the curriculum, students will be equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the rapidly evolving arts and technology landscape.
- Internship: HKDI students will have the chance to intern at the companies’ Hong Kong and overseas branches, gaining practical experience and working with industry experts to apply their learned knowledge.
- Collaborative project: Students will be able to actively participate in the companies’ business projects, including game development, concept design, and exhibitions, creating a mutually beneficial environment where their fresh ideas and professional skills can thrive.
- International competition:
- The companies plan to organise a series of international competitions for students, allowing them to stand out and compete with different talent from around the world. Winners will be able to realise their innovative concepts on the game platforms of the blockchain game platform for the public.
- In a bid to foster arts technology creativity, HKDI and the Agency Partner jointly organised the “Made in Hong Kong Voxel Art Contest 2022” to inspire students to create innovative works, with winning designs being supported to be turned into NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens), and the award ceremony coincided with the signing of the MOUs between the organisations.
- Industry exchange: the companies have plans to conduct industry exchange meetings, aimed at fostering stronger connections between the arts and technology industry and the education sector, creating opportunities for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and mutual growth.
