In an exciting collaboration that aims to reshape the future of media education, the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Oceanus Media Global (OMG), a leading creative media tech company in Southeast Asia. This strategic partnership is set to pioneer immersive media learning and virtual production (VP) excellence across the region.

As Southeast Asia’s demand for cutting-edge digital content continues to soar, this collaboration enables APU to offer students hands-on experience with the latest VP technologies. The partnership will co-create a curriculum that integrates real-time rendering, immersive environments, and other advanced VP technologies—preparing students to meet the evolving demands of the media and film industries. 

“Virtual Production is transforming the future of filmmaking,” said Nick GC Tan, CEO of OMG. “By combining our expertise in generative AI and virtual production with APU’s academic excellence, we’re creating a new generation of media professionals who will lead the future of content creation.”

The MOU focuses on three core initiatives: 

1. Train the Trainer Programme – A professional development initiative designed to upskill educators in VP technologies. This programme will be supported by OMG’s brain bar team and virtual production supervisors, ensuring educators are equipped to train future media talent.
2. Masterclasses and Workshops – Intensive, expert-led sessions that immerse participants in VP workflows, offering advanced media training through OMG’s vast industry expertise. These sessions will bridge the gap between education and real-world applications.
3. Exchange Programmes and Work Experience Trips – Students will gain unique access to leading VP studios like the Iskandar Malaysia Studio (IMS) in Johor and OMG’s studio in Singapore, where they will explore industry-standard technologies, workflows, and professional networks.

Debbie Liew, Head of APU's School of Media Arts and Design, stated, “Virtual production represents the next significant technological leap in the filmmaking industry, akin to the transformative shift from analogue to digital filming. To navigate this inevitable change, we must empower our students by providing them with every opportunity to collaborate with industry professionals.” 

Professor Dr Vinesh Thiruchelvam, Chief Innovation & Enterprise Officer of APU, concluded, “This partnership signifies a leap forward for APU in shaping the future of media education in Southeast Asia. By merging cutting-edge virtual production technologies with our academic framework, we are equipping our students with the skills to thrive in the global media landscape and drive innovation in the content creation industry.” 

Scheduled to kick off in October 2024, this partnership plays a pivotal role in building an ecosystem that bridges academia, industry partners, and governmental bodies. This will not only enhance job placement opportunities for graduates but also elevate Southeast Asia’s position as a hub for VP innovation. 

The MoU ceremony took place on 1st October during the Malaysia Digital Content Festival (MYDCF) 2024, a flagship event organised by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), which showcased a wide range of digital content initiatives.