Game Design interns excel at Fuzhou's Metaverse Innovation Base

From left: Lim, Ong and Acmen Loo

Three Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Game Design students from UTAR Faculty of Creative Industries (FCI) recently concluded their three-month internship at the Metaverse Innovation Base (福州市元宇宙产业创新基地) in Gulou District, Fuzhou, China. The students were Acmen Loo Wen Ting, Ong Yong Kang, and Lim Xin Yi.

According to the trio, the internship opportunity provided them with an opportunity to sharpen their game development skills in a dynamic, real-world setting and engage in cultural exchanges, which enhanced their personal and professional growth.

“We are very happy to participate in this internship as it offered us a great opportunity to learn in a foreign country. We would also like to thank Ts Dr Ang Kok Yew for taking care of us during our internship in China,” the trio expressed.

On 10 May 2024, UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat and Mr Alex Lee Choy Fong, the director of the Centre for International Student Recruitment and Education Collaboration, visited the Metaverse Innovation Base. They were welcomed by one of the interns, Acmen Loo. The visit aimed to bolster the ongoing collaboration between UTAR and the Metaverse Innovation Base, which is crucial for enhancing ties and fostering mutual understanding between Malaysia and China in the technology sector.

Acmen Loo (left) explaining the projects and ideas he came up with to Prof Dato’ Ewe

Acmen Loo mentioned his decision to extend his internship until June to delve deeper into game development and explore new aspects of the field. He believes this extended experience will provide a solid foundation for his future endeavours and ambitions in the technology industry.

 “During the internship, I was tasked with overseeing all stages of game development, from the initial conceptual design to the practical implementation of the game mechanics. This responsibility allowed me to hone a broad spectrum of skills, significantly enhancing my technical prowess across various software and coding languages. Each phase of the development process challenged me to think critically and creatively, leading to a substantial improvement in both my problem-solving abilities and technical expertise,” explained Acmen Loo

“The hands-on project work also advanced my interpersonal communication skills. Collaborating closely with a diverse team of developers and designers not only improved my ability to work in a team but also deepened my understanding of the gaming industry’s dynamic environment. This practical exposure to real-world challenges and industry standards has been invaluable in preparing me for a successful career in game design,” he added.

 “To summarise, this internship transcended typical work experiences; it was a holistic journey of learning and personal growth. The combination of rigorous technical training and rich cultural immersion provided us with a unique perspective on our future careers and lives. I hope many more students will seize such opportunities. It’s not just about developing technical skills but also about embracing and understanding diverse cultures, which is crucial for thriving in today’s interconnected world,” concluded Acmen Loo.

“To summarize, this internship transcended typical work experiences; it was a holistic journey of learning and personal growth. The combination of rigorous technical training and rich cultural immersion provided us with a unique perspective on our future careers and lives. I hope many more students will seize such opportunities. It’s not just about developing technical skills but also about embracing and understanding diverse cultures, which is crucial for thriving in today’s interconnected world,” concluded Acmen Loo Wen Ting.

The internship programme was supported by Fuzhou Jiyun Industrial Investment Co., Ltd., under the leadership of General Manager Mr Ricky Liang Wei, who is also the founder of the Metaverse Innovation Base at Fuzhou. Thanks to his support, UTAR and the Metaverse Innovation Base are dedicated to maintaining this fruitful collaboration, aiming to enhance the exchange of knowledge and expertise between the two nations in the rapidly growing technology sector.

Front row, from fourth left: Lim, Ong and Acmen Loo with their colleagues

From left: Mr Ricky Liang, Prof Dato’ Ewe, Mr Alex Lee and Acmen Loo