On May 25, the 63rd Higher Education Expo China (HEEC) successfully concluded in Changchun. This year's expo attracted over 1,000 universities and research institutions, along with more than 800 technology enterprises. As a university distinguished in the field of cultural and creative industries, Jilin Animation Institute became a highlight of the event with its industry-education integration achievements driven by the deep fusion of technology and art. Through a variety of exhibition formats, the institute comprehensively showcased its unique educational characteristics and received widespread attention from all sectors.
Multi-Dimensional Exhibition: A Comprehensive Presentation of Industry-Education Integration Achievements
Jilin Animation Institute structured its exhibition into three major sections: immersive interactive experiences, original IP showcases, and industry collaboration matchmaking. Through both indoor and outdoor exhibition areas, the institute presented a multidimensional display of its industry-education integration achievements in fields such as animation and film, highlighting the deep integration of technology and art.
The indoor exhibition area is based on the cyberpunk style of the original animationZap’s Last Stand, utilizing dynamic lighting and shadow technology to create an immersive space. Characters fromZap’s Last Standinteract with robots and robotic dogs in a "cross-dimensional parade," engaging the audience. On-site, naked-eye 3D and VR technologies blend seamlessly with derivative products from theFrog KingdomandShan HaiIP series. Creative displays such as theAwakening of Changbaiscene experience, dynamic presentations of the creative process behindThe Battle of Birds in Shan Hai Jing, and holographic fans showcase the full-chain commercial transformation capabilities integrating education, research, and industry. The outdoor exhibition area focuses on derivative products from theZap’s Last StandandFrog KingdomIPs. Through coser parades and interactive games, virtual characters are “materialized,” breaking the dimensional barrier and providing visitors with an immersive experience.
Leadership Engagement and In-Depth Intercollegiate Exchange
Liu Zhenhua Introduced Our Booth to Lin Huiqing
During the expo, Lin Huiqing, President of the China Association of Higher Education and former member of the Party Leadership Group and Vice Minister of the Ministry of Education, along with other relevant officials, visited the booth of Jilin Animation Institute. They listened to an overview presented by the university leadership on its distinctive "integration of education, research, and industry" model, achievements in industry-education collaboration, and practical exploration in the field of digital creativity. The delegation expressed interest and recognition for the university’s efforts in talent cultivation and the integration of education and industry.
After visiting the booth, representatives from Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun Institute of Technology, and other universities engaged in in-depth exchanges on topics such as talent cultivation models, curriculum development, and mechanisms for industry-education integration. They expressed high recognition for the university’s achievements and innovative practices in integrating technology and art.
Media Spotlight and Broad Public Attention
Jilin Animation Institute’s exhibition achievements drew the attention of over 30 media outlets. Major platforms such as Xinhua News Agency, China Education Television, CCTV Video News, China Art News, China Education Daily, China Culture Daily, Jilin Daily, and Changchun Radio and Television Station conducted in-depth coverage, highlighting the university’s accomplishments in industry-education integration and innovation in digital creative education.
During the visit, students from Changchun No. 2 High School, Anmin Primary School in Chaoyang District, and other local schools were captivated by high-tech features such as naked-eye 3D and VR interaction, as well as original IP derivatives likeFrog Kingdom. After experiencing the virtual reality scene fromAwakening of Changbai, many students expressed a strong interest in animation and film-related majors.
In the outdoor exhibition area, faculty and students from Jilin Animation Institute introduced the highlights of their co-created animated filmZap’s Last Stand, allowing audiences to directly experience the film’s visual aesthetics and narrative tension. A gift giveaway and interactive session encouraged visitors to actively follow the official accounts, resulting in increased followers on both Douyin and Weibo—providing strong momentum for the film’s future promotional campaign. The most eye-catching feature was the character Coser parade: Zap, Pixie, and the Guard interacted warmly with the crowd, posing for photos and sparking waves of excitement and lively discussion, creating a highly engaging on-site atmosphere.
Returning with Honors, Continuing to Deepen Educational Innovation
Thanks to its outstanding performance at the Higher Education Expo China, Jilin Animation Institute was honored with the “Excellent Organization Award.” This recognition not only reflects the university’s dedication and efforts in the expo but also affirms its longstanding commitment to a distinctive educational approach and the deep integration of industry and education.
Liu Zhenhua, Executive President of Jilin Animation Institute, stated, “Participating in the Higher Education Expo China provides an important opportunity for our university to showcase its educational achievements and strengthen exchanges and cooperation. Looking ahead, the university will be guided by the construction of a national-level innovation and entrepreneurship academy, steadfastly adhering to the distinctive educational model of integrating teaching, research, and industry. We will deepen industry-education integration and university-enterprise collaboration, exploring a new talent cultivation model that merges technology and art, thereby contributing to the development of the cultural industry and higher education.”
Although the 63rd Higher Education Expo China has concluded, Jilin Animation Institute’s exploration and innovation in the field of cultural and creative education have never stopped. Taking this exhibition as a new starting point, the university will gather innovative resources, enhance its educational quality, and cultivate more high-quality digital creative talents who meet the demands of the new era, injecting fresh momentum into the prosperity of the cultural industry and the development of a strong higher education system.
