On September 2, a delegation from Digital Domain Hong Kong visited Jilin Animation Institute. The two sides held discussions on developing digital creative talent in the age of AI, innovating industry–education integration, and collaborating on international activities. They explored new ways for universities and industry to work together in talent development and to strengthen connections between education and the animation and digital content industries.
The delegation was welcomed by Zheng Liguo, Chair of the Board and President of Jilin Animation Institute; Vice Chair Liu Xin; and heads of relevant departments.
Exploring the Institute’s Work in Animation and Digital Creativity
The delegation was led by Daniel Lam, Founder and CEO of Digital Domain Hong Kong. It also included Vice Presidents Xiao Yong, Wen Yuxing, Chen Jiandong, and Chen Chutian, and senior executive Zhang Baozhu.The delegation visited the Institute’s history museum, an exhibition of original works from classic animation and comic books, an exhibition of integrated education, research, and industry achievements, the Centennial Exhibition of Chinese Animation, and a film retrospective. The visitors learned about the Institute’s history, academic programs, and integrated approach to education, research, and industry. They spoke highly of its achievements in developing talent and applying creative work in animation and digital media.
Discussing Future Collaboration
At the meeting, both sides introduced their organizations, business areas, and development plans, and reviewed the foundation established through previous exchanges. They discussed potential collaboration in talent development, industry–education integration, innovation and entrepreneurship, and international engagement.
Digital Domain focuses on the digital creative industries in the age of artificial intelligence. It has developed a collaborative framework connecting education, practical training, and industry participation, and offers resources including standards for digital content production and management, competency assessment and certification systems, and platforms for showcasing creative work. During the meeting, the delegation outlined potential resources and practical models for collaboration.
Zheng Liguo Welcomes the Delegation
Zheng Liguo warmly welcomed the delegation. He noted that Digital Domain Hong Kong grew out of Digital Frontier, founded by Daniel Lam, which helped advance China’s 3D animation industry and talent development. Both Digital Domain and Jilin Animation Institute, he said, share an innovative, forward-looking approach and a willingness to explore new paths as the industry evolves.
Jilin Animation Institute has long focused on integrating education, research, and industry, and on developing talent in animation and digital creativity. It has prepared many skilled professionals for China’s 3D animation and film sectors, contributing to the industry’s growth. Many of the Institute’s students and faculty who worked on Frog Kingdom have since become leading contributors to Chinese animation.
Zheng said the Institute places great importance on the joint development of international engagement and industry–education integration. He expressed hope that the two sides would use this visit to identify concrete areas for cooperation, bring real industry projects and standards into teaching, and strengthen students’ practical abilities and career readiness. By working together, they can prepare digital creative professionals equipped for the needs of industry in the age of AI and build a mutually beneficial partnership.
Cooperation Memoranda Signed
On September 4, Jilin Animation Institute held signing ceremonies with Digital Domain Hong Kong and Digital Domain (Shenzhen) Technology Co., Ltd. Representatives of the organizations signed memoranda of cooperation, marking a move from discussion toward practical collaboration.
The visit has created a channel for communication between Jilin Animation Institute and an international digital creative industry platform, laying a solid foundation for future cooperation. The Institute will continue to broaden its external partnerships, deepen industry–education integration, and innovate its talent development models, further raising the level of its international engagement and preparing more highly skilled, practice-oriented talent for the digital creative industries.
