#Hong Kong #Creative Arts #Kowloon #Animation Awards #HKMU

Inaugural World University Animation Awards Ceremony: A Celebration of Creativity

On September 16, 2025, Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) proudly hosted the inaugural World University Animation Awards (WUAA) at The Box, Freespace, located in the West Kowloon Cultural District. This event signified HKMU's commitment to supporting creative arts education and provided a platform for animators worldwide to connect and share ideas, effectively contributing to Hong Kong's status as a vibrant hub for international cultural exchange.

The awards ceremony received over a thousand submissions from 96 countries and regions, showcasing a remarkable range of animated works. The selected entries were judged on artistic vision, technical excellence, and originality. The ceremony unfolded as a celebration of creativity, bringing together esteemed industry leaders and luminaries to recognize the emerging talent in animation.

Prestigious Awards Announced

During the event, six awards were conferred to honor exceptional animation works. The highlights of the evening included:

• - Grand Prize: The Shyness of Trees from France
• - Best Artistic Award: Urban Duo from China
• - Best Narrative Award: Tapir Memories from Switzerland
• - Jury's Award: Still Here from Ecuador
• - Hong Kong Next Generation Award in Animation: Pink Pupil
• - HKMU Special Talent Award: My Friend's Last Wishes

Additionally, emerging animators from countries such as Uruguay, Sri Lanka, Morocco, and Moldova were recognized with the Rainbow Horizon Award, celebrating their creative potential even if their works didn’t make the shortlist.

Ir Dr. Conrad Wong Tin-cheung, Chairman of the HKMU Council, expressed the institution's honor in hosting the event, emphasizing the outstanding talent showcased and the remarkable engagement from industry experts. "This platform is crucial for fostering collaboration, driving innovation, and inspiring young animators to push creative boundaries," he explained.

A Platform for Connection and Innovation

Prof. Paul Lam Kwan-sing, the President of HKMU, praised the WUAA for not only highlighting animation's artistry but also for promoting a spirit of connection and innovation among participants. He noted, "We hope the friendships and creativity born from this event will lead to significant achievements in the future."

Prominent cultural figures, including Hon. Kenneth Fok Kai-kong, Chairman of the Hong Kong Arts Development Council, commended HKMU's efforts to launch this initiative. Fok stated, “Animation is a universal language that transcends cultural barriers, and the WUAA emphasizes Hong Kong's leadership in cultural innovation.”

The ceremony was enriched further by captivating performances from various artistic domains, incorporating martial arts, piano, and classic Disney songs, which showcased the multifaceted nature of the creative industries.

Advancing Global Animation and Education

Prof. Eva Man Kit-wah, the Chief Organizer of the WUAA and Chair Professor at HKMU, articulated the success of the inaugural awards as a stepping stone for the university's aspirations in creative arts education. “The WUAA will solidify Hong Kong's position as a global hub for animation arts and promote international exchanges,” she remarked.

Established in 1989, HKMU is recognized as the largest self-financed university and the pioneering university of applied sciences in Hong Kong. Through the hosting of the WUAA, HKMU demonstrates its commitment to enhancing education and innovation in the arts, further positioning itself as a leader in advancing creative talents in the region and beyond.

The success of the World University Animation Awards heralds a new chapter for both HKMU and the global animation community, paving the way for future collaborations and exchanges that will inspire the next generation of animators.