Three students from the School of Arts and Social Sciences (A&SS) at Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) recently achieved outstanding results in the “Hong Kong Disneyland 20th Anniversary Illustration Contest”. Their artworks stood out among art and design students from the invited institutions and faculties, securing all three of the top awards.
Chloe, the champion, will embark on an internship journey in the Hong Kong Disneyland Merchandise Department this month. During the two-month internship, she will participate in the development of fantastic merchandise for a charity sale. All proceeds will be donated to the University to establish a scholarship. The aim of the initiative is to foster creativity and imagination in future generations of students, making it especially meaningful.
Chloe still finds it hard to believe she won. “This competition taught me the importance of challenging myself and believing that persistence pays off,” she says. “I encourage my fellow students who are passionate about art creation to chase their dreams.”
Toscana and Emma were also surprised to receive their awards. Toscana explained that her work was inspired by her childhood Mickey Mouse bubble gun, whose magical bubbles symbolise boundless imagination. She said, “This award recognises my efforts and creativity and motivates me to continue to hone my skills, reinforcing my belief that effort yields rewards.”
Emma said that as an animation student and a Disney fan, she continuously learns new techniques by watching their works. “As I entered my final year of study, I felt lost about the future,” she said. “This award is a tremendous encouragement to me, motivating me to create even better work and inspiring me to go beyond traditional boundaries and explore diverse artistic styles.”
Prof. Roger Michael Scully, Dean of HKMU's A&SS, congratulated the three awardees and said, “These three students have brilliantly showcased their talent and creativity. It is truly encouraging to see them earn high praise from the judging panel with their unique styles and exquisitely meticulous brushwork. This achievement reflects their hard work and exceptional skills and demonstrates the success of the School's efforts in nurturing their creative development. I look forward to seeing the new Disney merchandise designed by Chloe. I believe she and her colleagues will transform their imagination into magical products with their boundless creativity.”
Dr Wong Wing-hong, Senior Lecturer of the School, said, “I feel proud that these outstanding award-winning artworks have received recognition. The students' passion and deep understanding of the Disney brand are evident in their creations. They have skilfully visualised their ideas into magnificent illustrations. Competitions like this help students gain valuable practical experience, demonstrating the School's commitment to nurturing highly skilled talent for the creative industry.”
HKMU is committed to offering professional programmes that emphasise both theory and practice in the creative arts. Taught by scholars and industry experts in the media and advertising fields, these programmes equip students with a strong academic foundation and the latest practical knowledge, giving them a competitive edge as they embark on their creative careers. The University also provides a wide range of opportunities for student development, including participation in various local and international competitions. This encourages students to explore their career paths and prepare to contribute to society after graduation. By applying their learning in a real-world contexts, students are empowered to fully unlock their potential.