
The One Academy of Communication Design (TOA)
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Institution Profile
About Us
In 1991, The One Academy of Communication Design was established as a private art college to address the acute shortage of properly trained creative professionals, and soon proved its worth by producing industry-standard graduates. Since its humble beginning as a double-storey shop lot establishment in Bandar Sunway, it has come a long way and moved its headquarters into a 25-storey campus building with upgraded facilities and amenities. With the demand for creative education steadily increasing, it expanded with the opening of The One Academy Penang.
Today, as a world-class, award-winning creative education institution, The One Academy is reputed in transforming students into highly reliable professionals who enjoy rewarding careers internationally and excel in the areas of arts, creative and technology through any of its internationally-recognized Bachelor's Degree and Diploma-level courses.
Programme Outline
The One Academy is an MQA-accredited college with Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) status that aims to nurture quality homegrown talents; offering top-notch diploma and degree courses in Computer Science, Game Design, Digital Animation (with Game Development), Film Visual Effects (VFX), Digital Media Design, Illustration (Movie & Game Art), Advertising & Graphic Design, Interior Architecture and Design, Paris Fashion Design & Pattern Making and Fine Arts.
We also offer 3+0 UK bachelor’s degree programmes in partnership with one of the top-ranked universities in the UK, the University of Hertfordshire, where aspiring youths will be able to pursue an excellent UK design education locally. We have collaborated with DigiPen USA, a pioneer in the international game technology to provide international-standard diploma courses in the fields of Computer Science and Game Design. In addition, we also formed official affiliations with reputable design universities and colleges in the UK, Australia, the US and more, providing wider selections for our graduates to further their studies.
Academic Resources & Facilities
As a leading creative education institute, we ensure optimum creative education is given to our students through the practice of our teaching philosophy “Masters Train Masters”, where we believe each educator must possess relevant industry knowledge to produce excellent graduates. Besides that, we also ensure students are constantly exposed to real-life industry practices through various masterclasses and sharing sessions. This allows our students to get both theoretical and practical knowledge of the creative field. Our academic staff consists of top industry experts who have made a name for themselves in the local and international creative scenes. On campus, students have access to facilities and amenities that mirror industry standards to provide the most conducive learning environment for them. These include a motion capture studio, Fab Lab, auditorium, art gallery, drawing studio, cafeteria, library, photography and videography studios, several computer labs and more.
Student Support Services
There are many services offered to the students here to ensure their time with us is truly worthwhile. We offer accommodations for students to live nearby the college as well as shuttle bus services to make travelling to and fro the college easy. Besides that, we also provide student counselling services and host a number of social clubs. The One Club here comprises of various sporting and social activities that are available for the students to partake in, e.g. Badminton, Bowling, Futsal, Basketball, Table Tennis, Dance, Taekwondo, Karate, Boxing, International Students Club and more. To empower students’ voices, we have the Student Representative Council who are committed to make fellow students’ academic years a positive and enriching experience.
Student Development Activities for Employability
At The One Academy, we take pride in ensuring our students are ready to take on the industry the moment they graduate from the institution. A big part in making this happen is opening the right doors for them while they are learning with us. We hold various exhibitions during which external companies and the public are invited to come and view students’ work; this not only gives them the chance to exhibit their talent and skills but also allows them to connect with potential employers. Besides that, we regularly hold sharing sessions and masterclasses during which students get the opportunity to refine their skills and understand what is expected of them upon entering the industry.
The Student Experience
To further inspire students, The One Academy features exhibitions and establishes many real-life working experiences. For example, Digital Animation and Illustration students were involved in various local and international competitions which allow them to showcase their skills such as the The Rookies, DigiCon6 Asia and Asiagraph. For Advertising students, they worked on projects with established brands, gain exposure on latest trends in the industry and also participate in the nation’s prestigious Kancil Awards. For Fine Arts, students worked on painting projects and hold their art exhibition on campus. Fashion Design students collaborated with Disney/Pixar for various events and work as a team to organize their own graduation fashion show. For Digital Media Design students, they organized Malaysia’s first ever Arduino World event, interactive light exhibition iNYALA and collaborated with the British Council.
Recognition and Accreditation
We were named World's No. 1 Best Production Excellence in Game Design & Development (Immersive Media), World's No. 2 Best Product Design School, World's No. 3 Best Creative Media and Entertainment School & World's No. 3 Best Concept Art & Illustration School by The Rookies in 2022. The One Academy was?also ranked 8th by Animation Career Review (ACR) in the?‘Top 25 International Animation Training Programs – 2021 School Rankings’ and named Creative School of the Year (2018, 2019 & 2022) in the Kancil Awards, Malaysia’s top advertising awards.
Scholarship and Financial Aid
We organise the Malaysia Top 10 Outstanding Young Artists Awards during which a number of scholarships are given out to deserving young talents each year. To date, millions of ringgit worth of scholarships have been given out since the inception of this award. Interested applicants can keep an eye out on our MT10 website (www.top10.toa.edu.my) for more details on this secondary school nationwide art competition.
Why study in our institution?
The One Academy is a leading art, design, creativity and technology college where students’ achievements and providing quality education has always been our topmost priority. Receiving international recognition for our efforts, we provide unmatched creative education through our “Masters Train Masters” teaching philosophy and an exceptional team of educators.
Rankings
MyQuest 5 Star (International Student Services Category) | 2014/2015 |
MyQuest 5 Stars (College Based Category) | 2016/2017 |
MyQuest 4 Stars (Cluster Based Category for Art and Humanities) | 2016/2017 |
Courses Offered
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Diploma Level
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Diploma in Advertising & Graphic DesignLevel: Diploma LevelFees (Local): Refer to College Duration: 3 years |
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2. |
Diploma in Computer ScienceLevel: Diploma LevelFees (Local): Refer to College Duration: 3 years |
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Diploma in Digital AnimationLevel: Diploma LevelFees (Local): Refer to College Duration: 3 years |
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Diploma in Digital Media DesignLevel: Diploma LevelFees (Local): Refer to College Duration: 3 years |
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5. |
Diploma in Fashion Design & Pattern Making ESMODLevel: Diploma LevelFees (Local): Refer to College Duration: 3 years |
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6. |
Diploma in Film Visual EffectsLevel: Diploma LevelFees (Local): Refer to College Duration: 3 Years |
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7. |
Diploma in Fine ArtsLevel: Diploma LevelFees (Local): Refer to College Duration: 3 Years |
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8. |
Diploma in Game DesignLevel: Diploma LevelFees (Local): Refer to College Duration: 3 Years |
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9. |
Diploma in IllustrationLevel: Diploma LevelFees (Local): Refer to College Duration: 3 Years |
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10. |
Diploma in Interior DesignLevel: Diploma LevelFees (Local): Refer to College Duration: 3 Years |
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Bachelor's Degree Level
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Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Digital Media DesignLevel: Bachelor's Degree LevelFees (Local): Refer to College Duration: 4 years |
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12. |
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Graphic DesignLevel: Bachelor's Degree LevelFees (Local): Refer to College Duration: 4 years |
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13. |
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Interior Architecture and DesignLevel: Bachelor's Degree LevelFees (Local): Refer to College Duration: 4 years |
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Contact Details
The One Academy of Communication Design (TOA)
Address: Block B4, Leisure Commerce Square, No. 9, Jalan PJS 8/9, 46150 Petaling Jaya Selangor |
Type: Private College Tel: 603 7875 5510Website: http://www.toa.edu.my/ |
Other Campuses
The One Academy Penang |
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Address: |
Type: Private College Tel: 604-210 3000Fax: 604-210 3003 Website: http://www.toa.edu.my/penang |
Active Scholarships
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Scholarship / Fund / Loan
Deadline
TOA - Malaysia Top 10 Outstanding Young Artists Awards Scholarship Fund
Deadline: Refer to announcementsTop 10 winners of this nationwide art competition will win a partial scholarship to further their studies at The One Academy.Refer to announcementsTOA Education Loan
Deadline: OngoingWe believe that everyone should have a chance to receive a professional education. That’s the reason we provide administrative aid for financial assistance with tuition fees. We help our students liaise with governmental organizations such as the N...Ongoing
Latest Achievement News
- The Rookie Awards is the world’s largest and most prestigious competition for aspiring creatives in games, animation, visual effects, immersive media, motion graphics and 3D visualisation. It is regarded as the most respected rankings for education...
Graphic Designer Turned Leathercraft Entrepreneur’s Journey to Success
November 17, 2020
From having not much of a dream to finding a purpose in life, Zi Xian’s story is set to inspire and encourage those who are uncertain about pursuing their dreams. The 25-year-old Kuala Lumpur-born lad who has been living in Petaling Jaya for more t...
Location Map
Key Personnel
![]() Tatsun Hoi Tack SengFounder & Principal , The One Academy of Communication Design (TOA)
Tatsun Hoi is a creative strategist and entrepreneur who is also the Founder and Principal of The One Academy, one of the world’s best creative art & design institutes. Besides that, he is also the Founder and Managing Director of The One Group, comprising The One Academy, One Creative Development Centre, Tatsun Studio and Tatsun Integrated. For over 33 years in the creative industry to date, Tatsun has been a well-acclaimed educator, renowned for his consistency in heightening creative education in Malaysia. During the decade prior to founding The One Academy in 1991, he felt that there is a lack of talent as well as substandard level of training in the communication design industry. He wanted to prove wrong the misguided belief that ‘creativity cannot be taught’. Throughout his career, Tatsun has been a role model who has demonstrated exemplary leadership and also actively involved in community projects. One of his most recognisable efforts is the Malaysian Unity Campaign which he initiated back in 1997 when the country was rocked by internal and external threats during the economic crisis. He created a campaign to remind all Malaysians to stay united in order to overcome all impending threats. The animation was aired over NTV7 and RTM for six months. At the age of 29, Tatsun became the youngest principal among all colleges in the Malaysian education industry when he founded The One Academy together with prominent creative consultant, the late Veronica Ho. It is his mission to make Malaysia the creative and educational centre of excellence since the college’s establishment, having successfully imparted his knowledge and expertise to over tens of thousands of students through practical, result-driven professional syllabus. He is also committed to promoting locally nurtured art & design talents, grooming them to reach international levels in the creative fields of advertising & graphic design, digital media design, visual effects, fashion design, interior architecture & design, digital animation, fine arts, illustration, computer science and game design worldwide. He imparts his wisdom to prepare students to know all about strategic practical applications of creativity in the global market. To date, the graduates are now among the best creative leaders working for the best names such as Pixar Animation Studios, Ubisoft, Lucasfilm, Leo Burnett, TBWA\, Ogilvy & Mather, Grey Worldwide and many more. The art and design industry has greatly benefited from the teaching philosophy he initiated – “Masters Train Masters”. |
Student Testimonials
![]() Suryani Fortunata Ongko, IndonesiaFoundation in Interior Architecture Design, Semester 3 Despite venturing in the art field for just a year, my artistic skills tremendously improved thanks to The One Academy's marvellous resources and training. It is an eye-opening experience to be exposed to such a wonderful and diverse environment of designers and artists, which motivates me to continuously improve myself. I am forever grateful to my lecturers who have guided me through this challenging journey and shown me what the world of design truly is. |
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![]() Eunike Dame Primera Siagian (Unique/Kike), IndonesiaDiploma in Digital Animation, Year 3 (Specialization in Animation) When I majored in Digital Animation, my first thought was wanting to work at PIXAR or a Europe-based studio. However, I've now seen that in Malaysia, there are amazing studios that create good animations and inspired me a lot! It’s been a passionate journey of improving my art sense; I made good progress and received feedback from lecturers to enhance my animation. Overall, even through the trials and busy schedules, I really enjoy studying here. |
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![]() Kuan Yue TongDiploma in Digital Animation, Year 3 This course has allowed me to pursue my dreams in animation. The One Academy has trained us to have a strong sense of art and I am able to create the things I visualise with my creativity. As the Art Director in my final year project, I’m able to show my strong points and manage a team of 40 people while learning new things, thus gaining a valuable experience to prepare us for the industry. |
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![]() Wong Jie MingDiploma in Interior Design, Year 2 The study material of the programme is meticulously structured to supply students with a firm foundation in design principles while acquiring ways to execute them in a professional setting with a programme that emphasises practical abilities and real-world application. With an emphasis on interior architecture, students have the opportunity to possess multiple skill sets. The course also provides multiple opportunities for students to get involved in actual tasks, enhancing their unique insights, connections and portfolios. |
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![]() Teo Ee Sean, MalaysiaDiploma in Interior Design, Year 3 Course Duration: 3 Year I would like to thank The One Academy for providing me with a platform and opportunity to learn. These past years, I’ve gained a lot of knowledge and skills at The One Academy. Dr Eric and the team of lecturers not only equip us with crucial skills and knowledge but most importantly provide us with support, guidance and keep inspiring us to never stop learning. |
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![]() Lee Leong Ping, MalaysiaBA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design, Year 1 Course Duration: 3 Years The One Academy provides a very conducive environment for me to study in, such as computer labs, library, drafting room and more. Also, my lecturers are kind and are always willing to help when I have any issues. I am glad to study at TOA and I hope my skills can advance to higher levels in the future. |
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![]() Jennifer Lin, IndonesiaDiploma in Interior Design, Year 2 Course Duration: 3 Years College is an experience of a lifetime they say. The lecturers and friends in Interior Design were the best and most lovely. Although the assignments given are quite a lot and often challenging, these have taught me a lot of things and trained my skills. At first, I do not even have any digital or drawing skills at all, but now I have learned a lot of new things and I will keep learning. |
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![]() Vanessa Wuditia, IndonesiaDiploma in Interior Design, Year 2 Course Duration: 3 Years Learning at The One Academy is always creative and inspiring. Joining this community has creatively changed me. Trough observation practices that have been applied, I’ve started to appreciate more things in life, not just the big ones, but also the little ones. Every design and technical courses have trained me to properly express and deliver my ideas. I'm grateful to be able to go through my design journey with this community. |
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![]() Soo Zhi Jing, MalaysiaBA (Hons) Digital Media Design, Final Year Course Duration: 4 years Studying at The One Academy has been eye-opening and mentally stimulating. The education here taught me the challenging art of always taking ideas a little further and pushing one’s abilities. I learnt to grasp the sense of professionalism and teamwork required of a designer through project-based assignments. I have a good learning experience with lecturers who are very responsive and helpful. There was a ton of assignments, but looking back, it was worthwhile. |
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![]() Filisa Christie Andani, IndonesiaDiploma in Digital Media Design, Year 2 Course Duration: 3 years Malaysia is a friendly country and great place to study, as the living cost here is similar to where I’m from. The One Academy is a recommended school in terms of art course and has great teaching modules. The lecturers are very open and resourceful because they give personal consultations, do progress checks and often provide external materials for reference. Although I am the only foreigner in class, I feel welcomed and comfortable here. |
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![]() Abdullah Boges, Saudi ArabiaDigital Animation
I found out about The One Academy through the Internet. During the search, I found a website which rated The One Academy very highly compared to other design art schools in the country. After getting catalogs from the college, I was simply amazed by the students’ artwork. |
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![]() Mohamed Sathom, Republic of MaldivesIllustration & Comics The One Academy doesn’t just teach you about techniques, but also passion for art, how to grow in the field and ways to develop your own art sense. That’s one of the major reasons I enjoy studying here. I have met new people of different races and cultural backgrounds here and I enjoy learning, being inspired and working with them too. |
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![]() John Akpan Eyo, NigeriaInterior Design The One Academy is a nice place to study. They provide quality education, include most needed facilities and employ good lecturers and provide a good learning environment. Malaysia is a nice place to study with beautiful tourist attractions. I want to encourage more Nigerians to study with The One Academy as the academy has what it takes to mold students into self-employed leaders after and even before graduation. |
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![]() Benjamin Encarnacion, PhilippinesMultimedia Design I feel that learning doesn’t end after graduation but involves continuous evolution and adaptation. The One Academy provides us with a solid foundation that enables us to shape the very essence of what multimedia is when we become creators of content ourselves. |
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![]() Doreen shuk Bekenova, IndonesiaAdvertising and Graphic Design Malaysia is quite an interesting place because we can meet many people from different countries, races and backgrounds. I would recommend my friends to study here at The One Academy because it’s a wonderful experience to exchange cultures and thoughts with people here as you become exposed to many different languages. |
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![]() Billy Wen Hao, Shanghai, ChinaDiploma in Multimedia Design Strong teamwork for a common purpose is essential for success. |
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![]() Rezaliando, IndonesiaDiploma in Multimedia Design Multimedia design is beyond having fun. It’s having the power to push for new boundaries. |
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Donna Harapan, IndonesiaMultimedia Design, 2nd year The programmes here are interesting and mainly hands-on, which makes them fun and enjoyable. The lecturers here really work you hard, therefore I learnt a lot in a relatively short period. The advantage of being in Bandar Sunway is that it is not only convenient; it also means we are practically living in a creative resource centre, where the vibrant city provides us our research and a source of inspiration. |
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![]() Christopher Gunawan, Jakarta, IndonesiaMultimedia Design - 3 years
I joined The One Academy because it is known to be the best around. Working together with cross-cultural Asian friends here is a new learning experience for me. I enjoy sharing my knowledge with others. I wouldn’t mind to becoming a lecturer here one day! |
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![]() Yang Qin, Guang Zhou, ChinaDigital Animation - 3 years
I was studying law in a university in China before switching over to The One Academy. The atmosphere here is so youthfully vibrant and lively, and not dark and dull like some other institutions. Here, I really enjoy the group projects and the experience of being a team player. |
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![]() Yang Hai E, Shanghai, ChinaMultimedia Design, 3 years
I have a university degree majoring in multimedia and already planned to further my studies in Germany, but once I saw the creations of The One Academy students, I knew I had to study here! I am impressed with the concept and designs taught here, and even more impressed with the independence and initiative of my course mates. |
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![]() Watanabe Noriko, KobeJapan, Advertising Design - 3 years I have compared the major institutions for creative education in Malaysia and found that The One Academy is the best. It sets very high standards in teaching quality and student development. In addition, the lecturers here are very supportive and helpful towards all students. The coursework is very interesting and fun-filled, I’ve certainly learnt a lot. Ever since I joined this place, my English has improved, too. |
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Dewi, IndonesiaMultimedia Design, 3rd Year I am happy to be able to prepare myself for the world through solid and practical guidance from the very best in the industry. Creativity is more than a catchphrase here, but an amazingly functional advantage that will mould a highly-demanded professional. |
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![]() Isabel Kang Zhu Jiao, ChinaAdvertising & Graphic Design, 2nd Year
The One Academy has a stimulating and pleasantly designed environment that no one institute in this region can provide. This makes it very conducive for my creative growth. It is also easy to mix with the cosmopolitan student population here, and everyone here has positive attitude in learning and sharing. |
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![]() Oky Indrajaya, IndonesiaAdvertising & Graphic Design Studying in another country is an invaluable experience for me. I was working as a designer in China when I realised that I was wanting in many aspects and there were so many things that I needed to master. It was then that I was presented with the chance to study in Malaysia. Today, I am in the final term of my Advertising and Graphic Design major, but my ability and creativity have improved by leaps and bounds. The One Academy also gives its students many hands-on learning opportunities. Being appointed as an Art Director in the Graduation Campaign project, I am even more prepared than ever to take on the challenges of the region’s creative industry. There’s no doubt in my mind - if you want to be a professional designer, The One Academy is definitely the place to be. |
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![]() Oliver Halbauer, GermanyBachelor in Management In the short span of time that I am with The One Academy, I noticed that the lecturers here are professional and very talented. The lecturers are also always on hand to give personal advice whenever students face any problems. They have become friends and mentors to us as well. We know that whenever we encounter any problems we can turn to them, especially when we are so new in this country. |
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![]() Ng Pui YanDesign Major in Advertising & Graphic Design The One Academy opened a whole new world of discovery and technique by including in-depth training on topics such as history and culture. We studied and compared Western and Eastern art, explored our roots and got a clearer picture of how advertising has evolved internationally and locally. It gave us so much more to think about. The syllabus was designed to help make us all-rounders who would be masters of technical skills, problem solving, researching, articulate presentation and dedicated team playing. |
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![]() Delphine Saira GomezDesign Major in Advertising & Graphic Design (Alumni Student) I have worked on projects for the government, private corporations and merchandising firms. Each client has his or her own needs and it's important to listen to them to ensure customer satisfaction. It is also important that designers have their own ideas and style. There is an unfortunate tendency to stick to the tried and true instead of coming up with original ideas. This needs to change. You must believe that you can come up with something better, something new. I am very grateful to the lecturers in The One Academy for the excellent guidance which has led me to success. |
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![]() Eric WongDesign Major in Illustration I set very high expectations for myself. If I'm not satisfied with the work I produce, I'll spend extra time improving or re-doing it. The result is something I can be proud of and that is what matters. Of course, a good learning attitude is important. Whatever you do, give it your best. Your future is what you put in now. It's in your hands and it's up to you to achieve what you want; others cannot do it for you. I chose The One Academy because it produces the best students. |
The One Academy of Communication Design (TOA) Videos
World's No.1 Best Art School | The One Academy
The one Academy's continuous endeavours in striving for the best have paid off in achieving the rank of World's No.1 Best Concept Art & Illustration School (for Game, Animation & Film Art) in The Rookies World School Rankings - regarded as the world's most respected rankings for educational institutes that propels careers in creative entertainment art industries.
The One Academy has fulfilled its promise of "Just World-Class Results!