Earlier this month, three students from XMUM Journalism Programme made the university proud by winning four awards at 3rd Wonderful World International Student Public Welfare Media Art Exhibition in Shanghai.

Concurrently held in Malaysia and China, this event attracted a number of aspiring students from 30 universities across 13 countries to produce videos or animations with the theme of “Human and Animal”.

Gan Hui Lin and her teammates, Hu Xinwen, Tey Yee Jie along with their supervising lecturer, Mr. Luis Manuel Pazo, won Excellence Prize after presenting their documentary film, “Sang Kancil” for the “Human and Animal” segment.

Award-winning film “Sang Kancil” narrates the tale of the famous Malay mouse deer that has begun to fade among the young generation. It aims to increase people’s awareness of this special animal embodying spirituality, wisdom and tradition.

“Speaking of humans and animals, people may think of environmental issues like prey and predator,” Gan explained, “but the bond between Sang Kancil and Malaysians has its own significance. That’s why we choose it as the subject of our video.”

All the participants later gathered in Melaka to conduct the “Shanghai to Melaka 72 Film” project, during which they were divided into different teams and asked to produce a video piece of the given theme within 72 hours.

For the “Shanghai to Melaka 72 Film” project, Gan’s team won Best Sound Effect, while Hu and Tey won Best Documentary and Best Music Video respectively. A team consisting of students from France, Shanghai and USA won Best Art Film and Best Soundtrack under the leadership of Mr. Luis.

Despite the challenges faced, it has been a valuable and unforgettable experience for all three members. “We have learned from each other a lot,” Hu said, “it has given me an opportunity to experience the scenery and culture of the two different cities.” The next year’s exhibition will be held in Berlin, Germany.

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From left: Mr. Luis Pazo Manuel, Tey Yee Jie, Gan Hui Lin, Hu Xinwen and Dr.Wang Changsong celebrating their win.

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The three trophies from the Shanghai to Melaka 72 Film.

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Gan Hui Lin (far right) explaining to the judges about their Sang Kancil project at the Shanghai conference.

(Foong Sow Kit)