On 6 September 2025, Dasein Academy of Art’s Digital Media students, Carrie Lye Xin-Yi and Hue Zhi Xuan, showcased their award-winning project, TAPTILE, at the Run for Peace 2025 event held at MAEPS Serdang. The event, organised by Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM), gathered an estimated 12,000 participants of all ages, united under the theme of promoting peace and raising awareness about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
About Run for Peace
Run for Peace is a non-competitive event that combines fitness with advocacy. Beyond the run itself, the programme highlights exhibitions and activities focused on sustainability, equality, and peace. Dasein was among the exhibitors, contributing to the conversation on accessibility and inclusivity through its student-led project.
A Project showcase by Carrie Lye Xin-Yi & Hue Zhi Xuan | TAPTILE
TAPTILE is a smart tactile paving system that helps visually impaired individuals navigate public spaces through audio feedback and uniquely shaped tile patterns. Activated by a white cane, the tiles provide real-time guidance using Arduino and Unity. A multimedia campaign supports public awareness on inclusive design.
Event Highlights
The booth attracted continuous interest, with long queues of participants eager to try the installation and experience firsthand the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals. Many visitors expressed surprise at realising how little they knew about tactile paving and its daily importance for those who rely on it. The exhibition sparked meaningful conversations about the gaps in public awareness and the need for better inclusive design in urban spaces.
One of the most memorable moments was the visit from Yang Amat Mulia Paduka Putri Tunku Mariam Zaharah Binti Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, who acknowledged the students’ efforts and validated the project’s significance. Having such recognition further highlighted the importance of young designers contributing to the nation’s goals of accessibility and inclusivity.
For the students, the event served as a valuable platform to engage directly with the public and to witness how design can bridge social awareness with innovation. In Dasein Academy of Art, we strive to provide creative education in shaping future designers who not only produce aesthetic works but also respond to pressing societal needs.
The success of TAPTILE at Run for Peace 2025 demonstrates how art and design, when aligned with the SDGs to create meaningful social impact. More importantly, it showed that design, when connected to empathy and innovation, can inspire conversations that move beyond the classroom and into the community.
The project received the Gold Award 🏅 at the International Teaching Aid Competition (ITAC) 2025, a recognition of its impact as an interactive product design that addresses real-world accessibility challenges.
TAPTILE was also selected as a finalist in the Rookies Award 2025 under the Product and Industrial Design category.
Dasein Academy of Art is proud to announce another remarkable achievement by our Digital Media students, Amelia Chong Tsui Tong and Carrie Lye Xin-Yi, who clinched 1st Place in the Terang 2025 Projection Mapping Competition with their winning work, L.AI SYOK ல.
Every year, our students actively participate in projection mapping competitions, particularly Terang, organised by Filamen. Back in Terang 2023, we also brought home the champion title. This year, we returned to the competition with the same determination, and succeeded once again.
The theme for 2025 is Rojak, a concept deeply rooted in Malaysian culture that symbolises diversity, mixing, and the blending of different identities. Participants were challenged to interpret Rojak not only in its literal meaning, but also in relation to Malaysian society and its future.
Amelia and Carrie responded with L.AI SYOK ல, a creative fusion of languages, ideas, and technology. The title plays on the familiar Malaysian phrase Lai Syok Lah, while embedding multiple layers of meaning:
L.AI – Suggests the Chinese word “Lai” (meaning “come”) and subtly hints at AI (Artificial Intelligence).
Syok – A Malay slang word meaning “fun” or “enjoyable”.
ல – The Tamil script for “la”, representing the colloquial Malaysian ending “lah” and reflecting the multicultural spirit of the theme.
Through vibrant visuals, cultural symbolism, and their Motion Design skills, their work captured the essence of Rojak.
We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Lecturer Wong Si Ying for her guidance and support throughout the project. Her expertise and mentorship played a vital role in helping the students refine their concept, execution, and presentation to meet professional standards.
Fun fact: Si Ying is also a multiple-award winner of projection mapping competitions, recognised for her skills in motion graphics design. A true legend, like the Penang Char Keow Teow!
A plate of the legendary Penang Char Keow Teow, topped with a duck egg.
We were honoured to have professional artist judges from various countries, including Cambodia, Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore, China, and Malaysia to evaluate their work.
We are immensely proud of their hard work, creativity, and ability to merge storytelling with technical mastery. This achievement not only celebrates their individual talent, but also reflects the dedication of our Digital Media programme to fostering innovation in the creative arts.
Congratulations to everyone, and once again to Amelia Chong and Carrie Lye for making Dasein Academy of Art proud!
Mah Meri: The Spirit Within is a projection mapping installation and motion graphic project by Digital Media final-year student and alumna, Amelia Chong Tsui Tong. The project aims to raise awareness about the rich cultural heritage of the Mah Meri tribe—one of Malaysia’s Indigenous communities that remains relatively unknown to many.
By combining modern technology with engaging motion graphics, the installation seeks to educate the public on the importance of preserving Orang Asli culture and traditions in Malaysia.
A big thank you to GreenRoom for inviting Dasein Academy of Art to take part in this vibrant event, showcasing our students’ installation works alongside Fine Art Programme students and alumni.
We are also grateful to the organising team and crew for their support throughout the event. It was a truly meaningful experience to present our work in such an inspiring space filled with positive energy, creativity, and art.
Every year, it’s a tradition for the Digital Media programme to organise a team building camp during the semester break. The goal is simple: to give students a chance to step away from their usual routine, recharge, and build stronger bonds through shared challenges and experiences.
Video shot by: Wong Xing Kai Video edited by: Ivan Lay Jiun Yu
Each year, we explore a different theme and location. For 2025, we went all-in with a full outdoor camping experience. This year’s camp was designed to train students’ resilience — physically and mentally. From enduring the heat, cooking their own meals, designing recipes, learning basic survival skills, to staying creative under pressure, students were pushed out of their comfort zones.
Throughout the camp, teams took on various tasks that tested their problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity, all in a fun, competitive spirit.
We would like to thank Cowboy Campout (Hulu Yam Lama) for hosting us and providing a wonderful experience. The venue offered excellent and well-equipped facilities, making it the perfect place to create unforgettable memories.
On 19 October 2024, the much-anticipated TERANG 2024 projection mapping competition took place at MaTiC, Tourism Malaysia. Organised annually by Filamen, this year’s theme, Culture Futurism, focused on the fusion of tradition and technology. It transformed historic landmarks into stunning visual displays, creating an immersive experience for all attendees.
Five groups of students from Dasein Academy of Art were honoured to reach the finals. Despite their best efforts, they faced tough competition from talented artists and students from other institutions. While they did not secure a win, their work showcased their creativity, dedication, and skill, making us incredibly proud of their achievement.
The variety and creativity on display were inspiring, demonstrating how artistic expression can bridge the past and the future in innovative ways.
Participating in such a prestigious event offered our students invaluable experience, helping them to develop their skills, gain fresh insights, and connect with fellow creatives. Although the result was not what they hoped for, the opportunity to compete on this platform was a significant milestone in their creative journey.
Photo credit: Filamen
We extend our warmest congratulations to all the finalists and winners for their exceptional work. TERANG 2024 was a true celebration of creativity, and we look forward to witnessing the artistic brilliance that next year’s event will bring.
The beginning of the year 2024 marked a significant milestone for students from the Digital Media and Digital Animation courses, as they embarked on an unforgettable 3-day Team Building Camp. This event, inspired by the Scout’s Jamboree and Martial Arts Camp, was not just any ordinary bonding trip. It was a carefully designed experience aimed at enabling students to reset and grow, both individually and as a team.
Students from both the Digital Media and Digital Animation committees, along with their lecturers, worked tirelessly to set up engaging and fun activities. Their hard work ensured that the camp was not only educational but also fun and memorable. The camp was sored with laughter and joy throughout the day!
At the camp, students were put into groups with people they didn’t know before. This setup was a great way for everyone to learn how to meet new friends, understand different ways of thinking, and figure out how to cooperate to achieve their goals. As they spent time together, doing activities and sitting around the campfire, these strangers became friends. They learned a lot about trusting each other and the importance of teamwork. This part of the camp showed how bringing different people together can turn into something special, creating new friendships and a strong sense of team spirit.
Upon arrival, students were divided into groups, embarking on their first task: to create a unique group identity. This involved designing a flag and taking on responsibilities that challenged their communication skills, teamwork, and accountability. These initial activities set the tone for what was to be a transformative experience.
Over the course of the camp, students were put to the test through various pressure-filled and unexpected challenges. These activities were designed to push them out of their comfort zones and encourage them to work together to overcome obstacles. The daily tasks assigned to each group further promoted a sense of responsibility and unity among the members.
The camp concluded on a high note, with every group having faced and overcome numerous challenges. The sense of achievement was palpable, and the experiences gained were invaluable. Students left the camp not just with memories, but with improved leadership skills, a resilient attitude, an empowered mindset, and a focus on discipline.
As the sun set on a day filled with challenges and learning, the night brought with it a different kind of warmth and joy. The students, having navigated through the day’s activities, gathered around a campfire they had started themselves. This moment was not just about enjoying the flickering flames but about coming together as a community to celebrate their achievements and the bonds they had formed.
A big thank you goes out to all the student committee members and lecturers who worked tirelessly to make the Team Building Camp a success. It’s truly impressive how professionally the students led and managed the entire event, showcasing their ability to handle responsibilities with great skill and dedication.
Special gratitude is extended to the student commitee, Amelia Chong Tsui Tong, Chay Jek Kean, Lam Weng En, Muhammad Loqman Hakim, and Tan Ji Kean for their exceptional leadership and commitment.
Their efforts ensured that the camp was not only enjoyable but also a meaningful experience for everyone involved. Their professionalism and dedication set a high standard and played a crucial role in the success of the camp, making it a memorable experience for all participants.
This Team Building Camp was more than just an event; it was a journey towards self-improvement and unity. The lessons learned and the bonds formed will undoubtedly serve the students well in their future endeavours, both academic and personal. As they return to their regular routines, they carry with them the spirit of teamwork and the knowledge that together, they can face and overcome any challenge that comes their way.
