“Nightlife” follows Siau Wei, a determined woman who navigates work, social obligations, and personal freedom, finding solace in the quiet of the night as she embraces independence, discovers joy in ordinary moments, and explores the resilience of the human spirit.
A lonely girl, desperate for affection and connection, becomes a popular live streamer, but when she agrees to meet an obsessive fan in person, her search for belonging takes an unexpected turn.
Dasein Kopitiam is a digital media exhibition that showcases the creative works of final-year students (DDM213). Inspired by the traditional Malaysian coffee shop, the exhibition brings together diverse ideas, sparking meaningful conversations about local societal issues in a modern and engaging format.
The exhibition’s primary focus is to raise awareness on pressing social, environmental, and cultural topics that affect the Malaysian community. Through innovative use of multimedia, technology, and interactive installations, the students aim to provoke thought and inspire action on these issues, delivering a powerful blend of creativity and advocacy.
Dasein Kopitiam features a variety of projects that tackle critical themes such as xenophobia, environmental conservation, personal expression through dress codes, sleep deprivation, and plastic waste reduction. Visitors are invited to engage with these interactive experiences, where they can immerse themselves in AR visuals, motion graphics, gamified scenarios, and projection mapping installations.
The exhibition not only serves as a platform for students to display their technical and artistic skills but also as an opportunity for the community to reflect on their role in shaping a more inclusive, sustainable, and equitable society. Dasein Kopitiam reminds us that local issues, like the ones explored in the exhibition, require collective awareness and action. Just as the traditional kopitiam brings people together for conversation, this digital exhibition fosters dialogue on the changes we can make for a better future.
My Dress |Interactive Narrative Projection Mapping by Lok Jia Qi
“My Dress” is an interactive installation that explores the restrictive nature of dress codes in Malaysia. By using touch sensors and projection mapping, users can view animations that showcase how dress codes can be seen as guidelines for self-expression, highlighting how women can express their personality while adhering to societal expectations.
Xenophobia | Interactive Art by Britney Tang
This interactive installation educates users about xenophobia in Malaysia, where xenophobia is often confused with racism and linked to discrimination. Using race-related question cards, AR visuals, and an interactive wall feature, the project encourages participants to reflect on their perceptions of people from diverse backgrounds, promoting inclusivity and self-awareness in society.
Project C.R.A.B | Interactive Projection Mapping by Denise Leong
Project C.R.A.B raises awareness about pollution in Pulau Ketam, where littering is threatening the local crab population. Through motion graphics, projection mapping, and interactive props like 3D models, users can engage with a gamified experience that highlights the negative impact of littering on marine life and encourages responsible tourism.
Sleepy to Deadly | Interactive Game by Beh Wai Meng
This interactive game highlights the dangers of sleep deprivation, a growing issue in Malaysia. Players navigate a character through real-life scenarios such as driving and attending meetings, with the game demonstrating the harmful consequences of sleep deprivation. By using props and immersive gameplay, the project raises awareness of the importance of healthy sleep habits.
Fantrashtic | Interactive Installation by Lai Yong Xuan
Fantrashtic is an interactive installation aimed at raising awareness about Malaysia’s high consumption of non-recyclable plastics. Through the use of depth sensors and projections, users are shown the environmental impact of single-use plastics versus reusable alternatives, encouraging them to make more sustainable choices for a cleaner environment.
The Midnight Alley is a final year exhibition by the students of DDM212. This exhibition delves into the depths of fear and explores its psychological effects and impact on mental health. The event showcases immersive horror experiences filled with eerie interactions and jump-scares, shedding light on social and mental issues from various perspectives.
Check out the recap video of the Day 1 launch below!
It was intense isn’t it? DDM212 consist of six students with great teamwork spirit. They’ve transformed the 4th floor of Dasein Academy into a haunted alley by resetting the entire mood with lighting props and sound to create an whole new immersive experience the moment visitors came out from the lobby lift.
What is most impressive is that they manage to attract and estimated of ~400 unique visitors during the first week of launch! Over the span of 2 weeks, the exhibitions has attracted not just students and staff within Dasein Academy, but also industry players, community and students from other university such as Sunway University and Malaysia Institute of Art.
The Midnight Alley | Interactive Website by Loh Hui Yi
Loh Hui Yi is an innovative UI/UX designer with a passion for visual storytelling through web design. She developed a website to facilitate the entire exhibition, incorporating a booking and navigation system. However, she believed that merely showcasing a website on a laptop or mobile phone within the exhibition space lacked excitement. As a solution, she opted to use a hand-tracking sensor, Leap Motion, and project the website onto a wall, transforming the wall into an interactive touch screen. This method also enables her to incorporate sound jumpscare elements along with auditory sensory experiences, allowing the audience to fully immerse themselves and gain an exceptional firsthand understanding of the exhibition.
Dark Descent | Interactive Sensory Experience by Bernice Lee Kah Wai
Bernice Lee is an adventurous interactive designer, often overwhelmed by her innovative ideas. For her installation, she decided to construct a haunted house tailored for the visually impaired. How does that work? Curious, isn’t it? While what typically comes to mind in a haunted house are jumpscares and scary visuals, Bernice raises a compelling question: What invokes fear in the visually impaired? Her goal is to raise awareness of the struggles and fears faced by the visually impaired in their daily lives.
In her haunted house, she engages different types of sensory experiences, from touch and sound to light. Yes, light (fun fact: did you know that not all visually impaired individuals see complete darkness? They can still perceive some forms of light). Using Arduino and various sensors, she enables the audience to trigger different sensory outputs, surprising and engaging them. Many screams were heard emanating from the booth, audible even from another floor.
Doors | Virtual Reality Experience by Chan Ann Ni
“Doors” is a Virtual Reality project by Chan Ann Ni, designed to allow the audience to immerse themselves in the exhibition space through another world using VR technology. Chan Ann Ni specializes in 3D and video production, and she utilises her skills to design immersive virtual surroundings to engage the audience fully. “Doors” has successfully achieved its goal of reflecting the theme of the event, challenging the audience to confront their fears and understand how psychology can impact one’s experiences. Many screams were heard from her booth, indicating the intense engagement and impact of her work. Thankfully, nobody wet their pants.
Toys Terror |Augmented Realisty (AR) Experience by January Lim Jia Yin
“Toy Terrors” is an Augmented Reality (AR) experience installation created by Lim Jia Yin, whose passion is bringing inanimate objects to life. She has carefully designed a physical setup to resemble a child’s room, complete with mood lighting to create an immersive atmosphere. Utilizing AR technology, she enables users to interact with content within a mixed reality environment. As a 3D designer at heart, Jia Yin delights in working with 3D animations and modeling, focusing on making them interactive to engage the audience effectively. Her installation not only showcases her technical skill but also her ability to blend technology with storytelling, inviting visitors to experience a familiar space transformed into an interactive adventure of animated wonders. Through “Toy Terrors,” Jia Yin turns everyday toys into characters of an engaging narrative that unfolds around the audience in real-time.
Nightmare Clowning |Interactive Motion Design by Stella Pua Pei Ling
Have you ever heard of coulrophobia? Coulrophobia is the fear of clowns, which many people believe is not a real psychological fear. This misconception is precisely the point Stella Pua Pei Ling aims to address. She herself is fond of clowns and was surprised to discover that some individuals have a genuine fear of them. Motivated by this, she decided to delve deeper into coulrophobia. Her objective is to educate and raise awareness about this uncommon phobia.
Stella Pua is a talented motion designer with a passion for character design and animation. In her project, she employs motion design to animate her own clown characters and creates an interactive projection mapping by using a projector and touch sensors. This setup allows the audience to interact directly with her animations, providing an engaging and educational experience. Through her work, Pua Pei Ling seeks to bridge the gap between fear and understanding, using her artistic skills to bring a new perspective on coulrophobia.
The Slaughter House | Interactive Illustration by Sky Wong Wei Jung
Sky Wong is a creative illustrator with a passion for bringing his drawings to life, specializing in creating illustrations with soul. He has always been a huge animal lover, with a particular fondness for cats. In fact, his love for cats surpasses almost everything else. Have I also mentioned that he loves cats a lot?
In his project, Sky Wong aims to raise awareness about the issue of animal poaching and to discourage the purchase of poached products. Aligning with the theme of Fear in this exhibition, he has crafted eerie illustrations of poached animals to enable the audience to feel the pain and fear these animals endure. Sky Wong uses props and sensors to immerse the audience in the memories of these poached animals, allowing them to visualize the different stages of suffering these animals go through.
In conclusion, this exhibition has been a tremendous success, attracting attention from students, industry professionals, and potential high school students with a keen interest in Digital Media. The event and exhibition’s success can be attributed to the exceptional teamwork and synergy among the team members. Their collaborative efforts have not only showcased their individual talents but also highlighted the collective strength and creativity of the group. This synergy has been a key factor in creating an engaging and impactful exhibition that resonates with a diverse audience, setting a benchmark for future events in the field of Digital Media.
And lastly, the team would like to thank everyone who has visited and supported The Midnight Alley.
The Connection project addresses the issue of loneliness among seniors, a pressing concern highlighted by a study conducted using the Lubben Social Network Scale. The study revealed that nearly half (49.8%) of older adults living within communities in Malaysia are at risk of social isolation. This project emphasises the importance of family bonds, particularly with elderly family members, and encourages quality time through interactive storytelling and activities. The primary objective is to foster joy, appreciation, and companionship, underlining the significance of meaningful family connections.
Concept & Idea
This project leverages interactive animation and technology to raise awareness about social isolation among the elderly. By immersing users in the perspective of a character within the animation, the aim is to convey the critical role of companionship for seniors. The project uses this interactive approach to demonstrate how regular interactions with family can positively influence the emotional well-being of older adults. The intended outcome is to leave participants with a deeper understanding of the essential role companionship plays in enhancing the well-being of seniors.
Visual Storytelling & Experience
Through animated scenes and family-themed visuals, participants are immersed in scenarios that reflect everyday moments with elderly family members. The characters and animation are designed to evoke warmth, making the experience both engaging and relatable. The interactive session helps participants empathise with the experience of seniors, illustrating how companionship can transform ordinary moments into meaningful ones.
Connection is the Silver Award winner of the Kancil Award 2023 by;
Chong Huey Chee
Gan Ai Xin
Lim Hui Hui
Category: Digital Craft – Interaction Design Award: Silver
Kancil Award 2023 – Digital Craft – Interaction Design (Silver)
Guardians of the Teeth project tackles the problem of kids not brushing their teeth properly because they find it boring or repetitive. This lack of enthusiasm can lead to bad oral hygiene and long-term dental issues. According to the Malaysian National Oral Health Survey of Preschool Children, 71.3% of preschool kids had cavities, and 59.8% had visible plaque. And the Journal of Dental Research says early childhood cavities triple the risk of adult dental problems.
Project Concept & Idea: This project aims to teach preschool kids the importance of good brushing habits using interactive and gamified experiences. The goal is to instill proper brushing habits and help them develop muscle memory for brushing correctly. The fun animations motivate kids to brush their teeth thoroughly and properly, turning a boring task into an enjoyable one.
User Interaction & Technical Approach: The setup triggers engaging animations when kids brush a tooth model. A magnetic proximity sensor and Makey-Makey technology detect the brushing action, driving the interactive elements. As kids brush the model’s teeth, the animation shows them getting cleaner and whiter. The brushing session is timed to guide kids toward the correct brushing duration. When they finish, they get compliments, reinforcing positive behavior and rewarding them for achieving clean teeth.
Guardians of the Teeth is the a multi-award winner work of Kancil Award 2023 by three talented students:
Ling Qian Ping
Wong Ming Vae
Cheong Yoke Ying
They manage to secure two awards from two categories in the Kancil Award 2023.
Category: Best Idea for Social Good Award: Silver Category: Digital Craft – Interaction Design Award: Merit
Kancil Award 2023 – Best Idea for Social Good (Silver)
Kancil Award 2023 -Digital Craft – Interactive Design (Merit)
