This Merdeka, the spotlight shines on six talented Malaysians who have made an impact in the local and global animation industry. From award-winning television series to acclaimed blockbusters, these creative talents are flying the Malaysian flag high on the global stage.
1. Muhammad Usamah Zaid Yasin, Wau Animation
“Ejen Ali” has become a household name and a fan favourite among Malaysians, and WAU Animation co-founder and managing director Usamah Zaid is the main visionary and creator behind the franchise.
This award-winning animated spy caper – about a boy who accidentally becomes an agent after using a device prototype created by Mata, the Meta Advance Tactical Agency – is in its third season and has been shown in more than 50 countries worldwide.
2. Lyon Liew, Pixar Animation Studios
Born in Melaka, simulation technical director Lyon Liew has worked on multiple animations including the recent puberty-themed “Turning Red”.
Liew and his team brought Mei’s character to life by making her clothes, hair, props, and giant red panda fur move realistically. It might not sound like much, but details definitely matter!
Feast your eyes on more of his work in “Luca”, “Incredibles 2”, and “Coco”.
3. Kiki Poh Mei Kee, Pixar Animation Studios
As the first Malaysian Pixar animator to specialise in shading and grooming, Poh is an inspiration to young Malaysians who aspire to become great animators.
As a technical director with over 10 years’ experience, she meticulously works her shading artistry on surface textures and colours, and has worked on acclaimed features such as “Luca”, “Onward”, “Cars 3”, “Finding Dory”, and “Inside Out”.
4. Andrea Goh Siau Wei, Pixar Animation Studios
A layout artist at Pixar who has worked on features such as “Toy Story 4”, Goh is a skilled filmmaker and technical director who dabbles in other animation mediums such as modelling and sculpting. Her versatile talents are further displayed in films such as “Incredibles 2”, “Coco”, and “Cars 3”.
5. Alvin Wee
Sarawakian Alvin Wee is a music mixer, recording engineer, and producer. He is the first Malaysian to win the Outstanding Achievement in Sound Mixing award by the Cinema Audio Society for his work on the chart-topping soundtrack to “Encanto”, itself an Academy Award winner.
The 34-year-old has apprenticed and worked with renowned composers such as Hans Zimmer.
6. Adele Lim
Lim has a successful career in US television and is known for her representation of Asian culture in her screenwriting.
The animated film “Raya and The Last Dragon”, which features Disney’s first-ever Southeast Asian princess, demonstrates Lim’s capabilities in presenting Asian culture authentically on the big screen.
Check out these titles and more on Disney+ Hotstar.