ISU Enters into MOU with Comic Studio for Industry-Academic Collaboration
Kaohsiung is recognized as one of Taiwan’s leading cities in the cultural and creative industries. ISU is actively contributing to the city’s creative development as a key incubator of talent in this field. The university has signed a strategic alliance memorandum with Comic Studio, forming a strong partnership to promote digital cultural innovation, ACG (Animation, Comics, and Games), and professional training in the creative economy. This collaboration aims to cultivate a new generation of cultural and creative professionals and support the continued growth of Kaohsiung’s creative industry.
ISU noted that animation and digital content are significant trends in the global cultural economy. In response to the evolving landscape of the artistic and creative industries, the newly established Department of Visual Arts and Design has designed a curriculum tailored to future industry needs. This collaboration not only boosts students’ competitiveness in the job market but also aligns with Kaohsiung’s cultural policy goals, reinforcing the university’s role in talent cultivation and supporting Kaohsiung’s vision of becoming a globally recognized hub for cultural and creative excellence. Seven Sam, CEO of Comic Studio, emphasized that this industry- academia collaboration strengthens the connection between education and the creative sector, helping to advance local animation and cultural brands. Dr. Cheng- Nan Hou, Dean of the College of Communication and Design, highlighted that Comic Studio’s original IP, “Tea Girls,” received the Outstanding Pioneer Award from the Taiwan Creative Content Agency (TAICCA). By combining the strengths of both sides, the partnership aims to drive innovation in the animation and digital entertainment industries while providing students with internship opportunities at Comic Studio, offering valuable hands-on experience in a real-world setting.
ISU’s educational philosophy is to equip students with professional expertise, aligning its programs with the development trends of the nation’s key industries to cultivate future talent. In response to growing opportunities in the cultural and creative job market, the Department of Visual Arts and Design is enrolling its first cohort of students this year. The university has assembled a team of experienced faculty members and is actively signing memoranda of understanding with industry partners to bridge academic training with real-world practice, strengthening the talent pipeline for Taiwan’s animation and digital entertainment sectors.
The Department of Visual Arts and Design has partnered strategically with Comic Studio, one of Taiwan’s leading animation companies, to establish a comprehensive industry-academia collaboration framework. The agreement covers a range of initiatives, including faculty training, co-teaching by industry professionals, and internship programs. Industry resources and technical expertise from Comic Studio will be integrated into the curriculum, enabling students to stay attuned to the latest industry trends through hands-on, practice-oriented learning. The partnership will continue expanding into content creation, digital media applications, and cross- disciplinary technology development. By joining forces, both parties aim to generate greater economic value within the industry and provide students with a strong, competitive foundation for future careers in the cultural and creative sector.
