Speech at the Graduation Showcase of Equator Academy of Art

Speech by YB Wong Hon Wai, State Assemblyman of Air Itam on the Graduation showcase of Equator Academy of Art on 23-8-2013 at George Town, Penang

Dato Chuah Kooi Yong, Principal of Equator

Staff of Equator Academy

Graduating Students, families and friends

Members of the Press

Ladies and Gentlemen

Good morning to everyone,

I am pleased to be here this morning to witness the young talents in the Graduation Showcase of Equator Academy of Art with the theme “Arts kacang” involving specialization in Fashion Design, Interior Design, Graphic & Multimedia, Fine Art and Digital 3D Animation.

I will like to share with you a quote by Steve Jobs – a creative entrepreneur who invented Mac, I-pad and I-phone. He said:”The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do”. Steve Jobs has the passion for perfection and in fact has revolutionized six industries namely: personal computer, animated movie, music, phones, tablet computing and digital publishing. Steve Jobs did not quite revolutionize but did reimagine. I would strongly recommend the graduating students to read his biography on the lessons about innovation, character, values and leadership.

In the 1980s, students are not keen to take up art and design courses. Instead, science, accounting and professional courses are preferred. But, I am telling you now art and design students will have a good headup now as the world is moving along the innovation path. Every product has a very short shelve 
life. Consumers are looking for  upgrade and new gadgets. Designers and technologists have to put up thinking hats on how to innovate and produce attractive products to meet the demand of young generation of consumers.

This not only apply for technology and science industry. Same thing happen for film industry. Just look how technology and design work in the making of “Life of Pi” – a great movie by the famous director who won the Oscar Award – Ang Lee.

As graduates, you will be embarking on a new journey soon.  All of you will leave the comfort zone of campus life and entering the working life. Some of you may pursue further studies. Either way, I believe Equator has given you a solid foundation to face your next challenge with confidence.  Since founded in 1987 by Dato Chuah Kooi Yong, Equator Academy has established itself as a benchmark for Art and Design education in the northern region of Malaysia .

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dato Chuah and his staff for inviting me to share this happy occasion showcasing the graduates’ art works.

Thank you.