Friday October 29, 2021 from 09:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – Khon Kaen University and the Ministry of Culture held the 7th Character Licensing Workshop online by zoom meeting and onsite at Auditorium Room, Faculty of Engineering, Khon Kaen University. Khun Prasop Riang-ngoen, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture presided over the opening session. Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University made a welcoming address. Among attendants were Khun Nop Thammawanit, President of the Thailand Animation and Computer Graphics Association, KKU administrators and officers from Khon Kaen Cultural Office.
Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University said in his welcoming speech that it was a good opportunity that this Character Licensing Workshop was held in Khon Kaen with KKU cooperation. On behalf of Khon Kaen University, the President thanked all of the sectors concerned and welcomed the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, the Provincial Cultural Head Officer, and President of the Thailand Animation and Computer Graphics Association, trainees and KKU students who were also joining the project. Participants were lucky to have a chance to learn from professional trainers. The President finally wished everyone success from the workshop.
Khun Prasop Riang-ngoen, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture explained that the Character Licensing Workshop for licensed products has been held six times before, and this is the 7th workshop. It is the activity organized under the Thailand Creative Showcase 2021 (TCS 2021), which is aimed at enhancing knowledge and extending cultural capital among the personnel in the field of Thailand films and videos, so that they are inspired to create the works with international standards. Licensed products have been among the front-line business and can create tremendous incomes to the entertainment industry, especially animations. These can attract consumers to buy more products and the economic benefits can amount to a lot of money. The industry has occupied a place in the world market and is one channel for entrepreneurs to bring income and revenues to the country.
Khun Nop Thammawanit, President of the Thailand Animation and Computer Graphics Association (TACGA) said, “This workshop is an extension for the character designers. It will lead to income raising, knowledge on licensing, and product development. Up to now, there have been more than 200 people in the training, who have created famous characters some of which already entered the world market. The training is scheduled for 2 days, October 29 and 30. It covers the overall perspective of the training, and one-on-one training with the trainer. The trainees will bring what they have invented back to improve before presenting to the trainer again. Twelve characters will be selected, and the creators will receive more training on December 7, this year, when only 3 will pass to go on”.
News / Photos: Jiraporn Prathomchai
