VietNamNet Bridge – The Vietnam Design Association (VDAS) has announced establishment of an institute of comic books and cartoons in Ho Chi Minh City with an aim to carry out research projects and develop human resources for this sector.

An opening ceremony of the first institute of its kind took place at Ton Duc Thang Vocational Training College in HCM City on August 4.

The institute will introduce innovative techniques of drawing comic books and producing cartoons, introduce successful models of comic books to young artists, and serve as a bridge between businesses and students.

Students will be trained via courses and have the opportunity to use their knowledge and skills to practice in a real working environment.

Phan Thi My Hanh, head of the new institute, said the comic book industry has a long history of development in the world. There are institutes of comic books and cartoons in Japan, the Republic of Korea and elsewhere in the world.

In Vietnam, the schools providing courses on drawing techniques have been opened but they are not strong in cartoon and comic courses.

VDAS president Le Huyen said children’s demand for comic books and cartoons is increasing remarkably, especially in Hanoi and HCM City. The institute will help set up development plans for the comic book and cartoon industry in Vietnam to meet the demand.

Hanh said the institute will open its offices in the Mekong Delta, and the central and northern regions in the coming time.

SGT/VNN