KUCHING – Kuching is set to become a vibrant hub for international creative exchange, artistic innovation, and emerging technologies as Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus presents Good Design Week (GDW) 2026 from 30 November to 6 December 2026.
Organised by the university’s School of Design and Arts, GDW 2026 brings together globally renowned creative practitioners, distinguished scholars, researchers, and representatives of leading academic, cultural, and creative industry institutions to explore the rapidly evolving intersections of art, design, science, technology, and the creative economy.
This year’s week-long programme features four major components: the In-Between Realities exhibition, an international symposium, Industry X Day 2026, and two exclusive workshops led by veteran professionals from Hong Kong’s television and entertainment industry.
All activities throughout GDW 2026 are free and open to the public, including students, creative professionals, educators, entrepreneurs, and the wider community.
In-Between Realities: An International Exhibition at the Intersection of Art, Science, and Technology
At the centre of GDW 2026 is In-Between Realities, an international exhibition running from 30 November to 6 December 2026 at the Sarawak Science Centre.
The showcase explores the fluid boundaries between physical, digital, and imagined worlds through innovative artistic research and creative practices.
Featuring works by globally recognised creative practitioners, artists, researchers, and emerging talents, the exhibition will showcase experimental approaches involving artificial intelligence (AI), interactive media, immersive environments, digital heritage, and creative technologies.
Visitors will be able to experience contemporary developments in digital and media arts while engaging with ideas that challenge conventional understandings of technology, culture, and the human experience.
Selected artworks will be evaluated by an international exhibition jury comprising experts from academic and creative institutions.
Through In-Between Realities, Swinburne Sarawak aims to strengthen connections between artistic research, emerging technologies, and public engagement, while enhancing Sarawak’s visibility within the global creative community.
International Symposium: Connecting Global Expertise with Sarawak’s Creative Future
Another highlight of GDW 2026 is the international symposium, Creative Profitability in Design, Arts, and Emerging Media, scheduled for 2 December 2026 at Swinburne Sarawak’s campus.
Featuring 14 speakers representing 8 nationalities, the symposium brings together renowned creative practitioners, distinguished academics, researchers, and industry professionals from international institutions and creative sectors to explore creative innovation and emerging media.
Discussions will cover a wide range of topics, including AI, digital media, design innovation, creative entrepreneurship, cultural heritage, immersive technologies, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Speakers include Professor John McCormick and Professor Gianni Renda from Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne, alongside other international scholars and creative practitioners.
By connecting global expertise with regional perspectives, the symposium seeks to stimulate meaningful discussions on the future of creativity, innovation, and the economic potential of design and emerging media.
It will also provide a platform for academic exchange, professional networking, and collaboration across disciplines and industries.
Industry X Day 2026: Where Emerging Talent Meets Industry
GDW 2026 will also feature Industry X Day 2026, a Swinburne Sarawak initiative connecting education, creativity, technology, and industry.
Taking place on 2 December 2026 at Swinburne Sarawak, the event will bring together students, industry partners, creative professionals, and businesses to exchange ideas, explore emerging technologies, and discover opportunities for collaboration.
The programme will feature three interconnected engagement areas:
- Exhibition Zone: Showcasing creative works, innovative student projects, and emerging design talent.
- Demonstration Zone: Presenting creative technologies, digital tools, production techniques, and practical applications.
- Opportunity Zone: Connecting students, graduates, industry representatives, and potential collaborators through professional networking and engagement.
The event will also feature the Brandstorm Workshop Sprint, developed in collaboration with Mojo Media, where participants can work on creative challenges and develop innovative ideas through intensive collaborative activities.
Industry X Day reflects Swinburne Sarawak’s commitment to preparing graduates for professional practice while fostering meaningful partnerships between higher education and the creative industries.
Exclusive Workshops Led by Hong Kong Television Legends
GDW 2026 will also present two workshops on television production and presenting, delivered by a delegation of Hong Kong television and entertainment professionals as part of the Hong Kong-Sarawak Cultural Corridor initiative.
The workshops support cultural exchange and knowledge sharing between Hong Kong and Sarawak’s creative communities, offering a rare opportunity to engage directly with experienced Hong Kong television professionals, gain practical industry knowledge, and develop connections across regional creative communities.
Among the delegates is Dr Ellesmere Choy Tsz Kin (蔡子健), a recognised Hong Kong actor and television personality known for his appearances in popular television dramas and entertainment programmes. With decades of experience in television acting, presenting, and cultural engagement, Dr Choy brings valuable insights into the enduring influence of Hong Kong television across Southeast Asia.
The delegation also includes veteran television producer and former senior TVB production executive Poon Ka Tak (潘嘉德) and actor Jason Lam Yuen Ying.
Aspiring filmmakers, television presenters, content creators, media professionals, independent artists, educators, students, and interested members of the public are invited to participate in these free workshops.
Workshop participation details and registration information will be announced through the official GDW website.
Workshop 1: From Page to Screen – Producing a TV Drama Series
Poon Ka Tak (潘嘉德) will lead a workshop exploring how a television series develops from an initial idea into a completed broadcast production.
Poon has extensive experience in Hong Kong television production, having contributed to numerous successful drama series, including Detective Investigation Files, Untraceable Evidence, and Triumph in the Skies.
Drawing on his industry experience, he will share insights into story development, scriptwriting, casting, production planning, scheduling, filming, and post-production. Participants will also gain an understanding of the creative and operational decisions involved in television production.
Workshop 2: How to Be a Good TV Presenter
Dr Ellesmere Choy Tsz Kin (蔡子健) will lead a masterclass on building a professional presenter portfolio and developing a career in television and digital media.
With a career spanning acting and television presenting, Dr Choy has established a strong connection with audiences through his performances and on-screen presence, particularly among generations of viewers familiar with Hong Kong television dramas.
In this session, he will share professional techniques for developing confidence, communicating effectively on camera, and delivering engaging television presentations.
Strengthening Sarawak’s Position in the International Creative Economy
Beyond its various activities, GDW 2026 presents an opportunity to strengthen Sarawak’s connections with international academic institutions, creative industries, and cultural organisations, while encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange.
The programme is supported by the Sarawak Science Centre, Mojo Media, the Hong Kong-Sarawak Cultural Corridor initiative, Galavate Software, and other institutional and industry partners.
GDW 2026 demonstrates how universities can serve as catalysts for creative development, connecting research, education, industry, and the wider community while contributing to the growth of Sarawak’s creative economy.
Whether visitors are interested in contemporary digital art, AI, television production, emerging technologies, creative entrepreneurship, or simply discovering new ideas, GDW 2026 offers opportunities to learn, connect, and be inspired.
For programme updates, registration information, and further details, visit www.swinburne.edu.my/events/good-design-week-2026.
For more information on Swinburne Sarawak, visit its website, Facebook page (@swinburnesarawak), Instagram page (@swinburnesarawak), LinkedIn page (Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus), X page (@Swinburne_Swk), TikTok page (@swinburnesarawak), YouTube channel (Swinburne Sarawak), or Xiaohongshu page (@SwinburneSwk).