Bangkok--16 Mar--PC& Associates Consulting
The Thailand Knowledge Park joined hands with Acer Computer Co., Ltd and Imagimax Co., Ltd in launching the "TK Park-Acer VR Game & PC Game Challenge 2006" that seeks talented Thais, both in university level and public who can skillfully develop computer games that promote local art and culture, as well as various tourist spots in Thailand. Winners will not only get an easier access to become a professional but will also win cash and awards worth over Bt1,000,000.
Dr. Sirikorn Maneerin, President of The Thailand Knowledge Park Board mentioned that TK Park has been playing a role as an informal educational place where it offers not only books and trainings but also activities related to cultures, arts, and IT. One of its missions is to promote lifelong learning habit among Thai youth.
Nowadays technology has a big impact in our daily life. The computer games in particular have also played an essential role in children’s life and their interests. Instead of showing the opposition to computer games, TK Park takes this opportunity to turn the “users or players” to become “potential producers” for the world demand. In doing this, TK Park joins Acer Corporation in organizing ‘the TK Park — Acer VR Game & PC Game Challenge 2006’.
This project consists of 3 parts: 3D Animation Training program for VR Game and PC Game opening for application during March — April; Interactive seminar program for VR Game and PC Game lovers during July — August; and the Virtual Reality Digital Game Competition opening for application from April — September. For those who are interested in the competition, they can submit their works during September 1 — October 31. It is challenging time for youth to create digital Thai products including multi-player games, graphic, programming and learn how to develop VR Game and PC Game inspired by Thai arts and culture.
Besides the objective mentioned above, the project aims to promote the development of computer game conceptualized in Thai arts and cultures including content, structure, potential design methods through young generations. In addition, it has a goal for Thailand of becoming one of the leading nations on digital content to compete in an international level.
"Acer always has a policy to conduct activities that can return benefits to society. In the past year, we achieved a great success on "Acer and Imagimax Animation Exploration Contest 2005" with overwhelming feedback from students nationwide. The contest has inspired us to continue conducting an activity that promotes animation industry and this year, Acer decided to be a part of the “TK Park-Acer VR Game & PC Game Challenge 2006" contest by joining hands with Imagimax. Realizing that, at present, technology is indeed playing important a role in our society as it finds its place almost anywhere — in the work place, at home or in any form of entertainment that people like such in movies, music or games. And most people prefer playing games to relax. Therefore, we believe that this contest will be a great opportunity for Thai people to present their talents in developing games which they could be proud of while promoting arts, culture and tourism in Thailand.
This contest also adheres to Acer's concept — InfoTainment or leveraging IT to increase both knowledge and the fun of acquiring it. Acer will set up computer for training in TK Park. Acer also invites partners including Microsoft, Intel and ATi who are the experts in different categories to join this contest.” said Mr. Alan Chiang, General Manager of Acer Computer Co., Ltd.
Mr. Kriengkrai Supornsahasrungsi, General Manager of Imagimax Co., Ltd said that "Imagimax has participated in this project by providing knowledge and training for students and those others who are willing to improve their talent in developing games—those who dare to think and express their creativity. We are ready to grant them the opportunity to be a part of us as we are ready to give them the needed “push” so they can reach national or even the international level of professionalism in this industry.
About TK Park
The Thailand Knowledge Park (TK Park) is one of the seven agencies under the Office of Knowledge Management and Development, OKMD (a public organization). TK Park is originated from the desire to search for and management of knowledge, information and technology, which are so varied and rapidly changing in the present world which was inspired by His Excellency Police Lieutenant Colonel Thaksin Shinawatra, the Prime Minister, to prepare Thailand as a knowledge-based society.
The main objective of the establishment of TK Park is to provide an alternative learning channel for Thai children, which offers them a combination of books, activities, music and multi-media. TK Park also offers a platform for children to exchange ideas and experiences gained from the actual exercises, which will lead them on to the road of self-discovery in accordance with their own preferences and aptitudes.
With this objective in mind, the TK Park has been operating since January 24, 2005 on 6th floor, the Central World Plaza. There are multi-purpose areas which are conductive to learning with creative and fun atmosphere including:
1. Living Library provides unlimited knowledge and materials that can satisfy everyone’s learning needs and interests. There are over 10,000 books and magazines, both in Thai and English languages which you can enjoy reading at various positions, whether you are climbing a ladder, climbing book wall or lying down. In addition, there are quiet zone, kid’s room, internet corner, music corner and more for your enjoyment.
2. The Open Square zone where teenagers can really express their creative power and energy, which affords an opportunity for them to learn and sharpen their skills. They are able to boast their ability on the topics of their interests and take part in various activities such as TK workshop, TK Talk, TK Music, TK Show from both professional and amateur artists.
3. ICT Park consists of numerous world of knowledge under 4 e areas. There are e-Expo, an exhibition area for ICT knowledge and creativity of the youths and professional both Thais and foreigners. e-Training, a place for electronic learning and workshop and e-Technology, displayed the latest state-of-the-art soft ware and hard ware from well-known information system companies, plus e-Content, a learning center for electronic library.
4. TK Mini Theatre, a place to enjoy a range of exclusive films, plus experience another side of fun and excitement through another form of media about the world of films with Virtual Reality Technique, a combination of three-dimensional computer graphics and games.
5. TK Teen Shop, where you can find a wide range of TK Park souvenirs, such as bookmarks, books, pencil boxes, T-shirts and hats. Some will be designed from children’s imagination and creativity at reasonable prices.
Today the Thailand Knowledge Park (TK Park) situated on the 6th floor of Central World Plaza is a place of learning, which provides knowledge and information in a variety of forms, in a creative surrounding. From now on, a library will not only be a source of academic learning, but also a place where children and youth can experiment and express themselves. It will be a place that is open for new ideas and ways of thinking. Since the opening, there has been over 3,000 persons experiment the library, and over 1,000,000 persons in total. For more information, please contact: www.tkpark.or.th
About Acer
Acer ranks among the world's top four branded PC vendors, designing and marketing easy, dependable IT solutions that empower people to reach their goals and enhance their lives. In 2000, Acer spun-off its manufacturing operation to focus on globally marketing its brand-name products: desktop and mobile PCs, servers and storage, displays, peripherals, and e-business solutions for business, government, education, and home users. Established in 1976, Acer Inc. employs 5,600 people supporting dealers and distributors in more than 100 countries.
Acer first penetrated the market in Thailand 1984, establishing an office in 1993. Acer Computer
Co., Ltd. has been growing rapidly and is now widely recognized in Thailand. A major sponsor of the 13th Asian Games held in Bangkok in 1998, the company has been the recipient of The Reader’s Digest “Outstanding Brand Performance” for six consecutive years. Moreover we have been ranking no. 1 notebook selling for 10 consecutive quarters (Y2003-present). For more information, please visit the Acer website at www.acer.co.th
About Imagimax
Imagimax is the leading animation & design studio in Thailand and a true pioneer & innovator in the rapidly evolving Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) industry. Imagimax provides a full range of services including character development, storyboarding, layout, modeling, animation, lighting, texturing, editing, and compositing. With the experience of working with the international studios from Europe and the USA on 3D animation for TV series, movie games and graphic games for games studio in Japan, as well as domestic productions for Special Effects. for Thai featured film and Computer Graphic for the advertising industry. Imagimax is becoming one of the best animation studio where comprised of the best-trained and the experienced animation team in the country.
For more information please contact: Press Release issued by:
Ms Pattra Kijdamrongwinijgul PC& Associates Consulting Co., Ltd.
Marketing Executive Ms Sunisa Kaewthai
Acer Computer Co., Ltd. Tel: 0 2971 3711 Fax: 0 2521 9030
Tel: 0 2661 9700 Fax: 0 2661 9721 E-mail: [email protected]
E-mail: [email protected]
Click for photo release at www.thaipr.net