“Innovation is the ability to see change as an opportunity, not a threat.”
For Yan-Ning Tung, the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Claz’room College, innovation in education is about embracing change, breaking down barriers, and creating new opportunities for growth.
In a time where traditional education is struggling to keep pace with industry demands, Yan-Ning stands out as a visionary leader who is redefining the possibilities of education. She believes that education should be an engine of creativity, a platform that empowers students to dream big and turn their talents into impactful careers.
Yan-Ning’s journey from being a creative digital artist to a pioneering educator is a story of passion, resilience, and a deep commitment to nurturing the next generation of creative talent. She has crafted a space where creativity meets real-world opportunities, preparing students to lead and innovate in the global creative arts industry.
“I have always been inspired by the idea of becoming an educator, especially in the creative field,” Yan-Ning shares. Her passion for teaching and the arts has driven her to rethink education as a dynamic, immersive experience that prepares students not just for jobs but for meaningful careers that elevate Malaysia’s creative industry to international recognition.
As we explore Yan-Ning’s journey, we get a glimpse of her approach to education, which is about challenging norms, breaking down barriers, and building a community where learning and creativity thrive together.
The Path to Excellence
Yan-Ning’s professional journey began as a creative digital artist. She worked on various notable projects, including designing game cards for Hasbro’s Wizards of the Coast and creating concept art for films like Jackie Chan’s Police Story.
While Yan-Ning thrived in the creative world, she also found immense joy in teaching, working as a lecturer at a creative college and sharing her knowledge with students.
However, a pivotal moment came during a trip to California, where she attended San Diego Comic-Con and visited iconic studios like Nickelodeon and Warner Brothers. This experience exposed her to how industry leaders in entertainment integrated education with real-world practices.
“I observed how the entertainment industry bridged the gap between education and the demands of the real world,” Yan-Ning recalls. She noticed how conventional academic models often left talented graduates disconnected from industry needs and opportunities, and she knew that Malaysia had a wealth of untapped talent that needed an innovative approach to education.
Inspired by similar experiences at the Tokyo Game Show and various studio visits in Japan, Yan-Ning envisioned a new platform—one that would break away from traditional education models and focus on nurturing talent by integrating industry relevance into the learning process. Thus, Claz’room College was born – a place where education is dynamic, immersive, and geared towards bridging the gap between creativity and real opportunities.
Defining Visionary Leadership in Education
“A visionary leader sees beyond institutional goals,” she explains, “envisioning a future that elevates students, empowers talent, and strengthens both industry and community.”
For Yan-Ning, visionary leadership constitutes of a passion for people and a clear purpose. She believes that true leadership is about creating pathways for others, taking decisive steps to bring those visions to life, and ensuring that education serves the greater good—uplifting individuals, industries, and communities alike.
Enabling Transformative Innovation
Under Yan-Ning’s leadership, Claz’room College has become a pioneer in skills-based education for digital creative arts, positioning itself as one of Malaysia’s first institutions to adopt this approach.
“We invested substantial time developing curricula with the Ministry of Human Resources and the Skills Development Department to meet both quality standards and practical industry needs,” Yan-Ning shares.
This innovative approach has earned Claz’room College significant recognition. The college became the first institution in Malaysia to receive a 5-star rating from the Ministry of Human Resources for excellence in digital creative skills-based education. It has also received international accolades, including being named a “Top Global Creative School” by The Rookies, placing it among the leading creative institutions worldwide.
One key initiative that Yan-Ning is particularly proud of is the college’s effort to bridge the gap between high schools and the digital arts industry. “Many Malaysian schools lack resources for digital media education,” she explains, “focusing instead on conventional art methods like watercolor and sketching.”
To address this, Claz’room College launched a program that brings their digital art resources directly into high schools, providing younger students with an early introduction to the world of digital arts.
This hands-on exposure equips students with the insights and experiences they need to make informed career decisions, empowering them to envision a future in creative industries that is both relevant and impactful.
Addressing Challenges in Higher Education
According to Yan-Ning, one of the biggest challenges facing higher education today, is the disconnect between education and industry. “Without active industry participation, educational content risks becoming outdated and irrelevant,” she points out.
To address this, Claz’room College has made persistent efforts to create win-win collaborations with industry partners, ensuring that learning content is future-ready and aligned with real-world demands.
Programs like their industry mentorship initiative, faculty training with international leaders, and partnerships with cutting-edge software companies help Claz’room College stay relevant and innovative.
“Collaboration among government, industry, and academia is essential,” Yan-Ning asserts, “and we are committed to creating sustainable partnerships that benefit everyone involved.”
A Creative Vision for The Future
Yan-Ning’s goals for Claz’room College over the next five years are ambitious and clear. Having achieved recognition as one of the top creative schools globally, her next goal is to put Malaysia firmly on the global map in the digital creative sector.
“We will continue to nurture world-class talents and create international opportunities for our students,” she says, aiming to elevate industry standards and make significant contributions to the global creative landscape.
Yan-Ning also envisions developing an unconventional learning space that encourages creativity and innovation. By expanding offerings in both technology and creative programs, she plans to grow regionally and provide even more comprehensive learning opportunities.
Additionally, Claz’room College aims to develop and publish intellectual properties created by its students and alumni, showcasing the talent within their community.
