As artificial intelligence continues to transform the creative industry, what does the future hold for the next generation of designers, advertisers and creative professionals?

On 20 October 2026, the ONE Asia Student MasterClass and Portfolio Review 2026, themed Resist the Robot, brought together 400 students, lecturers and creative industry leaders at Limapulo @ Tong Shin Terrace, Kuala Lumpur and online, for an afternoon of industry insights, knowledge sharing and portfolio reviews.

Organised by ONE Asia / The One Club for Creativity and Level Up Professional Training, the event marked the first time the ONE Asia Student MasterClass was held in Kuala Lumpur, creating an opportunity for Malaysia's emerging creative talents to connect with experienced professionals from across the industry.

With artificial intelligence becoming increasingly integrated into creative workflows, the event encouraged students to look beyond technology and explore the importance of original thinking, storytelling, authenticity and human creativity.

Six Creative Leaders Share Perspectives on the Future of Creativity

The masterclass featured six established creative professionals from Malaysia and abroad, each bringing different perspectives on how the creative industry is evolving.

The speaker lineup included:

Gigi Lee, Founder & Principal Designer of Klinik Gigi, Malaysia — Everlution

Asheen Naidu, Group Executive Creative Director of LEO Singapore — Human Storytelling in the Age of AI

Rizza Garcia, Founder & Chief Designer of Lennon Group, Manila — Creativity Is Life

Nick Noh, Creative Director at Rethink Toronto — Two Heads Are Better Than AI

Pathida Akkarajindanon, Chief Creative Officer at BBDO Bangkok — Be Bad at Being a Robot

Simon Au, Executive Creative Director at The Kitchen North America, Toronto — The Authenticity Infection

The sessions explored different dimensions of creativity, from human storytelling and collaboration to the importance of individuality in an increasingly technology-driven industry.

For students preparing to enter the workforce, the discussions addressed a particularly relevant question: How can young creatives build their careers when AI is changing the way creative work is produced?

The programme also featured a forum and Q&A session, providing further opportunities to explore the ideas presented throughout the day.

Portfolio Reviews Connect Students with Malaysia's Creative Directors

Beyond the masterclass presentations, another important highlight was the student portfolio review programme, which ran alongside the event.

The sessions gave participating students an opportunity to have their creative work reviewed directly by experienced creative directors and industry professionals in Malaysia.

For many aspiring designers and creative practitioners, receiving professional feedback can be an important step in preparing for employment.

While academic assignments help students develop technical skills and creative thinking, industry portfolio reviews introduce a different perspective: how creative work is assessed by the professionals responsible for developing campaigns, leading creative teams and hiring talent.

The review programme brought together professionals from several established agencies and creative studios, including representatives from LEO Malaysia, Havas Malaysia, MUMA, NagaDDB and VML Kuala Lumpur, among others.

Through these interactions, students had opportunities to receive feedback on their portfolios, better understand industry expectations and gain perspectives on presenting their work to potential employers.

The initiative helped bridge the gap between creative education and professional practice, giving students access to industry knowledge beyond the classroom.

Bringing Together Malaysia's Creative Education Community

The event also welcomed representatives from several universities and creative education institutions, reflecting a shared commitment to preparing students for careers in the creative industry.

Among the institutions represented were Sunway University and IACT College, alongside INTI, Malaysian Institute of Art (MIA) and Dasein Academy of Art, which are also education partners of Rtist Creative Platform.

Their participation highlighted the importance of connecting educational institutions with industry practitioners, particularly at a time when emerging technologies are influencing the skills and expectations associated with creative careers.

Events such as the ONE Asia Student MasterClass provide an avenue for educators and students to gain exposure to industry perspectives while building connections beyond their respective institutions.

For aspiring creative professionals, these opportunities can help broaden their understanding of career possibilities in advertising, design, branding and other creative disciplines.

A Visual Identity That Reflects Human Creativity

The event's Resist the Robot theme was also reflected in its distinctive visual identity, developed by Kuala Lumpur-based creative studios Borderless and Klinik Gigi.

Their creative team adopted a hand-drawn illustration approach featuring a robot character with deliberately unconventional details.

Created by Klinik Gigi designer Shin Shin, the illustration included visual references to AI, such as a six-fingered robot and a box-shaped head.

The approach reinforced the event's central message: technology can support the creative process, but human imagination, judgement and original thinking remain essential to producing meaningful work.

The visual identity carried through the event's promotional materials and venue displays, complementing the discussions surrounding creativity and technology.

Supporting the Next Generation of Creative Talent

The ONE Asia Student MasterClass 2026 highlighted the importance of industry engagement in helping students prepare for their professional journeys.

Through talks, discussions and direct portfolio feedback, the event brought together different parts of Malaysia's creative ecosystem, from experienced agency leaders to educators and emerging talents.

As AI continues to influence how creative professionals work, developing a strong portfolio, understanding industry expectations and building meaningful professional connections remain valuable steps for students entering the workforce.

As a media partner and co-organiser, Rtist Creative Platform was pleased to support the initiative and attend the event, continuing its commitment to connecting creative talents with the wider industry.

Our appreciation goes to ONE Asia / The One Club for Creativity and Level Up Professional Training for organising the event, along with the speakers, portfolio reviewers, supporting partners and participating educational institutions for contributing to this valuable learning experience.

We would also like to recognise our education partners, INTI, Malaysian Institute of Art and Dasein Academy of Art, whose representatives were among those present.

We look forward to seeing more opportunities that connect Malaysia's emerging creative talents with the people and experiences shaping the industry.

Take the Next Step in Your Creative Career

Your creative journey doesn't end in the classroom. Whether you're a student preparing your first portfolio or a fresh graduate looking for opportunities, getting your work discovered is an important first step.

Showcase your creative portfolio, explore job opportunities and connect with potential employers on Rtist Creative Platform.