In Summer 2024, the University of Utah Asia Campus (UAC) students seized a hands-on learning opportunity by joining Film & Media Arts professor Yee Sien Ang on an international film project in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This initiative allowed students to immerse themselves in a professional film environment as they took part in producing a brand film celebrating Mentholatum’s 135th anniversary.
Ang, a seasoned director and film professor, is known for her commitment to blending industry practice with academic learning, and this project brought her vision to life. She worked closely with four select Utah Asia Campus students who traveled to Malaysia, where they contributed to the Mentholatum film, honoring the iconic Japanese skincare brand’s long-standing legacy and its five essential skincare products.
FILM 3945: Commercial Set Experience – Bridging Theory and Practice
To emphasize the importance of on-set experience, Ang introduced a course, FILM 3945: Commercial Set Experience, specifically designed to give students direct exposure to the intricacies of film production. This course not only introduced the fundamentals of commercial set dynamics but also allowed students to engage with them firsthand, turning academic learning into a practical, skill-building experience. By participating in a high-stakes professional project, students gained insights into every stage of film production, from planning and filming to managing behind-the-scenes workflows.
The collaboration with Dreamteam Production, the Malaysian production team behind the Mentholatum brand film, offered students a well-rounded, immersive experience. Students went beyond observation; they were integral to the production process, capturing the set’s energy by documenting the entire journey. Their responsibilities included producing a Behind-the-Scenes (BTS) video for Dreamteam Production and creating a Trip Video that highlighted their learning journey in Malaysia. These tasks provided students with exposure to both creative and logistical aspects of professional film production.
Cultural and Professional Growth in Action
Each student’s role extended far beyond the classroom. Working on a professional film set in a foreign country, they were challenged to navigate new cultural environments while adapting to a dynamic work setting. For instance, the BTS video project gave students a close-up view of the crew’s operations—from managing lighting setups to executing the director’s vision. Additionally, the Trip Video became a personal reflection of their transformative journey, capturing both the technical lessons and cultural exchanges that defined their time in Malaysia.
Dedication to Real-World Learning
This project reflects the University of Utah Asia Campus’s dedication to experiential learning. By offering students a path to apply their academic skills in a real-world setting, the campus affirms its commitment to preparing students for success beyond the classroom. Through Ang’s mentorship and the FILM 3945 course, students gained not only practical skills but also a broader appreciation for the global nature of the film industry.
This opportunity exemplifies the University of Utah Asia Campus's commitment to fostering an environment that encourages students to step outside their comfort zones, embrace cross-cultural experiences, and sharpen their professional competencies in international settings. The students’ experience in Malaysia serves as a testament to the University’s mission to bridge education with impactful, real-world experience.
About the University of Utah Asia Campus: The U Asia Campus is an extended campus of the University of Utah in the United States. Opened in Songdo International City, Incheon in 2014, the campus started with just 13 students and three majors. Over the past decade, it has grown to host 637 students and nine majors, including Accounting, Communication, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Film and Media Arts, Games, Information Systems, Psychology, and Urban Ecology. Students who enroll at the U Asia Campus study in Incheon for three years, then travel to Utah for a year to finish their degree and receive the same diploma as the University of Utah in the United States. U students enrolled through the Salt Lake City campus can also have an impactful international experience at the U Asia Campus, take courses in English from U faculty, and pay in-state tuition for up to two semesters. Learn more at asiacampus.utah.edu.