Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation’s (APU) School of Media, Arts and Design (SoMAD) lecturer, Mr Mohamed Khairi Ibrahim (Aie Ibrahim) has captured international acclaim for his 2D animation The Pillar of Strength, which brings the rich culture of the Indigenous Iban community to life and earned top honours at FICSAMAS 2025 in Brazil and HECFF 2023 in Canada, proudly showcasing Malaysia’s heritage on the global stage.

After securing a prestigious RM50,000 local grant for his short animation ‘Permaidani Warisan Malaysia (Malaysia Tapestry of Heritage)’, Mr Mohamed Khairi Ibrahim — better known as Aie Ibrahim — has once again made Malaysia proud. 

The Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) lecturer from the School of Media, Arts and Design (SoMAD) recently won the Best International Animated Film Award at the Festival Internacional de Cinema de São Mateus do Sul (FICSAMAS) 2025 in Brazil for his 2D short film The Pillar of Strength, which celebrates the culture of the Indigenous Iban community in Borneo.

An animated film of Malaysian production, The Pillar of Strength has also earned international acclaim at the International Human-Environment Care Film Festival (HECFF 2023) in Toronto, Canada, where it won the Best Cultural Diversity Film Award. 

The film, which advocates for endangered generations while supporting efforts to break the cycle of endangerment, continues to strengthen Malaysia’s presence in the global creative scene.

This marks Aie’s first participation in FICSAMAS, an international film festival held for the second time in Brazil. 

The festival serves as a platform for independent filmmakers from around the world, promoting cultural exchange and supporting local creative economies. 

Its award categories include Best National Film, Best International Film, Best National Animated Film, Best International Animated Film, Best Inclusion Film, Best Film – Cultural Incentive Laws, and Best Sports Film.

Although unable to attend the ceremony in person, Aie expressed his gratitude and excitement for the recognition.

The Pillar of Strength is a 2D animated short film that celebrates and preserves the cultural identity of the Indigenous Iban community from the island of Borneo. 

“The film aims to highlight the deep-rooted traditions, values, and unique customs of the Iban people, a community rich in heritage yet often underrepresented in mainstream media,” he explained.

Through symbolic storytelling and expressive visual design, the film explores universal themes of strength, unity, respect for nature, and the spiritual connection between humans and their ancestors. 

Rather than relying on dialogue, it communicates its message through visual metaphors, colour symbolism, and emotional gestures, making it accessible and relatable to audiences of all cultural backgrounds.

The animation stands as both a creative achievement and a cultural tribute, honouring the resilience, dignity, and wisdom of Indigenous communities while reminding viewers of the importance of safeguarding ancestral knowledge in a rapidly modernising world.

Reflecting on his experience, Aie shared the deeper lessons he gained from this competition.

“This journey taught me the importance and responsibility of representing our culture on the world stage. 

“Global audiences are genuinely curious about what we have, our stories, traditions, and identities. By showcasing our unique cultural heritage through animation, we not only share our perspectives but also promote Malaysia’s rich diversity internationally.”

He added that the festival provided invaluable exposure and inspiration.

“It was a wonderful and meaningful experience that allowed me to connect with other creative individuals, share my work, and learn from filmmakers across cultures. 

“The competition environment was both inspiring and motivating, reminding me why I am passionate about storytelling and animation.”

The opportunity to receive international feedback and witness diverse storytelling styles has further encouraged him to refine his craft and think globally.

“It exceeded my expectations by not only allowing me to share my cultural story but also by connecting me with other passionate creatives, inspiring me to grow and contribute to Malaysia’s animation industry.”

Looking ahead, Aie plans to continue producing and submitting animated works to international festivals. 

His goal is to elevate Malaysia’s animation scene and strengthen cultural representation through creative storytelling.

“I strongly uphold the principle of ‘Demi Memartabatkan Budaya melalui Animasi (To Uphold Culture through Animation)’. 

“By weaving cultural elements into animation, we can preserve our heritage, educate global audiences, and showcase Malaysia’s traditions in a creative and engaging way,” he concluded.

As a lecturer under APU’s SoMAD, Aie also hopes to inspire students who aspire to pursue animation and storytelling.

“At APU, we are proud to have internationally qualified educators who nurture creativity and innovation. It is a privilege to help students explore their artistic potential while promoting Malaysia’s culture through the power of animation.”

For those who are interested, The Pillar of Strength can be watched HERE.