ArtTech – the convergence of Art and Technology, combining the knowledge of artists and engineers to create innovative works, is predicted to become a strong development trend in various fields such as education, entertainment, event communication, marketing, creative industries, exhibitions, performances, and more. Anticipating future trends, in 2024, the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) officially launched the ArtTech program, marking the first time ArtTech has been introduced at the university level in Vietnam.
The rapid advancement of technology, scientific breakthroughs, the rise of AI, robotics, and the metaverse heralds the era of 5.0, a super-intelligent society, expected to arrive by 2035 or possibly sooner. “The rise of a series of super-technologies,” “Enhancing interaction between humans and machines,” and “putting humans at the center” are the hot keywords when discussing this phase.
“In tune with the times, UEH believes that now more than ever, leaders in business, economics, law, state management, data, and communication need to understand and know how to apply computers and technology to their expertise and profession. Therefore, with the perspective that “Computers and Technology cannot go alone but need to be integrated with various fields for application to achieve optimal efficiency in resources,” in recent years, UEH has begun to develop new fields of study in this direction. To date, UEH offers 18 program choices (out of 56 programs) that embrace these trends. Among them, ArtTech and Smart Control and Automation are the two newest training programs, surpassing rigorous quality processes of the university and officially offered for enrollment in 2024″ – Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung – Vice Director of the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City shared.
Understanding ArtTech Correctly
“In the current context, ArtTech plays a crucial role as the intersection between artistic creativity and technological advancements. History shows that pioneering innovators such as Nam June Paik, with groundbreaking innovations in the field of video art, foresaw the integration of ArtTech. Steve Jobs affirmed that the pinnacle of technological advancement lies in its intersection with art” – Dr. Dong Su Yi – Vice Dean of Design and Communication Department at UEH (Former Global Creative Director of Ogilvy & Mather) shared. ArtTech is the combination of Art and Technology to create unique interactive artistic experiences, including digital art, multimedia design, virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), NFTs, Robot Arts, Virtual Human, Interactive Art, Real-time Graphics, Generative Art, Transmedia art, Time-based art, and more.
Training in ArtTech is about the intersection of Art and Technology, combining the knowledge of artists and engineers to create innovative works. Traditional mediums such as painting, sculpture, traditional music are combined with digital technology, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and other advanced technologies to create unique and exquisite experiences. Art and Technology expand the boundaries of traditional art, creating breakthrough innovations, practically applied in fields such as education, entertainment, event communication, marketing, creative industries, exhibitions, and performances.
The reality is, the history of the ArtTech field has been around for a long time worldwide, starting with names like Arts and Technology or Interactive Media, Interactive Design… Programs have been taught at institutions such as MIT, New York University, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and Thanh Hoa University… Particularly in Asia, developed countries are also utilizing technology to enhance prominent art forms like South Korea, China, and Japan…
Pioneering ArtTech Training in Vietnamese Universities
Recognizing the global development trend, UEH pioneered research and officially introduced the ArtTech program in 2024, aiming to create a team capable of integrating and leveraging new and traditional knowledge to create artistic or design products that provide more interactive experiences for users.
UEH’s ArtTech training program is built and referenced from over 30 top universities worldwide such as MIT, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, ArtEZ, New York University,… The standout feature of the ArtTech program at UEH is the training in prominent subjects such as Transmedia design, Film Visual Effects, Interactive design, Artificial Intelligence art, providing students with in-depth knowledge. Moreover, the program also includes research subjects on psychology, user behavior for students to grasp and create the most effective and practical products. In classrooms and simulated laboratories, students have the opportunity to experience applications of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, computer graphics, visual effects, and film special effects. Additionally, leveraging its strong brand reputation, UEH enhances partnerships with prestigious universities worldwide to provide students with opportunities for exchange from the second year in countries like Germany, Australia, South Korea, Macau, Portugal, Italy,… During the training process, students will also have opportunities to participate in practical activities with AR VR businesses, XR communities, AI…
Seizing Future Opportunities for Tech and Art Enthusiasts
Over 40 years ago, when humans used manual drawing methods as an initial exploratory step before creating products for humans, design software companies seized the opportunity, leading to the birth of support software like Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator,…, followed by the emergence of new products such as comics, packaging design, films… The industrial revolution in art created a new era, introducing new terms such as VFX, Digital Art,… and artists gradually recognized machine-drawn products as replacements for traditional artistic drawings.
We are currently in a transition era, and artificial intelligence – AI is now a tool for humans to create a new revolution. If we know how to use, leverage, and choose, AI Art will make our lives better. However, to view AI as a tool to serve and assist us in the thinking process, we need correct thinking and comprehensive knowledge to be able to select and create products with personal characteristics. Therefore, the ArtTech training program will help learners become pioneers with creative thinking in both technology and design fields.
UEH conducted surveys with over 100 businesses in marketing, advertising, event organization, artistic performances, design, and communication and identified very high demand for personnel in this industry. Therefore, ArtTech graduates will have extensive job opportunities in three fields: Creative & Design Industry, Communication & Entertainment Industry, Event, Exhibition & Performance Industry. Specifically:
– Creative & Design Industry with specialized positions:
- CG Artist: 2D & 3D Animation;
- VFX Visual Artist: Game, Film & Television;
- UI/UX Designer;
- Data Visualizer;
- Information Designer;
- Digital Artist;
- Interactive Media Designer.
– Communication & Entertainment Industry with specialized positions:
- Creative Director in Advertising & Marketing, Creative Agencies;
- Interactive Designer;
- Graphic & Web Designer;
- Event Designer Corporate, Event Planner;
- Brand Experience Designer/Digital Media Specialist;
- Public Relations Coordinator.
– Event, Exhibition & Performance Industry with specialized positions:
- MICE Coordinator/Producer;
- Artistic Director/Producer;
- Immersive Spatial Designer;
- Set Designer;
- Event Technology Specialist.
It can be said that pioneering the introduction of the ArtTech program at UEH not only meets the world’s trend but also strives to bring the best values to learners, enabling them to proactively seize their future in today’s digital age.
University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City – School of Media Design
