THE DEEP INTEGRATION OF MODERN ART EDUCATION AND CULTURAL AND CREATIVE PRODUCT DESIGN: A STUDY ON INNOVATIVE TALENT CULTIVATION

Author: Chengxin Li

ABSTRACT

In the era of booming global creative economy, cultural industries have become a pivotal driving force for regional economic growth. In this context, art and design education undertakes the vital responsibilities of nurturing high-caliber creative professionals, preserving regional cultural heritage, and boosting industrial advancement. As a multicultural nation in Southeast Asia, Malaysia blends the cultural essences of Malay, Chinese, Indian and other ethnic communities, and possesses a wealth of precious intangible cultural heritages including traditional batik craftsmanship, rattan weaving, Nyonya bead embroidery, and henna tattoo art. These rich resources offer exclusive materials and creative inspirations for cultural and creative product development. Currently, art education programs in Malaysian tertiary institutions face widespread flaws: a disconnect between theoretical learning and hands-on practice, superficial exploration of cultural depths, inadequate cultivation of innovative thinking, and a mismatch between graduate competencies and industry demands. These issues make it challenging to satisfy the market’s need for versatile and original design talents. Grounded in the current teaching situation of art and design majors in Malaysian universities, this paper conducts an in-depth exploration of the core significance and inherent connection of integrating modern art education with cultural and creative product design. It also sorts out prevailing teaching bottlenecks and industrial challenges, and probes into practical strategies for their in-depth integration from five aspects: restructuring the curriculum framework, innovating teaching methods, building practical platforms, strengthening faculty construction, and revitalizing cultural resources. This research aims to establish a talent cultivation system that conforms to regional features, meets industrial standards, and prioritizes creative literacy. It seeks to assist universities in cultivating elite cultural and creative designers equipped with profound cultural grounding, proficient design skills, and entrepreneurial mindset, so as to propel the high-quality, sustainable growth of cultural and creative industries in Malaysia and across Southeast Asia.

Keywords: modern art education; cultural and creative product design; multicultural integration; innovative talent cultivation; industry-education collaboration

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