Chan Ka-lam

Graduate, School of Creative Media
Awardee of the Hong Kong Next Generation Award, World University Animation Awards

“Animation is my lifelong companion.”

The Japanese action-packed anime series ONE PIECE chronicles the adventures of a band of companions. Running for over 27 years, it provided vital spiritual nourishment during her childhood for Chan Ka-lam, a graduate of the School of Creative Media at City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK), and ignited her boundless passion for animation creation.

Through her graduation project Pink Pupil, Ka-lam was awarded the Hong Kong Next Generation Award at the World University Animation Awards (WUAA). This accolade both honours her dedication and showcases her immense potential as a rising star in the animation industry.

Pink Pupil is adapted from Ka-lam’s graduation project for her Creative Media programme. Despite numerous revisions, she modestly acknowledges the work still has room for refinement. The story follows a young girl who can see creatures from another world. She occasionally encounters a peculiar cat with magical powers that helps her “eliminate” unpleasant aspects of her life. The title “Pink Pupil” refers to the protagonist’s pink irises, symbolising her identity as a student. Ka-lam skilfully employs pink tones to create a dreamlike visual atmosphere where reality and fantasy intertwine, weaving her personal experiences into a captivating otherworldly setting.

Ka-lam admits the exhausting journey of creating Pink Pupil, sharing how she faced repeated moments of confusion and creative blocks. It was only through the unwavering support and guidance of her mentors that she managed to complete the work. Entering the competition with uncertainty, she found the recognition both surprising and deeply motivating. Beyond the award itself, however, she cherishes the opportunity to experience the outstanding entries at the awards ceremony, describing it as an immensely enriching experience that provided her with a wealth of creative inspiration and nourishment.

Ka-lam’s enthusiasm for animation fuels her ongoing drive. Throughout the pandemic, she diligently utilised online resources to learn fundamental animation techniques and software. She also leveraged CityUHK’s extensive learning resources to master various production software. She is particularly grateful to her mentors, Mr Eddie Leung and Mr Dick Thung, who provided invaluable assistance both in animation knowledge and through their support and guidance inside and outside the classroom, serving as a guiding light in her creative journey.

Though the path of animation creation is fraught with challenges and uncertainties, Ka-lam remains determined to deepen her expertise in this field. She aspires to utilise her skills and personal experiences to craft more emotionally resonant works.

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Last updated: 02-01-2026