The Vietnam Design Association (VDAS) has announced establishment of aninstitute of comic books and cartoons in Ho Chi Minh City with an aim tocarry out research projects and develop human resources for thissector, the Saigon Times Daily reported.

An opening ceremony ofthe first institute of its kind took place at Ton Duc Thang VocationalTraining College in HCM City on August 4.

The institute willintroduce innovative techniques of drawing comic books and producingcartoons, introduce successful models of comic books to young artists,and serve as a bridge between businesses and students.

Studentswill be trained via courses and have the opportunity to use theirknowledge and skills to practice in a real working environment.

PhanThi My Hanh, head of the new institute, said the comic book industryhas a long history of development in the world. There are institutes ofcomic books and cartoons in Japan, the Republic of Korea and elsewherein the world.

In Vietnam, the schools providing courses ondrawing techniques have been opened but they are not strong in cartoonand comic courses.

VDAS president Le Huyen said children’s demandfor comic books and cartoons is increasing remarkably, especially inHanoi and HCM City. The institute will help set up development plans forthe comic book and cartoon industry in Vietnam to meet the demand.

Hanh said the institute will open its offices in the Mekong Delta, and the central and northern regions in the coming time.-VNA