International Conference on Creative Arts & Design
Organized by the Institute of Creative Arts & Design (ICAD)
at UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur.
Conference Date29–30 OCT 2026
VenueUCSI UNIVERSITY, KL
ThemeDESIGN-VERSE
Early Bird Deadline10 JUNE 2026
Conference Countdown
29 October 2026 · UCSI University
000
Days
:
00
Hours
:
00
Mins
:
00
Secs
2
Conference Days
11
Research Tracks
2
Keynote Speakers
Scopus
Publication Partner
Best
Paper Award
Why Attend
Three Reasons to Join ICCAD 2026
Where creative minds converge to explore the expanding ecosystem of design.
📝
Scopus Publication
All accepted full papers will be published in Scopus/WOS-indexed journals including Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology and Journal of Arts & Humanities.
🌐
Global Networking
Connect with international researchers, academics, practitioners, and industry experts from across Southeast Asia and beyond in creative arts and design.
🏆
Best Paper Award
Outstanding research presentations will be recognized with the Best Paper Award, presented during the parallel session after all conference presentations are completed.
Conference Tracks
11 Interdisciplinary Research Tracks
ICCAD 2026 welcomes submissions spanning the full spectrum of creative arts and design disciplines, from digital innovation to cultural heritage.
01
Multimedia & UI/UX
02
Game Design & VR/AR
03
Motion & Animation
04
Cultural Arts
05
Arts & Humanities
06
Fashion & Textiles
07
Industrial Design
08
Sustainable Design
09
Visual Communication
10
Services Design
11
Craft Design
Keynote Speakers
World-Class Speakers
Internationally recognised experts bringing insights from animation, design, and the global creative industry.
Keynote 1
Prof. Hans Martin Rall
President Chair Animation Studies · NTU, Singapore
Internationally recognised academic, author, animator, and creative industry expert specialising in animation, storytelling, and visual communication across Southeast Asia and internationally.
Keynote 2
Usamah Zaid
CEO/Director · WAU Animation Studios (Ejen Ali)
Renowned Malaysian animator, director, and entrepreneur — founder of WAU Animation, the studio behind the internationally successful animated series and film Ejen Ali.
Timeline
Important Dates
Plan your participation with our key conference milestones.
1 June 2026
Call for Full Papers Opens
Submissions portal live for all 11 research tracks.
10 June 2026 ⚡ Early Bird
Early Bird Registration Deadline
Save up to 20% with early bird registration rates.
30 July 2026
Full Paper Submission Deadline
4,000–6,000 words, APA style, English only.
1 July – 14 August 2026
Review Process
Double-blind peer review by international experts.
15 August 2026
Notification of Acceptance
Authors notified of acceptance or revision requests.
29–30 October 2026 🎉
Conference Days
Keynotes, parallel sessions, networking, and closing ceremony at UCSI University, KL.
Publication Partners
📗 Edelweiss Applied Science & Technology
📘 Journal of Arts & Humanities (JAH)
All accepted papers will be published in Scopus/WOS-indexed journals following the conference.
About ICAD UCSI
A Premier Platform for Creative Dialogue
ICCAD 2026 is the inaugural global conference organized by the ICAD Institute at UCSI University. We establish a premier platform for interdisciplinary dialogue across creative arts, design, and emerging technologies.
With the theme "DESIGN-Verse", the conference explores the expanding ecosystem of design, where creativity intersects with digital innovation, culture, sustainability, and immersive experiences.
Don't Miss Out
Have a Research Paper?
Submit your work to be featured at ICCAD 2026 and get published in a Scopus-indexed journal. Early bird rates available until 10 June 2026.
Our Story
About ICCAD 2026
The inaugural International Conference on Creative Arts & Design, organized by ICAD at UCSI University.
Introduction
What is ICCAD 2026?
The International Conference on Creative Arts & Design 2026 (ICCAD 2026) is the inaugural global conference organized by the ICAD Institute at UCSI University. This conference aims to establish a premier platform for interdisciplinary dialogue across creative arts, design, and emerging technologies.
With the theme "DESIGN-Verse", the conference explores the expanding ecosystem of design, where creativity intersects with digital innovation, culture, sustainability, and immersive experiences.
ICCAD 2026 will feature keynote speeches, paper presentations, panel discussions, exhibitions, and networking sessions.
Our Purpose
Mission & Objectives
🎯
Knowledge Sharing
Provide an international platform for researchers, academics, and practitioners to share knowledge and innovations in creative arts and design.
🤝
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Promote interdisciplinary collaboration across creative arts, media, and design fields to spark new forms of creative expression.
🚀
Emerging Trends
Explore emerging trends such as AI-driven design, immersive media, and digital storytelling that are reshaping the global creative industry.
🏛️
Industry-Academia Bridge
Encourage industry-academia partnerships for real-world creative solutions, positioning UCSI University as a regional leader in creative arts research.
Conference Theme
DESIGN-Verse
The theme "DESIGN-Verse" encapsulates the expanding universe of design — a creative multiverse where disciplines converge, technologies intersect, and boundaries dissolve. It celebrates the infinite possibilities that emerge when imagination meets innovation.
🎨
Digital Innovation
AI-driven design & creative tech
🌿
Sustainability
Eco-conscious design practices
🌍
Cultural Identity
Heritage meets contemporary design
🥽
Immersive Experiences
VR/AR and interactive media
What Sets Us Apart
Why ICCAD 2026 is Different
01
Inaugural & Historic
The first-ever international conference organized by ICAD at UCSI University — be part of a landmark moment in Malaysian creative arts and design education history.
02
Scopus-Indexed Publication
All accepted papers are published in internationally recognized Scopus/WOS-indexed journals, significantly boosting your academic profile and citation metrics.
03
Truly Interdisciplinary
11 research tracks spanning from fashion to game design, animation to sustainable design — the broadest creative arts conference in Southeast Asia.
Leadership
Conference Committee
General Co-Chair
Professor Ts Dr Khairul Aidil Azlin Bin Abd Rahman, CIDe
Director, Institute of Creative Arts & Design, UCSI University
Advisory Co-Chair
Associate Professor Dr Siek Hwee Ling, Perline
Program Manager
Prof. Dr. Dahlan Abd Ghani
Head of Committee
Assistant Professor Dennis Wong Chee De
Secretariat & Protocol
Mohammad Farizshah Bin Ismail · Kamil Akmal Afiq Farhan Bin Samsudin
Registration
Asst. Prof. Nur Mashita Binti Kamalun Ariffin · Asst. Prof. Haniza Binti Johari
Publication
Professor Dr Mandana Barkeshli · Asst. Prof. Kevin Ng Chin Chwee
Finance & Sponsorship
Zareena Binti Tajul · Muhammad Majidi
Ready to Participate?
Join researchers, academics, and creative practitioners from around the world at ICCAD 2026.
Keynote Speakers
Meet the Speakers
World-renowned experts in animation, creative arts, design, and digital media shaping the future of the creative industry.
Featured Keynotes
ICCAD 2026 Keynote Speakers
Keynote 1 · Day 1
29 October 2026, 9:00 AM
International Speaker
Prof. Hans Martin Rall
President Chair Animation Studies · Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore
Professor Hans Martin Rall is an internationally recognised academic, author, animator, and creative industry expert specialising in animation, storytelling, and visual communication. He is well known for his contributions to animation education, transmedia storytelling, and creative arts research in Asia and internationally.
With extensive experience in academia and the creative industry, Professor Rall has been actively involved in developing animation and digital media education, particularly in Southeast Asia. His research and publications focus on animation studies, visual narratives, culture, creativity, and emerging media technologies.
He has collaborated with universities, creative institutions, and international organisations in areas related to animation, design innovation, and digital storytelling. His work continues to inspire students, researchers, and professionals in animation, game design, and digital creative industries worldwide.
🎬 Animation Studies📖 Transmedia Storytelling🎓 Animation Education🌏 SE Asia Creative Industry
Keynote 2 · Day 2
30 October 2026, 9:00 AM
Malaysian Industry Leader
Usamah Zaid
CEO & Director · WAU Animation Studios (Ejen Ali The Movie)
Usamah Zaid Yasin is a renowned Malaysian animator, director, and entrepreneur best known as the founder and CEO of WAU Animation, the studio behind the successful animated series and film Ejen Ali. He previously worked with Les' Copaque Production on popular productions such as Upin & Ipin and Geng: The Adventure Begins.
A graduate of Multimedia University (MMU), Usamah Zaid is recognised as one of Malaysia's leading figures in the animation and creative industry. Under his leadership, Ejen Ali has achieved both local and international success, helping to elevate Malaysia's animation industry globally.
International experts ensuring the highest standards of scholarly excellence.
Ts. Dr. Vimala Perumal
MMU Cyberjaya
Visual Communication / Film Studies
Professor Paul Wells
Loughborough University UK
Animation Studies
Prof Dr Min Fan
University of China
Animation / VFX
Dr Rosli Arshad
ASWARA, Malaysia
Animation / VFX / Motion Graphics
Dr Fauzi Naeim
UniKL, Malaysia
Film Studies / Graphic Design
Prof Tan Wee Hoe
UCSI / Shanghai Int'l Office
Multimedia / Animation
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I submit a paper and attend as a presenter?+
Yes! Presenters submit a full paper (4,000–6,000 words in APA style) through the registration portal. Accepted papers are presented at parallel sessions and published in Scopus-indexed journals.
When is the early bird registration deadline?+
Early bird registration closes on 10 June 2026. Take advantage of reduced rates — UCSI students save RM200 and international presenters save RM200 compared to normal rates.
Will papers be published after the conference?+
Yes. All accepted full papers will be published in Scopus/WOS-indexed journals including Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology and Journal of Arts and Humanities (JAH), both pending confirmation.
Is the conference open to international participants?+
Absolutely. ICCAD 2026 is an international conference welcoming participants from across the globe. Separate fee structures apply for local and international presenters.
What is the paper submission format?+
Full papers must be 4,000–6,000 words, formatted in APA style, written in English. Only full paper submissions are accepted — no abstract-only submissions.
Can I attend without presenting a paper?+
Yes! Conference Participants (non-presenters) can attend both days of ICCAD 2026 for RM 600 (early bird) or RM 700 (normal rate). You'll have access to all keynotes, parallel sessions, and networking events.
Inspired by Our Speakers?
Register now to secure your spot at ICCAD 2026 and engage directly with these world-class experts in creative arts and design.
Join ICCAD 2026
Registration & Submission
Secure your place at the inaugural International Conference on Creative Arts & Design at UCSI University.
Key Dates
Important Deadlines
Call for Papers Opens
1 June 2026
OPEN
Early Bird Registration
10 June 2026
⚡ SAVE
Full Paper Submission Deadline
30 July 2026
SUBMIT
Review Process
1 Jul – 14 Aug 2026
REVIEW
Acceptance Notification
15 August 2026
NOTIFY
Conference Days 🎉
29–30 October 2026
CONFERENCE
Paper Guidelines
Submission Requirements
4–6K
Words (Full Paper)
APA
Citation Format
✓Full Paper submissions only (no abstracts)
✓Language: English only
✓Double-blind peer review process
✓Accepted papers published in Scopus/WOS journals
✓Best Paper Award for outstanding research
✓All 11 research tracks eligible
Registration Fees
Choose Your Category
Early bird rates available until 10 June 2026.
UCSI Student Presenter
RM 1,000Early Bird (until 10 Jun)
Normal: RM 1,200
For enrolled UCSI University students presenting a full paper
Student Presenter (Local & Int'l)
RM 1,300Early Bird (until 10 Jun)
Normal: RM 1,500
For students from other Malaysian or international universities presenting a full paper
Local Presenter
RM 1,600Early Bird (until 10 Jun)
Normal: RM 1,800
For Malaysian academics and professionals presenting a full paper at ICCAD 2026
International Presenter
RM 2,000Early Bird (until 10 Jun)
Normal: RM 2,200
For international academics and professionals presenting a full paper at ICCAD 2026
Conference Participant
RM 600Early Bird (until 10 Jun)
Normal: RM 700
Attend both conference days, keynotes, and networking sessions without paper presentation
All fees are in Malaysian Ringgit (RM). Early bird rates apply until 10 June 2026.
Programme
Conference Programme
DAY ONE — 29 October 2026
8:00 – 9:00
Registration & Opening Ceremony
9:00 – 10:00
Keynote Speaker 1 – Prof. Hans Martin Rall
10:00 – 10:30
Break
10:30 – 12:30
Parallel Sessions – Paper Presentations
12:30 – 14:00
Lunch Break
14:00 – 16:00
Parallel Sessions – Paper Presentations
17:00 – 17:30
Refreshment
DAY TWO — 30 October 2026
9:00 – 10:00
Keynote Speaker 2 – Usamah Zaid
10:00 – 10:30
Break
10:30 – 12:30
Parallel Sessions – Paper Presentations
12:30 – 14:00
Lunch Break
14:00 – 16:00
Parallel Sessions – Paper Presentations
17:00 – 17:30
🏆 Closing Ceremony & Best Paper Award
Secure Your Spot
Registration Form
Complete the form below and our team will contact you with payment details.
Get In Touch
Contact ICCAD 2026
Have questions about the conference? Our organizing committee is here to help.
Send a Message
We'd Love to Hear from You
Contact Details
Organiser Information
📍
Conference Venue
Institute of Creative Arts & Design (ICAD) Level 1, UCSI College UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
