Dilmah Tea and AOD celebrate 75 years of friendship between Sri Lanka and Australia
An event was held to commemorate the collaborative friendship across borders between the countries of Sri Lanka and Australia. This event included a competition, where students of Academy of Design participated in, to recognize this occasion.
The 75 long years of collaboration between the Nations is only strengthened by Dilmah Tea’s presence in Australia for 37 years. In celebration of this, the students of the Interior Architecture and the Graphic and Visual Communication Departments took part in this competition. The theme of the competition was not only the long relationship between the Nations, but also the migration induced relationship between Sri Lanka and Australia. With many Sri Lankans now living and becoming citizens of Australia, the connection these two countries share is undeniably strong.
This was a great opportunity for AOD students to participate in, and potentially collaborate with an iconic, world recognized brand. The competition involved ‘reimagining the perfect cuppa’ tea, where students were tasked with envisioning their perfect cup of tea, its surroundings, taste and visual appeal.
Not only do graduates of AOD have access to these opportunities, but also the current cohort of students that are enrolled in the college as well. This competition is a testament to the bountiful prospects of enrolling in design college, that gives you access to such large brands.
Real world engagement with world renowned brands in the industry
A key part of AOD is that undergraduates are exposed to real world requirements with key industry players. The opportunity to gain work experience, whilst engaged in academics is instilled from the very beginning of a student’s journey at AOD. The benefits of this include soft skill development, building portfolios and exposure. For example, client relationship management, feedback and iterations as well as presenting one’s ideas were all soft skills honed during this competition, in collaboration with Dilmah Tea.
Students also have the benefit of being recognized in the industry, both on local and international platforms. The more competitions a student engages with, the better in terms of exposure but also recognition, which goes a long way in terms of paving the way for multiple job opportunities in the future.
To mark the event, the CEO of Dilmah Tea, Mr. Dilhan C. Fernando addressed the attendees, highlighting the 37 long years of entering the Australian market. Mr. Fernando also commended AOD on a wonderful collaboration ‘it was very elegantly and very professionally managed, so the relationship and the tea aspect of the competition were presented in three wonderful artworks which motivated us to go beyond the one prize and recognize the three young talented artists. “ Dr. (Hon DCL) Linda Speldewinde, Founder & Chairperson of AOD, who was also present at the event reflected upon the huge opportunity AOD students were given to engage with such an iconic brand. The High Commissioner of Australia, H.E. Mr. Paul Stephens and Mrs. Christina Stephens was invited to present the winners, along with, Prof. Thomass Atkinson, Director of Academic Affairs, AOD as well as Ms. Ishara Wijemanne, General Manager of AOD/ Design Corp.
The winning design was from Chamelie Kankanamge, who won a cheque for LKR 75,000 who is a second year Graphics & Visual Communications Student. The First Runner Up was Sahar Nashwah Samidon, who is enrolled in the second year Interior Architecture Design Programme. The Second Runner Up was Aaliyah Riyaz, also a second year Graphics & Visual Communications Student. Hearty congratulations to all the winners, as well as all the students who participated in the competition!
The event was a success, and all those who engaged and participated with the competition no doubt gained from all the learning involved with the project! It is of utmost importance that each student at AOD is given the right opportunities to springboard their careers within the design industry to a roaring success. The many well recognized brands that a student has the prospect to engage with, the academic studies, as well as the exposure to real-world working environments are a recipe for success! AOD is honoured to help facilitate these ongoing relationships between students, graduates and industry leaders.
AOD invites all A/L & O/L graduates and aspiring creatives to learn more about the leading design university in Sri Lanka, its various globally-affiliated programmes including BA (Hons) Fashion Textile & Design, BA (Hons) Fashion Design & Marketing, BA (Hons) Interior Architecture Design, BA (Hons) Graphics & Visual Communication Design and BA (Hons) Motion Graphics & Animation Design. Find out how all prospective students can be assured of a truly-world class education that exposes them to international design opportunities. For more information, contact AOD on 0775727772, email info@aod.lk or walk in between 9am and 4pm Monday to Friday – Colombo Innovation Tower, No 477, R. A De Mel Mawatha, Colombo www.aod.lk