Our Story
Learn about Krystal Institute's origins, core values, and team vision.
About Us
Our History
2000
A group of passionate pioneers gathered in Shenzhen with a shared vision: to bring China's animation industry onto the world stage. Founded by Mr. Raymond Neoh, often known as a pioneer of Chinese animation, Global Digital Creations (8271.HK) and the Institute of Digital Media Technology (IDMT) marked the beginning of China's CG industry rise.
It was an era filled with both opportunities and challenges. The team had to overcome technical limitations and low market awareness. Every step forward was difficult, but this persistence paved the way for the development of China's animation industry.
2005
Thru the Moebius Strip made a breakthrough as China's first feature-length 3D animated film and became a major milestone. Its imaginative storytelling and cultural depth brought international recognition to the team and injected new momentum into the Chinese animation industry.
Present
After 25 years of progress, these experiences have become the foundation of today's DECT Institute. With Creative Intelligence at our core, we are committed to nurturing a new generation of creators for the digital economy era. By integrating art and technology, aesthetics and AI, we continue writing a new chapter for Chinese animation.
Development Milestones
The founding team has over 30 years of experience in the digital media, creative technology, and education industries.
1996Technology R&D
Cross-border media technology research
Collaborated with Dr. Jose Luis Encarnação and Dr. Hock Soon Seah of Fraunhofer IDG, with funding support from the Singapore government to develop digital media technologies.
1998Vocational Training
Hong Kong's first CG animation vocational programme
Partnered with City University of Hong Kong to establish CDMT, systematically cultivating local CG professionals in Hong Kong.
2000Industry Milestone
China's first professional CG academy and feature animation
Co-founded the Institute of Digital Media Technology (IDMT) with Shenzhen University and, through producing Thru the Moebius Strip, established an internationalised production standard for China's CG animation industry.
2002Core Standard
Founding of GDC Technology
Established China's digital cinema projection standards and provided comprehensive technical support for major cinema chains nationwide.
2006Master's Programme
Designed a master's curriculum at NTU
Received grants from Singapore's MDA and WDA to launch a game R&D scholarship programme, training technical artists and senior game programmers.
2010International Recognition
Produced AAA game projects in Singapore
Developed titles for Xbox and PlayStation, and was selected as a representative project for the Singapore Pavilion at Expo 2010 Shanghai.
2018Exclusive Partnership
Became Blender Foundation's exclusive Greater China partner
Formed a long-term strategic partnership with a global leader in open-source 3D and computer graphics to advance foundational technology through education, R&D, and community building.
2019Institute Founded
Founded Krystal Institute
Established Krystal Institute in Hong Kong, integrating 30 years of frontier technology experience to focus on digital economy core technology education for professionals, students, and teachers.
2021Vocational Training
Government-funded vocational training programmes in Hong Kong
Established partnerships with City University of Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Productivity Council, and other academic and industry organisations, training more than 1,000 learners each year.
2023Education Partnership
CUHK and Jockey Club AI for Future Training Programme
The Krystal learning platform served as the technology partner for the territory-wide AI popularisation programme led by The Chinese University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Jockey Club, supporting online technology learning at 250+ secondary schools.
2023Talent Showcase
First 3D Animation Talent Showcase
Since the inaugural event, more than 300 primary and secondary students have created animation works with Blender, competed in Greater Bay Area events, and received recognition from Blender Foundation representatives and leading international CG creators.
2024Strategic Partnership
Strategic partnership with China-Africa Development Fund
Krystal partnered with the China-Africa Development Fund under China Development Bank to advance its global expansion strategy, demonstrating a solid local foundation and strong overseas growth potential.
2024Industry Conference
First AI and Creativity Conference
Focusing on critical technology bottlenecks in the industry, a three-day conference and training programme was held in Shenzhen, attended by more than 3,000 industry and academic representatives.
2025Industry Conference
2nd International Artificial Intelligence and Creativity Conference & Shenzhen Blender Conference
Krystal Institute co-organised and supported education and training programmes. Themed "Open Source + AI" and creative industry integration. 20+ keynote sessions and millions reached through live streaming.
Development Milestones
The founding team has over 30 years of experience in the digital media, creative technology, and education industries.
1996Technology R&D
Cross-border media technology research
Collaborated with Dr. Jose Luis Encarnação and Dr. Hock Soon Seah of Fraunhofer IDG, with funding support from the Singapore government to develop digital media technologies.
1998Vocational Training
Hong Kong's first CG animation vocational programme
Partnered with City University of Hong Kong to establish CDMT, systematically cultivating local CG professionals in Hong Kong.
2000Industry Milestone
China's first professional CG academy and feature animation
Co-founded the Institute of Digital Media Technology (IDMT) with Shenzhen University and, through producing Thru the Moebius Strip, established an internationalised production standard for China's CG animation industry.
2002Core Standard
Founding of GDC Technology
Established China's digital cinema projection standards and provided comprehensive technical support for major cinema chains nationwide.
2006Master's Programme
Designed a master's curriculum at NTU
Received grants from Singapore's MDA and WDA to launch a game R&D scholarship programme, training technical artists and senior game programmers.
2010International Recognition
Produced AAA game projects in Singapore
Developed titles for Xbox and PlayStation, and was selected as a representative project for the Singapore Pavilion at Expo 2010 Shanghai.
2018Exclusive Partnership
Became Blender Foundation's exclusive Greater China partner
Formed a long-term strategic partnership with a global leader in open-source 3D and computer graphics to advance foundational technology through education, R&D, and community building.
2019Institute Founded
Founded Krystal Institute
Established Krystal Institute in Hong Kong, integrating 30 years of frontier technology experience to focus on digital economy core technology education for professionals, students, and teachers.
2021Vocational Training
Government-funded vocational training programmes in Hong Kong
Established partnerships with City University of Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Productivity Council, and other academic and industry organisations, training more than 1,000 learners each year.
2023Education Partnership
CUHK and Jockey Club AI for Future Training Programme
The Krystal learning platform served as the technology partner for the territory-wide AI popularisation programme led by The Chinese University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Jockey Club, supporting online technology learning at 250+ secondary schools.
2023Talent Showcase
First 3D Animation Talent Showcase
Since the inaugural event, more than 300 primary and secondary students have created animation works with Blender, competed in Greater Bay Area events, and received recognition from Blender Foundation representatives and leading international CG creators.
2024Strategic Partnership
Strategic partnership with China-Africa Development Fund
Krystal partnered with the China-Africa Development Fund under China Development Bank to advance its global expansion strategy, demonstrating a solid local foundation and strong overseas growth potential.
2024Industry Conference
First AI and Creativity Conference
Focusing on critical technology bottlenecks in the industry, a three-day conference and training programme was held in Shenzhen, attended by more than 3,000 industry and academic representatives.
2025Industry Conference
2nd International Artificial Intelligence and Creativity Conference & Shenzhen Blender Conference
Krystal Institute co-organised and supported education and training programmes. Themed "Open Source + AI" and creative industry integration. 20+ keynote sessions and millions reached through live streaming.
Learn More
Explore our story and mission to better understand Krystal Institute.
Our Story
Mission
Discover our core mission and how we shape the future with creative intelligence.