“Successful participation in MSCA project requires more than expertise; it demands sustained commitment, active engagement and the ability to contribute across the full research lifecycle. Institutions that embrace this approach will maximise both impact and long-term collaboration value.”
Describe your institution’s experience with MSCA
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) participated as a partner in the H2020-MSCA-RISE project “High Dimensional Heterogeneous Data based Animation Techniques for Southeast Asian Intangible Cultural Heritage Digital Content (AniAge)”, a highly collaborative initiative addressing advanced animation techniques through high-dimensional heterogeneous data for intangible cultural heritage preservation. Our involvement originated from strategic alignment between our expertise in computer graphics and our regional access to Southeast Asian cultural heritage datasets. We were engaged early in the proposal development phase and remained actively involved throughout implementation.
The project exemplified MSCA’s emphasis on research excellence and knowledge co-creation, bringing together European and Southeast Asian partners in a structured staff exchange framework. UTM contributed domain-specific expertise in data acquisition and cultural context, supporting the development of novel animation pipelines and data-driven methodologies. From an implementation perspective, the project required sustained institutional commitment, effective coordination and responsiveness across multiple stakeholders. Participation in secondments, technical workshops and joint research activities enabled continuous transfer of knowledge and skills. This experience strengthened UTM’s readiness to operate within large-scale international consortia and reinforced best practices in collaborative research management and delivery.
How has participation in MSCA benefited your institution?
Participation in H2020-MSCA-RISE project has delivered significant institutional impact in terms of capacity building, research excellence and international positioning. Through the AniAge project, UTM enhanced its capabilities in advanced animation, machine learning, and data analytics, particularly in managing large-scale and heterogeneous datasets for cultural heritage applications.
The structured staff exchange mechanism (both inbound and outbound) facilitated deep knowledge transfer, enabling researchers to acquire new technical competencies while contributing regional expertise. This reciprocal exchange strengthened long-term collaboration networks and supported the development of joint research outputs and future funding opportunities.
At a strategic level, the project elevated UTM’s visibility as a key regional contributor to global research addressing intangible cultural heritage preservation digitally. It also reinforced interdisciplinary collaboration across computer science, arts and cultural studies. Importantly, the experience enhanced institutional confidence and capability to engage in competitive European research frameworks, positioning UTM for sustained participation in future EU joint programmes.
What is the added value brought by MSCA?
MSCA provides a unique framework that integrates mobility, knowledge exchange, and research excellence within a structured international collaboration model. It enables institutions to build sustainable partnerships while developing both technical and organisational capacities. The programme delivers long-term value by aligning research innovation with global societal challenges.
Project description
AniAge
High Dimensional Heterogeneous Data based Animation Techniques for Southeast Asian Intangible Cultural Heritage Digital Content-AniAge
The AniAge project focused on developing innovative animation techniques based on high-dimensional and heterogeneous data to support the digital preservation of Southeast Asian intangible cultural heritage. It addressed key challenges in reducing the cost and complexity of animation production while maintaining artistic control, through advancements in 3D animation algorithms, data analytics and machine learning. The project brought together European and international partners in a coordinated staff exchange programme, facilitating knowledge sharing through joint research, workshops and mobility activities. By targeting culturally significant performing arts such as traditional dances, AniAge project contributed to preserving heritage that is increasingly at risk due to modernisation pressures.
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