Visual Arts to Animation: Academic Pathways of High Achieving Malaysian Higher School Certificate (STPM) Students in Malaysia

Abstract

This study examines the academic pathways from visual arts to animation among high-achieving Malaysian Higher School Certificate (STPM) students. The background highlights the growing demand for animation as a creative and technical field, yet curriculum gaps and limited infrastructure hinder student readiness. Using a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) guided by PRISMA protocols, relevant studies published between 2020 and 2024 were retrieved from Scopus, Web of Science, Taylor & Francis, SpringerLink, and Google Scholar through targeted keywords and Boolean search strategies. A total of 40 high quality studies were synthesized, focusing on curriculum alignment, skill acquisition, technological infrastructure, cultural capital, and international bench marking with Korea, Japan, China, and the United Kingdom. Findings reveal curriculum misalignment, gaps between creative and technical skills, and restricted access to animation technology as key barriers. The analysis incorporates Holland’s vocational theory, Bourdieu’s cultural capital, and Rational Choice Theory, showing the interplay of interest, socio cultural resources, and economic rationality. In conclusion, curriculum reform, technology enhancement, and stronger industry academia collaboration are essential to strengthen Malaysia’s visual arts to animation pathway model for local and global application.