The Academy of Design (AOD) South Asia's celebrated design campus and a key institution in the advancement of Sri Lankan creative industries, is well known for generating brilliant design graduates of international standards.

An important routine followed by the AOD faculty to ensure that they receive first-hand exposure to global design is the participation in international design conferences and festivals across the world. As a result, a group of more than ten AOD Graphic Design students led by three AOD lecturers, took part in Kyoorius Designyatra 2010 in Mumbai, India.

Kyoorius Designyatra is widely acknowledged as a reputable knowledge-sharing platform where members from the international creative community can exchange ideas and insights on the future of design, highlight exciting new innovations and educate young designers.

The event featuring design legends like John Jay, Alok Nanda, Li Edelkoort, and Ashwani Singla, is organised to stimulate the minds of professionals and students alike and encourage them to explore beyond the commonly perceived boundaries of design.

"It was really exciting to listen to great speakers from all over the world and understand their ideas and points of view. I gained a lot of experience which will surely help me in my education and future career" said Shalini Jothiraja a second year Graphic Design student who took part in the tour.

AOD Graphic Design Programme Head, Canadian Graphic Designer - Alain Parizeau commented on the importance of students taking part in international conferences such as Kyoorius Designyatra.

"In order to produce home-grown design talent to rival international standards, the Sri Lankan Graphics and Advertising industry needs graduates who have direct familiarity with international advertising and Graphics. Study tours like this help students to get a head start in their design career by gaining exposure to the ideas and the work of industry leaders.