Citizens from ASEAN member countries can send their entries for the 2014 ASEAN animation contest by email up until April 15, according to the Authorship Copyright Department under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Professional and amateur animators can submit their works online at www.aseananimationcontest2014.com.

Launched by the ASEAN Working Group on Intellectual Property Cooperation (AWGIPC) in early March, the contest is part of the association’s intellectual property plan of action for the 2011-2015 period.

The competition aims to raise public awareness of intellectual property protection and encourage cartoon production.

It is also designed to improve animators’ skills in making and commercialising their cartoons, and help them exchange their experiences.

Each country can send five works. An award ceremony is scheduled for August, during which winners of first, second and third places, plus three consolation prizes, will be announced.

The best animations will be used to serve the ASEAN’s campaign to promote public awareness of intellectual property protection in the region.-VNA