Notice it or not, today's Google search page is decorated with an illustration of a bespectacled man drawing. Against a background of liquid yellow and brown, there is also an image of a computer with some letters that make up the word 'Google'. Who exactly is he who decorates Google Doodle today?
He is the late Kamarudin Ismail or better known as Kamn Ismail, who is a leading figure in the world of Malaysian animation. He is also mentioned as a pioneer in the use of computer technology and digital applications in animation around the 90s.
In conjunction with the 67th anniversary of his birth, a special Google to commemorate the life and career of Kamn Ismail has been produced. In the meantime, Google also uploaded some exclusive videos shared by his family and friends.
A little background about him, his interest in art and painting started when he was still in school. Once worked at a UK-based company, McMillen Film Company to produce the film Paper Tiger in 1975. However, due to certain constraints, Kamn had to put aside his interest and change to another field of work. One of them became an administrative clerk with Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB).
Returning to his original interest, Kamn then joined Kharisma Pictures (M) Sdn Bhd for the production process of the animation series Usop Sontorian which had 49 episodes between the years 1991 to 1997. Subsequently he also became part of UAS Animation Studios (M) Sdn. Bhd. also as one of the directors for the production of the popular animation series, Keluang Man in 1997.
Kamn further determined to establish his own company, namely Quest Animations (M) Sdn. Bhd. in 2001 to produce and direct his own animated series. These include Che Nat, Kumang, Toman 1, Kumang Legenda Sarawak, Legenda Kinabalu, Pusaka, Pejuang, Duwi, Kiddo Science World and Mat Kilau.