NTUST Student Cheng Li-kai Wins Gunpla Builders World Cup Championship
Cheng Li-kai, a design student at NTUST, won the U-20 category at the 13th Gunpla Builders World Cup. His masterpiece 'KIRA KIRA,' inspired by Baroque sculpture, secured his second world title, impressing judges with its avant-garde vision.
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- 📰 Published: April 27, 2026 at 10:51
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Taipei, April 27 (CNA) - Gundam animation has a global fan base. Cheng Li-kai, a student from the Department of Design at Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST), took inspiration from animation endings and Italian Baroque sculptures to create the work 'KIRA KIRA,' which won the championship in the U-20 category of the Gunpla Builders World Cup (GBWC).
NTUST issued a press release today stating that Cheng has been particularly fond of the 'Gundam Build Fighters' animation since elementary school, which became the catalyst for him to try modifying models and adding personalized elements. He began creating parts, modifying, and coloring during his junior and senior high school years.
Cheng said that in the early days, he taught himself through online articles and videos. When resources were scarce, many basic techniques had to be explored by himself, with every step refined through repeated attempts and experience accumulation. Rather than simply learning existing techniques, he enjoys developing new methods in the process, such as thinking about how to make production more efficient or achieving more ideal effects.
His winning work 'KIRA KIRA' at the 13th GBWC U-20 category originated from an extension of his imagination regarding the animation's ending. He referenced the sculpture 'Ecstasy of Saint Teresa' by Italian Baroque artist Bernini to present a scene where Gundam characters from different generations meet in a parallel universe, creating a contrast between the old and the new.
After winning at the 11th competition, Cheng admitted that for this 13th edition, he participated with a more 'forward-looking and experimental' work, integrating different materials and techniques with bold scene concepts to break frameworks. He was initially worried that the avant-garde expression might not be favored by judges, but the final result showed their appreciation for his imagination.
Cheng mentioned that for him, Gundam models are not just a hobby but a medium for communication, conveying his personality and ideas. As his skills grow, he has extended his creativity to other fields, including action figures, miniatures, portrait models, and plush toys.
NTUST issued a press release today stating that Cheng has been particularly fond of the 'Gundam Build Fighters' animation since elementary school, which became the catalyst for him to try modifying models and adding personalized elements. He began creating parts, modifying, and coloring during his junior and senior high school years.
Cheng said that in the early days, he taught himself through online articles and videos. When resources were scarce, many basic techniques had to be explored by himself, with every step refined through repeated attempts and experience accumulation. Rather than simply learning existing techniques, he enjoys developing new methods in the process, such as thinking about how to make production more efficient or achieving more ideal effects.
His winning work 'KIRA KIRA' at the 13th GBWC U-20 category originated from an extension of his imagination regarding the animation's ending. He referenced the sculpture 'Ecstasy of Saint Teresa' by Italian Baroque artist Bernini to present a scene where Gundam characters from different generations meet in a parallel universe, creating a contrast between the old and the new.
After winning at the 11th competition, Cheng admitted that for this 13th edition, he participated with a more 'forward-looking and experimental' work, integrating different materials and techniques with bold scene concepts to break frameworks. He was initially worried that the avant-garde expression might not be favored by judges, but the final result showed their appreciation for his imagination.
Cheng mentioned that for him, Gundam models are not just a hobby but a medium for communication, conveying his personality and ideas. As his skills grow, he has extended his creativity to other fields, including action figures, miniatures, portrait models, and plush toys.