The Henan Animation Conference and the Yellow River Culture & Science Popularization Forum were held in Zhengzhou on December 26. Chief guests included Liu Jiaqi, an academician from the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Liu Qingzhu, an academic from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, and the design team for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games. The forum focused on the innovative development plan of animation in Henan and cultural integration in the Yellow River region. The event was sponsored by the Henan Cartoonists' Association and the Henan Animation Industry Association. At the same time, the Henan Animation Industry Association held its 2nd Member Congress. Associate Professor and Director of the Digital Teaching & Research Section at Sias' School of Art & Design, You Jie, attended the Member Congress.

In addition to teaching cooperation with international animation companies, students and teachers from Sias took part in both national and provincial academic competitions such as the "National University Digital Art Design Competition", the "Da Guang Competition", the "Central South Star", and the "Henan Star" competitions. They won 12 awards at the national level, and 7 provincial awards. The Henan Animation Design College and Sias University won the title of "Advanced Animation Design Company". Associate Professor You Jie was also elected to be a member of the Council at the Henan Animation Industry Association.