Since its debut, the Gundam anime franchise has gained global popularity, evolving from screen productions into a model-making culture that blends craftsmanship with personal creativity. For many enthusiasts, Gundam models are not merely collectibles but a medium for expressing imagination and creativity. Among them is Li-kai Cheng (Haru), a sophomore in the Department of Design at Taiwan Tech. Inspired by Gundam anime from a young age, he has dedicated himself to model making and customization. He previously won the U-20 World Championship at the 11th Gundam Builders World Cup (GBWC), and in 2026, he once again claimed the world title in the same category at the 13th competition with his passion and bold, avant-garde creativity.

Li-Kai Cheng (haru), a sophomore in the Department of Design at Taiwan Tech, was inspired by Gundam anime to pursue model creation. With passion and bold, forward-thinking creativity, he won the U-20 World Championship at the 13th GBWC this year. Photo credit: BANDAI SPIRITS.

Cheng developed a strong interest in the anime Gundam Build Fighters during elementary school. The concept of characters building and customizing their own “Gunpla” for battle inspired him to start modifying models and adding personal elements. Beginning as a hobby, he gradually entered the world of model making, and during junior and senior high school, he started crafting parts, modifying structures, and painting models himself. Cheng explained that he initially relied on online articles and videos for self-learning. With limited resources at the time, many fundamental techniques required trial and error, with each step built on repeated practice and accumulated experience.

From trimming parts and sanding to painting, every detail in model making requires precision. Cheng also takes on commissions, helping enthusiasts create more refined and polished works.

He noted that rather than simply mastering existing techniques, he enjoys developing new approaches during the process - such as finding ways to improve efficiency, simplify post-processing, or achieve better visual results. This continuous process of refinement and adjustment is what keeps him motivated.

Today, Gundam model quality has significantly improved, with many series designed to be beginner-friendly. However, some modelers invest extensive time in details to achieve higher levels of realism and sophistication. The process includes part trimming, sanding, detailing, assembly, painting, and applying decals. Some creators also replace parts or apply weathering techniques, paying close attention to every aspect of the model. “I’m actually quite good at “cutting corners”, Cheng joked, explaining that he's not a detail-oriented person but excels at adapting at "flexibility" in the production process to achieve similar results while saving time and effort.

His award-winning piece, “KIRA KIRA”, was inspired by an extended interpretation of a scene from the anime’s ending. Cheng reimagined the narrative with a different perspective, drawing inspiration from Italian Baroque artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s sculpture The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa in terms of pose and composition. By reconstructing the scene, he depicted Gundam characters from different generations meeting in a parallel universe. From mechanical design and painting style to the overall visual language, he intentionally created a contrast between the old and the new, allowing the work to stand out among competitors.

This marks Cheng’s second GBWC world championship. He admitted that this year’s entry was more “experimental and forward-looking”, and he had been concerned that its avant-garde style might not appeal to judges. However, the results affirmed recognition of his creativity. Judging criteria include painting, craftsmanship, and creativity, and Cheng received particularly high scores in creativity. “I see limitations in what most people do, and I think about whether those limitations can be broken - or if I don’t like them, I simply won’t follow them,” he said. Rather than adhering to mainstream styles, he integrates different materials and techniques with bold conceptual ideas to develop a distinctive personal approach.

Compared to some competitors who focus heavily on technical perfection, Cheng uses an “illustration-like” brushwork style to express light and depth, creating focal and blurred effects through varying brush strokes. For him, Gundam models are not just a hobby but also a medium of communication, conveying his personality and ideas. As his skills and knowledge grow, he has expanded his creativity into other areas, including articulated figures, miniature models, portrait sculptures, and even fabric doll making, broadening his modes of expression.

His award-winning piece, “KIRA KIRA”created a contrast between the old and the new, allowing the work to stand out among competitors.

Cheng uses illustration-style brushwork to enhance light, depth, and realism in his models.

He noted that his training in the Department of Design has helped him better identify focal points in his work - knowing where to concentrate effort while making thoughtful trade-offs elsewhere, resulting in clearer creative judgment. He encourages students interested in model making to move beyond instruction manuals and predefined settings, to imagine themselves as the pilot of the machine and design forms and functional elements that reflect their own personality.

Starting from Gundam models, Cheng has continuously explored the balance between passion and creation. Through repeated experimentation, adjustment, and reflection, he has accumulated experience and carved out his own path - one that ultimately led to becoming a two-time world champion.

In addition to Gundam models, Cheng has also explored articulated figures, miniature models, and portrait sculptures. He experiments with fabric doll sewing and original character design, incorporating 3D printing technology to bring his ideas to life.

To learn more about Cheng Li-kai’s model works and creative journey, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/share/18g8qJhg9C/