Singapore's Silver Media Group is set to launch an innovative animated series, “Dragon’s Dojo,” in collaboration with Indonesian boxing icon Chris John. This new project marks the first chapter in the ASERYA Asian Mythology Franchise, aiming to introduce rich Asian tales to a worldwide audience through modern storytelling. The series is envisioned as a multi-platform franchise, extending into various forms of media.
Boxing Legend Chris John Ventures into Animation with 'Dragon's Dojo'
On August 10, 2026, Singapore’s Silver Media Group officially announced its collaboration with Indonesian boxing legend Chris John for an animated series titled “Dragon’s Dojo.” This groundbreaking mobile-first vertical animated series will draw heavily on Indonesian folklore and is poised to be the inaugural chapter of the ambitious ASERYA Asian Mythology Franchise. The partnership brings together Silver Media Group, Chris John, seasoned Indonesian television executive Harun Kurniawan, and Koollab Studios as co-production entities.
“Dragon’s Dojo” is designed to introduce the ASERYA Universe, an interconnected realm of Asian mythology intended for animation, comics, games, and merchandise. This universe will uniquely combine real-world personalities with youthful protagonists, alongside mythical beings and folklore from across the Asian continent. The primary goal is to make these vibrant Asian narratives accessible to global viewers.
The storyline of “Dragon’s Dojo” revolves around ancient creatures emerging into the contemporary world, necessitating heroes from various nations to confront an escalating darkness. In this series, Chris John will be depicted as an animated character, serving as the chief instructor and mentor at the titular martial arts academy. This academy is dedicated to guiding young individuals grappling with various challenges. As mythical creatures from Indonesian folklore begin to menace the community of his students, Chris and his proteges discover that their struggle extends beyond merely battling monsters, encompassing their personal battles and growth.
Chan Gin Kai, the visionary founder and CEO of Silver Media Group, emphasized the immense historical, cultural, and mythological wealth inherent in Asia. He noted that many of these stories have yet to gain significant recognition outside their countries of origin. Chan stated, “With ASERYA, our aspiration is to construct an interconnected universe where these narratives can come alive for a new generation of audiences. ‘Dragon’s Dojo’ represents the commencement of this journey in Indonesia, marrying the enduring legacy of a true champion like Chris John with the potency of mythology, dynamic action, and narratives imbued with strong values. As we unveil a broader spectrum of stories from throughout Asia, we hope to share this profound heritage with the world.”
Chris John reflected on his transition to this new medium, sharing that martial arts encompasses more than combat techniques; it instills discipline, respect, courage, and the resilience to navigate life’s obstacles. He remarked, “Throughout my professional boxing career, I learned that the most significant triumphs are not solely achieved within the boxing ring, but also in surmounting the daily challenges we encounter. ‘Dragon’s Dojo’ translates these fundamental values into an exhilarating adventure where young people can unearth their inner strength, define their purpose, and cultivate the bravery to forge their own paths, all while immersing themselves in the richness of Indonesian mythology.”
Harun Kurniawan highlighted Indonesia’s extraordinary treasury of stories, legends, and cultural heritage, passed down through generations. He expressed, “’Dragon’s Dojo’ provides a unique opportunity to integrate these traditional elements into a modern format, introducing them to audiences worldwide. We are crafting something distinctly Indonesian while simultaneously contributing to a much grander Asian storytelling framework.”
Oliver Guse, co-founder of Koollab Studios, articulated his belief that the future landscape of entertainment will be sculpted by the convergence of human creativity, cutting-edge technology, and novel narrative approaches. He asserted, “At Koollab Studios, we are convinced that innovation should empower creators to tell more expansive and ambitious stories, all while preserving the authenticity and emotional core that render them meaningful. ‘Dragon’s Dojo’ exemplifies an exciting prospect to blend creative vision with new production capabilities, thereby showcasing Indonesia’s rich cultural tapestry and mythology to a global audience.”
“Dragon’s Dojo” is currently under active development, with specific production and release details slated for future announcements. Silver Media Group, established by the Golden Horse Award-winning producer Chan Gin Kai, oversees a diverse portfolio exceeding 1,500 intellectual property assets, spanning films, animation, games, and graphic novels. The company has forged a partnership with a fund manager, officially licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, to establish the Silver Media Fund. This institutional-grade media investment vehicle is dedicated to fostering the development and financing of scalable intellectual property. Koollab Studios, co-founded by Oliver Guse, who brings three decades of animation production expertise, specializes in optimizing production workflows through the integration of emerging technologies.
This initiative represents a significant step towards globalizing Asian narratives and demonstrates the power of collaboration in creating meaningful and engaging content across different cultural backgrounds. The project not only celebrates Indonesian heritage but also champions universal values through the dynamic world of animation.
