LAS VEGAS — (BUSINESS WIRE) — November 29, 2010 — Autodesk University 2010-- Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK) today announced that Ze Kun Chen, a fifth grade student in China, is the youngest person to be certified as an Autodesk 3ds Max Associate. Ze Kun, who is now 10 years old, completed his first 3ds Max software certification when he was just 9 years old. He completed the latest 3ds Max 2010 certification at Autodesk University China, held in Beijing from November 16–17, 2010.

Ten-year old Ze Kun Chen is the youngest certified Autodesk 3ds Max Software Associate. Pictured here with his father and Autodesk SVP Pat Williams. (Photo: Business Wire)

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Autodesk 3ds Max modelling, animation, rendering and compositing software. It is used by students and professionals working on games, film and television content, and is also used to visualize architecture and design projects. Ze Kun began learning 3ds Max in order to help his family’s display framing business. He noticed that customers had difficulty understanding 2D drawings of the frames, and realized that 3D visualizations could better communicate design intent.

Ze Kun obtained learning materials and a free student license of 3ds Max through the Autodesk China Student Design Community. He also participated in software training at Jiang Nan College, an Autodesk Authorized Training Center in Shangxi. Ze Kun said, “I like origami, making maps, and playing games. I think 3ds Max is really good because it lets me create exactly what I want to. What I make in the software looks the same as it would in the real world. When I found out I passed the Autodesk 3ds Max certification exams, I was so happy I danced with my father and even went to bed late because of all the excitement.”

Dr. Joe Astroth, Ph.D. and Autodesk Chief Education Officer, said, “On behalf of Autodesk, I congratulate Ze Kun Chen and his family. Ze Kun is an inspiration to designers and animators worldwide. With an inquisitive mind and great dedication, this gifted young boy has achieved 3ds Max Associate status. His sophisticated digital creations demonstrate a talent far beyond his years.”

About Autodesk

Autodesk, Inc., is a leader in 3D design, engineering and entertainment software. Customers across the manufacturing, architecture, building, construction, and media and entertainment industries – including the last 15 Academy Award winners for Best Visual Effects – use Autodesk software to design, visualize and simulate their ideas. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk continues to develop the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art software for global markets. For additional information about Autodesk, visit www.autodesk.com.

Autodesk, AutoCAD and 3ds Max are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. Academy Award is a registered trademark of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. All other brand names, product names or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product and services offerings, and specifications and pricing at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document.

© 2010 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.

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