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University of the Arts Singapore, Singapore’s first arts university, has seen growing demand since it began operations in 2024, with applications increasing significantly as more students pursue careers in music, fine arts, design and other creative fields. The university, jointly established by Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and LASALLE College of the Arts, currently offers more than 30 bachelor's and master's degree programmes and has over 1,000 students. While NAFA and LASALLE continue to operate independently on their respective campuses, graduates receive degrees awarded by the University of the Arts Singapore. One incoming student is Hong Jiayin, 20, who will be pursuing the Biophilic Design programme. A recent graduate of NYP's Diploma in Experiential Product and Interior Design, she developed an interest in sustainability through her secondary school environmental club. She hopes to apply nature-inspired design principles to future architecture and interior design projects to create more liveable environments. Another incoming student, Huang Jing'en, 20, graduated from SP with a Diploma in Media, Arts & Design (Sound & Music) and will enrol in LASALLE’s Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Music Business. Through student-led activities, she taught children musical instruments and performed for seniors, experiences that sparked her interest in organising and managing music programmes. She chose LASALLE because it is the only local institution offering a music degree that incorporates business studies. Although she was accepted by Berklee College of Music, she decided to remain in Singapore due to the high cost of overseas study and welcomed the availability of a local arts university that provides more pathways for students passionate about the arts.

[Lianhe Zaobao]