Rendy made an RPG (Role-Playing Game) game prototype in three months for his final year project.

Even though he had a degree in IT from Indonesia and was qualified for jobs, our graduate, Rendy Gunardi, decided to study design overseas. He signed up for a course in Multimedia Design at Raffles Design Institute, Singapore to follow his passion in design.

At Raffles, Multimedia Design students can select their specializations after their two-year advanced diploma program. Students can choose to major in:

1) Multimedia Design

2) Animation

3) Games Design

After his two-year program, Rendy opted to study Games Design. On his third year, he graduated with a Bachelor of Art (Visual Communication) majoring in Games Design in December 2011. He also achieved an Award for Academic Excellence.

His good grades did not come easy, though. For his Final Year Project, he created an RPG (Role-Playing Game) prototype titled after his original character – Regunza. When asked about his favorite feature of the game he created, he smiled the way an impartial parent would when asked to point out his favorite child. After some thought, he said: “Everything. I did my best for three months to create what I have of this game.”

Making an RPG like Regunza challenges a designer's 3D and programming skills.

We talked to Rendy about his studies at Raffles and about his game. Here are the highlights from our chat:

1: Why did you choose to study in Singapore? What does Singapore offer that you can’t find back in Indonesia?

I decided to study in Singapore to gain more experience. There aren’t courses in animation or games design in Indonesia that I knew of when I signed up for my course at Raffles. There were only IT courses in my hometown.

I couldn’t find a suitable design school in Indonesia. That’s why I decided to try overseas. After searching for a few schools, I chose Singapore because it’s near Indonesia!

So when I came here, I had two options: LASALLE and Raffles. And I chose Raffles because I heard that it was stronger in digital media. I think LASALLE is probably for someone looking for a fine arts school.

2: Can you tell us what you did as a multimedia and games design student at Raffles?

Well actually, I did a lot of things like making websites, designing posters, drawings and a movie, but near the end of my course, I made games!

3: Why did you decide to create Regunza as your final project?

Basically, I wanted to make an RPG game. And then I mapped out the gameplay in a Game Design Document (GDD). The document has many other elements like how the game unfolds, how the map looks like, and research on a lot of other stuff – even the marketing. After I was done planning the gameplay, I started creating the character. And that’s how I got Regunza.

I originally wanted to make an online game, but it seems impossible to make one alone in three months. So I cut it down to make an RPG game. But an RPG game can get really big, so Regunza is still work-in-progress. But its first level is playable!

4: What is gameplay?

Battle systems affect the quality of an RPG's gameplay. Regunza uses a classic turn-based battle system.

Gameplay is the way the game moves on. The game should be interesting enough to have an addictive quality.

From my experience, I think my game needs improvement on gameplay. I keep thinking in terms of graphics and art. So I didn’t focus much on gameplay factors when creating Regunza.

7: What other options did you have other than making an RPG for your final year project?

Actually, I have thought of making an FPS (First Person Shooter) and a small game. But I already did a casual game in my diploma. So I decided to take a bigger step to make an RPG – it’s more interesting.

8: Did your lecturer give you support while making this game?

Yes, of course! While researching, my lecturer gave me a lot of suggestions on how the game could look like… And some advice about levels and about adding more props into the games.

9: What do you feel is the most challenging part of making Regunza?

To be honest, everything was challenging! For example, it took a lot of time to sculpt and detail for character design. Other than that, there were also maps and levels to design. The last part was the programming itself. Maybe the most challenging part was the programming. Because without the programming, the game wouldn’t work.

Programming makes every element become the game.

12: What advice will you give to aspiring game designers?

Don’t miss out on planning for gameplay. No gameplay no games. Good graphics are important too.

More of Rendy’s works can be found on his website at rendygunardi.com. His website highlights his freelancing services that include creating or redesigning websites.

Want to find out more about studying Games Design at Raffles Design Institute, Singapore? Send us an enquiry!

Everyone’s case is unique and we want to give the best advice that works for you. To ensure quality education every semester, there are limited seats in Raffles. And they are filling up fast! Need more information? Fill up an enquiry form and an experienced Education Consultant will provide you with a free consultation.

One of the many views at Auckland Harbour.

Studying design overseas is an exciting experience. Find yourself a good school and you will be meeting plenty of interesting people. New Zealand is a country that is gaining popularity amongst foreign students. So you can expect an international culture. It is a great opportunity for you to meet people from over the world!

Whether your future classmates are fresh graduates or looking for a mid-career switch, there is a lot that you can learn from them. Looking out for an international design school in Auckland is a good way to guarantee that you will meet friends and lecturers from around the globe.

New Zealand has many natural attractions like beaches and forests where you can gain inspiration from. The comforts of urban lifestyles can be found in major cities like Auckland.

Being a designer is about familiarizing yourself about different ways of life. Professional design assignments normally involve seeing mundane items in a new light and creating artwork to express that. Going to Auckland and adapting to a new culture will enhance understanding of how their society works.

Staying in Auckland during your studies will put you in a good position to explore the country during holidays or free weekends.

Listed below are five reasons why we think studying in Auckland is awesome:

1) Cooling Climate

Take a trip down to Otago or Queenstown during winter. There are some great skii packages there!

Auckland starts getting colder around April to temperatures of approximately 8-15°C. And it starts to warm up in around October. The warmest months around January and February range from 15-24°C. So be prepared with clothes that can keep you comfortable through warm and cold seasons. Even though it rarely snows in Auckland, it does happen once every few years.

If you are from a tropical country, New Zealand’s cool climates will be a pleasant relief. New Zealand’s four seasons are also a good backdrop for stock photography which will come in handy for future assignments.

Visit Queenstown or Otago down south if you really want to see snow during the season!

2) Rising Popularity as an Overseas Study Destination

Flying overseas to study enhances your prospects of an international career.

This trend is good news on two counts:

1) You can make friends from around the world.

2) It will look good on your résumé that you studied overseas in a popular destination. Auckland’s quality of education is world-class. So it will be a good idea to develop your design skills there.

3) English-speaking environment

English reading skills come in handy when reading menus without pictures.

An English-speaking environment makes it easy to talk to locals and make new friends in an international design school. Top design companies usually function using English for communication. So immersion in an English-speaking culture is ideal for future designers.

4) Be inspired even as you rest and relax

New Zealand has many plants and animals that cannot be found elsewhere. The tuatara lizard is one of them.

Granted, studying overseas in New Zealand not exactly a long-term vacation. But being in a new place is a great way to stay inspired. Plan your vacations well and you can explore the country’s diverse wildlife and flora in natural ecosystems. New Zealand has breath-taking views of natural forested areas, hillsides, plains and pristine beaches. If you are feeling adventurous, take a hike on a nature trail or on volcanic plateaus.

As mentioned above, the scenic environments in New Zealand are ideal backdrops for stock photos! The textures and colors found in a natural environment can clear a cluttered mind. And even inspire you to create impressive artworks.

Random fact: Scenes from Lord of the Rings was filmed in New Zealand at Hakatere, Canterbury! One does not simply walk into Mordor, but we can definitely explore Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Ruapehu which are in central North Island.

5) Quality of life

Enjoy your peace of mind with New Zealand's high quality living standards.

According to Mercer’s 2011 Quality of Living survey, Auckland ranked third in terms of quality of living. Cities in the top five include Austria, Switzerland, Germany and Canada. So as a design student, you can focus on your studies without missing out on city comforts like a fast internet access or warm bath water.

This information is brought to you by Raffles International Admissions Office.

To find out more about what studying in Raffles College of Design and Commerce, Auckland has to offer, send us an enquiry!

Everyone’s case is unique and we want to give the best advice that works for you. To ensure quality education every semester, there are limited seats in Raffles. And they are filling up fast! Need more information? Fill up an enquiry form and an experienced Education Consultant will provide you with a free consultation.

Michelle Johnson's skills and talents landed her in an internship position with Prada Australia.

At Raffles, Fashion Marketing and Management students usually choose to work in PR or styling departments of fashion-related companies. These establishments can range anywhere from couture houses or famous departmental stores. Our Fashion Marketing and Management student, Michelle Johnson, landed herself an internship position at Prada.

“Through Raffles Program Director, Robert De Giovanni, I was able to secure industry work experience at Prada Australia in their PR & Advertising team which later developed into a coordinator role following my degree completion.” Michelle wrote in a testimonial.

Students can gain commercial experience at Raffles

Every bachelor degree student at Raffles is required to undergo an internship. It is considered a graded module that is necessary for program completion. Students who wish to free up more time for their final year may choose to take their internships during their advanced diploma year.

No one can really predict with accuracy the kind of experiences you can get from an internship. Possibilities and probabilities are endless. Unless of course, you have field contacts who can give you insider stories. Because of this uncertainty, some students look forward to it while some dread it.

The good news is: consistent good performance in school will reward you at this point. Being an expert in your field of studies can make you a valuable resource at your internship company.

In Michelle’s testimonial, she wrote: “Raffles provided me the option to study Fashion Marketing in an open learning environment. The course was designed to broaden ideas about the industry and also give an opportunity to relay what was learnt on a practical level. One of the significant advantages of the course was being taught by industry professionals who gave invaluable insight into the fashion world and business environment.”

Preparing for an internship

Ultimately, everyone goes for an interview at a company alone. The good ones will be awarded with a position – Simple as that.

Internships are not open exclusively for college students, so competition for placements can be a challenge. The best way to stay ahead of competition is to have as much exposure to your field of study. For a fashion marketer, skills in trend-spotting, fashion styling, and a sharp business sense will take you far.

Enrolling into a fashion marketing course is an ideal way to qualify you for the job. And build your portfolio too. A good fashion school will be able to provide professional guidance for your skill development. Not to mention, school is a great place to make new friends and learn from mistakes. Failure on the job can be costly.

Fashion marketing students at Raffles, including our college in Sydney, learn about the industry though a balance of theory and practical classes. To make classes interesting, students are taken on course-related field trips to places like fashion shows, exhibitions, or boutiques. This ensures maximum immersion and exposure for students to develop realistic ideals on what fashion marketing professionals should be like.

For Michelle, the Fashion Marketing and Management course at Raffles helped her to achieve direction in her career, “The highlight of the course was interacting with various design students and going on a variety of excursions that defined my career direction and laid the groundwork to achieving success in the industry.”

After Graduation

With her knowledge and experience in the fashion industry, Michelle plans to tap into the luxury fashion market, “This year, I am in the process of launching a premiere online fashion boutique in New Zealand stocking luxury Australian and International labels – something I never thought possible without the support and knowledge learned at Raffles and the industry contacts passed on by Robert.”

Look out for her works at Mishka Boutique!

Want to find out more about studying Fashion Marketing at Raffles College of Design and Commerce, Sydney?

Send us an enquiry! Everyone’s case is unique and we want to give the best advice that works for you. To ensure quality education every semester, there are limited seats in Raffles. And they are filling up fast! Need more information? Fill up an enquiry form and an experienced Education Consultant will provide you with a free consultation.

The show begins! Raffles Privato Spring/Summer 2012 was held at Paragon Shopping Centre.

Fashion shows account for some of the biggest events in the fashion world. The thought of organizing one can make any field veteran mentally map out the tough challenges involved – trend-spotting, developing a collection under time constraints, contracting the right models, and making quick phone calls to sponsors and other important people. The recipe for a great party is the planning – and fashion shows are no exception.

On 6^th April 2012, seven fashion designers from Raffles Design Institute, Singapore presented their Spring-Summer collections for Raffles Privato. While our fashion designers worked with stylists to get the models ready backstage, guests were welcomed by our staff from student services. Friends, family and fashion insiders at the show were treated to champagne and refreshments – which included bite-sized chocolate cream cupcakes and macaroons!

About Raffles Privato

Raffles Privato is an incubator project between Raffles Design Institute and Paragon Shopping Centre. This provides a platform for our Fashion Design students to showcase and sell their capsule collections. Fashion shows are usually involved to prepare students for the industry’s reality.

So far, Raffles Privato has been around for two years. The works of 22 successful Raffles Designers have been featured.

For Spring/Summer 2012, Raffles featured the collection of six designers selected by Paragon, and the works of Fashion Design alumnus, Erin Loh.

The Show

After the lights dimmed, the emcee welcomed our guests and briefly introduced the show. As the stage lights gradually brightened and the music played, models took center stage and all eyes were on our designers’ creations!

Featured Fashion Designers @Raffles Privato

1) The designer: Paul Nathaphol

The collection: Homme

Paul has emerged as Young Designer of the Year when he represented Singapore for GOYL 2011 Fashion Festival (Mongolia Fashion Week 2011). He was invited by the Mongolian Designers’ Association. His successes in Singapore include winning the Best Collection Award at RCHE’s Graduation Fashion Showcase in December 2010.

The Homme collection is menswear with a focus on garment cuts. Tailoring techniques are fused with a modern twist to create ready-to-wear outfits that define masculinity, style and creativity.

The collection: Paul Nathaphol

Paul Nathaphol - Structured dresses for femininity and sophistication.

Paul’s second collection on the runway featured his womenswear range. Sharp tailoring was used for these structured evening outfits. The dresses were designed with a philosophy of femininity and sophistication where beauty and style fuse together with intelligent grace.

2) The designer: Felita Alverina Sugandha

The collection: fAy

fAy - Color-blocked style for spring/summer.

Felita was challenged to create garments that were suitable for warm seasons. Therefore, this collection includes light-weight cotton and chiffon fabrics to express feminine edge. Pastels with hints of bright colors are used to create a fashionable color blocking for a rebellious element.

3) The designer: Silvia Mona Pangestu

The collection: High Five

High Five - Contrasting, playful colors with human symbols and fantasy motifs

Mona’s collection is highly inspired by Keith Haring’s works. Her collection lends from his style to feature playful, contrasting colors, human symbols and fantasy motifs. With a pop art theme in mind, this collection conveys a carefree mood to contrast hectic urban lifestyles. It was designed particularly for men in their early and mid-twenties.

4) The designer: Erin Loh

The collection: The Prodigal Son

The Prodigal Son - Light, effortless silhouettes with summer hues.

Erin Loh took part in the Rosemount Australia Fashion Week in 2011 with support from the DesignSingapore council. She also represented Singapore in the Moscow Fashion Week in 2011. She has certainly come a long way from being a Fashion Design student at Raffles. We are proud to mention that she is now a Fashion Design lecturer at Raffles Design Institute, Singapore.

Her collection for this year’s spring/summer is about working subtle, quirky details into versatile designs. Emphasis on summer hues and effortless, flowing silhouettes give the outfits an ethereal touch.

5) The designer: Liana Risis

The collection: Liana Risis

Liana Risis - Couture comfort and style in timeless shades.

Liana believes that every woman has the ability to look perfect in her own feminine ways. Her collection is focused on semi-formal dresses in shades of white, black and cream. To unleash a lady’s confidence, comfortable fabrics like satin, silk, poly cotton and polyester ribbon were used. This collection is made with couture quality to complement timeless style.

6) The designer: Kartika Sari

The collection: Kartika Liem

In this collection, Kartika uses lightweight fabrics like wool and cotton and shades of brown and blue to bring out stylish elements of high street fashion. Her collection features classic clothes as well as footwear and accessories.

7) The designer: Sean Loh

The Collection: Ophélie

Ophélie - Leather, lace, and Avant-garde.

Materials used in this collection include an eclectic mix of lace, leather, printed silk, chiffon and wool. Sean believes in empowering women while embracing femininity with heavy traces and laces of melodramatic Avant-garde. Inspiration for this collection stemmed from a Latin expression: Memento Mori – which questioned life after death. It was a common theme for the gothic architecture and Vanita paintings.

This collection expresses the excessive and extravagant natures of gothic cathedrals and melancholies of Salvator Dali’s Venus in Fur paintings.

Want to find out more about studying Fashion Design at Raffles Design Institute, Singapore?

Send us an enquiry! Everyone’s case is unique and we want to give the best advice that works for you. To ensure quality education every semester, there are limited seats in Raffles. And they are filling up fast! Need more information? Fill up an enquiry form and an experienced Education Consultant will provide you with a free consultation.

Like us on Facebook and view more photos from our Raffles Privato Spring/Summer 2012 coverage here!

Raffles University Iskandar's temporary campus is at Menara Kotaraya

24th March 2012 was a big milestone for Raffles University Iskandar when it conducted its very first open house. The event was held at its temporary campus in Menara Kotaraya, Johor Bahru. Visitors were received with a warm welcome by the President of RUI, Mr Professor Malek Pourzanjani. After that, Mr Gan Chin Huat, Vice President of RUI, introduced the school.

The open house’s theme was “Step up to the Next Stage”. College is a point in life where high school graduates bridge the gap from being a book-mugging student to a competent individual who is ready to join the workforce. Life in college develops all students to perform their best in order to impress the most demanding of audiences.

For this open house, a special touch was added with a live band performance. Our friendly alumni from Raffles’ design courses also shared their college experiences.

Free shirts were up for grabs at the open house

Activities of the day included free design, business, and science crash courses. At these workshops, students had a chance to explore what it was like to be a Raffles student. The activities were planned and conducted by our lecturers from Raffles College of Higher Education, Singapore. Here is the list of what happened:

Multimedia Design

Activity: Creation in a Flash (Demonstration)

In professional design studios, Adobe Flash is a program that is used to create impressive moving visuals for websites. It is also possible to produce your own short animation with this program.

This demonstration was led by Mr Alfonso Bonilla, a multimedia design lecturer whom many students from Raffles Singapore are familiar with. He explained the basics of how to use Adobe Flash to make a simple animation.

Alfonso explained how Flash works

Graphic Design

Activity: The use of Typography (Demonstration)

Designers and layout artists use the best forms of typography to maximize the impact of their works. Once you have learnt how to make your own typography, tacky free word art found on word processing and presentation software will be like ancient history.

The course was led by Mr Terrence Chong who demonstrated how the use of typography affects the mood of artwork.

Interior Design

Activity: Design Your Room (Workshop)

No room is too big or too small for sensible style. With the right amount and types of furniture, colors, and décor, any room can be chic and unique. If designing rooms is your cup of tea, interior design is the perfect course for you.

In this activity, students were given tips on basic interior designing. While designing their ideal rooms, Mr Franz Gonzales was there to provide professional feedback.

Students cut out interior and exterior inspirations from magazines to create their room designs

Fashion Design

Activity: Design Your Own T-Shirt (workshop)

Whether you are a guy or girl, we all must agree that T-shirts are really comfortable. Most of us probably even wear them to sleep. The best feature about a T-shirt is that it can be styled and designed in many different ways – limited only by your imagination. Results vary from casual to classy.

For this workshop, students were guided by the principal of Raffles Design Institute, Singapore – Mr Joe Spinelli. He was accompanied by fashion design lecturer, Ms Iskra Petrovska.

Some scrap cloth, glue, and imagination can create awesome T-shirts!

Product Design

Activity: Sketching Technique (Workshop)

Drawing can be a very entertaining hobby. But many get demoralized after we do a couple of bad sketches of our favorite celebs or anime characters. It is only too easy to make an eye larger than the other, a face that is too square, or a nose that makes your subject look like a monkey.

To build confidence, start with simple subjects. Products are one of the easiest subjects to pick up and draw reasonably accurate renditions of.  At this workshop, participants were taught sketching techniques for more realistic drawings. They were supervised by our lecturer, Mr Hector A.S Navarete.

Applied Psychology

Activity: Demystifying Psychology (Talk)

Studying Psychology will give you knowledge on how the human mind works. Applied Psychology on the other hand, gives you skills to use that knowledge to help others overcome mental or behavioral issues.

Led by Ms Pamela, students learnt about the basics of psychology and why the science is studied today.

Business

Activity: Aspiration to be a Billionaire? Always start with a Business Thought (Talk)

If your friends are constantly catching you singing or humming along to the tune of Travie McCoy’s “Billionaire”, this talk can change your life. Or teach you how to at least.

Studying business will teach you the processes of how major corporations in the world make their money. Having the right marketing mix could make or break a business. This talk was carried out by Mr Kelvin Yeow & Ms Hope.

Missed the open house but want to find out more about studying at Raffles University Iskandar?

Send us an enquiry! Everyone’s case is unique and we want to give the best advice that works for you. To ensure quality education every semester, there are limited seats in Raffles. And they are filling up fast! Need more information? Fill up an enquiry form and an experienced Education Consultant will provide you with a free consultation.

Fransiska Graduated from Raffles with a Bachelor's Degree in Interactive Media Design

Our web designer, Fransiska Narulita, is cheerful and always ready to take on assignments with enthusiasm. She hails from Jakarta, Indonesia and graduated from Raffles Design Institute, Singapore with a Bachelor’s Degree in Interactive Media Design.

During her graduation exhibition, Fransiska was shortlisted for a web designing position. Her lecturer, Kenji Choo, recommended her for the job. The director of Raffles International Admissions Office (IAO) also liked her simplistic and clear artistic style. A couple of days later, she was invited for a job interview.

Raffles has a preference to hire from our pool of talented graduates before looking externally. We believe in our students. That is why our new web designer was a former Raffles student.

Getting a job straight after graduation is a dream of many students – especially in recent erratic economic conditions. So, Raffles does its best to help students reach this achievement in life. A graduate’s chances of being hired upon graduation depends on individual skill sets and experience in a relevant field.

Prior to working at Raffles IAO, Fransiska has been actively designing for leisure. She worked on freelance design assignments on occasion. Freelance works of hers include designing a pet shop’s website, creating logos and also business cards. Being a designer also gave her capabilities to create unique gifts for friends – like scrap books.

“Most guys underestimate the effort that goes into making scrapbooks,” Fransiska commented. “But it’s really exciting when you give them to girls who are happy to receive them.”

We had a chat with Fransiska. And here are the highlights of her journey as a multimedia design student who chose to study in Singapore:

1. You’ve studied at Raffles for three years! What does it feel like to work at Raffles now?

It feels really weird at first. Now I need to describe my school as my office every time I talk to people. Hahaha. I’m still not used to it, but I really enjoy working here. This place has already become so familiar and feels like home now.

2. Why did you choose to study at Raffles?

After secondary school, I wanted to study multimedia design. At that time, I considered Raffles to be the fastest route for a degree. If I went to JC or a polytechnic and then followed up with a university course, I would spend around six years to get a bachelor’s degree. Meanwhile a degree course at Raffles only takes three years.

3. What did you like best about studying Multimedia Design?

Making websites and interactive flash! The feeling I get every time I see my wall of code turn into something pretty is indescribable. Hahahaha. I really get excited every time I get a new project to create websites or flash.

Fransiska's design for a pet shop.

4. After you started working, what do you miss most about being a student at Raffles?

Hmm… I think it’s my lecturers and classmates. Oh, and the freedom! I’m still in contact with some friends I made in school. We also often hang out even though some of us are already busy with work or studies. I also still see my lecturers around the school and sometimes we will chat when we see each other .

When we start working, we hold more responsibilities and have less time to pursue our personal interests. I enjoy it though. Maybe because I’m doing something I like. Therefore I guess I miss my freedom more. Hahahaha.

5. Most designers feel that passion is an important part of work. How do you keep you keep yourself motivated and inspired?

Having a goal. I started to have an interest in Multimedia Design after I saw Super Junior’s website. They are my favorite Korean singers! Their site would have a new layout for every new album they released. And their layouts looked so interesting!

My dream is to make an awesome website for Super Junior one day.

Anyways, observing other artists’ works also motivates me. It doesn’t have to be a website. It can be a painting, animation or a video. I feel like I want to be like them one day, producing all those admirable arts and designs – it keeps me going.

Hopefully, one day, my works could wow and maybe inspire others like what good designs do to me. Hahahaha.

6. What do you feel is the most important skill you picked up in school?

I think it would be coding. Since I wanted to be a web designer and developer, I find coding important. A programmer taught my web classes so he really explained how proper coding works instead of simply teaching us how to use Adobe Dreamweaver. I am really grateful because afterwards, I learnt how to amend an already-built site. I understand what will happen if I change a particular part or if I remove some lines. It’s really helping with my works now because I often need to edit web pages that I did not create personally.

7. Which skills did you find most useful when working on paid assignments?

The paid assignments that I did before required different skill sets to complete. One was digital and the other was print. I guess the most applicable ones were Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop since I created graphics using those programs.

All design students at Raffles learn how to draw from the basics. Here's Fransiska's rendition of Ms Marvel!

8. Can you tell us more about the nationalities of your classmates and lecturers at Raffles?

Most of my classmates were Indonesians. Others were from China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Korea, Singapore and even UK and France. The multimedia lecturers were from Colombia, Malaysia, Canada and Singapore.

9. What was it like to learn in an international environment?

It’s really exciting. I ended up pick up some French. My pronunciation always goes wrong though. Hahaha. While working in the same team as the French guy, my team members and I kept repeating French sentences which were used in the movie we made.

I forgot those lines after my advanced diploma course. My French classmate moved to Sydney to study in Raffles College of Design and Commerce.

With friends from other countries, I also get to try out food and snacks from their hometown!

Learning in an international environment was definitely enjoyable!

10. How did your classes at Raffles prepare you for your current job as a Graphic Designer?

To be honest, I wasn’t fully prepared for graphic work, since my course was Multimedia Design, which focused more on digital stuff like websites, 3D, movies, games and flash. However, in the first year of my studies, the school taught me the basics of designing like color theories, typography and adobe programs. It really helps me now.

As a multimedia design student, Fransiska is able to make flash-based designs too!

11. What do you think is the biggest challenge that a multimedia designer has to face?

Keeping up with recent trends and technology. Technology advances quickly, so we always have to learn something new even if we haven’t completely mastered something else. Design trends also evolve as time goes by.

12. How do you overcome it?

I try to be up-to-date with recent technology news or read some design magazines. Then I will try out some stuff I see. If I don’t understand, I will approach a friend who studied IT and Multimedia before.

13. What advice will you give to future international students who want to study overseas?

Don’t be afraid to explore a foreign country. At first, I didn’t really want to come to Singapore. It was my mum’s insistence. She even said, “If you go to Singapore, you might not want to come back!” And what she said came true. Hahaha. My secondary school teacher also told me not to be afraid to step outside my comfort zone. We will never know what we can achieve somewhere else.

14. Why will you recommend your friends to Raffles?

Yes, of course. Studying in Raffles is really fun. I get to know friends from other countries, learn new cultures, and pick up other languages. The lecturer is really helpful and willing to explain several times, especially to some students who aren’t fluent in English. The course itself is also fun! We get to make stuff we see on television or online. We can also get a bachelor’s degree in three years and it’s internationally recognized.

Want to find out more about studying Multimedia Design at Raffles Design Institute, Singapore?

Send us an enquiry! Everyone’s case is unique and we want to give the best advice that works for you. To ensure quality education every semester, there are limited seats in Raffles. And they are filling up fast! Need more information? Fill up an enquiry form and an experienced Education Consultant will provide you with a free consultation.

Works of Fashion Design bachelor degree students at RCHE Singapore December 2011 Graduation Show

As one of the top fashion schools around Asia Pacific, Raffles is proud to be the college of many successful fashion designers. Some went off to work for renowned designers like Zuhair Murad; some started their own labels like Liu Weiling’s trioon; also, designers like Jonathan Liang and Sven Tan have featured their works frequently on international runways.

The best part about being a Raffles fashion designer is that the success does not just begin AFTER graduation. Students are encouraged to participate in competitions and various fashion shows. This gives them a chance to shine. And many of our students made headlines before graduation.

To be or not to be a fashion designer is a tough choice. Fashion designers are not people you get introduced to all the time. And successful fashion designers are usually too busy or too secretive to share how they got the job. So it can be a dilemma on whether you should take the plunge and invest a small fortune on an unknown future.

No rewarding career in life is ever made to be simple. Fashion design is no exception. Famous designers work extremely hard for their fame and money. But one thing is for sure – if you plan from the start to dedicate yourself, half the battle is won.

Many professionals in the fashion industry will readily agree that fashion students nowadays think that they deserve a paycheck without “paying their dues”. What dues, you ask? Most of them might sound like modern-day slavery. This includes frequent 18-hour work days; weekends spent at work; fetching coffee for the entire department; and being criticized and picked on constantly by co-workers.

Yes, the horror stories you see on reality TV are true. Some of them at least. In a creative industry, anything can happen. So be prepared for it.

Still want to be a fashion designer come hell or rain?

Here are three mantras you should memorize:

1) Your portfolio is your design identity

Portfolio of a Raffles Fashion Design Graduate

Just like how celebrity models value their looks and work on maintaining their charm, you have to do the same for your portfolio. Future employers and the public are going to judge you based on your skill to design fabulous pieces. And your portfolio is going to show them exactly what you are capable of.

No matter how hard you work, procrastination can be really hard to beat sometimes. So the best way to get the most versatile fashion design portfolio would be to enroll for a fashion course. Being in school will force you to leave your comfort zones. With the right training and dedication, results are often impressive.

2) Understand why people dress the way they do

One of the best ways to get inspiration for fashion is to observe crowds at places like parties (image by zeafonso)

The Japanese have their kimonos, the Indians have their saris, and the Chinese have their cheongsams. Even though global fashion is now mainly influenced by top fashion cities like Paris, New York, and London, people around the world still dress differently. A true fashion designer has the EQ to understand what customers want and need.

Are people feeling warm in tropical climates? Do others need to cover up for religious reasons? What kind of jobs do they have? Are your designs simplistic yet stylish enough to be worn every day?

When it comes to fashion psychology, the variables are endless. Yes, you may argue that it is more fun to design for haute couture. But in reality, fashion is more of a business than an art. Even the rich from the highest echelons are still humans. One of the best ways to grow as a fashion designer is to create clothes for everyday people.

The exciting bit about fashion is that it changes every day. So no two days will ever be exactly the same.

3) Find a good fashion school

Past works from fashion design award winners at Raffles

It can make all the difference in your life. Good schools have the facilities you need. And they also hire lecturers who are well-connected within the industry. Have plans to be an international fashion designer? Consider enrolling into an international school. This allows you to meet many sorts of people from around the world. And it can help you learn a bit more about understanding people like mentioned earlier.

While in school, you will work on assignments necessary to build the best portfolio before you graduate. You will make your own fashion collections, sketch your best designs, and pay homage by studying about the various designs and designers that made fashion history. A fashion design student’s life is nothing short of colorful and exciting.

If you feel that your country may be too conservative for full creative expression, an alternative is to study fashion abroad. Countries like Australia and Singapore are ideal for an English-speaking environment and career opportunities after graduation.

Feeling adventurous? Studying in developing nations can help you save money on craft materials. Not to mention, countries with strong manufacturing industries allow you to build a contact list of reliable suppliers. This will come in handy when you want to start your own label. Living costs in a developing nation is also less costly, so you spend less on your overall education. Countries like China, Thailand, and Sri Lanka can offer you this experience.

Want to find out more about studying fashion design abroad?

Send us an enquiry! Everyone’s case is unique and we want to give the best advice that works for you. To ensure quality education every semester, there are limited seats in Raffles. And they are filling up fast! Need more information? Fill up an enquiry form and an experienced Education Consultant will provide you with a free consultation.

Raffles College of Higher Education prides itself on delivering quality education and grooming award-winning students.

Singapore is a country that prides itself on quality education – even in private sectors. Private Education Institutions (PEIs) in Singapore are required to be certified by EduTrust in order to enroll international students.

On January 17, 2012, Raffles College of Higher Education, Singapore (RCHE) was awarded the EduTrust certification for four years by the Council for Private Education (“CPE”). Raffles Education Corporation Limited (“RafflesEducationCorp”) Southeast-Asia Operations (East) Vice-President, Mr Ong Kai How said, “Receiving the 4-year EduTrust certification validates our strong commitment towards providing quality education for our students. Going forward, our aim is to continue our effort in grooming award winners and industry relevant professionals in design and business and living up to our motto of ‘Success by Design’.”

About Private Education in Singapore

High emphasis is placed on education in Singapore as it often preludes to desirable career beginnings. Education is a vital part of any individual who wishes to engage in professional work. And it is an asset which students can use and build on to secure a successful future.

As of 2011, there are more than 1,000 private education institutions in Singapore. And over 100,000 students are enrolled. With the high density of private education choices available in Singapore, quality control measures have been set up to protect the interests of both international and local students.

About EduTrust

EduTrust is a certification scheme administered by the Council for Private Education. It is one of the prerequisites that private education institutions (PEI) have to obtain in order to allow foreign students to enroll.

Here is another reason for students to look out for schools who have attained EduTrust when they are studying in Singapore:

Schools that are certified with EduTrust have achieved high levels of excellence in areas of educational services and management. In order to qualify, schools must work on a credit rating system; have implemented a Fee Protection Scheme (FPS); provide medical insurance; and fulfill all EduTrust terms and conditions.

The following six criteria must also be met by the school:

1) A committed and responsible management.

2) Governance and administration carried out in a corporate manner.

3) Quality external recruitment agents.

4) Support services and student protection.

5) A fair and consistent manner of academic processes and student assessment.

6) An assurance of quality maintained by monitoring and delivering results.

How to Avoid Private Education Scams in Singapore

Regardless of whether you plan to study overseas in Singapore or in other countries, you should always be careful. A good education does not usually come cheap. And when a deal seems to be too good to be true, it might be the one that will leave you with a college debt – and a useless fake degree.

Here are four matters to look out for before you enroll into your school of choice:

1) Make sure that it is not a degree or diploma mill

These organizations pretend to be legitimate schools. Usually, they adopt names close to the real deal. So if you happen to encounter institutions with strange names that sound like a high-ranking university’s name, check, check and double check. Your money and future is on the line!

2) Does the school pay attention to attendance and performance?

Good schools will be concerned about your academic life. They will take note if you have been to important lectures and of your project submissions. The benefit of going to a private school is that smaller class sizes allow you to spend more time consulting a lecturer. And this helps you to get complex problems solved and understood faster.

Degree mills on the other hand, are only looking out to print you a fancy worthless certificate for an exorbitant sum. Therefore, they will not pay too much attention to your academic development.

3) Does the school have a physical space for learning?

Even if you are looking for an online degree, the reputable ones usually have campuses for those who prefer face-to-face interaction. Does the school ask you to send your enquiries or particulars to a P.O box? This can be another warning sign of a degree mill.

4) Read your student contract carefully.

All private schools in Singapore are required to issue student contracts for any course that is longer than two months. Make sure of your fee collection schedules and the expected date of your graduation from the course.

At this point, make sure that you are covered by the Fee Protection Scheme. This scheme grants you full protection for all fees that you have paid. In the case where the school closes down, the institution has to remunerate what you paid (excluding course application fee, agent commissions, certain miscellaneous fees, and GST).

Want to find out more about studying overseas in Singapore?
Send us an enquiry! Everyone’s case is unique and we want to give the best advice that works for you. To ensure quality education every semester, there are limited seats in Raffles. And they are filling up fast! Need more information? Fill up an enquiry form and an experienced Education Consultant will provide you with a free consultation.

Jason and Jessie were guest speakers at the Raffles Yuan Xiao Jie Event

During the Yuan Xiao Jie event held at Raffles College of Higher Education on 13 February 2012, Jessie Yu was one of the three guest speakers. The speakers were invited to encourage fellow students from China to challenge their boundaries and create the best overseas education experience possible.

Jessie is a student from Wuhan, China. She has been studying at Raffles Singapore for a little over half a year. Her stylish dress sense and poised demeanor probably hinted at her background in Fashion Marketing and Management.

In her speech, Jessie talked about her personal experiences. She also briefly explained how she adapted to life in Singapore as a student at Raffles.

Don’t be afraid to be yourself

It is easy to be overwhelmed when in another country. Having to adjust to a new lifestyle does not happen every day and there is no official textbook to take instructions from. One of the best ways to learn about a new place is to meet new people.

Although some students from overseas choose to study in Singapore to improve their language skills, many are afraid to strike conversation in English. Several students from Raffles College of Higher Education, Singapore come from countries that do not speak English as a primary language. So making friends could be challenging – especially during the first year where most students are still undergoing English classes concurrently with their course.

Despite language barriers, making friends is not impossible.

When it comes to making friends, Jessie believes in the courage to speak up. “Just try to express yourself to others,” she advised. “Don’t worry too much about your English.”

Practice makes perfect

Speaking English is not just used for socializing in Singapore. It is also the language used for education. That is why it is a necessity for students to have a certain standard of English before enrolling into classes in Singapore.

The good news is – immersing yourself in an English-speaking culture helps you learn the language a lot faster. Going for English classes can teach you the language at a comfortable pace. But living in a country that requires you to practice the language makes all the difference. Daily use of the language in conversations with everyday people and in school assignments can improve your English fluency.

When she first came to Singapore, Jessie recounted that she had difficulty coping with life, especially with her studies. “I was not used to studying in English at the beginning.” But as time passed, Jessie got used to the language after months of practice and immersion.

Opportunities to explore the fashion marketing industry

Jessie believes that Raffles offers good exposures for everyone to learn from. “Our school has close networks with external companies. So sometimes, media companies will come by our school to film.” She also mentioned that lecturers sometimes organize trips outside class to visit companies. This is so that students could observe how the industry works.

“I think lecturers at Raffles are very professional and what they teach is very practical.” Jessie said.

Want to find out more about studying Fashion Marketing and Management in Singapore?
Send us an enquiry! Everyone’s case is unique and we want to give the best advice that works for you. To ensure quality education every semester, there are limited seats in Raffles. And they are filling up fast! Need more information? Fill up an enquiry form and an experienced Education Consultant will provide you with a free consultation.

Jason and Jessie were guest speakers at the Raffles Yuan Xiao Jie Event

Overcoming obstacles in your own language is hard enough. If you want to test your capability, try what Jason Lin did – learn to overcome challenges in another country. Three years ago, he packed up and travelled from Chang Chun, China to Singapore. He pursued a bachelor’s degree course majoring in Multimedia Design at Raffles Design Institute.

During the Yuan Xiao Jie event at Raffles College of Higher Education, Jason was invited to share his story. He talked about his life in Singapore and his opinions about being a student at Raffles.

As a foreign student from a country that does not speak English on most occasions, Jason had to get used to another way of life in a new language. Although he is still attending English classes at Raffles, he is skilled at a conversational level. With a cheerful and out-going personality, he seemed to be someone who could make friends easily.

Making friends keep boredom away!
He also talked about problems some Chinese in general face while making friends. “We are generally very shy and are not good at talking to strangers – even to those who can speak Chinese. So we tend to hang out with friends from the same country.” Jason explained that keeping to oneself makes it harder to learn about other countries and cultures.

“I highly suggest trying to befriend people from other countries and cultures,” he said. “This way, you’ll feel that your life is more colorful and that you can learn stuff that won’t be taught in classrooms.”

When asked about fun places in Singapore that he would recommend, Jason replied that Singapore’s major attractions and shopping areas could be explored within several days. Even in China, regardless of region, people can get bored of going to the same places. He believes that quality time is not best determined by a fantastic location. Hanging out with friends is a more fulfilling way to spend time. “I suggest making more friends with common interests. This way, you will have fun and won’t feel so bored here in Singapore.”

A positive learning attitude
Adapting to challenges in Singapore was something that he felt helped him in his learning processes. He explained about the learning process in china he experienced in high school. “Teachers just fill you with knowledge from textbooks. It’s like feeding you an apple which they’ve already taken a bite from. They give you a solution and expect a static answer.”

Learning at Raffles was something new to Jason. “Teachers at Raffles always give challenges for you to solve on your own rather than teach you how to do it step by step. This way, you won’t forget the methods you have developed to solve your problems.”

“Some may find this tedious,” he continued. “But I believe it is a good reflection of working life where you have to solve your own problems. Through these studies, I have gained a lot of knowledge and learnt practical skills.”

Want to find out more about studying Multimedia Design in Singapore?
Send us an enquiry! Everyone’s case is unique and we want to give the best advice that works for you. To ensure quality education every semester, there are limited seats in Raffles. And they are filling up fast! Need more information? Fill up an enquiry form and an experienced Education Consultant will provide you with a free consultation.