Pioneer cohort to graduate from the University of the Arts Singapore in August

The University of the Arts Singapore (UAS), a pioneering institution formed by the collaboration between Lasalle College of the Arts and the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), is set to graduate its first cohort of students in August. This marks a significant milestone for Singapore's arts education landscape, as the university aims to provide a unique blend of artistic excellence and interdisciplinary skills.

With 135 students expected to walk across the stage, the graduation ceremony will see representations from both Lasalle and NAFA, with 102 graduates from Lasalle and 33 from NAFA. The cohort also includes 52 Master of Arts degree holders, who completed their studies in November 2025.

UAS has welcomed approximately 760 students annually since 2024 and anticipates a significant growth in annual intake, reaching around 1,000 students within the next five years. The university initially offered 29 programs, which now include eight new degrees in emerging fields such as biophilic design, design for social futures, arts and ecology, fine art, and music therapy.

Graduates like Jolene Ariana, 22, who studied biophilic design, expressed their fascination with the benefits of incorporating nature into human spaces. Biophilic design aims to enhance well-being through elements such as natural lighting, materials, and ventilation. Another graduate, Tiew Fang Kee, 25, focused on the design for social futures course, aiming to address societal challenges such as environmental sustainability and an aging population.

The university's deputy vice-chancellors, Venka Purushothaman and Tan-Soh Wai Lan, highlighted the strong demand for interdisciplinary courses that combine artistic expertise with future-focused skills, including art histories, curatorial practices, and music business. Tan emphasized the importance of nurturing a diverse talent pool that can engage meaningfully with communities and respond to evolving cultural, social, and environmental challenges.

One graduate, May Tan, 40, from the inaugural Master of Arts in arts and ecology course, shared her experience of repurposing old kimonos into new garments, emphasizing the importance of embedding ecological thinking into creative practices. She reflected on the course's ability to instill humility, acknowledging the vastness of ecological knowledge.

Pauline Lim, the National Arts Council's director for education and manpower development, emphasized the significance of UAS' graduation in reflecting Singapore's commitment to nurturing a strong and diverse local talent pool. She noted that the practice-led curriculum ensures graduates' industry readiness while providing structured pathways to advance research in the applied arts.

Lim highlighted the transferable skills developed through arts education, such as creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving, which are increasingly valued across various industries beyond the creative sector.