University of the Arts Singapore marks first batch of graduates

The University of the Arts Singapore (UAS) marked the graduation of its inaugural class on August 7, signaling the beginning of a new era for multidisciplinary artists in Singapore. The university, formed through a partnership between Lasalle College of the Arts and the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), offered 135 students a diverse range of programs in fields such as art history, biophilic design, and music therapy.

These programs were designed to address contemporary societal concerns, including sustainability, health, and well-being, as well as interdisciplinary approaches to art.

Cassandra Chng, a polytechnic graduate who had previously studied music and audio technology, was among the first to enroll in UAS's Master of Arts in music therapy program. Chng, now a music therapist at the Singapore Association for Mental Health, emphasized the transformative power of music in her graduation speech. UAS Vice-Chancellor Kwok Kian Woon highlighted the broader impact of an arts education, stating that it fosters personal and social transformation and cultivates purpose and empathy in graduates.

The interdisciplinary nature of UAS's programs was evident in projects like Jolene Ariana's work with the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS). Ariana's team proposed integrating nature into hospital waiting rooms, turning chairs to face a garden and adjusting TV monitors to enable patients to see both the TV and garden. NCCS awarded the team the winning proposal for its innovative approach to patient well-being.

UAS has since expanded its offerings, with the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Music Business launching in 2025 and NAFA's Master of Music (Honours) program set to start in 2026. The university continues to adapt its curriculum to meet the evolving needs of the creative industries and society at large.