GETTING CREATIVE IN SINGAPORE

During the recent Term break, 29 students and staff travelled to Singapore for the College’s first dedicated Creative Design Industries International Experience, a trip designed to immerse students in art, design, architecture, food and fashion within one of Asia’s most culturally vibrant cities.

From the moment the group arrived, Singapore provided a rich learning environment where students could see creative industries in action. Visits to the Singapore Art Museum and City Gallery introduced students to the country’s evolving art scene and the remarkable development of Singapore’s cityscape over the past 40 years. These experiences encouraged students to consider how creativity, planning and innovation work together to shape the places where people live, work and gather.

Food was also an important part of the experience. Students explored hawker markets, Chinatown and local dining venues, gaining an appreciation for the cultural diversity that influences Singapore’s cuisine. A hands-on traditional coffee brewing session gave students further insight into local practices and the importance of food and drink in cultural identity.

The group visited a number of significant creative and cultural destinations, including the ArtScience Museum, Red Dot Design Museum, Gardens by the Bay, the Peranakan Museum, the National Gallery and the Asian Civilisations Museum. Each stop offered a different perspective on design, heritage, innovation and storytelling. Students experienced everything from traditional artefacts and contemporary artworks to light installations, architecture, public spaces and museum displays.

A Batik workshop was a particularly engaging practical experience, with students creating traditional wax and dye artworks on silk. This allowed them to connect directly with a cultural artform and better understand the skill, patience and design thinking involved.

Innovation was another major theme of the trip. At the Hyundai Centre, students explored future-focused design through robotic agriculture, electric vehicles and automated transport technologies. For many, the opportunity to take two hot laps on the rooftop test track in a new electric vehicle with a professional test driver was a memorable highlight.

The experience also included opportunities for fun and connection, including a day at Universal Studios, a bumboat river cruise, night shopping and a final visit to Jewel Changi Airport, with its indoor waterfall and lush garden spaces.

The Singapore Experience gave students a unique opportunity to learn beyond the classroom, deepening their understanding of creativity, culture, design and innovation in a global context. It was a rewarding and memorable first CDI International Experience for all involved.

Stephen Dobson
Head of Creative Design Industries