Raffles College of Higher Education
Feature | Higher Education

Learning in an International Environment

Always had an eye on fashion design as a career? Or think a career as a digital media designer will take you places? Read on and gain some insights from fashion and digital media design students Annabel Zee and Sarah Rasak.
raffles college

Learning in an International Environment

Always had an eye on fashion design as a career? Or think a career as a digital media designer will take you places? Read on and gain some insights from fashion and digital media design students Annabel Zee and Sarah Rasak.
raffles college

Many students from Raffles College of Higher Education (RCHE) would tell you that one of the institution’s key attributes is its multi-national environment. In a world where fads and trends know no geographical boundary, being in a space where minds from various countries converge presents a range of opportunities for students. Regardless of their choice of study, an RCHE student will be exposed to international perspectives in their chosen field, expand their personal network and enhance their career prospects beyond their home country.

We have with us two young people who have chosen an education with RCHE. Pursuing Fashion and Digital Media Design respectively, Annabel Zee and Sarah Rasak tell us how an RCHE education is setting them on the road they want to take. They share what they like about being in the RCHE environment and little-known facts about their chosen fields.

Sarah Devina Rasak

Sarah Devina Rasak
Advanced Diploma in Digital Media Design

“I chose RCHE because it offers a three-year fast track programme comprising an advanced diploma and bachelor’s degree.”

What were your main reasons for choosing RCHE?

Annabel Zee: My parents and I conducted research on various design schools before deciding on RCHE. I was impressed when the staff took time to sit down with us to explain the school curriculum. I also saw successful portfolios of RCHE’s design graduates and was inspired to follow in their footsteps. Furthermore, I was inspired by the story of Giuseppe (Joe) Spinelli, principal of RCHE and recipient of the Asian Couture Federation Award in 2014 for Outstanding Contribution to Fashion Education. As he was a mentor to several award-winning graduates from RCHE such as Alfie Leong, Sven Tan, Joe Chia, Sean Loh and Sheila Agatha, I looked forward to an enriching journey under his tutelage.

Sarah Rasak: I chose RCHE because it offers a three-year fast track programme comprising an advanced diploma and bachelor’s degree. This allows me to complete my studies ahead of my peers. Being Indonesian, I also like that RCHE Singapore is within a multi-cultural environment and country.

What do you like about RCHE’s culture?

Annabel: RCHE is an international melting pot with students coming from all parts of Asia. I like that I get to learn more about other countries through these students while studying in Singapore. I also like that people here are very down-to-earth.

Sarah: There are a lot of international students and we all work well together. There are also various events in which you can participate together with your friends!

Sarah Devina Rasak

Zee Hui Ling, Annabel
Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design

“Fashion design is not as glamorous as it seems. There is in fact a lot of hard work involved.”

Give us an example of some learning opportunities you have received.

Annabel: For us fashion students, the projects are designed to expand our fashion capabilities and perception. The sense of accomplishment we all feel upon completing a garment we have designed is largely perceptible!

The exposure to technical aspects of fashion is one big learning opportunity. We are given intensive training on pattern drafting and sewing – in fact, we are equipped with the skills to make almost anything!

Sarah: The most precious learning opportunity for me was my industrial attachment. During this period, I picked up valuable skills and gained experiences that I could never learn in the classroom. I also learnt what it was like to work in the digital media design industry, got the chance to interact with media design professionals and most importantly work with clients.

I am also glad to have learnt how to use a variety of Adobe software, especially Adobe Animate. Working on this software allows us to create simple games and is really fun to use!

What are some little-known facts about your course of study?

Annabel: Fashion design is not as glamorous as it seems. There is in fact a lot of hard work involved. If you intend to join the field, you need to be ready to rough it out and work to make the cut.

Sarah: One little-known fact is that people associate digital media design with video editing. They don’t often know that digital media design incorporates gaming design as well.

What advice do you have for those who are considering to enrol into your course of study at RCHE?

Annabel: I would say do your best and fight for your dreams. Also, always remember that hard work pays off!

Sarah: A programme at RCHE will not be an easy journey. There will be a lot of assignments and projects on your plate. However, if you manage your time well and persevere through challenges, you are likely to do well here.