In Southeast Asia, the wide usage of mobile devices, along with low-cost internet access have changed the way consumers view content traditionally. The increase in the consumption of video streaming has led to the development of more and more digital content. As a result, the demand for animation, gaming and VFX has expanded.
In 2018, the global streaming market for animation content was US$2.9 billion, and it is growing at an annual rate of 8%. The size of the global video gaming industry was US$96 billion in 2018. In 2018, the total value of the Asian animation industry was at a staggering US$52 billion, with up to 90% of American television animation being produced in the region.
On top of that, immersive experiences such as Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality have influenced the growth of animation and VFX in the region. In line with the growth in the animation and VFX industry in Southeast Asia, more and more young talented individuals are opting for tertiary courses related to the creative industries.
In this article, we have listed some of the best institutions for the animation and VFX industry in Singapore, the Southeast Asian city to be designated an UNESCO creative city of design.
Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA)
NAFA was established in 1938 and it is Singapore’s pioneer arts institution. It is well known for its excellent and rigorous curriculum. The institution adopts innovative and practitioners-led teaching approach, with diverse artistic creations and community outreach.
NAFA’s mission is “inspiring learning and growth through the arts”.
NAFA offers full-time diploma and degree programs through its three schools, namely the School of Art and Design comprising 3D Design, Design & Media, Fashion Studies and Fine Arts programs, the School of Music and the School of Arts Management, Dance and Theatre. NAFA partners with reputable universities in the UK and all the diploma courses are aligned with the degree courses offered in these UK universities.
MAGES Institute of Excellence
MAGES is a private education institution in Singapore offering high quality coaching in the Media, Animation and Gaming Industries. The lecturers in Mages are industry experts to equip the students with niche skill-sets and competencies required to become leading game designers, animators and creative computing experts of tomorrow.
MAGES offers Diploma in 3D Animation to prepare talented artists for a successful career in the field of computer animation. Students are given the opportunity to learn the broadest range of disciplines which include drawing, storyboarding, modelling, film editing and character animation. Upon completion of the course, students will have developed a professional showreel for their future job prospects.
3dsense Media School
3dsense Media School Singapore is a pioneering digital arts school in Asia that prepares students for careers in the media and entertainment industry for over 14 years. 3dsense provides industry-based training in Visual Effects, Animation, Motion Design and Illustrations.
Many graduates from the school have gained employment in the world’s biggest media and entertainment studios such as Lucasfilm, Industrial Light & Magic, Bandai Namco, Ubisoft, Framestore, MPC and many more. Their approach is industry-driven, equipped with dedicated facilities and world-class mentors.
The Rookies 2019 ranks 3dsense Media School as the Top 10 Schools in the World for Concept Art & Illustration, Game Design, Motion Graphics, Visual Effects and Animation.
LASALLE College of the Arts
LASALLE College of the Arts Singapore is one of Asia’s leading tertiary institutions in modern arts and design education led by award-winning artists, designers, educators and researchers. The institution offers a range of 30 programs at Diploma, Undergraduate and Postgraduate level such as fashion, fine arts, animation, design communication, film and creative writing.
Students can expect unparalleled arts education designed to nurture their passion in the creative industry through the wide range of programs available in LASALLE’s world-class campus.
DigiPen Institute of Technology
DigiPen is the world’s first college to offer a bachelor’s degree in video game technology and development. Established in 1988, DigiPen Institute of Technology has equipped students with the relevant skill-sets to succeed as skilled engineers, artists and designer in the ever-growing technology industries. It was ranked in the top 5 of the Princeton Review’s Top Game Design Schools for the last 10 years.
DigiPen Institute of Technology Singapore is a partner of Singapore Institute of Technology. It opened in 2018 as DigiPen’s first international campus which offers degrees in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation, Computer Science and Game Design, Digital Art and Animation and Game Design.
Illustration credit: Dribbble.com/RomainTrystram