Singapore Media: Three reasons for Singapore's University of Art

Singapore's "Straits Times" August 31 article, original topic: Why is the establishment of an art university now? In March of last year, Huang Xuncai, then Minister of Education, then Education, announced in Congress that Nanyang Academy of Art and the Lhasar Academy of Art will jointly form an art University. For how we understand the world in the next decades and how to continue to make the public's preparation for unknown changes, the establishment of Singapore University of Art is tantamount to issuing a statement. In the face of this future, we need to control all kinds of knowledge, skills and perceptions, and stimulate greater imagination and creativity.

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For Singapore, this is an important milestone, and it is also an recognition of the rapid development of the art field. At the same time, it is committed to achieving and maintaining high -standard art quality. It is important that the development of art is increasingly supported by the public and society. 2020年的调查显示：在受访的2035名新加坡人中，82%的人认为艺术促进代际对话和理解；81%的人认为艺术使我们更有归属感；80%的人认为艺术可使Singaporeans are proud.

Why is a university of art now? The initiative is supported by 3 convincing arguments.

First of all, it is important to create development conditions and opportunities for Singaporeans with different talents. Singapore's art education institutions have trained generations of creative talents. They have won various honors in Singapore and won international awards in visual art, music, film, media and design industries. Last year, 80%of students at the Nanyang Academy of Art and the Lhasary Academy of Art found a job within half a year of graduation.

Secondly, creating an art university at this juncture can help Singapore to quickly become a joy to gather outstanding artists. This will help Singapore to become the center of creative talents. As a larger entity, the University of Arts of Singapore can become one of the unique centers of Southeast Asian and even world art education.

Third, there is no doubt that we face a world that has been changed by technology and is affected by unpredictable changes. Therefore, we need different thinking modes to control this challenging reality. Daniel Pinke interrupted in its influential book "New Thinking", and we have entered the era of concept economy from the era of knowledge economy. The former emphasizes analysis and logical thinking ability to promote economic development and success. Therefore, we have improved the status of talents such as economists, doctors, lawyers, engineers and medical researchers.

The concept economy is based on high concepts and high sensitivity, and creativity and innovation are contemporary pop words. Many jobs are now created by those who can feel the same and express themselves with others. They created some products and services, such as Tiktok. In short, today's society needs a large number of creative and empathy people. The University of Art will encourage and cultivate people's imagination.

The combination of art and technology can also add fun to people's careers. Art education can inspire young graduates to pay attention to new areas to exert their talents. The world is changing, and the employment market is changing. Our professional philosophy has been redefined. The University of Art will play a vital role, so that our students are confident in their skills and ability, enrich our society and make economic contributions through their artistic practice activities. (Author Chen Qingzhu, Cui Xiaodong Translation)

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