Two LASALLE College of the Arts graduates, Aqil Fitri and Ilya Suraya Ahmad Razib, chose to leave their old careers behind to pursue their interests in the arts and media, a decision that has changed the direction of their lives.
They were among the graduates celebrated at the LASALLE Convocation ceremony on 8 August.
A total of 774 graduates received Diplomas, Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and Master's degrees at the ceremony.
Of these, 16 graduates also received the LASALLE Award for Academic Excellence for outstanding academic achievement.
A former nurse, now a singer and theatre activist with a community spirit
Aqil, a former nurse, now a singer, theatre activist and storyteller, began cultivating an interest in performing since he was in primary school before he began developing his talents in musical theatre.
Upon completing his BA (Hons) Musical Theatre at LASALLE, Aqil now devotes his energy into songwriting, with inspiration often coming from experiences around him.
“I realised that I have a deep interest in the arts. I want to expand the way I connect with the people around me. I want to bring them joy and inspire them,” shares Aqil.
Off stage, Aqil is active in empowering marginalised communities through storytelling projects.
“I believe that art should be shared with the community, not just performed in a big space, on a big stage,” Aqil says.
“Therefore by presenting our performances, they get to celebrate with their community. They can sing and they can dance along with us. That is inclusivity. It’s very important to me because it is a way for me to contribute back to the community.
From the pharmacy to film, Ilya changes her direction in order to express herself creatively
For Ilya, the transformational journey began during the pandemic.
After seven years working in the medical and pharmaceutical sectors, she felt her career at that time did not provide her a space for creative self-expression.
I felt a calling and I was unhappy with what I was doing. Therefore, I mustered up the courage to try something which was a complete 180-degree change,” she says.
Ilya chose to pursue a Diploma in Broadcast Media at LASALLE, a decision she believes has opened many doors. Throughout her studies, Ilya excelled in her writing, directed three Malay-language short films that aired on the Suria television channel and underwent an industry internship with the CNA programme ‘CNA Insight’.
“Honestly, this diploma has opened doors for me. After having attained the diploma, I do not feel like I am missing out. Now I am working in media. I get to meet many media professionals and they bring something unique. This is what makes my life brighter now,” she shares.
Read the article on BERITA Mediacorp.
