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.

Earlier this year, LASALLE’s Diploma in Fine Arts programme collaborated with ALBA, an e-waste collection and recycling organisation, where nine students were challenged to create artwork using recycled electronic components and cables. 

A record 46 individuals have received the Arts and Heritage Scholarships from the National Arts Council (NAC) and National Heritage Board (NHB) this year, the highest since the scholarships were introduced more than three decades ago.

Of that number, 44 are NAC Arts Scholarship recipients, including 27 recipients of the NAC Arts Scholarship (Diploma) which was introduced this year, as well as two recipients of the NHB Heritage Scholarship.

Thirishaa Selvaraj, who graduates with a BA (Hons) Fine Arts, uses elements like sarees, rice powder and hair to connect shared experiences amongst Indian women. Often inspired by Hinduism and Indian mythology, she aims to revive traditions and rituals while reframing the meanings behind them.

In this article, Tamil Murasu speaks with Thirishaa ahead of LASALLE’s 39th Convocation ceremony to find out more about the inspirations behind her artwork.

Art and design play a crucial role in the development of various industries, and a sense of curiosity, empathy, and creativity are qualities that machines cannot replace.

Minister for Manpower Dr Tan See Leng shared this view in his speech at the LASALLE College of the Arts graduation ceremony on Friday 8 August.

Tan See Leng: 70% of non-creative jobs require creative skills