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Getting interactive

Working in the media industry is Mr Tan’s passion.
PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG

MR COLIN Tan Weijian has a unique opportunity to achieve his dream to work in the media industry and influence people's lives and ways of thinking.

An Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) scholar, he is in the concurrent interactive digital media degree programme between National University of Singapore (NUS) and Carnegie Mellon University (CMU).

Starting from August last year, he will spend five years to get an NUS Bachelor of Computing honours degree in communications and media as well as a Master of Entertainment Technology from CMU in the United States.

IDA, a regulator and promoter of infocomm technology, helps the Singapore economy to grow. IDA scholars can acquire exposure and working experience in leading private companies.

After completing his studies, Mr Tan, 21, will serve a four-year bond with Microsoft Singapore.

The scholarship also helps him to get up to six months of job attachment with the company.

The former student of Victoria Junior College says: "It is my passion to be in the media industry. Media affects the way people live, dictates trends and fashions in society and determines the accepted norm."

"One cannot escape from it. It is a powerful tool penetrating society through multiple mediums, extent and levels."

"With technology always improving, media will become more pervasive and personal."

"I wish to work in the media industry to be part of the directing force influencing people's lives and ways of thinking," he says.

Mr Tan himself was influenced by the growing pool of Singaporean talent in the media industry.

He was also inspired by the huge investments that Singapore government agencies and new companies here are pumping into the industry.

When he starts working in Microsoft Singapore, he wants to be in the games and media-related departments.

These include those handling the Xbox or online media advertising that will allow him to create content and games produced in Singapore.

"There is always a sense of satisfaction when you see your own creations being appreciated by others," he says.

"I think it will be fun to study interactive digital media. It is the combination of technology and traditional mass media involving games, animation and virtual reality."

"Consumers participate actively in interactive digital media. Studying interactive digital media is worthwhile because it allows Singapore to gain recognition on the world map."

"As we progress towards better, larger and more successful productions in the near future – along with new infrastructure such as the upcoming Mediapolis – Singaporeans will be able to gain global recognition in the field of interactive digital media," he adds.