SINGAPORE: Innova JC goes big on new media

Junior college has broadcast, recording studio and high-definition television cameras to nurture students' interest in new media

Straits Times
Saturday, February 3, 2007

By Ho Ai Li

Students at Innova Junior College do not just write General Paper essays when it comes to current affairs -- they make documentaries too.

Before assembly every morning, the students catch up on college news through their very own podcast show. There are plans for TV shows later this year.

The two-year-old college's "hands on" foray into new media arts has paid dividends. It has been designated a Centre of Excellence in the area and will receive $30,000 a year to buy hardware and software as well as run training courses.

This was announced by Dr Mohamad Maliki Osman, an MP for Sembawang GRC, at the Woodlands college's official opening yesterday.

Principal Yeo Hong Mui, elaborating on the college's interest in new media, said: "It's quite organic. It came about as we have a couple of teachers and students who are keen on the area."

Also, digital media is earmarked as an emerging pillar of Singapore's economy, she noted.

Innova is well equipped to be a centre for new media: It has a broadcast and recording studio, and high-definition TV cameras which students can use to make their own documentaries and feature films.

About 130 students are in the college's new media arts club, which dabbles in forms like film, podcasts, blogs and animation.

The college also aims to reach out to secondary and primary school students with workshops and courses.

At the event last night, Dr Maliki also announced the college's tie-up with the Singapore Sports School. Under the partnership, students from the sports school who go on to do their A levels at the college will get teacher mentors and a more flexible timetable.

They will stay and train at the sports school, and go for classes at Innova, which is just next door.

But there will be no direct entry for the sports students, who will still need to have the qualifying O levels. The first batch will be admitted next year.

Date Posted: 2/3/2007