Jasy Liew, a graduate student in the Information Management program at the School of Information Studies (iSchool), recently traveled to Singapore, where she explored new technologies and innovative research studies as part of the Experience@Singapore program 2010.
The Experience@Singapore is an interactive and digital media program aimed to promote global networks between students, universities and organizations in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore.
Liew was one of 13 students selected from the six participating countries to take part in the event. The trip showcased breakthrough technologies in interactive and digital media, which complimented Liew’s personal interests in human computer interaction (HCI).
“I was really impressed with the research and development in virtual reality and interactive media,” Liew said.
During the five-day program, Liew was exposed to numerous innovative sights. She visited Fusionpolic, a science and technology cluster that brings together scientists, engineers, and technology experts from public and private laboratories, and the National University of Singapore where she witnessed HCI systems in the development process.
Liew also visited animation studios such as Sunwoo Asia Pacific, Rainbow Media, and Scrawl Studio, where she saw how 2D and 3D characters are brought to life on screen.
“The biggest bonus I had was the visit to Lucasfilm Animation Singapore, the famous producer of Star Wars,” she said. “Walking around this enormous games development studio, I saw a preview of how they recently launched Nintendo DS Game Clone Wars: Jedi Alliance.”
The participants were able to experience the local culture during their trip. They visited attractions in Singapore such as Suntec City, a shopping center, Singapore Flyer, the world’s largest giant observation wheel, and the Merlion, the famous fountain of a lion’s head with a fish body.
“The five-day trip was exhilarating,” she said. “It not only opened my eyes to the academic, research, and development of digital media in Singapore, but I had fun learning about the city, its people, its food, and its culture. I gained so much from the trip—the knowledge, the experiences and all my new friends. “
The Experience@Singapore program is organized by Contact Singapore, an alliance of the Singapore economic development board and ministry of manpower. The goal of Contact Singapore is to attract people from around the world to work, invest, and live in Singapore.