Research Team


WHY DID YOU APPLY TO THE ITALIADESIGN FIELD SCHOOL PROGRAM?

In my second and third years at this University, I had heard countless first-hand stories about how so many students had been affected by the Italia field school. Meeting and learning from the BEST designers in the world, going into their studios, observing their methods, how could one not be interested in that! I wanted to experience what others before had experienced.

WHAT I LEARNED

Where do I start! In general I learned a lot about myself, that I am capable of being fully responsible and accountable. I learned that there are so many realms of designers, whether it be architecture, product, lighting, but they all have one thing in common: they fully understand their user and the culture that they are designing for. I learned that design is most importantly a mindset and a way of thinking.

I also learned that working with other designers and in a culture that openly shares ideas is a great way to work, and one that is far better than working in a culture that is constantly worrying about other people stealing ideas. It allows you to get fresh perspectives, learn new ways of thinking and approaching; it allows you to be more innovative.

I came home with a renewed sense of work ethic and drive, knowing that it is worthwhile to be a designer and that the ultimate goal is to create a better quality of life for people.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STUDYING ABROAD AND STUDYING AT HOME

For those wondering about studying abroad, I have to tell you that it was the best experience of my life. Personally, it forced me to hold myself accountable for my choices and actions, which included learning. Being thrown into a new, exciting and different culture completely re-invigorated my drive for education. Studying abroad reminded me that there was more to this world than the bubble that I live in, and that for me was enough to get me excited about learning again.

FAVOURITE MOMENTS

  • Fireworks on the feast night in Florence.

  • Nighttime anywhere in Rome and Florence.

  • Walking into Alessandro and Francesco Mendini’s studio.

  • Discovering my new favorite food….VONGOLE!

MY TRANSCENDENT MOMENT

"For someone to show a little bit of courtesy towards me would go a long way as well."

Download this and the rest of my Florence moments here

MOST MEMORABLE INTERVIEW MOMENT/QUOTE

I believe it was Isao Hosoe who spelled it so clearly for me: “Design is a way of thinking, and it does not matter what field you end up in, what matters is that we make a difference in that field with the knowledge that we have.”

FAVORITE PLACE/SPACE

  • The Campidoglio at night was my favorite space. It was empty and far different from how it is in the daytime like many places in Rome.

  • San Clemente was also one of my favorite places. Seeing several layers of history deep down in the ground is indescribable.

MY FAVORITE ITALIAN

Well, in Florence I met this elderly lady who did not speak English. She ate her lunch beside me, and even though it was a struggle to understand each other, it gave me the realest sense of what it means to be Italian. She was kind, generous and she even embraced me before she took off.

MY FAVORITE MEAL(S)

VONGOLE, Seafood Restaurant in Milan

MY CAPTURED MOMENTS

ADVICE FOR UPCOMING ITALIA DESIGN STUDENTS

My advice is to PACK LIGHT! Whatever you think you need, I would get rid of 3/4’s of your stuff. Also, go out at night. The experience is different without loads of tourists infesting the street.

Find alone time for yourself. Somehow, it is that much more meaningful when you aren’t able to have the amount you normally would have in Vancouver.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Simon Fraser University, School of Interactive Arts and Technology, Bachelor of Science in Media Arts.

CAREER GOALS AND INTERESTS

I am fascinated with the world of technology and the possibilities that it holds for allowing people to do things that would otherwise be unknown. To make a difference in the world.

PERSONAL BACKGROUND

I was born in Singapore and have lived in Canada since I was four years old. I really enjoy photography, product design and finding new ways to be passionate about life.