Top Schools for Animation Programs

December 3, 2023

With advancements in technology, computer-generated animation has become increasingly popular. Computer animation involves creating and manipulating images using software and 3D modeling techniques. This allows for more complex and realistic animations, as well as the ability to easily modify and refine the animation. Animation is used in various forms of media, including films, television shows, video games, advertisements, and web content. It can be employed to tell stories, convey information, entertain, and evoke emotions. Animators use a combination of artistic skills, technical knowledge, and creativity to bring characters and worlds to life, often collaborating with other professionals such as storyboard artists, voice actors, and sound designers. Animation techniques can vary, ranging from traditional hand-drawn 2D animation to stop-motion, claymation, motion capture, and more. Each technique and style has its unique characteristics and artistic possibilities, allowing animators to create diverse and imaginative visual experiences. Overall, animation is a captivating and versatile medium that enables artists to create dynamic and engaging visuals that can entertain, educate, and inspire audiences of all ages. There are several top animation houses globally that have made significant contributions to the animation industry. Here are some of the renowned animation studios: Walt Disney Animation Studios: Known for its iconic characters and storytelling, Disney Animation has been a pioneer in animation since its establishment in 1923. They have produced classic films like “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” “The Lion King,” and recent hits like “Frozen” and “Moana.” Pixar Animation Studios: Acquired by Disney in 2006, Pixar has revolutionized computer-generated animation with films like “Toy Story,” “Finding Nemo,” and “Inside Out.” They are known for their innovative storytelling and emotional depth in their animated features. Studio Ghibli: A Japanese animation studio founded by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, Studio Ghibli has produced some of the most beloved and critically acclaimed animated films. Works like “Spirited Away,” “My Neighbor Totoro,” and “Princess Mononoke” have captivated audiences worldwide. DreamWorks Animation: DreamWorks Animation has created numerous successful animated franchises, including the “Shrek” series, “Kung Fu Panda,” and “How to Train Your Dragon.” Known for its visually stunning films, DreamWorks has made a significant impact on the animation industry. Illumination Entertainment: Illumination is recognized for its popular animated films like the “Despicable Me” series, “The Secret Life of Pets,” and “Sing.” Their movies often combine humor, heart, and memorable characters, appealing to audiences of all ages. Blue Sky Studios: Blue Sky Studios is known for films like the “Ice Age” series, “Rio,” and “The Peanuts Movie.” Their animation style and engaging storytelling have garnered a dedicated fan base. Aardman Animations: Aardman is a British animation studio famous for its stop-motion clay animations. They are known for creating beloved characters like Wallace and Gromit, Shaun the Sheep, and Chicken Run. Laika: Laika is a stop-motion animation studio that has produced visually stunning and critically acclaimed films such as “Coraline,” “ParaNorman,” and “Kubo and the Two Strings.” These are just a few of the top animation houses that have made a significant impact on the industry. Each studio has its unique style, storytelling approach, and contributions to the world of animation.

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Keen to be involved in E Sports Arena?

November 28, 2023

eSport, short for electronic sport, refers to competitive video gaming where professional players or teams compete against each other in organized tournaments or leagues. eSport events can range from small local competitions to large-scale international championships. These tournaments are often broadcasted live online, attracting millions of viewers who tune in to watch skilled players showcase their gaming abilities. eSports can involve various video games across different genres, such as multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games like League of Legends and Dota 2, first-person shooters like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Overwatch, fighting games like Street Fighter and Super Smash Bros., and many more. Each game has its own dedicated community and fan base, with top players achieving celebrity status within the gaming world. eSports has evolved into a professional industry with teams, coaches, analysts, and support staff. Players often sign contracts with organizations and compete for prize money, endorsements, and other lucrative opportunities. The popularity of eSports has grown significantly in recent years, with major companies investing in teams and events, and esports becoming a recognized and respected form of competitive entertainment. The future of esports is promising and continues to show significant growth and potential. Here are some key aspects that indicate a bright future for esports: Increased Popularity: Esports has experienced a surge in popularity over the past decade, attracting a massive global audience. The growing number of esports enthusiasts and viewership numbers indicate a strong and engaged fan base. Growing Industry: The esports industry is rapidly expanding, with increasing investments from major companies, sponsors, and broadcasters. This influx of capital and resources is fueling the growth of esports, leading to larger prize pools, improved production quality, and better infrastructure. Professionalization: Esports has evolved into a highly professional industry, with players, teams, and organizations operating at a competitive level. The rise of esports academies, training programs, and dedicated coaching staff highlights the increasing focus on player development and professionalism within the industry. Mainstream Recognition: Esports is gaining recognition as a legitimate form of entertainment and sport. It has been included in major sporting events like the Asian Games and has attracted the attention of traditional sports organizations and media outlets. This mainstream recognition contributes to the continued growth and acceptance of esports. Global Reach: Esports has a global appeal, transcending geographical boundaries. Tournaments and competitions bring together players and fans from around the world, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie within the esports community. Career Opportunities: The growth of esports has created various career opportunities within the industry. Beyond professional players, there is a demand for skilled individuals in areas such as event management, broadcasting, marketing, coaching, and content creation. As the industry expands, so do the employment prospects. Technological Advancements: Technological advancements, such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and improved streaming platforms, are expected to enhance the esports experience. These innovations will likely attract new audiences and provide unique opportunities for immersive gameplay and viewer engagement. While the future of esports looks promising, it’s important to note that the industry is still evolving, and its trajectory may be influenced by various factors. However, the continued growth, increasing […]

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Aspiring to be a Film Director/ Producer?

November 23, 2023

Toronto Film School is a private film school located in Toronto, Canada. It offers diploma programs in various aspects of film and television production, including acting, directing, producing, screenwriting, and editing. The school aims to provide hands-on training and practical experience to its students, preparing them for careers in the entertainment industry. The curriculum includes both theoretical and practical courses, and students have access to industry-standard equipment and facilities. Toronto Film School also offers opportunities for networking and collaboration with professionals in the film and television industry.

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Psychology Degrees in Australia, UK and USA that are Registrable in Singapore

May 26, 2021

A career in psychology involves planning ahead. Before you embark on your decision to study psychology, you have to ask yourself some questions. So do you want to achieve in the future with a psychology degree? We came across many teenage students who thinks that a psychology degree is about mind reading, like Professor X in X-Men. Some students think that because they are weak in mathematics and sciences thus, doing a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology would allow them to “escape” mathematics and sciences. Sorry to crush your hopes but Psychology is the science of mind and behavior. You can certainly reduce the amount coursework in sciences in a BA degree but you will not be able to “escape” science classes like biology. Since you are required to understand the behavior of people, it is not through mind reading, you must be able to work with data, run and interpret multiple regression models, understand mathematical statistics and run hypothesis testing. There are many fields in psychology but we will first go into the bachelor degree, Undergraduate psychology degrees are usually done at a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science level. The duration in Australia is 4 years with Honours), United States is 4 Years and the UK is 3 Years with Honours. Australia and UK Admission Requirements: The entry minimum entry requirements for being admitted to psychology degree is the A Level, IB or a 1 year foundation program. Find out more about doing a 1 year foundation in Australia and the UK after your O Level instead of doing the A Level or IB and progress to Group of 8 Universities in Australia and Russell Group Universities in the UK. United States Admission Requirements: Most US universities accept O level as admissions to the first year of university. Highly selective universities would require A Level, IB or equivalent qualification. The career outcomes for graduates with a bachelor degree in psychology are, but not limited to: Guidance Counselor Human Resources Staff Market Research Analyst Business Psychologist Sales Psychologist Associate However if your goal is to become a clinical psychologist, you will need to obtain a Master or Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from an accredited university. The qualification has to be registrable by the Singapore Psychological Society if you intend to return and practice as a registered psychologist in Singapore. What is a Clinical Psychologist? A clinical psychologist is a mental health professional with an accredited graduate degree in clinical psychology. A clinical psychologist is highly trained in the specialization in the diagnosis and psychological treatment of mental, behavioral and emotional illnesses, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Difference between a Clinical Psychologist and Psychiatrist? This is a question that many students and parents are confused about. It is important to note that ALL psychiatrists have an accredited medical degree (MBBS, MD, etc.) and are registered medical doctors. The Doctor of Psychology (PsyD.) and PhD in Psychology are NOT medical degrees. The biggest difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist is that a psychiatrist can prescribe medications, while most psychologists are not medical doctors and typically cannot prescribe medication. In […]

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Study Engineering in the USA, UK and Australia

May 14, 2021

(Photo credit: Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Illinois, United States) Interested to become an Engineer? First things you have to ask yourself is, do you have a passion for design, making processes more efficient and solving problems? Are you ready for advanced mathematics in calculus, physics and computer applications? If you are, you may consider an Engineering degree. As there are many fields in Engineering, we will only focus on Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Civil Engineering. Accreditation To be an accredited engineer in Singapore or any country that you may be pursuing your Engineering degree in, the degree has to be accredited by the respective engineering board. A rule of thumb for your degree to be accredited in 22 countries in the world is that the degree is completed at a university that is accredited by the respective accreditation board that is a signatory of the Washington Accord. The Washington Accord is an international accreditation agreement for undergraduate professional engineering academic degrees between the bodies responsible for accreditation in its signatory countries and regions. Established in 1989, the full signatories as of 2020 are Australia, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States. The Institution of Engineering, Singapore (IES), is the Singapore signatory to the Washington Accord with effect from June 2006. Engineering Degree in the United States The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) is the United States signatory to the Washington Accord since 1989. So before you decide on university to do your engineering degree, do make sure that it is ABET accredited or contact us for more information. Undergraduate Engineering degrees in the United States are typically 4 years in duration. The minimum entry requirements is to have a GCE O Level / IGCSE or equivalent for most U.S universities. Some highly competitive universities in the U.S. will require the A Level, International Baccalaureate or equivalent to be considered a place. Alternatively, you can also start in a community college by pursuing a 2 year Associate Degree and transfer to a university to complete the Bachelor degree in 2-3 years. If you are looking to transfer to schools like UC Berkeley, you can consider attending De Anza College or Foothill College. If you are looking to transfer to UCLA, you can consider attending Santa Monica College. If you are looking to transfer to the University of Washington, you can consider Green River College or Shoreline Community College. Do contact us for more information. Intakes: Fall (Aug/Sep) for all schools / Spring (Jan/Feb) applicable for most schools Estimated Annual Tuition Fee: Private: USD 35,000 to USD 55,000 per annum Public: USD 20,000 to USD 40,000 per annum Community Colleges: USD 10,000 – USD 12,000 per annum Engineering Degree in the United Kingdom The Engineering Council United Kingdom is the United Kingdom signatory to the Washington Accord since 1989. So before you decide on university to do your engineering degree, do make sure that it is ECUK accredited or contact us for […]

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What Education is Required for a Blockchain/Cryptocurrency Developer

May 10, 2021

DISCLAIMER: This post is not about cryptocurrency trading or investment nor does it encourage cryptocurrency investments. This post is about the education and skills one would require to be a blockchain or cryptocurrency developer that most companies dealing with financial technology (FinTech) may consider. 10 years ago, a finance degree could land graduates a job in investments in financial institutions but now, companies are looking for more. They are looking for graduates with knowledge of blockchain technology and cryptocurrency. The future of blockchain is near and has already caused  much disruptions in how conventional banking works. Many financial institutions and software companies are shifting their attention and hiring to blockchain technology, especially in cryptocurrency. Bitcoin (BTC) is the first cryptocurrency that was launched in 2009 that uses uses blockchain technology. Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency, without a central bank or single administrator, that can be sent from user to user on the peer-to-peer bitcoin network without the need for intermediaries. Since there is no use for intermediaries , it has disrupted and will go on to making more disruptions to banks, money exchanger, money remittance companies and financial institutions. The acceptance of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have grown tremendously over the past decade. Major companies like Microsoft, Starbucks, Tesla, Amazon and PayPal accepts cryptocurrencies as a mode of payment. Billionaires like Elon Musk (CEO, Tesla) and Mark Cuban (owner of the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) Dallas Mavericks) have openly and vocally showed their support to cryptocurrencies like DogeCoin (DOGE) and Ethereum (ETH). 1 Bitcoin was worth $1 on 9 February 2011 and 10 years later, it reached $48,226.25 on 9 February 2021. On 10 May 2021, 1 BTC is approximately worth $58,490. Cryptocurrencies are definitely here to stay and the potential to have growth as the global acceptance and demand increases. So the question is, how will you be prepared to take on a job as a blockchain / cryptocurrency developer in the future where companies are hunting high and low with people of this skillset. What Qualifications do you Require? Many websites will tell you that you don’t need to have coding experience and you can just do a certificate in a coding language, preferably in Solidity, but we really do recommend you have a Bachelor or Master Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering or Engineering. You can always go on job portals to find the requirements and having a degree in CS related fields are usually the minimum. With a degree, you should be proficient with at least one programming language. It’s better to know more to increase your chances as the use of programming languages varies between companies. For example, Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange in the world. requires applicants to proficient in one of the following languages: Golang, Java, Rust for their Blockchain Data Analysis Developer role in their Singapore office. We recommend being proficient in at least two languages like C++, Python, Java, JavaScript. To be a smart contract developer, you will need to be proficient in Solidity too. It is also preferred you have a good understanding of blockchain technology and cryptocurrency. […]

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Business Analytics Degree in the USA and UK

May 5, 2021

If you search for business analytics jobs in Singapore, you will find dozens of jobs waiting to be filled. The only real problem is that there is not enough talents to do the job. Companies in Singapore like Google, Amazon, Grab, Shopee and many more companies are looking for business analyst with skills in business analytics or data analytics. In fact, there is a global shortage of data analytics as the rate of tech companies scaling very rapidly. So what is Business Analytics? According to Tableau Software, an American interactive data visualization software company that is headquarted in Seattle, Washington, United States, “Business analytics (BA) refers to the practice of using your company’s data to anticipate trends and outcomes. BA includes data mining, statistical analysis, and predictive modeling that help make more informed decisions.” This is not to be confused by the traditional Data analytics. According to Tableu, “Data analytics is the technical process of mining data, cleaning data, transforming data, and building the systems to manage data. Data analytics takes large quantities of data to find trends and solve problems. Data analytics is used across disciplines—from government to science. It’s not just confined to business applications.” So in short, if you prefer bridging data with business and using it to predict and make informed decisions, business analytics might just be the course for you. Why is there a global thirst for Business Analytics? Every time you buy something online for example, your data like your buying habits may be collected so that business analytics may predict your next purchase may be and appear on the page you are on more frequently. There are dozens of usage on how companies and even hospitals use business analytics to predict human decisions. What do you need to be passionate about to do ? You need to have passion for business intelligence, advanced statistics and data mining. Although it is a very in demand job, not everyone has the passion for advanced statistics and data mining. How do I become a Business Analyst in Business Analytics? The most recommended way is to take a degree in Business Analytics. This can be done at the undergraduate or graduate level. Some graduate programs even accept students with non business or IT education as long as they have taken modules in statistic in their undergraduate program. We even have a student that did a Bachelor degree in Food Science and was accepted by Northeastern University’s Master of Professional Studies in Analytics. Education is just the first step, it is important to do a co-op/internship while you are having your study breaks. For example, For over 100 years, Northeastern has been a world leader in cooperative education (co-op), the University’s cornerstone experiential learning program. What is the duration of studies for a Business Analytics degree? For Undergraduate Degrees (Bachelor) : US: 4 years UK 3 Years For Graduate Degrees (Master): US: 1-1.5 Years UK: 1 Year Contact us for more information for school recommendations and application services!    

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COVID-19 Updates on Overseas Studies/Travel

April 22, 2021

Last updated on: 22 April 2021 The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has seen many countries closed their borders and tighten travel restrictions. To mitigate the risk of Covid-19 transmission and to protect both students and staff, most schools worldwide have stopped face-to-face classes. Classes were conducted online and some schools have taken a hybrid approach for classes that are required to be taught on campus, e.g. classes that require the use of laboratory facilities. Since the discovery of Covid-19 vaccines, schools are pushing for fully or increase in face-to-face classes in the third quarter of 2021. We will be posting updates on our website when they are any changes in both government and school’s policies so please continue visiting our website or make an enquiry on our contact form below to stay updated. The updates would include country border re-openings or closure, school’s mode of classes (online, hybrid or face-to-face), quarantine processes on arrival at the airport and vaccine rollout implementation in Australia, United Kingdom and the United States. Our sources are from government agencies, trusted news agencies and newsletters from schools. Australia Australia has been relatively successful in containing the spread of COVID-19 with a relatively low transmission within the country. Australia closed its borders to all non-citizens and non-residents in March 2020 and has been permitting only limited international arrivals, mainly its citizens returning from abroad. Border Re-Opening There are no indication of Australia reopening their borders to international students at this moment. The Commissioner of the Australian Border Force and decision makers may grant international students if you are: a student completing year 11 and 12, with endorsement from the federal Department of Education, Skills and Employment (DESE) and; support from the relevant Australian State or Territory government health authority and education department. Further information regarding this process can be found at the Department of Education, Skills and Employment website. a student in your final two years of study of a medical, dental, nursing or allied health profession university degree, where you have evidence of a confirmed placement in an Australian hospital or medical practice which begins within the next two months. You must hold a visa and an exemption to Australia’s travel restrictions before you travel. You can request an exemption online and must provide appropriate evidence to support your claims. Requests may be finalised without further consideration if insufficient evidence is provided. All documents need to be officially translated into English. According to an article by Reuters, on 18 April 2021, Australia’s Prime Minister, Scott Morrison said that Australia is no hurry to reopen its international borders and risk the country’s nearly coronavirus-free lifestyle. According to an article by BBC, on 18 April 2021, Australia’s Department of Health Secretary, Brendan Murphy predicts that Australia is unlikely to fully open its borders in 2021 even if most of its population gets vaccinated this year as planned, says a senior health official. Since there are limited international flights to Australia, our take is that Australia will prioritise Australians that are stranded abroad. There are still more than 30,000 stranded Australians attempting to make their way home, which has […]

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Did not achieve your desired A Level Results? What are your study options overseas?

March 4, 2021

So you just received your A Level results and you found that your results were not up to your expectations and may not qualify for your desired course at a local university. You feel disappointed and confused on what to do next. Read on and find out what are the next steps you should consider. These are some of the common scenarios: “I am interested to do pharmacy at a local university but I got offered Engineering instead…” We found that many students chose to take up a degree that they are not interested in but took up the offer due to reasons like pressure from parents, relatives and/or friend as they want the prestige of being admitted to a local university. Engineering may have lower entry requirements but it is a very rigorous and tough degree that requires high level mathematics and physics. Most importantly, one has to have a passion for innovation and efficiency to even consider engineering as a major and career. If affordability is not an issue, you could pursue your passion overseas. For instance, if you wish to read pharmacy, you can consider the following options: Foundation year in the UK In the case of Pharmacy, you could spend 1 year doing a foundation studies program in the UK and progress to Singapore Pharmacy Council’s accredited universities like University of East Anglia, Queen’s University Belfast and University of Nottingham to do a 4 years of Master of Pharmacy degree. For most programs in the UK, you can do a 1 year foundation and progress to a 3 year Bachelor with honours degree. United States In the case of Pharmacy again, you can consider University of Kansas’s Pre-Pharmacy program (2 years) and a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) (4 Years), For other programs, you could apply to the United States for a direct 4 years bachelor degree or apply to 2 year associate degree at a community college and transfer to schools like UCLA, UC Berkeley, University of Washington and thousands of other universities in the US to complete the bachelor degree in 2-3 years. Find out more about community colleges in the US, “I did not qualify for both local and overseas universities but do not want to do a foundation program” International Year One program in the UK If you missed the entry requirements to direct UK universities narrowly, you could consider the International Year One (IYO) option offered by universities like University of Exeter, Newcastle University, Queen’s University Belfast, University of Leeds and many more. IYO is the equivalent of the first year bachelor degree program in the UK with a smaller class size with more attention to students. After successful completion of the IYO, students progress to the second year of the degree and hence, no time is wasted. You could do a wide range of IYO majors like business, engineering and life sciences. United States You could apply to the United States for a direct 4 years bachelor degree or apply to 2 year associate degree at a community college and transfer to schools like UCLA, UC Berkeley, University of Washington and […]

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Studying Medicine – What If You Do Not Qualify for Medical Schools in Singapore

March 3, 2020

Medical schools anywhere in the world is high competitive! Even with stellar academic results, applicants will need to ace the interview to be given a place in medical schools in Singapore. To be qualified to practice medicine in Singapore, you will need to have graduated from a medical school at one of these universities: Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine at the National University of Singapore Duke-NUS Medical School Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine at the Nanyang Technological University Overseas universities recognised by the Singapore Medical Council Nearly 2,000 students apply to study Medicine at NUS every year and about 1000 are shortlisted for interviews to fill 280 places. These 2,000 students are very likely to have also applied to study medicine at NTU. NTU’s medicine has only 150 spots. Duke-NUS accepts about 60 to 70 students in each cohort. So if you do not get a spot in any of these universities in Singapore, you may have to consider medical schools at overseas universities recognised by the Singapore Medical Council. Unable to Gain Admissions to NUS or NTU Medical Schools? Read here: If you are unable to afford an overseas education, you may start with doing a 3-4 years science related degree e.g. biomedical science, at a local university and apply to a M.D. program at Duke-NUS or at one of the SMC recognised universities. Apply to overseas universities recognised by the Singapore Medical Council. Popular countries are Australia, the UK and the USA. Find out more from us about this option. Re-do your A Levels in the U.K. Find out more from us about this option. Studying Medicine in Australia Most medical programs in Australia are 5-7 years. Most Australian universities have stopped their undergraduate MBBS and have moved to a graduate entry M.D. Monash University offers a 5 year direct entry Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) and the University of New South Wales (UNSW) offers a 6 year direct entry Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine (M.D.). Students with a bachelor degree (3-4 years) are eligible to apply for the 4 year M.D. programs are offered by University of Adelaide, University of Melbourne, University of Queensland, University of Sydney and University of Western Australia. Australian National University offers a 4 year MChD program. If you do not meet the entry requirements for a Bachelor degree in Australia, you may consider the following: 1. Enrol in a 18 months High Achievers Preparation Program (HAPP) offered by Taylors College leading to the University of Sydney 2. Enrol in a 1 year foundation program in Australia Study Medicine in the UK Admissions to medical schools in the UK are also highly competitive. Students would usually requires AAA for A level or 38 points and above for IB. The duration for most MBBS programs are 6 years. If you do not meet the entry requirements for a MBBS program int he UK, you may consider the following: 1. Enrol in an A level program in the UK 2. Enrol in a science degree followed by a graduate entry M.D. in Australia, Singapore or USA. if you […]

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