Picture’s Up, Sound Roll, Action!

Kaixiang and DVAP class of 2016

 

He was diagnosed with dyslexia in primary school and wondered why he struggled in academic subjects. It wasn’t until Primary Five that Yoh Kai Xiang discovered his interest in sounds when he joined the AVA club in Ahmad Ibrahim Primary School. The young student then found out that he enjoys what he learnt in the audio-visual aid club and has a flair for it.

When Kai Xiang received his PSLE results, one of his considerations in choosing a secondary school, aside from location, was also CCAs that were related to AVA or photography. He discussed with his teachers, parents, and after some research, Kai Xiang decided on Yishun Secondary School as the school offers an interesting programme in music, media and audio technology.

Kai Xiang felt that the techniques and skills he picked up in his primary school’s AVA club gave him a good head start to do well. Continuing his journey in Yishun Secondary School’s Applied Learning Programme (ALP) in music, media and technology. The programme incorporated elements of music technology, sound design, video production in its curriculum. Coupled with Kai Xiang’s keen interest in photography and music, he was more than sure that he wanted to expand his knowledge and develop his skills in audio technology.

With the encouragement of his teachers and advice, Kai Xiang started early and searched for courses related to lighting, sound production, photography and audio technology to pursue after secondary school. The perfect course came to light: Nitec in Digital Audio & Video Production, a course that is offered at ITE College East and West.

The rest is history. From dabbling in pre-production work to managing lighting equipment, recording audios for both location and studio to performing video editing and audio post-production, it was not an easy journey but he is enjoying every minute of it.

The current Year Two student has been excelling in the course, and looks forward to each module because it helps him enter a world of endless possibilities. He also enjoys the opportunities to participate in productions for films and performances.

“I never imagined discovering my passion, especially since I have a mild learning difficulty, but the opportunities and experience offered by my secondary school was invaluable. It brought out the best in me, and I am really appreciative of how my teachers encouraged and guided me to take up this course, which integrates everything I am passionate about” shared Kai Xiang.

Even as Kai Xiang is busy with school, he does not intend to give up his interests in photography and music. The 18 year-old has an Instagram account that he constantly updates with his beautiful photos and music pieces.

His future aspiration? To develop his skills in film-making and be the next Roystan Tan of Singapore!

Keen to find out more about pathways after secondary school or need some advice on various courses offered at ITE/polytechnic/university level? Speak to your school’s Education and Career Guidance (ECG) counsellors or teachers for more information.