The arts have always played a vital role in shaping culture, sparking dialogue, and inspiring innovation, but what does its future look like in Singapore? This year’s SRMC Industry Forum gathered educators, professionals, and industry leaders to explore this question, with a special focus on opportunities for international students. The forum addressed sustainability, relevance, and career pathways in Singapore’s evolving arts scene.
Designed with international students in mind, the forum unpacked key industry insights, highlighting how SRMC actively prepares students for a rapidly shifting future. From exploring career pathways to deep-diving into how AI is changing up the creative industry, the discussion emphasised SRMC’s commitment to preparing students for sustainable careers in the arts.
The forum also dives deeper into the growing challenges faced by Singapore’s arts industry, ranging from limited career pathways to the rapid onset of technology.
Read more to discover the industry forum’s highlights, showcasing how SRMC is equipping students with the skills, opportunities, and mindset needed to succeed in today’s dynamic arts landscape.
How Do We Position Our Artists to Succeed in This Rapidly Changing World?
Despite its size, Singapore is a dynamic hub balancing arts, heritage, technology, and innovation. Local artists face increasing pressure to be digitally savvy, entrepreneurial, and globally connected. SRMC is helping students prepare for this reality.
To truly position artists for success, Singapore needs to cultivate diverse voices, encourage risk-taking, and bridge the gap between art and commerce. SRMC fosters real-world connections and offers programmes like the Master of Arts in Education to help students navigate the industry and build creative pathways.
By fostering real-world connections and offering programs like the Master of Arts in Education (Music and Performing Arts) and more, SRMC is positioning its students to navigate the complexities of the industry and shape meaningful, sustainable careers in the arts.
Opening Speech by The Executive Director of SRMC
“Today’s forum is a testament to the commitment, and also a platform where we can collectively discuss, challenge and reimagine the role of the arts in Singapore’s evolving cultural and economic landscape. The creative industry is at a crossroads. We hear concerns about the sustainability of arts careers, the encroachment of AI, and the global competition that our artists face.
“But while the challenges are real, so too are the opportunities across the region and beyond. We see the power of collaboration, technological integration and industry engagement, reshaping the creative economy. The question is, how do we position our artists to succeed in this rapidly changing world? Through today’s discussions, I encourage all of us here to think boldly and to embrace new possibilities.” — Ryan Goh, Executive Director of SRMC.
Introduction of the Panellists
SRMC has invited a distinguished lineup of industry leaders, educators, and experts to share their insights at the SRMC Industry Forum 2025. Each panellist brings unique perspectives and experiences to inspire meaningful dialogue and collaboration on the future of the arts in Singapore.
- Mr. Tony Chang: Founder of Superfanz and executive producer of S+PLUS dance reality TV show
- Miss Irene Ng, PBM: Founder of Fly Entertainment
- Miss Cherie Yeo: Program Manager at Deconstruct Plus
- Mr. Ivan Chin: CEO of Extraordinary People Limited
- Miss Helen McVey: Director of Business Development at Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
- Mr. Rupert Johnstone: Head of International Relations at Australian Institute of Music (AIM)
- Mr. Ryan Goh: Executive Director of Singapore Raffles Music College (SRMC)
Challenges of the Arts Industry in Singapore
Singapore has made significant strides in developing its arts scene, yet the industry continues to face several complex challenges that affect both artists and institutions striving to grow and thrive.
Here are the challenges highlighted in the forum:
- Cultural Factors: Traditional mindsets often prioritise academic and professional careers over creative pursuits.
- Limited Career Pathways: Opportunities for full-time artistic work remain scarce, leading to instability.
- Creative Careers are Undervalued: Many still perceive the arts as hobbies rather than viable professions.
- Technology and AI being Highly Disruptive: Rapid tech changes challenge traditional art forms and job security.
- Strong Need for Industry-Education Partnerships: Greater collaboration is required to better prepare students for real-world arts careers.
The Forum’s Mission and Objectives
The forum is aimed to spark meaningful conversations and actionable strategies that inspire hope within the arts community, addressing uncertainties in Singapore and globally. It promoted the idea that creativity, when supported with purpose, can thrive despite challenges.
By bringing together diverse voices from educators, professionals, and industry leaders, the forum provided guidance for navigating the evolving landscape. It empowered artists with insights, resources, and collaborative opportunities to foster resilience and growth in Singapore’s art scene.
Here at SRMC, we are committed to equipping our students with practical skills, industry exposure, and creative confidence to thrive in the music and arts sectors. Through hands-on training, expert mentorship, and real-world collaborations, we prepare them to be industry-ready and confident in pursuing meaningful careers in the arts.
Critical Questions Addressed During the Forum
During the forum, key issues affecting the future of the arts were explored through thought-provoking discussions. The following critical questions were addressed to spark reflection, dialogue, and actionable solutions:
- There is a common sentiment in Singapore that the arts are suffering. So firstly, do you think that’s true? Whether it’s a yes or no, why?
- Both answers from Rupert Johnstone and Irene Ang, PBM, highlight an optimistic view of the arts in Singapore. They both disagree that the arts in Singapore are suffering, as more and more creative institutions like SRMC are established to support the vibrant performing arts industry.
- Can the arts have a future in Singapore?
- Irene Ang, PBM, absolutely agrees, as Singapore has a very strong infrastructure with the government grounding a lot of money into the arts, specifically the National Arts Council. Moreover, Tony Chang also added that he’s very optimistic about the future of the arts in Singapore as a lot of new things can happen.
- So how do we help dispel this myth that you know, art and technology are in conflict with one another rather than being something that can assist one another?
- Cherie Yeo stated, “Ultimately, tech is created by humans. And, you know, I think what we should be looking towards is, how to use tech to really, inspire students, and to make it a bit more, to allow them to broaden their creative mindsets. Right? Because, I mean, there’s so many different forms of arts; interdisciplinary, dance choreography, filmmaking, production.”
- How do we make sure that students who graduate have all the necessary skills that go well beyond their artistic talent?
- Ryan Goh, as executive director of SRMC, emphasises the importance of institutions establishing the right partnerships to connect students with the correct opportunities globally, such as AIM, RCS, VMU from Lithuania, and the Shanghai Conservatory of Music
- How do you shape the curriculum?
- To shape the curriculum with the future of the arts in mind, Ryan Goh stresses the understanding of different partners’ curriculum, ensuring connectivity and intersections to improve SRMC’s own curriculum to uplift both artists and content quality.
- What are the skill sets that they really need to have perfected by the time they graduate?
- Ryan Goh had put it simply that some of the most important skill sets to have by the time students graduate are to have a go at every opportunity, have a global perspective, and embrace technology while expressing their art.
- How would you advise that students look after themselves when there is so much overwhelm with what’s going on in our spaces?
- “One thing that we must remind ourselves is to be ourselves. Keep it real, right. Take it easy, because that’s the part where you need to learn how to chill,” answered Ivan Chin. Ryan Goh also added that it’s important to stay present, finding the correct space to explore and experiment.
The forum’s discussions highlighted the evolving landscape of the arts in Singapore, emphasising the need for adaptability, industry partnerships, and technological integration. SRMC remains at the forefront of this shift, committed to preparing students for the evolving arts industry—equipping them with the skills, connections, and confidence to build sustainable careers.