Love the arts but think a career in the industry is all about being in the spotlight? Think again!
From arts management and programming to creative production and community engagement, there is a whole world of career opportunities beyond the stage and canvas. But what does it really take to turn your passion for the arts into a fulfilling and sustainable career?
Get an insider's look at Singapore's vibrant arts ecosystem through an engaging panel discussion featuring two arts practitioners and a representative from the National Arts Council (NAC). Hear firsthand experiences, uncover lesser-known career pathways and discover what it takes to thrive in the industry.
Here's what you can look forward to:
- Beyond the Spotlight: Explore diverse career pathways in the arts, including opportunities beyond performing and creating.
- The Realities Behind the Arts: Hear candid insights from industry professionals as they debunk common misconceptions and share the rewards and challenges of building a career in the arts.
- Find Your Place in the Industry: Discover the skills, experiences and qualities valued in the arts sector, and how your interests and strengths could translate into career opportunities.
- Connect with the Creatives: Stay on for an exclusive networking session to engage arts professionals, ask questions and build meaningful industry connections.
Your career in the arts could be more than you imagine!
This is a post-event workshop for NUS Career Fest 2027.
Speaker(s)
Mohd Fared Jainal
Fared has worked widely with theatre and art groups in Singapore and abroad as a director, performer, visual artist, and set designer. He has received several honours as a director, designer, and actor from the Straits Times Life Theatre Awards and the BOH Cameronian Arts Awards. Fared served as Artistic Director of Teater Ekamatra (2013 to 2023) and carries out consultancy and project work with the National Heritage Board (NHB). He teaches at the School of the Arts (SOTA).
Phoon Shou Ye
Assistant Director, Education and Manpower Development, National Arts Council
You very arty-farty meh?” Certainly not Shou Ye. He joined the National Arts Council in 2026, bringing a different kind of creativity to the table — one involving data and spreadsheets rather than paintbrushes and pointe shoes. Having spent his career in market research, data management and building data infrastructure across MOM, MCCY and MOE, he’s still learning his way around the arts. But that’s precisely it — You don’t have to be arty-farty to contribute to the arts.
Martin Ng
Lecturer in vocal studies at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) and Artistic Director of Lirica Arts
Singaporean baritone and NUS Law alumnus Martin Ng graduated in Voice from the Conservatorio dall’Abaco di Verona and made his professional debut at the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino. He has since performed extensively across Europe and Asia in roles including Macbeth, Scarpia, Rigoletto, Germont, Amonasro, Escamillo and Wagner’s Der Holländer.
Known for his engaging stage presence and love of storytelling, Martin is also the founding Artistic Director of Lirica Arts, where he champions opera, creates performance opportunities and helps bring the art form to wider audiences.
Register by 18 March 2027.
(Registration will close once all slots are filled)
Career Workshops
Date: Friday, 19 March 2027
Time: 2pm – 5pm
Event Venue: YIH-03-05 Careerspace
Faculties: College of Design and Engineering, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Science, Faculty of Law, School of Computing, NUS Business School
Target Audience: All students
Register