Digital Media students, enrolled in the MTD301 Introduction to Audio and Video Production course during the Jan 2025 semester, students explore the topic of “Dare to Dream – Singapore Success Stories”. Working in groups, these students conducted research, proposed concepts, and produced a series of documentaries that captured poignant stories of Singaporeans rising through challenges to chase their dreams. Each film tells a powerful story of resilience, ambition, and success—highlighting individuals and communities in Singapore who dared to dream and made a difference. Through this course, students not only acquired valuable technical skills but also learned to have empathy to weave in intricate details into their storytelling. Their films will provide a voice of hope and motivation to inspire Singaporeans to chase their dreams. To celebrate SG60, we have specially curated 10 short films for the showcase.
A short films screening event on 1 Aug at Projector X Cineleisure presented 10 impactful films about Singaporeans chasing their dreams. The showcase is the culmination of months of creative effort and research by our students and reflects their deep appreciation of Singapore's diverse pathways to success. We invited students, cast, students’ families, friends, and staff to the screening.
Tan Ming Li (Digital Media Minor student), director/writer/graphic designer of ‘Realising Dreams, Restoring Dignity’, excitedly commented, “It was fulfilling to watch my own film on the big screen and being able to invite my loved ones down to witness my achievement due to the size of the venue was really rewarding. It felt like the documentary we made were not just for a school project but for something bigger since it was screened in the cinema.”
When asked to discuss about the challenges faced when making their films, Tan Yee Cheng Isabelle (Digital Media Minor student), Cameraman, Main editor, Storyboard Artist of ‘Singaporean’s journey to the Olympics’ highlighted, “I think one of the main challenges we faced was our lack of experience in actual film production. While we were taught useful techniques in class such as lighting setups and camera angles, applying those skills in real-life settings was a different story. When it came time to shoot in front of our interviewees, it felt nerve-wrecking because as SUSS students, we wanted to appear professional but we were amateurs so there was pressure to deliver when it came to the actual filming part.”
The film production has offered many learning opportunities for the students. Muhammad Izz Hirzan Bin Mohd Nasir (Digital Media Major student), director/videographer/editor of ‘Lifted from Records to Revelations’ film revealed, “One of the biggest lessons I learned is that every story has its value. It’s not about the subject matter itself, but how you choose to angle it. No story is too small or too simple. What matters is the perspective and the narrative we build around it. Sometimes, the best stories are the ones that seem ordinary at first glance, but with the right framing and approach, they can become extraordinary. I have also learned the importance of collaboration and being open to feedback; the film would not have turned out the way it did without the support of others who helped shaped it.” Koh Hui Jun Alicia (Digital Media Major student), Lead Producer of ‘A Dream Worth Fighting For’, added “I have gained practical knowledge in script development, filming techniques, on-set problem solving, video editing and post-production. I learned that plans often change on-set which requires creative solutions and flexibility in film production.
Jocelyn Voo Pei Yee (Digital Media Minor student), director of ‘The Man Championing Fatherhood’ film, shared “This project offered me a rare opportunity to rediscover the dreams and stories of everyday Singaporeans. From graduates to hawkers, small business owners, athletes, philanthropists, and heritage advocates — everyone contributes in their own way to the spirit of SG60. Their stories have shifted how I view the people around me. I'm grateful that this film gave me a fresh perspective on what success and resilience look like in today’s Singapore.”
Before the screening of the films, we have shown a congratulatory video clip from Mr Tan Kiat How, Senior Minister of State in Ministry of Digital Development & Information, & Ministry of Health. Mr Tan is very supportive of young filmmakers and has specially recorded a short video clip to congratulate the Digital Media students for their film screening.
Prizes were presented to top films made by this cohort and it was heartwarming to see the students with their casts receiving trophies on stage. Top three prizes went to Lifted: From Records to Revelations, Singaporean’s Journey to the Olympics, and The Man Championing Fatherhood. Students were ecstatic to see the films they produced on the big screen. The audience listened intently when a few student filmmakers shared their filmmaking experiences – both the challenging and fruitful parts with everyone.
Our guests are wowed by the meaningful and impactful stories produced at this annual SUSS MTD301 Film Screening and we certainly wish this Digital Media programme tradition will continue to shine for many years to come. As we celebrate Singapore SG60, we would let these films be a tribute to Singapore’s 60 years of independence. Let them be a reminder and motivation for Singaporeans to chase their dreams whatever that may be. Let us all have the courage to make our dreams alive in Singapore.
The following is the list of films screened:
1. Realising Dreams, Restoring Dignity
Koh Seng Choon (65 years old) is the founder of Project Dignity, who has led for the past 15 years with a mission to give back to society. Driven by a strong desire to make a difference, he created opportunities for individuals who are socially, mentally, and physically disabled to earn a living and find purpose through meaningful employment. His relentless dedication and compassion over the years culminated in him being honoured as the Singaporean of the Year 2024, in recognition of his unwavering commitment to empowering the disadvantaged and highlighting their true potential.
2. Singaporean's Journey to the Olympics
This documentary delves into the life and career of Clarence Chew, the first Singaporean paddler who overcame significant challenges to represent Singapore at the Tokyo Olympics 2020.The film follows Clarence’s journey from his early health struggles to his rise in the sport, shedding light on the sacrifices he made, including his dedication to training over personal life and education. Through candid interviews with Clarence, his coach, and family, the documentary highlights the emotional and physical toll of high-performance sports, while also showcasing his unwavering determination and the support system that he helped him through moments of doubt and injury. The purpose of this film is to inspire aspiring athletes and Singaporeans alike, emphasizing the resilience, discipline, and sacrifices required to achieve success, and the pride of representing one’s country on the world stage.
3. A New Rhythm
Accompanied by artistic visuals and honest reflections, the film features a singer, a wushu athlete and a dancer in their 20s. They share how they began pursuing their passions, their milestones, the obstacles they have had to overcome, and the support systems that fuel their journey. The purpose of this film is to spotlight the ambition of some of Singapore’s rising artists, inspiring others to dream with courage and pride.
4. A Dream, Rewritten
A female adult, in her 40s, had a ski accident that left her immobile on the right side of her body. Once an aircraft interior designer, her craft relied heavily on her dominant hand—until the accident took that ability away. But rather than letting her circumstances define her, she chose to adapt. Over the months, she retrained her non-dominant hand, learning to design again despite the challenges. The head injury from the accident brought cognitive difficulties, preventing her from reaching the same level of capabilities she once had. Through her resilience and passion, she found new ways to keep doing what she loved such as design consultancy and freelance graphic design jobs. This story will show the power of perseverance, as she refused to give upon her dreams despite her unfortunate circumstances. This can be seen as a parallel as to how Singaporeans constantly find ways to evolve and adapt to change, persevering through hardships experienced throughout their lives. By sharing her journey, we hope to inspire others to push beyond their own limitations, and Dare to Dream-to live a normal life and continue their passion.
5. Rowing Against the Tide
A 21-year-old boy, Luqman, juggles his studies and the commitments of a national dragon boater. The story highlights the relentless dedication, sacrifices, and unwavering team spirit of the National Dragon Boat Team as they strive to bring glory to the nation. Despite all the hard work and sacrifices that have brought them success internationally, dragon boating remains overshadowed by more high-profile sports in Singapore. Their dedication is a testament to the spirit of Singaporean athletes who dare to dream.
6. The Man Championing Fatherhood
The documentary follows Jason Wong, founder of Yellow Ribbon Singapore and Dads for Life, as he reflects on his journey from a civil servant to a champion of fatherhood. Beginning with his early career as a prison officer, he witnessed the struggles of incarcerated men and their fractured family ties, leading him to establish initiatives that support reintegration and strengthen father-child relationships. Through testimonials from individuals like Robin, a former inmate turned advocate, John, a former inmate turned volunteer in the prisons, and Eruandee, a devoted father and DFL volunteer, the film highlights the transformative impact of Jason’s work. It also explores his continued efforts post-retirement, from continuous advisoring to the father community. Concluding with Jason’s reflections on the evolving nature of fatherhood, the documentary emphasizes the lasting significance of his mission to inspire present and future generations of fathers. The documentary aims to inspire individuals by showcasing how Jason Wong’s unwavering commitment to change has transformed lives in Singapore – from empowering incarcerated men, strengthening father-child bonds, to shaping a stronger and more inclusive society for future generations of families.
In 1965, Cho Kee Noodles began their journey as a simple hawker pushcart stall along Old Airport Road and their journey advanced as they moved into the well-known Blk 51 Old Airport Road Food Centre built in 1973. Cho Kee Noodles aims to serve and satisfy the taste buds of all customers from all walks of life while ensuring quality and consistency in the food they serve. To keep up and progress with the changing food & beverage (F&B) landscape, they consistently improve their recipes and introduce contemporary twists to their food, all while retaining the heritage and traditional factors. Pioneering the hawker scene in Singapore, customers can taste and experience the heritage of a family business as Cho Kee Noodles continues throughout their family generation.
8. Lifted: From records to Revelations
A man, in his mid-20s, introduces himself while seated. He then speaks about his history and experiences as an athlete; and current stage in life as a power lifting coach. He mentions how proud he was of his students and introduces his students. His students, a man in his mid-30s and a female, in her late-20s, now seated beside him, introduces themselves and talks about their experience with the coach. The coach ended off by talking about his own current aspirations since he retired from the competitive scene.
9. A Dream Worth Fighting For
Benette, a 26-year-old Wushu athlete in Singapore, navigates the challenging landscape of pursuing his passion. Rigorous training, from the hall to the competitive stage, marked his relentless pursuit of a national team spot. A serious injury tested his resilience, yet he persisted. Balancing his time as a Wushu coach with his intense training regimen, Benette's story reveals the unwavering willpower of Singaporean athletes and the power of chasing a dream, even against the odds. Despite national team achievements, Benette's introspective contemplation of his competitive career led him to coaching, where he finds fulfilment in nurturing his students' growth and character. The film delves into his sacrifices, obstacles, and unwavering commitment to Wushu, offering a glimpse into the dedication required to succeed in the demanding world of competitive sports.
10. The Secret Formula
Chop Wah On has a long-standing heritage in Chinatown — they have been manufacturing traditional Chinese medicated ointments using animal and plant products for over 100 years. Being able to survive in such a niche industry for so many years is no easy feat; they share their inspiration for starting the brand and success stories on how their products have helped generations. However, the future might come with challenges, such as new laws surrounding the usage of animal products and falling behind as the newer generation relies on Western medication. Chop Wah On continues to find opportunities to grow, such as by participating in government launch initiatives and staying in the social loop by keeping their social media accounts updated. What will be the secret formula for Chop Wah On to keep their brand afloat for years to come?
Audience at the Short Film Screening event
Trophies for Best Short Films
Senior Minister of State Mr Tan Kiat How congratulatory message for our student filmmakers
Panel Discussion with Student Filmmakers
Lifted: From Records to Revelations – 1st Prize film
Singapore’s Journey to the Olympics – 2nd Prize film
The Man Championing Fatherhood – 3rd Prize film