Student Profile

David Chia

Freelance Cameraman / Editor ( Australia / Germany)
Bachelor of Arts (Film and Television) – international student from Singapore

I found out about Curtin University by attending an exhibition for overseas studies held annually in Singapore. What attracted me to Curtin was the fact that it was one close to Singapore and the was recognised as one of the leading technology universities in Australia.

Initially I enrolled in the BA (Internet Studies) but halfway through I found my calling when I took a unit from the Film and TV department. That is where I switched over and never looked back.

The equipment is very up-to-date - very close to the industry standard. The tutors are friendly and helpful, and I've stayed friends with them even after graduating. A highlight of my degree was the ability to do an overseas student exchange with one of the leading film and TV universities in the world, Ryerson University in Toronto, Canada, for a semester.

The benefits of studying a degree at Curtin is the Curtin Factor: creative, understanding, resourceful, technical, intuitive, nouveau.

The things I enjoyed most about living in Perth were the climate (it is not too cold in winter and very nice even during the summer) and the ability to fly back home to Singapore within 5 hours.

Since graduating I've worked with directors and producer from Germany, U.K, Italy, Austria, and USA. I've worked and stayed in Europe for 3 years, Sometimes traveling to New York for shoots. It wasn't easy at all in the beginning; it took me 3 years to break into the market.

Curtin is filled with students from all over the world. Working with and understanding them prepared me with basic people skills, and the ability to work and integrate seamlessly with people from different cultures and races.

My advice to other students is perseverance - aim for the moon and if you miss, at least you will be among the stars.