From art to algorithms, this polytechnic student challenges the status quo every step of the way

24 Aug 2023

Temasek Polytechnic graduate Ahmad Irfan bin Ahmad Kamal veered off the IP-JC route upon discovering his talent for communication through design. Now, he wants to enable machines to engage in meaningful chit-chat with human beings.

By Sabrina Lee

During his fourth year of secondary school, Ahmad Irfan bin Ahmad Kamal put himself between a rock and a hard place.

As a secondary student in the Integrated Programme (IP) at Victoria School, Irfan had a direct route to Victoria Junior College (VJC), bypassing the O-Level exams.

“To many, the IP represents a sure path to university,” he shares of what he too felt when he got a spot in the programme.

Trouble began, ironically, because he was enjoying school, particularly his art lessons. He discovered a love for art, which made him consider a different path to education.

Staying true to himself in his art and educational choices

From art to algorithms, this polytechnic student challenges the status quo every step of the way_pic 2

In 2019, Irfan delved into the theme of emotional transparency for his AEP project, exploring how people often conceal their true selves from others.

Irfan’s artistic potential flourished in the school’s Art Elective Programme, a four-year endeavour that prepares students for the GCE O Level Higher Art Examination.

“I enjoy the process of creating something from scratch,” he explains of how he went from doodling with pen and pencil to experimenting with acrylic, clay, and ultimately discovering his favourite medium — “In charcoal, there exists a touch of chaos that enables me to portray raw emotion.”

Conversely, he found himself grappling with subjects such as Chemistry, Physics and Geography. “Memorising notes and practising for tests proved to be a challenge for me,” he reflects. There was the project work component that he enjoyed, but not like how he enjoyed art, where he could ideate concepts and interact with materials.

“I was drawn to the hands-on and proactive approach to learning,” says Irfan.

An observant teacher nudged him in the right direction

Interestingly, it was Irfan’s Art teacher who suggested the idea of pursuing a polytechnic education.

“She approached me because of an art project I did that expressed my frustration with feeling constrained in the predetermined path I was on,” quips Irfan.

And so, the idea of pursuing Art in a polytechnic was sowed.

The notion was both intriguing and terrifying to Irfan: “There weren’t any previous cases of students who had left the IP at my school to pursue a course in polytechnic, so I didn’t really have anyone to talk to about my decision.”

Spurred by his teacher’s recommendation of Temasek Polytechnic’s (TP) School of Design, Irfan pored over its prospectus. “I was captivated by the range of subjects offered, including advertising and UI/UX design,” he says, feeling excited about applying his artistic sensibilities across diverse applications.

He shared about his desire to enrol at TP during a parent-teacher conference, and won his parents’ support. His father, an architect, had taken a similar path, and saw the value of a practical education in the field of art and design.

They were also heartened to learn that many university courses consider portfolio-based admissions and do not solely rely on A-Level or polytechnic course results.

Says Irfan, “I felt assured that polytechnic graduates would still stand a fair chance against JC students, particularly in the courses I was interested in.”

With his parents’ blessings, when Irfan was in his first year in VJC, he applied for TP’s Diploma in Communication Design course through the Polytechnic’s Direct Admission Exercise (DAE).

Making his polytechnic days count

Irfan was admitted to the programme amid the Covid pandemic, and not being able to set foot on campus for the initial six months didn’t stem his enthusiasm. “I looked forward to my lessons and genuinely enjoyed the subjects I was learning.”

His new classmates also took the initiative to connect and support one another. “We organised study calls on our own and provided help whenever anyone needed it,” he says.

When Covid restrictions eased, Irfan’s Studio Project 3 in Year 2 marked the first occasion where he and his classmates were able to gather in person. “We bounced ideas off one another and worked late in school,” says Irfan, who shares that this experience brought them closer together.

From art to algorithms, this polytechnic student challenges the status quo every step of the way_pic 3

Passionate about physical activity, Irfan’s Final Year Project uses quirky characters to dismantle the intimidating image associated with going to the gym.

When Irfan started his diploma, he had set his sights on becoming a graphic designer.
However, he soon discovered that the term does not fully encompass all the different aspects of design.

“I learnt how to integrate technology such as AI, VR, and AR into my design solutions,” he says. He also learnt coding languages including HTML, CSS, and Java Script. Being exposed to the technological aspects made him realise that design extends far beyond visual elements.

Finding himself at yet another intersection, this time of design and technology, he now harbours intentions to turn code into his canvas.

“I started with traditional mediums like paintbrushes, and technology soon became my gateway to designing websites and apps,” says Irfan, now eager to explore the world of algorithms and interfaces, empowering machines to mimic intelligent behaviour.

“Don’t be afraid to stray from the crowd”

From art to algorithms, this polytechnic student challenges the status quo every step of the way_pic 4

A picture of success: Irfan (last row, centre) at his Temasek Polytechnic graduation in May 2023.

Three years on, Irfan graduated in May this year, feeling ready to take on the world of artificial intelligence.

With a desire to inspire others, he reminds us that daring to colour outside the lines can lead to surprisingly unexpected outcomes.

“While changing your educational path can be intimidating, if you genuinely believe it is the right direction for you, do not hesitate to take that calculated risk.”

After he completes his National Service, Irfan has set his sights on two exciting paths: either pursuing industrial design at the National University of Singapore or delving into AI in design at the Singapore University of Technology and Design.

“My endgame?” he quips. “To create an AI that helps students revise by summarising textbooks into teachable content. The AI will have an avatar that is lifelike and expressive, simulating a personal tutor.” Watch this space.

For more stories on following one’s own pathway:

We are on Telegram! Subscribe to our channel: https://t.me/schoolbag_edu_sg