Rewriting the Script, One Step at a Time

Sherine Yeoh (Diploma in Animation, Games & VFX, Class of 2025) shares her uplifting story of growth and discovery, exploring how finding her calling in game design led to academic achievement and meaningful creative projects.

If there was one moment that changed my life, it was receiving my PSLE results. It felt like a wake‑up call. I had always been a happy‑go‑lucky student, but being placed in the Normal Technical stream forced me to face reality. I was disappointed, but my mum reminded m e that this was not the end, and that I could still choose a different path.

I decided to work hard, not just for my parents, but to prove to myself that I was capable of more. My journey continued through ITE, where I discovered my passion for games, art and design. That clarity led me to pursue the Diploma in Animation, Games & Visual Effects at Nanyang Polytechnic through the Early Admissions Exercise. It was my first choice, because I wanted to build on the direction I had finally found.

At NYP, I found more than a course – I found support and purpose. Our lecturers genuinely cared about our growth. My Personal Mentor played a key role in guiding me; His clear and practical advice helped me stay focused and confident in my journey. 

One of my most meaningful projects was Dear, Mum: Letters from Home, inspired by my mother, a pastry chef who raised my brother and me on her own. I designed the 3D character based on her likeness, and in the game, she has lost all her memories; as players bake recipes from her cookbook, memories slowly return. Each dish tells a story of love, sacrifice and home. I designed this for her after learning she was diagnosed with blood cancer. She is doing well now, but creating this game was my way of preserving memories and expressing gratitude.

Beyond Singapore, an overseas internship in Finland expanded my perspective. Working with an international team, I helped develop Into the Canvas, a multiplayer co‑op game that was published on Steam. The experience taught me the value of teamwork, communication and adapting to different viewpoints.

Looking back, my journey was never about shortcuts. It was about choosing to improve, one step at a time. I will be pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art, Design & Media at Nanyang Technological University under the Wee Choo Yaw Future Leaders scholarship programme, and I hope to continue creating meaningful experiences through games that tell stories worth remembering.