University
of the Arts
Singapore
Transforming arts education,
creating a better world
About
Co-creating a new learning community
The University of the Arts Singapore (UAS) is Singapore’s first and only arts university, nurturing a new generation of forward-looking artists, designers, educators, researchers, arts leaders and changemakers.
UAS is founded on an alliance of Singapore’s pioneering and leading arts institutions, LASALLE College of the Arts (LASALLE) and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA).
Located in the heart of the arts and civic district, LASALLE and NAFA are distinguished by unique heritages, strong artistic traditions, and innovative teaching approaches. Our trailblazing faculty and alumni have earned national recognition, including Cultural Medallions and Young Artist Awards, championing Singaporean creativity on the global stage.
UAS will generate new artistic thinking and discourse by creatively combining teaching, practice, and research. Collaborating with arts communities and industry partners locally and internationally, our graduates will energise the cultural landscape and the creative economy. We will strengthen Singapore as a creative hub in Asia.
Welcoming our first intake in 2024, LASALLE and NAFA will offer undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, with degrees awarded by UAS.
Colleges
Bringing together the best of LASALLE and NAFA
LASALLE College of the Arts (LASALLE)
LASALLE College of the Arts, founded in 1984 by visionary artist-educator the late De La Salle Brother Joseph McNally, offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in arts and design. Renowned for its innovative teaching and interdisciplinary and experimental practices, LASALLE is globally ranked in the top 200 (QS World University Rankings 2022) for art and design. Among specialist arts institutions, LASALLE ranked within the top 10 in Asia and second in Southeast Asia
Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA)
Since 1938, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) has inspired generations of artists imbued with the courage to create new breakthroughs. NAFA offers a comprehensive suite of diploma and degree programmes in fine art, design, performing arts, and arts management. Our practice-led curriculum embraces contemporary practice and is anchored on the rich heritage of Southeast Asia. Our current university partners include University of the Arts London and Royal College of Music, London.
Leadership
Mr Jose Isidro “Lito” Camacho
Chairperson, UAS Board of TrusteesMr Jose Isidro “Lito” Camacho
Chairperson, UAS Board of Trustees
“The establishment of University of the Arts Singapore, through a historic alliance of LASALLE and NAFA, is a major step towards elevating arts tertiary education in Singapore. I am honoured to take on the role as founding Chairperson of University of the Arts Singapore, and am confident that the university will play an influential role to drive transformation for creative arts in the region and beyond.”
Professor Kwok Kian Woon
Vice-ChancellorProfessor Kwok Kian Woon
Vice-Chancellor
“A new university wholly dedicated to the arts is a testimony to the visions of our pioneering artists and arts educators. This represents a resolute commitment to nurturing the artistic potential of our youths, who will lead our next wave of creative energy. We are building on the foundations laid by NAFA and LASALLE, each shaped by its distinctive heritage, bringing to the university its special strengths. Taking up this most challenging role is in keeping with my vocation as a teacher and scholar, whose life and outlook have been profoundly shaped by the arts.”