National Chengchi University
国立政治大学
I was fortunate to have the opportunity to embark on a semester exchange at National Chengchi University in Taipei from February to June 2026, as part of my Year 2 Semester 2 programme. The experience was truly exhilarating, allowing me to broaden my perspective and immerse myself in a world beyond Singapore. Taiwan’s market is comparatively larger, and many of my professors brought with them extensive industry experience, offering valuable insights that are difficult to find in textbooks or online resources. It was an unforgettable period of my life, as I stepped out of my comfort zone and embraced living abroad for an extended time.
However, taking all my courses in Mandarin presented its own set of challenges. Although I am confident and proficient in the language, adapting to the use of Traditional Chinese, along with the many specialised industry terms, was not easy. These terms often felt unfamiliar, as I was not accustomed to encountering them in Chinese.
Even so, I remain deeply grateful for this opportunity and have no regrets about embarking on this journey. Beyond the academic knowledge I gained, I formed meaningful friendships with locals and created many lasting memories. Living in Taiwan also allowed me to experience a more laid-back lifestyle, while giving me the chance to travel and explore different parts of the island throughout the semester.
Course Modules
VISUAL IMAGE PRODUCTION 影像制作
This video can also be found here.
This course challenged us to produce a program aimed at selling a product to viewers. Our group chose to promote a travel package to Africa that includes complimentary stylists and photographers, creating Instagram-worthy photos and addressing the common issue of unsatisfactory vacation pictures.
Through this course, we learned how to target audiences using psychological strategies, such as leveraging freebies and discounts to encourage purchases. On the technical side, we also gained hands-on experience in setting up a studio from scratch using portable equipment, operating multiple cameras, switching between shots in live production, and handling sound mixing.
RADIO PROGRAMME PRODUCTION 广播节目制作
This course aims to equip students with the essential skills required to produce a radio programme, including presenting, recording, and editing. As radio relies solely on audio without visual elements, messages and situations must be conveyed through sound effects, music, and dialogue. Through working with these elements, we learn how to create engaging programmes that help listeners visualise the scenes, understand the message clearly, and appeal to target audiences, ultimately attracting more listeners to tune in to the radio station.
Radio Advertisement
Commercial
Non-Commercial
Radio Programme
As part of our mid-term assignment, we were tasked with producing two advertisements—one commercial and one non-commercial.
For the commercial advertisement, we explored a potential business idea centered on providing a listening ear to individuals facing personal challenges or emotional struggles, offering them a safe space to express themselves and find relief.
For the non-commercial advertisement, we aimed to encourage the proper disposal of vapes and e-cigarettes through a creative approach. In retrospect, we recognised that the final product may have been overly complex, making it less accessible to audiences. If given the opportunity, this is a project I would revisit and refine.
In addition, we produced a five-minute radio program that explored the increasingly popular topic of personality types. Through discussion, we examined how differences in personality can influence individuals’ opinions, decisions, and actions.
For our final assignment, we were required to produce a full-length radio programme. Our group decided to focus on life lessons that are not typically taught in school but are essential parts of adulthood, targeting university students and young adults who may still be navigating their way through life.
The episode we produced centred on what individuals should do when they find themselves involved in an accident, with the aim of helping listeners avoid lawsuits and fines. My main role in the project was editing the episode, while my teammates handled the proposal, scriptwriting, and presentation slides. It was an enjoyable experience piecing together the different segments and searching for suitable sound effects to enhance the overall impact and create smooth transitions throughout the programme. Overall, I am very satisfied with the final programme we delivered, as it effectively conveyed our message while showcasing the teamwork and effort put into the project.
This radio programme can also be found here.
MEDIA CONTENT PLANNING 媒体内容企划
This course introduced me to the wide range of non-drama television programmes produced around the world, exploring how they are planned, developed, and broadcast. We examined various aspects of production, including audience interaction, live engagement, creative and innovative show concepts, and the extent to which reality programmes are scripted. We also delved deeper into the practical considerations behind production, such as the details that must be carefully planned and finalised to bring a programme to life, which helped me develop a stronger understanding of the decision-making process required for successful television production.
As an introduction to the course, we were required to produce at least two videos on assigned topics every two weeks. I chose to work on “Attractions” and “Unboxing,” for which I planned a series of content before moving on to filming and editing.
This video can also be found here.
This video can also be found here.
For our final assignment, we were required to develop a media proposal for a programme that could realistically be produced and broadcast. Drawing inspiration from the various formats and genres introduced throughout the course, we brainstormed and experimented with different concepts before settling on a mystery-themed programme. The show centres on the conflict between rational, logic-driven individuals and
people who claim to possess spiritual or psychic abilities, exploring the tension between reason, belief, and the unknown. Through a series of investigations and analyses, the programme examines whether psychic phenomena can be explained through logic and calculation, while seeking to uncover the truth behind a range of mysterious stories and unexplained events.
STILL IMAGE DESIGN 静态影像设计
This course introduced the fundamentals of photography, covering essential techniques such as aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and exposure. It also provided guidance on managing image data, including methods for storing, organising, and editing photos using professional software. I found this course to be particularly useful and rewarding, as I have always been interested in professional photography but previously lacked the opportunity and resources to learn and practice it properly.
Mid-term Assignment
For our midterm assignment, we were required to develop a topic that combined both concrete and abstract concepts. I chose to explore the theme “Sounds of Living in Taipei,” aiming to push photography beyond purely visual representation.
Through this project, I experimented with how images can evoke sound in the viewer’s imagination, capturing moments that suggest the auditory atmosphere of everyday life. At the same time, the project served as a personal documentation of my daily experiences while living in Taipei during my exchange.
Final Assignment
The final assignment requires us to tell a story through images. I chose to focus on the everyday lives of office workers and students, using the Taipei Metro—a widely shared form of public transportation—as the central setting.
I aim to explore how the metro has become deeply embedded in daily life in Taipei, shaping the routines of its commuters. At the same time, I hope to prompt reflection on whether it is merely a means of transportation, or whether it also carries emotional weight. Through my lens, I seek to capture the feelings and rhythms of repetition that define commuting in everyday life.
NEWS PHOTOGRAPHY 新闻摄影
This was an intensive course that required us to capture a newsworthy event through photography every week. It proved especially challenging during slower news periods, when opportunities for photojournalism were limited. Additionally, I had little prior experience with professional cameras, as I was learning these technical skills concurrently in my Still Image Design course. In the first few weeks, I struggled significantly, and many of my photos fell short of the expected standards. However, as the course progressed, I gradually developed a better understanding of what was required. I became more familiar with my camera and improved my ability to use images effectively for storytelling.
For my final assignment, I chose to focus on Taiwan’s local creative and handicrafts industry. In particular, I explored why young people are drawn to this sector despite its uncertain prospects, and how the industry has successfully commercialised products infused with Taiwanese cultural elements. These efforts have not only attracted consumer spending but have also transformed certain initiatives into tourist attractions.
