Never Stop Learning: Growing with Technology, Grounded by Purpose

What keeps you energised in the classroom? 

Watching my students bring their ideas to life using the technologies I’ve taught them, seeing them discover what they can create... That’s what energises me.

You didn’t start out in education, did you?

Oh no, I didn’t! I served in the Republic of Singapore Navy for eight years. But filmmaking was my childhood dream. So, after the Navy, when an opportunity came up to produce educational videos as a technician for Singapore Polytechnic (SP), I took it.

How did you then go from producing videos to teaching?

SP sponsored me to pursue my bachelor’s and master’s degrees, which led me into teaching. I started out teaching traditional media and filmmaking, but as new tools and technologies emerged, I kept learning. That curiosity eventually led me into virtual production, AI filmmaking and immersive media, which are now central to my work., which led me into teaching. I started out teaching traditional media and filmmaking, but as new tools and technologies emerged, I kept learning. That curiosity eventually led me into virtual production, AI filmmaking and immersive media, which are now central to my work.

Looking back, was there a moment when you knew you'd made the right decision to change career?

Yes! The moment I first saw my students light up when their ideas came alive. I realised teaching and filmmaking weren’t separate paths but the same calling: helping people bring stories to life.

Many people feel intimidated by emerging technologies, especially in the media industry. How do you stay current without getting overwhelmed? 

I take it one step at a time. Upskilling isn't optional because it's how we stay relevant and effective. When I learnt virtual production at 60, I didn't try to master everything at once. One small step, then the next became easier. The key is not letting age or uncertainty stop you from starting.

You must have been kept busy, with learning and a full teaching load. How have you balanced career, learning, and family over the years?

My family has been the anchor, especially my wife. Without her support, I couldn’t have done any of this. The balance wasn’t always perfect. There were sacrifices, long nights, and missed moments. But they understood why I cared so deeply about teaching and creating. Now, when I tell them I want to keep going, they understand that this work gives me joy and purpose. That support keeps me going.

At 63, what keeps you moving forward, and what do you do to recharge?

Meaningful work that impacts people. I feel that age should never be an excuse to give up curiosity and wonder. I don’t want to stop just because of a number on my NRIC!  

Outside of work, I enjoy watching movies, cycling, and spending time with my wife and son. Even in my downtime, I'm always looking at new creative tools and storytelling trends that might inspire fresh ideas. But sometimes, the simplest things recharge me most – shopping with my wife or having meaningful conversations with people I care about. 

When you think about life after retirement, what excites you? What's next for James?

I see retirement not as slowing down but shifting gears. I want to keep teaching, mentoring, experimenting with new technologies, and maybe even creating content for fun. I also want to invest more time in my spiritual journey as a Christian, in community work, and in my family. Whatever comes next, it will still involve creativity and helping people grow.

What advice would you give to others on their learning journey?

It's never too late. I changed careers after eight years in the Navy. I learnt virtual production at 60. Take one small step – the next becomes easier. The only time it's truly "too late" is when you stop believing you can grow.