Raffles Education Corp College

MOST people would have given up after sending out more than 50 CVs over six months.

But Miss Vanessa Lee was determined to fulfil her ambition of being a fashion designer in London. The then- 20-year-old had left Singapore for the UK after graduating with a diploma in fashion.

She finally landed a job designing clothes, beating more than 100 other applicants, for high street fashion labels like Topshop, Warehouse and Oasis.

That was 10years ago. Now, Miss Lee, 30, is back in Singapore to pursue an advanced diploma in business (banking and finance) at the Raffles Education Corp (REC) College. She plans to continue with a degree in banking and finance after the diploma.

Explained Miss Lee: 'I wanted a change in lifestyle, and I wanted to bring the fashion knowledge I had gained back to Singapore. I hope to start my own label and sell my clothes globally. So it's important for me to know how to market clothes and to understand the economy.

'It's cheaper to study in Singapore than in the UK.' Miss Lee said the cosmopolitan environment at REC exposes her to different beliefs and ethics.

Students hail from countries such as China, Mongolia, the Maldives, Russia and Vietnam. The lecturers have also taught in other countries, like New Zealand and Australia.

She added: 'Studying in REC in Singapore is the same as studying overseas.'

Students are also encouraged to venture beyond the classrooms.

Mr Muhammad Yasin Yahya, 18, is studying for an advanced diploma in tourism and hospitality management. He is now interning with Pico Art International, a global events marketing company, as part of his programme requirement.

Founder and ex-president of the school's student committee, he has organised numerous school events. Muhammad Yasin enjoys the school's sociable and relaxed atmosphere. He said: 'There is a lot of interaction among students from different programmes. We exchange ideas and information for projects.'

The short time needed to complete the advanced diploma programme - 18months - is important to both Muhammad Yasin and Miss Lee.

'It's the fastest way to graduate and the school gives you international exposure,' said Miss Lee.

This article was first published in The New Paper on January 12, 2009.