Degree Show 2008 “Experiential Playground" 

“Computers don't just do things for us, they do things to us, including our ways of thinking about ourselves and other people”. Sherry Turkle, 1995.

It is evident that we don’t just use digital technology, we experience it and experience does not come ready made. Each of the FCM departments uses technology in various ways to teach and to create new media forms. This year’s degree show looks deeply into the nature of that “experience” under the theme of experiential playground. It not only looks at what is created but how it affects the user or audience to reflect on what is human.

It is a remarkable and commendable effort of the senior students who have devoted so much of their time to produce the work you will see in this exhibit and to create an experience. FCM students have proven that they are not only high academic achievers but are also exceptionally creative individuals.

This year’s Degree Show successfully demonstrates the importance of experiential research/creation across our five undergraduate degree programmes. FCM promotes creative thinking where students are encouraged to hone their talents and ideas through practical application. This event showcases our promising new designers for the future of Malaysia’s creative industries.

Also, please allow me to extend my heartiest congratulations to the organizing and working committee of the Degree Show 2008. A Dean is just a Dean, and without hardworking, dedicated staff, events such as this could not take place.

We have chosen to title this event: EXPERIENTIAL PLAYGROUND. I think it is most appropriate. The German writer Goethe said; “Thinking is more interesting than knowing, but less interesting than looking”. So I invite you to go into the “Playground” and to have fun looking and experiencing what you will find there!

Congratulations and best wishes to all. Well done.

Harold Thwaites
Associate Professor, and Dean
Faculty of Creative Multimedia