Asia Pacific College (APC), a nonprofit institution under the SM Group, is leading the charge by equipping students with the skills to turn artistic passion into sustainable careers through its Multimedia Arts program.
Emerging jobs
Digital marketing ranks among the top five emerging jobs in the Philippines for 2024, as highlighted by John Clements Consultants. With an average salary of P30,000 per month, as reported by Jobstreet, this field emphasizes producing content across platforms like social media.
APC’s curriculum is tailored to meet this demand, blending artistic disciplines with cutting-edge digital tools.
Founded in 1991 as a partnership between SM Foundation and IBM Philippines, APC has long championed accessible, quality education that leads to meaningful employment.
The Multimedia Arts program, boasting 384 enrolled students, focuses on disciplines like 2D and 3D animation, digital painting, sound design, and video production. Students utilize industry-standard software and a project-based approach to build practical expertise.
Hands-on training
“Our program is unique due to its highly focused and in-depth courses,” shared APC executive director Robert Besana in a statement issued by SM Investments.
“The extensive hours students spend in the studio producing creative works are paramount to their learning. The more time they dedicate to studio work, the more they hone their skills. Additionally, the mentor-apprentice dynamics between professors and students are key to creating a more engaging learning environment,” Besana added.
APC’s faculty, composed of seasoned industry practitioners, brings real-world expertise into the classroom.
Mentoring
Visual artist and Cinemalaya award-winning director Jaime Pacena II not only teaches video production, post-production techniques, scenography and photography but also involves students in his professional projects.
“I involve a lot of my students in most of my own projects. I have worked with many of them in my music video projects. Some of them had actually worked with me on the film I shot in Japan,” Pacena said.
The APC program also fosters connections with industry partners, providing students hands-on client experience. Graduates have found careers in fields such as post-production, TV directing, and corporate video production. Others have launched their own creative studios.
APC’s innovative approach ensures that its graduates are well-equipped to thrive in the rapidly evolving creative digital marketing industry, empowering them to turn their passion for art into fulfilling careers. — Ed: CSN
