LIMELIGHT'S PROFILE

"Where you spend your time is where you get your improvement." So says the subject of this month's spotlight, Er Si Chern. It's a little hard to believe that just three short years or so ago, this game-crazy Multimedia Designer had no idea what he was going to do with his life. His current claim to fame is the fast-paced shoot-'em-up game 'Save Your Village', produced as part of the inaugural Advanced Digital Media class.

Wild Child

According to Si Chern, he used to be a rebellious sort of guy. After graduating from high school, he wanted to start work but his parents refused to let him. "They'd already worked very hard and wanted me to become someone useful...It's all thanks to my parents-if not for them, I wouldn't be here" he earnestly explains. Already being somewhat of a game addict and a lover of good design, he chose to enter The One Academy and later major in Multimedia Design. He plans to begin work in an interactive design company after graduating in order to gain experience and also to help defray his family's monetary burden, as his sister is also now a student at The One Academy.

Concentration

For all his strengths in Flash game design, Si Chern still has a little trouble sitting down and concentrating on work. Even when introduced to ActionScript 3.0, the newest version of the programming language, he admits to floundering for a short while during classes. However, he remained undiscouraged and started experimenting seriously with the language's capabilities until he achieved his desired results. This young man still has own style of getting things done, alternating work with short gaming sessions to keep him motivated.

Creativity and your girlfriend

Interestingly enough, when we asked Si Chern to define 'creativity' he answered, "Handling your problems and your girlfriend at the same time." Well, that's one way to put it?

"It's not something that exists since birth; you have to train it. When I have problems, I don't get discouraged, I just look for other references or other people's opinions on the matter. I think the natural talents you have are less important than how you train them."

Quite deep thoughts for a fresh designer. Si Chern also mentions he plans to create more Flash games in the coming years. We can only hope that they will bring people as much joy as his first attempt has!