The Department of Humanities and Social Sciences covers many topics, such as literature, communications, world history, philosophy, psychology, and more. In many cases, courses are deliberately geared to the interests and pursuits of DigiPen students and often serve as a source of inspiration for student game projects. The department’s faculty bring an extensive humanities background in English, literature, the law, and an appetite for and thorough understanding of today’s rich media landscape.
Humanities and Social Sciences Faculty Directory
Department Faculty

Shanthina Ravindran
Department Chair
Principal Lecturer
Shanthina Ravindran received her Bachelor of Laws at the University of London followed by a Master of Education-English Language degree at the Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
Before joining DigiPen (Singapore) as a full-time lecturer, Shanthina taught part-time at the Institute as well as at other educational institutions, including the National University of Singapore and National Institute of Education. She currently teaches composition, graphic novels, research reasoning, argument, and intellectual property law.
Shanthina also lists reading and writing as her chief pleasures outside of the workplace. When it comes to her teaching philosophy, she tries to live by the following quote from William Arthur Ward:
“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.”
Shanthina Ravindran teaches the following degrees: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Art and Animation, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation, Bachelor of Arts in Game Design, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Game Design, Bachelor of Arts in User Experience and Game Design, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in Interactive Media and Game Development.

Celso Kirby Go Chua
Adjunct Lecturer
Celso Kirby Go Chua has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Santo Tomas and a Master of Arts in Psychology from Ateneo de Manila University in the Philippines.
Kirby is the director of Grace Counselling Centre and has an interest in counseling and psychotherapy (clinical psychology) along with personality and abnormal psychology.
As an adjunct lecturer at DigiPen (Singapore), Kirby teaches topics related to psychology. He enjoys interacting with his students and learning from them.
Celso Kirby Go Chua teaches the following degrees: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Art and Animation, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation, Bachelor of Arts in User Experience and Game Design, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in Interactive Media and Game Development.

Izzairin Bin Swandi
Adjunct Lecturer
Izzairin Bin Swandi holds a Bachelor of Communications from the Singapore University of Social Sciences and a Master of Science in International Relations from Nanyang Technological University.
Izzairin teaches media at DigiPen (Singapore), and instructs communication and social sciences at other institutes of higher education. With over 10 years of experience in the Public Service, he has also worked extensively in community engagement, media and communications, and international networks. His diverse professional background enriches his teaching, allowing him to bring real-world insights into the classroom.
Along with emerging media trends and landscapes, Izzairin also takes keen interest in global affairs, with a particular focus on socio-religious and socio-political issues. He enjoys engaging in discussions and exchanging ideas on contemporary issues with his students. He values hearing different perspectives and believes that embracing diverse opinions leads to a more enriching learning experience.
Izzairin Bin Swandi teaches the following degree: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Art and Animation.

Tan Han Kwan “Kenneth”
Adjunct Lecturer
Tan Han Kwan “Kenneth” has a master’s degree in business administration from the Brunel University of London in the UK.
Kenneth teaches career and professional development at DigiPen (Singapore). He is particularly interested in helping students identify their strengths to make informed career decisions, as well as equipping students with the right tools and techniques to navigate the job market successfully. Beyond securing a job, Kenneth is also passionate about helping students develop the right mindsets for career success and achieving healthy work-life integration.
Outside of teaching, Kenneth is a sustainability manager and has held senior management positions in talent acquisition and management within a few MNCs.
Tan Han Kwan “Kenneth” teaches the following degrees: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Art and Animation, Bachelor of Arts in User Experience and Game Design.
