2015A publication on overseas educational opportunities

STEERtowards Myanmar

SPOTLIGHTon Turkey and Israel

TOP TEN TIPSon how to get

the most out of your internship

ARE YOU FUTURE- READY?

Your personal and academic experience...ICD strives to promote global peace and stability through cultural diplomacy. I not only learnt about the inner workings of an international non-profit organisation, but also contributed actively to its mission and goals. I gained knowledge on the European Union – its stands on cultural issues, international politics and economics and its relations with the rest of the world. I also improved my French and Italian language skills.

What were some of your duties?As I intend to major in communications and new media, I worked with the Head of Media and the President of ICD to improve their social media strategies. I drafted a report on the social media activities of industry competitors and created effective benchmarks to measure the impact of ICD’s campaigns. I went on to join the R&D team, where I worked on projects such as the Italian National Proposal for the Youth, the Moscow Symposium on Cultural Diplomacy, and the Symposium on Regional Cultural Diplomacy in the Francophone Region.

A Note From IRO

ARE YOU FUTURE-READY?

It isn’t easy being a student these days. In addition to exams, you have to start planning for your future career. Contemplating about the future can seem rather daunting. NUS President Tan shared in his State of the University Address in October 2014 that graduates must prepare themselves for a very different and faster-paced future. Training in the specific knowledge and skills for a particular job must be combined with the development of a set of general skills and qualities that apply across job-sectors. These skills include critical thinking, intellectual breadth, cross-cultural effectiveness, strong communications ability, and personal qualities such as initiative, inner resilience, teamwork (inclusiveness) and integrity, coined “iNUS qualities”.

INTERNATIONAL INTERNSHIPS (i-Intern)

Developing 21st Century skills through Internships

I had a wonderful and enriching internship experience with HSL. I learnt a lot from my

supervisors on being professional as an engineer on site. I would

definitely look forward to working in or with HSL in the future and would encourage my juniors to apply for the internship.

Muhammad Azmi Bin Suliman, Faculty of Engineering, i-Intern with HSL Constructor Pte Ltd, Indonesia

AN INTERVIEW WITH HSL’S HR MANAGERMr Daniel Ong, Human Resources Manager of HSL Constructor in Singapore shared with us his views on internships and gave us insight into the qualities an intern should possess.

Do you think internships are important? To swim well, you must first dip into the water. Internships are thus very important. Through internships, students are able to build awareness on their preference with regards to job scope, work culture, and challenges in dealing with people. In essence, internships make graduating students more mature job applicants. Although the experience may be brief, every little bit counts.

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL INTERNSHIPS (i-Intern)To prepare NUS students for the demands of an increasingly globalised economy and interconnected international community, IRO offers i-Intern for students to expand their knowledge and hone their skills in a cross-cultural workplace setting. These programmes are generally held for three months in May to July each year. A longer attachment of up to six months may be possible. Visit www.nus.edu.sg/iro/opps/intern/index.html for more details.

Muhammad Azmi (left) with fellow NUS student, Willy Halim on a piling barge

INTERNATIONAL INTERNSHIPS (i-Intern)

The Importance of Internships

How do you think our interns performed? The interns did very well! They demonstrated initiative and drive, asked good questions, stayed close to their project managers and moved with the priorities set out for the team. In any organisation, having the technical know-how is important but sometimes even more so the soft skills to approach people and issues. The interns adapted well in this aspect.

What qualities do you think an intern should possess?In the context of construction, interns need to be able to reconcile what they learn in class to the actual work on site, and on top of that deal with a great deal of ambiguity while maintaining a sense of project control.

Being able to deal with colleagues and construction workers from all walks of life is essential. In any work setting, relationships and communications are important, especially when we need to pick up pace and know what to do in the midst of the dust and dirt.

Do you have any advice for future applicants?Be prepared to learn and adapt, as in business, staying still means drifting backwards. Be very resilient by asking questions, take up challenges and constantly add value by assisting your manager and team mates. There’s so much one can learn, so be a sponge and start absorbing!

Cover photo: Henry Koh Fee Siang visiting the Google Campus in Tel Aviv during his SEP to Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Israel

In this issue, we feature students who have developed these critical skills through our global programmes. These students stepped out of their comfort zones and in return, gained valuable experience and international exposure. We hope that their stories will serve as inspiration as you prepare for your future ahead!

StepOut • International Internships (i-Intern): The Importance of Internships

My experience at ICD was extremely enriching as I learnt to work with people

from around the world on various projects. I

would recommend this experience to students

who aspire to have work experience in the fields of non-profit advocacy, especially in the areas

of communications, law, politics, history

and languages.

Muhammad Ashraff Awan Bin Mohd Arshad, Faculty of Arts and Social

Sciences, i-Intern with the Institute for Cultural

Diplomacy (ICD), Berlin, Germany

Symposium on Cultural Diplomacy in the Francophone Region

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Top Ten Tips

on how to get the most out of your internship

Have you already landed an internship? Congratulations! Now the real work begins. This is your best chance to build

on this opportunity by making the most of your time on the job and impressing potential referees. Here are our top ten tips on how you can make the most of the experience!

BE PROFESSIONALTurn up on time and dress smartly. Be a conscientious colleague – try to make less work for your colleagues,

not more!THINK BEFORE

YOU SPEAKRemember that you are being assessed on your attitude and how you fit in as much as on the quality of your work, so be friendly yet diplomatic.

BE A CHAMELEON

Respect the working culture and adapt to it, taking your cues from those around you.

BUILD RELATIONSHIPS —

DO NOT FORCE THEM, AND DO NOT NEGLECT

THEMBe friendly and receptive,

but not too pushy.

IF YOU GET THE CHANCE TO USE YOUR

INITIATIVE AND SHOW WHAT

YOU ARE MADE OF, GO FOR IT!Going the extra mile is a surefire way to stand out.

REMEMBER, THIS IS A LEARNING

EXPERIENCESome companies may treat

internships as a way of recruiting future talent. But, on the whole, work

experience is just that – an experience. However your work experience turns out,

and whether or not you receive a permanent job offer,

focus on learning from it above all else.

TAKE EVERYTHING IN

Observe how your colleagues communicate, and try to get a feel for what your department

does in the wider context.

BE REALISTICYour work experience will most likely involve some mundane, routine tasks.

Still, do not think yourself too good for any task, no

matter how small.

BE ENTHUSIASTIC(Even if you may not always

feel like it!)

WHEN IN DOUBT, ASK!

If you are unsure of what to do, it is much better to double-check than

to take a wild stab in the dark.

The article above was contributed by the Centre for Future-ready Graduates. NUS Career Centre has recently been repositioned as the Centre for Future-ready Graduates http://nus.edu.sg/osa/ncc in order to serve you better.

Exchange to Turkey and Israel

ALIGNMENT TO GOVERNMENT TRAVEL GUIDELINES AND ADVICEIRO works closely with NUS Office of Safety, Health and Environment to provide travel advice to students who are going overseas for various global initiatives. IRO also adheres to the travel advice provided by Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). If MFA advises against travelling to Turkey or Israel, we will inform students who are selected for exchange to these two countries. The final decision on whether to proceed with the exchange programme will then be decided by the students and their parents/guardians.

IRO PREPARATION FOR NUS STUDENTS BEFORE EXCHANGEAll students are reminded during our pre-departure briefings to take note of the 24/7 emergency numbers at their host universities, as well as the contact numbers for the police, ambulance and respective embassy or consulate during their exchange. For students going to Israel for SEP, they will also be invited to attend the pre-departure session organised by NUS Overseas Colleges which is presented by representatives from the Israeli Embassy. The speaker in 2014 was the Deputy Chief of Mission to the Embassy of Israel in Singapore. Outgoing students are also reminded to inform their home country’s embassy of the duration and location of their overseas programme. Singaporeans can register online at MFA’s portal.

INSURANCE AND CRISIS & EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AT PARTNER UNIVERSITIES

International students going to Turkey for exchange have to purchase an insurance plan

which covers 100% of the fees for medication, inpatient hospitalisation and outpatient clinic. The strict requirements are needed for the application of residency permit that grants legal status to students to stay in Turkey for the period of exchange.

The selected partner universities in Turkey have in place their own crisis and emergency standard operating procedures. NUS students are advised to attend briefings at their host university which address the university’s support in times of crisis or emergency.

Both NUS and the partner university require students to have full health insurance coverage for

the duration of their exchange in Israel. The partner university will offer its own health insurance scheme, for example, Technion’s Yedidim Medical Insurance Plan, but it is important to review the coverage dates and details to determine if a supplementary travel insurance is also needed (recommended).

Our Israeli partner universities take safety and the well-being of students very seriously. It is highly recommended that students on SEP to Israel attend any orientation sessions conducted by their host university, to familiarise themselves with protocols and procedures during any crisis or emergency situation.

TURKEY

ISRAEL

Keen to embark on the Student Exchange Programme (SEP) to Turkey or Israel but unsure of what to expect? We hope this short guide will address some of your concerns and inspire you to choose the road less travelled.

1 Are Turkey and Israel safe and politically stable?

StepOut • Top Ten Tips on how to get the most out of your internship StepOut • Exchange to Turkey and Israel

Common questions about exchange in Turkey and Israel:

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HOST UNIVERSITY SUITABILITY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

SEP PARTNER UNIVERSITIES IN TURKEY

Bilkent University Students from all majors Academic strengths in Engineering, Technology and Natural Sciences.

Free on-campus accommodation for twin-sharing rooms if students apply before deadline. Students who want to stay in a single room can book a single room and pay the difference.

Sabanci University Students from FoE, FoS, FASS

BIZ students should apply to their Dean’s office directly

On-campus accommodation is available as long as students apply before deadline. Exchange for FoE, SoC and FASS students starting in semester 2 of AY2015/16.

Boğaziçi University Only for USP students Started as Robert College in 1863, this school is the oldest American College outside of the United States.

Koc University Only for BIZ undergraduates Both Koc Business School and NUS Business School are partners under the CEMS Global Alliance in Management Education network for Business graduates.

SEP PARTNER UNIVERSITIES IN ISRAEL

Technion-Israel Institute of Technology

Students from all majors but more suitable for FoE students Often dubbed the “MIT of the Middle East” or “Israel’s Hard Drive”, it is not hard to see why Technion is a great fit for FoE students!

Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJ)

Students from all majors but more suitable for FASS, BIZ and LAW.

BIZ and LAW students should apply through the respective Faculty-level exchange agreements with HUJ.

HUJ’s Rothberg International School first opened its doors in 1955 to just 22 American students. Now, the school attracts more than 2,000 students from over 80 countries each year!

Tel Aviv University Only for BIZ graduate-level students Please contact NUS Business School for more information.

Most courses are conducted in English. However, students are advised to go through

each university’s course list to find suitable courses taught in English before applying. Turkish is the main language used in daily conservations among the locals. It is recommended that students pick up basic Turkish while on exchange in Turkey.

Although the official language of instruction at all three Israeli partner universities is Hebrew,

many courses are taught in English through the universities’ international schools. Each university offers a detailed list of courses taught in English, therefore, please review this list and consult your home faculty’s SEP advisor to determine if SEP to Israel can be a good fit for your academic plan.

In Turkey, people readily express how they feel through words and actions. For example, it is a common practice to wink at people as an act of friendliness.

Chew Kai Wei, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, SEP to Bilkent University

Academically, I acquired basic

Turkish and Japanese language skills and knowledge in Psychology,

Food Science and Physics.

Lena Tan Kai Ling, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, SEP to Bilkent University

IRO Manager Amelia Chang (far left) and IRO Director A/Prof Anne Pakir (2nd from right) meeting exchange student Seah Wenshu and Sabanci counterpart, Ms Evrim Gungor, at Sabanci University

Hagia Sophia, one of Istanbul’s landmarks

Kebab, a typical Turkish dish made of meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie

Lanterns at the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul

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Which universities in Turkey and Israel are NUS partnering with?

What languages are being used in these selected universities in Turkey and Israel?

What scholarship or financial support is available?

TURKEY TURKEY

ISRAEL ISRAEL

Exchange to TURKEY

Under the Young Talent Programme – Market Immersion (YTP), International

Enterprise (IE) Singapore provides co-funding to NASA (NUS Awards for Study Abroad) awardees for their SEP to Turkey. For more info, please visit www.nus.edu.sg/iro/financial/out/others/iBF/index.html.

NASA awards are available for students who choose SEP to Israel and require financial

assistance. For more info, please visit www.nus.edu.sg/iro/financial/out/nasa/index.html.

StepOut • Exchange to Turkey and Israel StepOut • Exchange to Turkey

Lena, Charmian, Kai Wei, Adhir and Akshay at a gathering for international students during their SEP to Bilkent University

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Israel, a Deserving Page in My Life Story

How would you like to read a book while floating in the Dead Sea? Or explore the Old City in Jerusalem while enjoying a delicious shawarma (meat pita)?

W h e n I w a s o f f e re d t h e opportunity to go on the Student Exchange Programme to Technion-Israel Institute of Technology in Israel, I jumped at the chance and joined three other NUS friends, on our journey there. In all honesty, I was apprehensive about going there initially because the Middle East is probably not the first choice for many when they think of student exchange and safety in general, but I wanted to step out of my comfort zone.

According to St Augustine, “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” I truly appreciated the beauty of these words during my five months there. My experience in Israel has really opened my eyes to a whole new world and I constantly learnt new things about culture, history and religion. The locals amazed me with their helpfulness and friendliness, which in no small way helped me feel welcome upon my arrival. Not to be fooled by their genial personalities though, for many Israelis possess a steely look of toughness in their eyes. Have I mentioned that the males serve three years and the females serve two years in army? The Israelis take their security seriously… you definitely do not want to trifle with them.

I was surprised to find that there are a few similarities between Israel and Singapore. Both are relatively small countries with a strong need for military service, with a lack of natural resources such as drinkable water and

consist of many different races living together. However, it was

distinctly different to me that the Israelis tend to speak their mind and are more straightforward, whereas Singaporeans tend to be more reserved. This is reflected in the classroom as well, where students

are not afraid to speak up or interrupt the lecturer

with questions.

So why would you want to come to Israel for exchange? If you like

start-ups and technology, look no further, for Israel is known as the start-up nation.

If you are a fan of nature and hiking, Israel has numerous national parks and deserts. If you have

an affinity for historical places, this is hands down the place to be. Do not fret if you do not understand Hebrew

and Arabic, for you can get by with English just as I did.

Instead of going to conventional countries for exchange, why not take a leap of faith and give Israel a chance? I enjoyed my experience thoroughly and I strongly recommend going to Technion for SEP to all my juniors. You know why?

Because Israel definitely deserves a page in your life story, just as it did in mine.

Dome of the Rock on Temple Mount in the Old City of Jerusalem

Henry enjoying a read in the Dead Sea

At Technion, there were regular talks on the history and politics of

Israel. The interactions with the Jewish and Arab friends I made there gave me better

insight into the existing conflict. These would not

be possible just by reading articles online.

Joshua Goh Kian Hao, Faculty of Engineering,

SEP to TechnionOverlooking the city of Haifa, Israel’s third largest city and home to Technion

Overlooking the city of Nablus

The Western Wall located in the Old City of Jerusalem

Exchange to ISRAEL (Photos contributed by Henry Koh and Joshua Goh)

Israel may be small but it is very diverse

geographically – from the mountains, greenery, and water

in the North, to the arid deserts

in the South. It has one of the most beautiful beaches I have seen along the Mediterranean coast, and the

Dead Sea is simply stunning.

Joshua Goh Kian Hao, Faculty of

Engineering, SEP to Technion

StepOut • Israel, a Deserving Page in My Life Story StepOut • Exchange to Israel

By Henry Koh Fee Siang, Faculty of Engineering

Henry visiting the Google Campus in Tel Aviv for a tech start-up meeting

08 09

INTERNATIONAL SUMMER PROGRAMMES (i-SP)

A Cultural Immersion in China

INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH ATTACHMENT PROGRAMMES (i-RAP)

The Right Chemistry

Gene Lim Xin Ya from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences grew quite attached to China after the Peking University Summer School International programme and urged students to fully immerse themselves when abroad.

Stephen Haniel Yuwono from the Faculty of Science went on the American Chemical Society (ACS) International Research Experience for Undergraduates (IREU) programme in Texas, USA and plans to pursue a graduate degree in Chemistry.

The American Chemical Society (ACS) is a non-profit organisation chartered by the US Congress. ACS is at the forefront of the evolving worldwide chemical enterprise and the premier professional home for chemists, chemical engineers and related professions around the globe. NUS partners with ACS on the IREU programme, which allows NUS undergraduates to spend a summer conducting research at one of ACS’ university members in the USA.

On a Hutong tourGene at Weiming Lake in Peking University

Why did you choose this programme?I chose it because I wanted more exposure to the field of computational chemistry. I also plan to pursue my graduate degree in USA, and the i-RAP was an opportunity for me to get to know the culture and working environment there. I feel that I can now make a more informed decision based on my experience.

How do you think your experience will contribute to your future career?I joined a research group at the University of North Texas (UNT) in Denton and learnt that a good researcher balances the passion for knowledge with the pursuit of results. Additionally, the need to network with fellow researchers is important to help in developing new ideas and research methodologies.

Stephen (far right) with other IREU members visiting Fort Worth Stockyard in Texas

Stephen (right) during a discussion with Dr George Schoendorff, a post-doc supervisor during the programme

StepOut • International Summer Programmes (i-SEP): A Cultural Immersion in China StepOut • International Research Attachment Programmes (i-RAP): The Right Chemistry

Advice for future participants...My supervisor advised me to consider the following two factors before proceeding to do research and/or graduate study. Firstly, decide on the kind of research you want to embark on as every supervisor has their own areas of expertise. Secondly, their style of guiding also matters, depending on whether you prefer working independently, or a more hands-on approach.

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH ATTACHMENT PROGRAMMES (i-RAP)IRO offers opportunities for students to broaden and enhance their undergraduate research experience through two to three month-long attachments under the mentorship of top researchers at renowned universities around the world. Visit www.nus.edu.sg/iro/opps/irap/index.html for more info.

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL SUMMER PROGRAMMES (i-SP)

NUS students can embark on summer programmes offered by partner universities and global university networks of which NUS is a member. The programmes allow students to explore and cultivate a deeper appreciation of the culture and lifestyle of the host country. Visit www.nus.edu.sg/iro/opps/summer/index.html for more info.

What did you gain from the i-SP?I emerged from the lessons with very clear knowledge on how China has transformed both politically and economically over the years. I also learnt how business is conducted and how connections are of paramount importance. China is a very fascinating country indeed, and I gained a whole new level of appreciation for the Chinese culture.

Your most important lesson learnt?In order to get the most out of the programme, you have to fully immerse yourself in the culture of the host country. Hence, do not be afraid to speak to the locals! Don’t hesitate to ask for tips from local students and also for tours of the campus. They will be more than happy to bring you around.

Still missing Beijing...Even after returning to Singapore, I find myself missing life in Beijing. Peking University really lived up to its reputation. I have nothing but good reviews for the host university and would definitely recommend the programme to other students!

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ABOUT STEERThe NUS Study Trips for Engagement and EnRichment (STEER) programmes are designed to familiarise students with the diverse socio-cultural-political-economic environments of newly emerging markets, such as those in Asia (Vietnam, Myanmar, secondary cities in China and India), the Middle East (Gulf Co-operation Council states), and Latin America (Brazil, Chile, etc) through a mix of classroom-based learning and experiential site visits. These geographical areas represent important focal points of increasing diplomatic, trade and academic interests.

STEER are thematic programmes which aim to foster an exploratory mindset among students and to expose them to these emerging economies. Practically, they are preparatory programmes for students who might be keen to explore internships, pursue research projects and even future employment in these areas. Each group is kept to a reasonable size so that students have adequate opportunities to have meaningful interactions. Visit www.nus.edu.sg/iro/opps/steer/index.html for more info.

There is a wine-making industry in Myanmar producing Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Late Wine and Inle Valley White wines.2

Men wear “skirts”. The traditional Myanmar dress is the longyi (or pasoe for men), a wraparound skirt worn by men and women. It’s completely acceptable for a foreigner to wear a longyi and can be a conversation starter!6

Mahabote is the Myanmar zodiac which is based on eight days of the week, with Wednesday split into two zodiac signs. Find out your animal sign at www.whats-your-sign.com/burmese-zodiac-animal-signs.html according to the day you were born!

4No, their gums are not bleeding! Chewing betel nuts is a national pastime.5

In downtown Yangon, honking is prohibited.7The two most important Myanmar words you’ll want to know – Hello (min ga la ba), and Thank You (ce-zu tin-ba-deh)8

Myanmar people do not have surnames.3

The dried yellowish cosmetics Myanmar people wear is called Thanaka.9

Myanmar is changing rapidly, so do visit soon! 10

Fun Factson Myanmar

Want to explore other countries?

SNEAK-PEAK INTO STEER

2015

STEER Myanmar was an insightful study trip that allowed me to see Myanmar’s potential. From bustling Yangon to beautiful Mandalay, from rustic Bagan to the seat of government

at Naypyidaw, the two weeks in Myanmar was truly an eye opener.

Micole Soh, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and University Scholars Programme, STEER Myanmar

Students on U Bein Bridge at sunsetInteracting with the students of Phaung Taw Oo Monastic School Mandalay (Photo by Ng Teng Jie, BIZ)

Charcoal seller wearing facial Thanaka (Photo by Andrew Koh Jun Xian, FoE)

Meeting Singapore Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Robert Chua, and members of the Singapore Association of Myanmar (Photo by Andrew Koh Jun Xian, FoE)

A local fisherman displaying the distinctive fishing and rowing style seen commonly on Myanmar’s Inle Lake

BRAZIL

KAZAKHSTAN

INDONESIA

CHINA

1 Everything that can be is gold – the effect is such that Myanmar literally glitters!STEER towards

MYANMARThe STEER programme has brought more than 60 NUS undergraduates to Myanmar in 2013 and 2014! Due to popular demand, NUS STEER Myanmar will have a re-run in 2015.

StepOut • STEER towards Myanmar StepOut • STEER towards Myanmar

HUNGARY

POLAND

MYANMARSAUDI ARABIA

OMAN

UAE

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StepOut • Experience the World through our Special Programmes StepOut • Experience the World through our Special Programmes

Experience the World through our Special Programmes

Yale Visiting International Student Program (Y-VISP)

The Y-VISP was a journey that brought me through the most exciting and defining experiences of my life – from taking classes

by world-renowned professors, to being part of the residential college community. Most importantly, I was able to pursue my passion in the performing arts by joining the Yale Glee Club and embarking on singing tours across the country. I have grown in ways unimaginable by being in constant interaction with motivated and bright students, and having access to the wide range of opportunities available at Yale.

Goh Wee Shian, one of Y-VISP’s pioneer participants

Watch our new students’ video “Experience the World” to find out more about Wee Shian’s Y-VISP journey, and other NUS students who went on IRO’s special and short-term programmes here:www.nus.edu.sg/iro/home/irovideos.html

Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (JENESYS) 2.0

We experienced a homestay programme in Shizuoka and learned many things through conversations with corporate

leaders in Japan. The opportunity to visit both metropolitan Tokyo and the less populous countryside area of Shizuoka made it possible to experience various unique cultures of Japan.

Tay Yan Ning, Priscillia Seah and Sebastian Sim, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

About JENESYS 2.0JENESYS 2.0 is a youth exchange programme launched by the government of Japan that aims to nurture friendship between Japan and invited countries. The programme also seeks to revitalise the Japanese economy through introduction of Japan’s attractions and by promoting international understanding on the nation’s potential strength, allure and values, including the “Cool Japan” concept.

Wee Shian (back row, 5th from left) with the Yale Glee Club at Diamond Head, Hawaii Yan Ning (far right), Priscillia (2nd from right) and Sebastian (2nd from left) visiting the Asakusa Shrine

(L-R) Sebastian, Priscillia and Yan Ning at Panasonic Center, Tokyo

About Y-VISPThe Yale Visiting International Student Program (Y-VISP) is an honours programme at Yale University, designed for undergraduates from partner institutions to join the Yale undergraduate community for a full academic year (junior year).

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To encourage more students to participate in SEP to Peking University and Tsinghua University, students can now apply for the NUS in Asia SEP Award. Successful applicants will receive S$8,000 for the award.

Please refer to http://nus.edu.sg/iro/financial/out/others/china-sep/index.html for details.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS OFFICE

3rd Storey, Unit 03-03, Shaw Foundation Alumni House, 11 Kent Ridge Drive, Singapore 119244

TEL (65) 6516 4356 FAX (65) 6778 0177 WEBSITE nus.edu.sg/iro FACEBOOK fb.com/nusiro.sg

Company Registration No. 200604346EInformation is accurate at the time of printing in Mar 2015.

EDITORIAL TEAM

Global Relations and Marketing, IRO

StepOut • Life-changing Awards

Life-changing AwardsTemasek Foundation Leadership Enrichment and Regional Networking (TF LEaRN) Programme @ NUS Generously funded by Temasek Foundation, the TF LEaRN Programme @ NUS aims to groom the next generation of Asian leaders. Students can participate in the programme in Semester 1 or 2 under the Student Exchange Programme to partner universities in Southeast Asia, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, or under the NUS Overseas Colleges programme to Asia.

I would like to extend my deepest gratitude for the Tan Mingwei Global Community

Service Grant. I hope that in some intricate ways, the lives of the children have been moved by the care given to them and that they will see that there is a big and hopeful world beyond the confines of their camps.

Sharifah Nabilah binte Syed Omar, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Tan Mingwei Global Community Service Grant recipient

It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me to be immersed in India. I believe I have become

more sensitive to other cultures, an important trait to possess in today’s globalised world.

Reuben Lim Wende, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, TF LEaRN Programme @ NUS to Hindu College, India

Tan Mingwei Global Community Service GrantThe award was created in memory of Tan Mingwei, who was a medical student at Cambridge University. Mingwei went on several volunteer trips overseas, such as Botswana and Nepal. She was greatly inspired by her trips and hence, this award is set up for the purpose of awarding grants that would allow students to be transformed like she was by the experience of meaningful community work in developing countries.

Sharifah (2nd from left) on community service at a refugee camp in the West Bank Reuben (centre) at his friend’s parents’ home during Diwali

New SEP awards

to China!

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