Southeast Asia Friendship Initiative (SFI) 2023
Launched in May 2023, the Southeast Asia Friendship Initiative (SFI) introduces NUS undergraduates living in NUS Residential Units to Southeast Asia.
Each SFI course explores country-specific challenges and solutions related to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and delves into innovation and enterprise in the region. Through seminars, discussions, and trips to selected Southeast Asian countries, students engage with local communities, partner universities, non-governmental organisations, and businesses to understand sustainable development challenges in the region. The pilot campaign comprised 229 students from nine Residential Units across 12 SFI trips to Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Southeast Asia Friendship Initiative (SFI) 2023
College of Alice and Peter Tan - Indochina (Laos and Vietnam)
Southeast Asia Friendship Initiative (SFI) 2023
Raffles Hall - Vientiane, Laos
Southeast Asia Friendship Initiative (SFI) 2023
Raffles Hall - Vientiane, Laos
Southeast Asia Friendship Initiative (SFI) 2023
Ridge View Residential College - Pahang, Malaysia
Southeast Asia Friendship Initiative (SFI) 2023
Ridge View Residential College - Pahang, Malaysia
Southeast Asia Friendship Initiative (SFI) 2023
“As an Architecture student, buildings represent development, and what I study and want to do, play a part in this idea of development. This course has made me rethink what development means to me, as well as to the country that I am in.”
- Chen Junyu Ryan, Year 1 Architecture student, and Ridge View Residential College (RVRC) resident who participated in the SFI trip to Pahang, Malaysia.
e-STEER Sub-Saharan Africa 2021
In December 2021, 83 NUS students participated in a Sub-Saharan Africa e-Study Trip for Engagement and EnRichment (STEER). This innovative virtual study trip exposed students to the socio-cultural-political-economic-business environment of the African continent.
In December 2021, 83 NUS students participated in a Sub-Saharan Africa e-Study Trip for Engagement and EnRichment (STEER). This innovative virtual study trip exposed students to the socio-cultural-political-
economic-business environment of the African continent.
e-STEER Sub-Saharan Africa 2021
Attendees joined engaging online lectures, explored African culture and political history, delved into law, economics, and wildlife conservation issues, and even toured the Cape Coast Castle in Ghana using virtual reality headsets. They savoured authentic African cuisine from the comfort of their homes, and engaged in online networking sessions with Singaporeans from Enterprise Singapore working in Accra, Nairobi, and Johannesburg, as well as students from Zetech University. Through this e-STEER programme, students learnt about the rich history and diverse cultures of the African continent, and diverse business opportunities available.
e-STEER Sub-Saharan Africa 2021
Virtual Tour of Cape Coast Castle
​
“I felt that the virtual tour was rather impressive. The sounds and sights were realistic and it felt like we were exploring the place itself with a tour guide. Given that the entire program was conducted online, the virtual tour was definitely a change of pace and scenery.”
​
- Oh Jun Ning, Year 3
Faculty of Science
e-STEER Sub-Saharan Africa 2021
Participants tasted the vibrant tapestry of flavours and celebrated the rich diversity of African cuisine over a communal feast while connected with one another virtually.
e-STEER Sub-Saharan Africa 2021
“It was very insightful and really a rare opportunity to hear from the professors and distinguished community in Africa. I thoroughly enjoyed the programme, as well as the food that we were able to try! Thank you for planning such a wonderful programme.
- Wang Chun Min
NUS Business Administration (Accountancy) graduate