\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1337\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] NUS staff, Symposium speakers, FCAB trainers and FCAB Resource Committee Members at the Symposium on Integrating Financial Capability and Asset Building in Working with Low Income Families that was co-organised by FASS' NAI and Department of Social Work on 31 October.<\/strong>[\/caption]\r\nWith a monthly household income of $6,000, the Tan family (not their real surname) was not exactly a low-income household. However, the family of six was weighed down by mounting debts: $160,000 in debt, comprising $37,000 in credit card loans and $123,000 in informal loans.\r\nThe family dedicated $3,000 a month to repaying the debts, leaving them with little for the daily needs of seven family members; three young children, two elderly grandparents, along with Mr and Mrs Tan.<\/p>\r\nOverwhelmed by the debt situation, Mrs Tan reached out to a Care Corner Family Service Centre, which helped the family secure subsidies for childcare services and provisions such as milk powder and diapers.<\/p>\r\nHowever, Care Corner did not stop there. Mrs Tan's assigned social worker also educated her on the nitty-gritty of financial planning. By improving her financial capability, Mrs Tan was able to reduce the family's debt and cultivate better spending habits.<\/p>\r\n\"Although not all who struggle financially are low-income households, a large proportion of them are. But whatever their background, we need to educate them on Financial Capability and Asset Building so that they have the tools and knowledge to plan for a more sustainable financial future\" said Mr John Teen, Manager of Care Corner Family Service Centre (Admiralty), at a symposium organised by the\u00a0NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences<\/a>'\u00a0Next Age Institute (NAI)<\/a>\u00a0on 31 October 2023.<\/p>\r\nThe symposium, titled Integrating Financial Capability and Asset Building (FCAB) in Working with Low Income Families: Opportunities, Creativity and Sustainability, was organised to discuss how FCAB can be integrated in working with low-income families. FCAB Training was first rolled out for social workers in 2020 and will be expanded to frontline staff and volunteers from 2024, after\u00a0a successful pilot in 2022<\/a>. The FCAB Initiative is funded by Citi Foundation.<\/p>\r\nFCAB aims to empower individuals and families to make sustainable financial plans and safeguard their money by first equipping social workers and frontline officers with knowledge and skills on household financial matters and asset building. They can then journey with clients through their various issues towards financial sustainability.<\/p>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1336\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] Guest of Honour, Emeritus Professor S Vasoo giving the opening address at the symposium.<\/strong>[\/caption]\r\nThis is an issue particularly pertinent to Singapore, said Emeritus Professor S Vasoo, the symposium's Guest of Honour. \"We need to ask if there is hope for low-income households to move beyond providing for basic needs to climb up the economic ladder,\" added the former Member of Parliament.<\/p>\r\n\"We need to do more than overcome poverty - we must cover all the bases of financial equity, stability, security, safety, sufficiency and resilience,\" said Professor Jin Huang, Professor of Social Work at Saint Louis University in the United States, who was the symposium's keynote speaker.<\/p>\r\nWorking together to build a sustainable financial future<\/strong><\/p>\r\nThe comprehensive goal of FCAB is reflected in its \"whole life perspective\" approach.<\/p>\r\n\"Building financial capability is a cumulative process of knowledge and financial management built over time - we must keep walking with clients even after their immediate issues are resolved,\" said Adjunct Associate Professor Corinne Ghoh, NAI's FCAB Initiative Project Lead. \"Although these journeys may be long, they are worth the investment.\"<\/p>\r\nBesides community cases like the Tan family, FCAB has also been applied to the prison setting.<\/p>\r\n\"At Singapore Prison Services, we want to help inmates reintegrate into life after release. Financial vulnerability can be a potential stressor after they are released, and financial struggles can even lead them to reoffending,\" noted Dr Joyce Chan, Assistant Director, Community Partnership\/Rehabilitation & Reintegration Division, at Singapore Prison Service (SPS).<\/p>\r\n\"Through FCAB knowledge and skills, SPS officers can work with inmates on financial matters right from the onset of incarceration to help them,\" she added.<\/p>\r\nThe results have been positive, with prison officers and volunteers reporting that the training has made them \"more confident in guiding inmates on financial matters\".<\/p>\r\n<\/article>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1335\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] Panellists Dr Joyce Chan, Singapore Prison Service; Mr John Teen, Care Corner Singapore; Mr Barry Ryan Shah, MSF; Adjunct Associate Professor Corinne Ghoh, NUS; Prof Jin Huang, Saint Louis University, Panel Moderator Ms V Deepa, NUS, speaking at the panel session, along with other panellists and moderator.<\/strong>[\/caption]\r\n\r\nSpeakers at the symposium believe that a concerted effort is needed in using FCAB approaches to provide an integrated nexus of help to support low-income clients in achieving sustainable outcomes.<\/p>\r\n\"We need all the different levels - practitioner, organisational and even policy - to come together intentionally and work towards our common goal of improving social mobility,\" said Mr Barry Ryan Shah, Assistant General Manager, Regional Services (SSO@ Bedok & Geylang Serai), Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), in response to a question during the panel discussion.<\/p>\r\nProf Huang added: \"Practitioners as the first touchpoint can set clients on the course towards long-term financial stability, but organisations and policy makers need to understand the emerging needs on the ground from practitioners so that they can form better solutions, even through innovation such as fintech and artificial intelligence.\"<\/p>\r\n<\/article>\r\n\r\n<\/article>\r\nThis story<\/em> first appeared in <\/i><\/em>NUSNews<\/a> on 16 November<\/i><\/em>\u00a02023.<\/i><\/em><\/p>\r\n<\/article>\r\n<\/div><\/div>Coming Together in a Whole-of-Society Approach to Address Singapore's Ageing Population Challenges<\/a><\/h3>17 October 2023 <\/div>\r\nIN BRIEF | 5 min read<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\nThe profiled alumna Ms Siti Adriana Muhamad Rasip is the co-founder of Empowered Families Initiative, which seeks to harness the strengths and abilities of low-income families by investing in their aspirations, and\u00a0took home the top honours at the inaugural =Dreams Asia Breakthrough Prize Competition, a nationwide contest of ideas to eradicate poverty.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1325\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] A three-person panel at the symposium discussed how various sectors such as healthcare and social support can come together in a whole-of-society approach to tackling the challenges of an ageing population.<\/strong>[\/caption]\r\nHow can the whole of society be mobilised to tackle the challenges of an ageing population in Singapore? As the Singapore population demographic greys progressively, this question was at the centre of discussion at the annual symposium of the NUS Chua Thian Poh Community Leadership Centre<\/a>\u00a0(CTPCLC).<\/p>\r\nHeld on 30 September at NUS University Town, the symposium gathered more than 120 attendees consisting of NUS students, staff and alumni, as well as stakeholders from the public and social sectors. Now in its 11th iteration, the in-person event saw changemakers, community leaders, and thought leaders discussing the issue of 'Challenges of an Ageing Population in Singapore', and how different organisations and individuals are doing their part to tackle this challenge.<\/p>\r\nThe event was graced by Guest-of-Honour Mr Tan Kiat How, Senior Minister of State for Ministry of Communications and Information and for National Development, and Adviser to East Coast GRC Grassroots Organisations.<\/p>\r\nNoting that Singapore is home to some of the world\u2019s longest living persons, Mr Tan highlighted the importance of closing the gap between life span and health span, adding that this is where everyone has a role. Mr Tan also reflected on his experiences of encountering seniors forming social networks and actively volunteering in the community, to overcome social isolation.<\/p>\r\nExpressing his delight that the CTPCLC curriculum has offered undergraduates a path to support these initiatives with their research and involvement in the community, Mr Tan expressed that this would bode well for our community, as it takes an all-of-community approach to tackle the challenges of an ageing society like Singapore.<\/p>\r\nHolistic Approaches to Ageing<\/strong>Attendees at the symposium delved into a thought-provoking hour-long panel discussion elaborating on efforts and plans to address the challenges of the ageing population in Singapore. Moderated by CTPCLC alumna Ms Sim Rou Chen, Chief Operating Officer of WeHiro, panellists Mr Chern Siang Jye, Group Chief, Sector and Partnerships Division, Agency for Integrated Care; Associate Professor (Dr) Kenny Tan, Chief Executive Officer of St Luke's ElderCare Ltd; and Associate Professor Thang Leng Leng from the\u00a0NUS Japanese Studies<\/a>\u00a0and Co-Director of the\u00a0Next Age Institute<\/a>,\u00a0NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences)<\/a>, exchanged stories, insights, and recommendations on effectively addressing the challenges posed by an ageing population.\r\nThe discussion explored topics such as healthcare management, social support systems, and policy interventions, all designed to address key challenges faced by the elderly in our community. Assoc Prof (Dr) Kenny Tan captured the challenges succinctly in three words: helplessness, loneliness and boredom.<\/p>\r\nThese thoughts were also echoed by Assoc Prof Thang Leng Leng, who spoke about loneliness and social isolation, even for elderly parents who may be living with their children, when conversations within the home could be limited to routine check-ins such as \u201cHave you taken your medicine today?\u201d<\/p>\r\nThe discussion underscored the real need for elderly among the community to be actively engaged \u2013 and that the community can play a part through raising awareness of the former\u2019s needs and supporting befrienders\u2019 programmes, in ensuring that seniors can age amidst a strong social support network.<\/p>\r\nFrom Engagement to Effort<\/strong>Since its establishment in 2011, CTPCLC has continually challenged and empowered its students to explore the many facets of Singapore society and consider solutions to alleviate and address societal issues. CTPCLC students\u2019 thoughtful analyses and implementations were showcased at the symposium through presentations, demonstrations and poster displays.\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1324\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] Charmaine Song (left) and Tong Hui Yi (right) shared their research findings and recommendations on \u2018Reimagining the Active Ageing Centres of Thye Hua Kwan\u2019.<\/strong>[\/caption]\r\nCTPCLC students and project partners Charmaine Song (Business<\/a>, Year 4) and Tong Hui Yi (Social Work<\/a> and Sociology<\/a>, Year 4) took to the stage to elaborate on a year-long project they had embarked on in partnership with Thye Hua Kwan Moral Charities Limited.<\/p>\r\nDuring their project, which was titled \u2018Reimagining the Active Ageing Centres (AACs) of Thye Hua Kwan\u2019, Charmaine and Hui Yi interacted with seniors who were service users at Active Ageing Centres (AACs) in Ang Mo Kio. From the conversations, they gathered the seniors\u2019 various opinions and hopes on how the AAC could further develop to serve Singapore\u2019s ageing population.<\/p>\r\nAdopting a mixed methods approach that incorporated the use of observation work, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and online surveys, their study revealed that future AACs can play a vital role in serving as important sources of social, cultural and spatial capital for seniors: AACs provide social capital through important networks and social support among seniors; cultural capital by being a hub for acquiring new knowledge that will empower them; and spatial capital by being a potential \u2018home away from home\u2019, enabling seniors\u2019 access to additional spaces of emotional and physical comfort.<\/p>\r\nThe study also put forth key recommendations that highlighted how AACs can be further developed as a space for intergenerational communal socialisation, while serving as a rallying site for proactive seniors to engage in community-related volunteerism.<\/p>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1323\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] Associate Professor Soo Yuen Jien, Director of the NUS Centre for Development of Teaching and Learning (centre) and Associate Professor Lee Kooi Cheng, Director of the NUS Centre for English Language Communication (first on right), looking on to a demonstration by Mr Willoughby Niki Lee (first on left) on the use of 'BoomBox\u2019, AI-based gamified activities to engage seniors.<\/strong>[\/caption]\r\nBeyond talks and discussions, attendees at the symposium also engaged with passionate CTPCLC alumni and students at a series of live demonstrations and poster displays detailing their various engagements with the community.<\/p>\r\nAmongst these was a demonstration by CTPCLC alumnus Mr Willoughby Niki Lee (College of Design and Engineering<\/a>, Class of 2022) of his brainchild BoomBox -\u00a0AI-based gamified activities innovated to help in seniors\u2019 wellbeing<\/a>, inspired by his love for the community and his engineering knowledge.<\/p>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1322\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] Participants got to try on props from the ageing simulation demonstration, such as ear muffs, goggles, and gloves, which mimic the ageing experience while the participant attempts a simple everyday task such as writing.<\/strong>[\/caption]\r\nMs Sim Rou Chen (Social Work<\/a> and Psychology<\/a> '22) also led an ageing simulation demonstration which allowed participants to experience what ageing could feel like, through the use of props and equipment like goggles, walking sticks and sandbags which hinder physical movement. Through this, participants developed a greater understanding and empathy of the physical, and thereafter, social and emotional, encounters and challenges that seniors could be facing in their daily lives.<\/p>\r\nCelebrating Tomorrow\u2019s Changemakers<\/strong>A ceremony was also held at the symposium to honour the achievements of CTPCLC\u2019s Class of 2023, acknowledging their completion of the community development and leadership programme in NUS and celebrating their achievements in driving positive change within communities in Singapore.\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1321\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] CTPCLC\u2019s Class of 2023 with (front row) NUS Senior Vice Provost (Undergraduate Education Prof Bernard Tan, SMS Tan, Dr Chua Thian Poh (Board Member; Chua Foundation; Executive Chairman, Ho Bee Land Limited), Ms Chua Weiling (Director of Philanthropy, Chua Foundation; Chief Executive Officer, One Hill Capital Pte Ltd) and CTPCLC Director Associate Professor Chng Huang Hoon.<\/strong>[\/caption]\r\n\u201cThe Symposium has come at an opportune time as I begin my career in the community care sector,\u201d said CTPCLC alumni Mr Kho Yong Xiang (Communications and New Media<\/a> '23).<\/p>\r\n\u201cCPTCLC has once again proven to be an invaluable platform for addressing the priorities of today. I heard peers discussing their ground-up research as well as connecting with partners and experts in the eldercare space. I am thankful for my time at the Centre and hope for more students to embrace the opportunities offered by CTPCLC,\u201c he added.<\/p>\r\nBeyond academics, the annual CTPCLC symposium provides a platform for like-minded individuals to share knowledge, foster collaboration, and inspire future leaders to address pressing community issues, making a difference to those around them. From their first tentative steps of taking courses at CTPCLC, the symposium also documents how students have been empowered to develop themselves further into passionate community builders and future leaders.<\/p>\r\n\u201cIn addition to the good work our alumni and students are doing in the community, it is really heartening that they continue to engage the Centre at an event like this one,\u201d said Associate Professor Chng Huang Hoon, Director of CTPCLC. \u201cI feel very proud to have been a part of their wonderful journey.\"<\/p>\r\n<\/article>\r\nThis story by <\/em>NUS Chua Thian Poh Community Leadership Centre<\/a> first appeared in <\/i><\/em>NUSNews<\/a> on 16<\/i><\/em>\u00a0October 2023.<\/i><\/em><\/p>\r\n<\/article>\r\n<\/div><\/div>Call for Nominations | FASS Inspiring Mentor Award 2022<\/a><\/h3>06 October 2022 <\/div>\r\nIN BRIEF | 3 min read<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\nWe invite NUS FASS members of staff to nominate the colleagues who have served as their truly inspiring mentors - who have gone beyond the call of duty to positively impact their work and life - for FIMA 2022 honours.<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nClick through image below (or just write to fassmentoraward@nus.edu.sg<\/a>) to file your nomination.<\/p>\r\n<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/div><\/div>Commencement 2022: Kickstarting a Season of Celebration and Achievement<\/a><\/h3>07 July 2022 <\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0IN BRIEF | 10 min read<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/strong><\/strong>NUS celebrates the milestone accomplishments of 13,975 graduates through 28 in-person ceremonies<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong>.<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\t[caption id=\"attachment_1167\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] Commencement celebrates the resilience and tenacity of the Class of 2022, a cohort which has spent much of its NUS education in the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/strong>[\/caption]<\/p>\r\nA long-awaited season of celebration is officially under way, with the inaugural ceremony of Commencement 2022 marking the milestone achievements of some 200 Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences<\/a>\u00a0(FASS) graduates, and seeing the conferment of two Honorary Graduates, Professor Tommy Koh and Professor Wang Gungwu.<\/p>\r\nTaking place at the University Cultural Centre, the ceremony kicked off bright and early on 6 July to an effervescent buzz of anticipation from the graduates and their loved ones, inaugurating a total of 28 in-person ceremonies to be held over the following 10 days.<\/p>\r\nIn keeping with the Commencement traditions and the proud ceremonial heritage of NUS, the ceremony showcased the pageantry of the Ceremonial Procession, the fanfare, and playing of the National Anthem, all culminating in the highlight of the ceremony-the presentation of graduates. Graduates from the Class of 2022 celebrated their achievements amid the applause of family and friends, a momentous apogee of their time in NUS.<\/p>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1166\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] Resilience and boldness - these are the qualities that will avail graduates in a greatly changed post-COVID landscape, said NUS President Prof Tan Eng Chye in his speech.<\/strong>[\/caption]<\/p>\r\nSpeaking at the ceremony, NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye reflected on the qualities needed for graduates to thrive in today's dynamic environment: an attitude of resilience and adaptability to overcome challenges, and a willingness and boldness to view problems as opportunities, exercise creativity, and apply their skills and knowledge to create solutions.<\/p>\r\n\"For the Class of 2022, you are crossing the threshold into a wider world of dynamic change and great possibilities, but also of discomforting uncertainty,\" he said.<\/p>\r\n\"But I am fully confident that the NUS graduates of today share the same ethos of excellence and service to community of generations past. In time to come, you will undoubtedly make your own unique contributions, and become the vanguard in elevating our collective prosperity and well-being.\"<\/p>\r\nContributions to Law, Nature and Culture: Prof Tommy Koh\r\n<\/strong>Two illustrious NUS alumni were also honoured as Honorary Graduates for the Class of 2022-lawyer and diplomat Professor Tommy Koh, and historian Professor Wang Gungwu.\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] (from left to right) Honorary Doctor of Laws Professor Tommy Koh, NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye and Honorary Doctor of Letters Professor Wang Gungwu are all illustrious alumni of NUS.<\/strong>[\/caption]<\/p>\r\nIn recognition of his dedication as a practitioner-scholar and decades of service to the University, Singapore, and the world, Prof Koh, who wears many hats including Ambassador-at-Large at Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Special Advisor of the\u00a0Institute of Policy Studies<\/a>, and founding Rector of NUS'\u00a0Tembusu College<\/a>, was conferred the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws.<\/p>\r\nHighlighting three areas on which he has focused his energies - law, nature, and culture - Prof Koh said, \"I chose to study law, not to enrich myself, but to pursue justice and to promote the rule of law.\"<\/p>\r\nHe also spoke about his work concerning nature and the environment, including chairing the 1992 Earth Summit, being patron of the Nature Society, and helping NUS establish the\u00a0Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum<\/a>\u00a0as its founding Chairman. \"My vision is to live in harmony with nature.\u00a0 My agenda is to promote sustainability in all our endeavours,\" he added. \"I am [also] glad that I have been able to play a very small role in transforming Singapore, from a cultural desert to a cultural oasis.\"<\/p>\r\nDelivering the citation for Prof Koh's conferment, Professor Simon Chesterman, Vice-Provost (Educational Innovation) and Dean of the NUS Faculty of Law and NUS College, referred to Prof Koh's \"academic milestones [which] are but one strand of the rich tapestry of his professional life\", as well as his leadership and guidance in education at NUS, and his eminent contributions to state and environmental diplomacy.<\/p>\r\nAn Inspiring Story Worth Retelling: Prof Wang Gungwu\r\n<\/strong>Prof Wang, one of the world's foremost experts on the Chinese diaspora and Sino-Southeast Asian historical relations, was conferred the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters, the latest in a long list of accolades that includes the prestigious\u00a0Tang Prize in Sinology<\/a>, and the Distinguished Service Order of Singapore.\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1164\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] Eminent historian Prof Wang Gungwu was conferred the Honorary Doctor of Letters by NUS Pro-Chancellor Mr Po'ad Mattar.<\/strong>[\/caption]<\/p>\r\nReflecting on his time as a student of the University in colonial Malaya, Prof Wang said: \"You can imagine how happy I am to be a graduand again with my alma mater. The university gave my generation a good start in life. It went on to adapt to the rapid changes of our time. In so doing, it has come out better and stronger.\"<\/p>\r\nHe spoke about the \"inspiring story worth retelling\" of how the University had set out and followed its own aspirations, becoming a major centre of learning by being actively connected to the world, as well as regularly reinventing itself.<\/p>\r\n\"The way our university strives to keep our humanity always in our sights is something to be very proud of. I hope that all of us graduating today, no matter where life leads us, will never hesitate to help our university to enhance this capacity to advance our human condition,\" Prof Wang stressed.<\/p>\r\nProf Lionel Wee, Dean of FASS and co-Dean of the College of Humanities and Sciences, \u00a0who delivered the citation on Prof Wang's conferment, lauded the latter as \"an eminent figure and brilliant mind\" who has made manifold contributions as a leading figure in Sinology, a renowned public intellectual, and a visionary leader and administrator at leading academic institutions around the world.<\/p>\r\n\"This doctorate symbolises the meaningful connections between Professor Wang and the University, and it celebrates the long-standing contributions and value that Professor Wang's scholarly insights bring to Singapore, to Southeast Asia and, indeed, to the world,\" he said.<\/p>\r\nParsing the Path Forward\r\n<\/strong>Infusing the celebrations with a spirit of introspective gratitude, Valedictorian Mr Nickson Quak, who is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts with Honours (Highest Distinction) in\u00a0Philosophy, Politics, and Economics<\/a>\u00a0said, \"As varied as our journeys may have been, each and every one of us graduates here could have only made it thus far because of the unwavering support that our parents, our families, our loved ones, and our friends have so generously afforded us.\"\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1163\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] Philosophy, Politics and Economics graduate Mr Nickson Quak delivering his valedictorian speech at the ceremony, emphasising a spirit of gratitude and resilience going forward.<\/strong>[\/caption]<\/p>\r\nHis words further summarised the spirit of determination and community that will carry graduates onwards in their lives: \"If [the journey ahead] appears daunting to you, I say to you: fret not… because when you look to your left and your right, you see the resilient men and women who, forged by the challenges brought upon by the global pandemic, will always offer you a helping hand.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\nThis story first appeared in <\/i>NUSNews<\/a> on 6 July 2022 as part of <\/i>NUS News' coverage of Commencement 2022, which celebrates the achievements of our 13,975 graduates through 28 in-person ceremonies. For more on Commencement, look out for our upcoming graduate profiles, check out the <\/i>official Commencement website<\/i><\/a>, or look up (and tag) #NUS2022 and #NUSFASS on NUS' and FASS' social media channels!<\/i><\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div><\/div>New FCAB Training Curriculum for Frontline Officers and Volunteers Supporting Low-income in Singapore<\/a><\/h3>20 June 2022 <\/div>\r\n\t\u00a0IN BRIEF | 10 min read<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\nDeveloped by the Next Age Institute (NAI)<\/a> with Citi Foundation<\/a>\u2019s funding, the new Financial Capability and Asset Building (FACB) training \u00a0curriculum follows success of training programme for social workers rolled out in 2020.<\/strong><\/li>\r\nNAI\u2019s plans to develop the SG FCAB-Frontline Training curriculum is supported by nine stakeholder-organisations. They are the Ministry of Social and Family Development<\/a>, National Council of Social Service<\/a>, MENDAKI<\/a>, Singapore Prison Service<\/a>, People\u2019s Association<\/a>, Institute for Financial Literacy<\/a>, Singapore After-Care Association<\/a>, Care Corner Singapore Ltd<\/a> and AMKFSC Community Services Ltd<\/a>.<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\t[caption id=\"attachment_1150\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] Mr Masagos Zulkifli, Minister for Social and Family Development, and Second Minister for Health (centre) together with organisers at the \u201cFinancial Capability and Asset Building (FCAB): Maximising Potential, Empowering Communities\u201d event.<\/strong>[\/caption]<\/p>\r\nThe\u00a0Next Age Institute (NAI)<\/a>\u00a0at the\u00a0National University of Singapore (NUS) Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS)<\/a>\u00a0has embarked on an initiative to develop the Singapore Financial Capability and Asset Building (SG FCAB)-Frontline Training curriculum. The curriculum aims to equip frontline officers and volunteers from public, social services and community agencies with knowledge and skills to help low-income individuals and families improve their financial capabilities.<\/p>\r\nThe development of the new SG FCAB-Frontline Training curriculum, which began in January 2022, follows the success of the SG FCAB-Social Work Training programme which was rolled out in 2020 by the\u00a0Department of Social Work<\/a>\u00a0at NUS FASS to specifically train social workers and social work students to support the most financially vulnerable in Singapore.<\/p>\r\nNAI\u2019s plans to develop the SG FCAB-Frontline Training curriculum is supported by nine stakeholder-organisations. They are the Ministry of Social and Family Development, National Council of Social Service, MENDAKI, Singapore Prison Service, People\u2019s Association, Institute for Financial Literacy, Singapore After-Care Association, Care Corner Singapore Ltd and AMKFSC Community Services Ltd.<\/p>\r\nCiti Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Citigroup, has awarded a grant of US$330,000 towards the development of the SG FCAB-Frontline Training curriculum and the training of 200 more social workers in the SG FCAB-Social Work Training programme from January 2022 to June 2023. From 2017 to 2021, it had awarded grants totalling US$630,000 to develop and roll out the SG FCAB-Social Work Training programme that trained more than 250 social workers and more than 150 social work students to support the most financially vulnerable populations in Singapore.<\/p>\r\nCommenting on the SG FCAB initiative, Citi\u2019s ASEAN Head and Citi Country Officer for Singapore, Mr Amol Gupte said, \u201cThe development of the new SG FCAB-Frontline Training curriculum marks another significant milestone in Citi\u2019s 120 anniversary year in Singapore. Citi has been demonstrating its commitment to enable growth and progress in the community, and we are pleased to continue our financial inclusion efforts in supporting the vulnerable through the partnership with the NUS FASS Department of Social Work and the Next Age Institute.\u201d<\/p>\r\nThe plans for the new SG FCAB-Frontline Training curriculum and impact of the SG-FCAB Social Work Training programme were announced today at the \u201cFinancial Capability and Asset Building (FCAB): Maximising Potential, Empowering Communities\u201d event organised by NAI and the NUS FASS Department of Social Work. Mr Masagos Zulkifli, Minister for Social and Family Development, and Second Minister for Health, attended the event as the Guest-of-Honour and delivered a speech which highlighted the importance of helping lower-income families to strengthen their financial management capabilities and how FCAB training could equip social workers, frontline staff and volunteers with the skills and knowledge to enable this.<\/p>\r\nAlso speaking at the event, Associate Professor Chia Ngee Choon, Co-Director of NAI shared, \u201cTogether with social workers, frontline staff and volunteers play a crucial role in the overall help system. Low-income individuals and families who have worked through their social and financial vulnerabilities with the support of social workers, can continue to work with frontline staff and volunteers as part of the wider support system network to achieve their aspirations. With the SG FCAB-Frontline Training curriculum, frontline staff and volunteers will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to continue supporting low-income individuals and families to enhance their financial capabilities and asset building efforts.\u201d<\/p>\r\nAdjunct Associate Professor Corinne Ghoh, SG FCAB-Frontline Project Lead at NAI highlighted that \u201cinstead of being prescriptive, FCAB principles emphasise the importance of listening, understanding, and building trusting relationships with recipients of help. This enables them to become more in control of their circumstances and helps them develop increased financial functioning to achieve their goals. When low-income individuals and families experience support in making informed decisions about their finances, they are empowered to assume greater control over their lives and move towards positive changes.\u201d<\/p>\r\nThe SG FCAB-Frontline Training Curriculum<\/u><\/strong>\r\nA nine-member Resource Committee chaired by NAI, which comprises representatives from the stakeholder-organisations was formed in April 2022. The Resource Committee will play a key role in providing guidance on the curriculum development and training of the sector.\r\nNAI will also be conducting focus group discussions with frontline staff and volunteers who work with low-income individuals and families, to assess the training needs and identify gaps in practice.<\/p>\r\nIt will also pilot the curriculum at the community level with 60 frontline staff and volunteers in the fourth quarter of 2022. The process of development, testing and refinement of the curriculum will be completed by June 2023. The aim is to institutionalise the SG FCAB-Frontline Training curriculum in the form of a programme as part of ongoing field learning and training for this group.<\/p>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1149\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] The plenary session at today\u2019s event discussed the social innovations by social workers who went through the programme and how they applied FCAB principles to uplift lives and address financial challenges faced by their low-income clients.<\/strong>[\/caption]<\/p>\r\nAn Update on the Impact of the SG FCAB-Social Work Training Programme\r\n<\/u><\/strong>The SG FCAB-Social Work Training programme was offered from 2020 through the Continuing Professional Education arm of the NUS FASS Department of Social Work, with the curriculum developed by NAI from 2017 to 2019.\r\nAssociate Professor Esther Goh, Head of the Department of Social Work shared, \u201cThe success of the SG FCAB-Social Work Training programme is evident from the overwhelming response and positive feedback from SG FCAB-trained social workers who have enhanced their competencies in the area of financial social work. Aligned with the core values of social work, the SG FCAB-Social Work Training programme equips social workers with the knowledge and skills to actively engage clients in shaping their financial goals, harnessing their strengths to increase financial functioning and achieving sustainable financial outcomes.\u201d<\/p>\r\nThe plenary session at today\u2019s event discussed the social innovations by social workers who went through the programme and how they applied FCAB principles to uplift lives and address financial challenges faced by their low-income clients.<\/p>\r\nMs Grace Xu, Head of the Social Work Team at AWWA Transitional Shelter, who attended the SG FCAB training, said \u201cI gained confidence and competency in navigating resources, shared benefits, and opportunities to enhance clients\u2019 employability and strengthened their aspirations in achieving their financial goals.\u201d Citing an example, she shared, \u201cThe knowledge of the Progressive Wage Model enabled me to better understand and support my client's efforts to improve his employability and eventually advance his employment prospects.\u201d<\/p>\r\nThis article first appeared in<\/em> NUSNews<\/a> on 17 June 2022.<\/em><\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n<\/div><\/div>NUS CHS Open House 2022: Discover #Interdisciplinary Education!<\/a><\/h3>06 May 2022 <\/div>\r\n\t\u00a0IN BRIEF | 5 min read<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\nThe NUS<\/a> College of Humanities and Sciences<\/a> is hosting its Open House 2022 next week and all prospective students who have received offers are invited!<\/strong><\/li>\r\nA two-day hybrid programme \u2013 11 May on Zoom (and viewable on CHS\u2019 Facebook page<\/a>) and 14 May on several locations across the NUS Kent Ridge campus, specifically the areas around the Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FASS)<\/a>, and the Faculty of Science (FoS)<\/a> \u2013 CHS Open House 2022 aims to address all concerns a prospective undergraduate may have before committing to academic at the University and College.<\/strong><\/li>\r\nHighlights include opportunities to engage, discuss and explore academic pursuits, career development and student life at the College with key faculty and administrative staff and leadership \u2014 live and in person.<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\t<\/p>\r\nThe NUS<\/a> College of Humanities and Sciences<\/a> is hosting its Open House 2022<\/a> next week and all prospective students who have received their offers are invited. As the deadline for them to accept their offers is looming, CHS has put together a programme aimed at answering all the questions they may have and clarifying all their concerns as much as possible.<\/p>\r\nMarking a cautiously calibrated return of the University to the normalcy of hosting large on-site events, this year\u2019s CHS Open House is a two-day hybrid programme: 11 May on Zoom (and viewable on CHS\u2019 Facebook page) and 14 May on several locations across the NUS Kent Ridge campus, specifically the areas around the Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FASS), and the Faculty of Science (FoS).*<\/p>\r\n11 May 2022 (Wednesday): The Essentials, Online\r\n<\/strong>This a series of comprehensive information sessions (on Zoom and livestreamed on Facebook Live) covering everything new undergraduates need to know to get the most out of their education journey with CHS, including the:\r\n\r\nCHS Core Curriculum<\/li>\r\nCollege\u2019s three challenging but rewarding cross-disciplinary programmes\r\n\r\nData Science and Economics (DSE-XDP)<\/li>\r\nEnvironmental Studies (BES-XDP)<\/li>\r\nPhilosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE-XDP)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\nmyriad Learning Pathways laid for you<\/li>\r\nversatile career development programmes designed to prepare you for the future workplace<\/li>\r\nCHS Student Experience\u2014eye-opening and busy, yet energising and enriching<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nSpeakers and panelists include CHS Co-Deans, Vice-Deans, key faculty staff members, career preparation and student services leader.<\/p>\r\nFor more information and links to the 11 May sessions, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n14 May 2022 (Saturday): Get Personal, On Campus\r\n<\/strong>The College is calling for prospective students to come on site, visit where they could well be spending their undergraduate years very soon, and speak to their future instructors and potential mentors. The full-day programme \u2013 running in key FASS and FoS locations across the NUS campus \u2013 offers:\r\n\r\nentry to witness and even participate in talks\/lectures and panel discussions presented and hosted by award-winning instructors on a variety of academic subjects, interdisciplinary topics and specialised research areas<\/li>\r\nface-to-face engagement with faculty, admin and student representatives from ALL Departments and student organisations under CHS, and opportunities to explore academic, financial aid and student activity options with the people in the know<\/li>\r\nconsultation with the career development teams of CHS<\/li>\r\nguided Walking Tours across the facilities of FoS and FASS<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nFor more information on the activities planned for 14 May, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\r\nDiscover Your #Interdisciplinary Future @ CHS\r\n<\/strong>This Open House is the last chance for prospective students to learn more about the complete #interdisciplinary educational experience that they can expect at CHS. One that opens up a world of possibilities\u00a0and\u00a0equips them with skills and knowledge across the humanities, social sciences, physical sciences and applied sciences. One that\u00a0inspires, cultivates and prepares them\u00a0to work across\u00a0diverse\u00a0industries and sectors, with\u00a0multidisciplinary\u00a0teams, to solve some of the most\u00a0complex wicked problems\u00a0facing the world today \u2014 from social inequality to food shortage, unsustainable development and global warming. And one that grooms them to be the\u00a0leaders of public institutions and private enterprise tomorrow.\r\n* Campus shuttle bus services will be made available on 14 May to all visitors for easier movement across campus, which extends to Kent Ridge MRT.<\/em><\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n<\/div><\/div>Open House 2022 Engages and Excites<\/a><\/h3>09 March 2022 <\/div>\r\n\tIN BRIEF | 30 min read<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\nThe ever-popular NUS Open House hit new heights this year, attracting over 8.61 million visitors \u2013 a 26.2 per cent increase from the 6.83 million visitors that attended last year's online Open House.<\/strong><\/strong><\/li>\r\nFrom 26 Feb to 5 Mar, visitors crowded the websites, livestreams, webinars and social media sessions hosted by the University's colleges, faculties and schools. There was something for everyone, and the event covered everything from academic courses to student life and entrepreneurship programmes.<\/strong><\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\t[caption id=\"attachment_1114\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"]
\r\nSpeakers at the symposium believe that a concerted effort is needed in using FCAB approaches to provide an integrated nexus of help to support low-income clients in achieving sustainable outcomes.<\/p>\r\n\"We need all the different levels - practitioner, organisational and even policy - to come together intentionally and work towards our common goal of improving social mobility,\" said Mr Barry Ryan Shah, Assistant General Manager, Regional Services (SSO@ Bedok & Geylang Serai), Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), in response to a question during the panel discussion.<\/p>\r\nProf Huang added: \"Practitioners as the first touchpoint can set clients on the course towards long-term financial stability, but organisations and policy makers need to understand the emerging needs on the ground from practitioners so that they can form better solutions, even through innovation such as fintech and artificial intelligence.\"<\/p>\r\n<\/article>\r\n\r\n<\/article>\r\nThis story<\/em> first appeared in <\/i><\/em>NUSNews<\/a> on 16 November<\/i><\/em>\u00a02023.<\/i><\/em><\/p>\r\n<\/article>\r\n<\/div><\/div>Coming Together in a Whole-of-Society Approach to Address Singapore's Ageing Population Challenges<\/a><\/h3>17 October 2023 <\/div>\r\nIN BRIEF | 5 min read<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\nThe profiled alumna Ms Siti Adriana Muhamad Rasip is the co-founder of Empowered Families Initiative, which seeks to harness the strengths and abilities of low-income families by investing in their aspirations, and\u00a0took home the top honours at the inaugural =Dreams Asia Breakthrough Prize Competition, a nationwide contest of ideas to eradicate poverty.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1325\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] A three-person panel at the symposium discussed how various sectors such as healthcare and social support can come together in a whole-of-society approach to tackling the challenges of an ageing population.<\/strong>[\/caption]\r\nHow can the whole of society be mobilised to tackle the challenges of an ageing population in Singapore? As the Singapore population demographic greys progressively, this question was at the centre of discussion at the annual symposium of the NUS Chua Thian Poh Community Leadership Centre<\/a>\u00a0(CTPCLC).<\/p>\r\nHeld on 30 September at NUS University Town, the symposium gathered more than 120 attendees consisting of NUS students, staff and alumni, as well as stakeholders from the public and social sectors. Now in its 11th iteration, the in-person event saw changemakers, community leaders, and thought leaders discussing the issue of 'Challenges of an Ageing Population in Singapore', and how different organisations and individuals are doing their part to tackle this challenge.<\/p>\r\nThe event was graced by Guest-of-Honour Mr Tan Kiat How, Senior Minister of State for Ministry of Communications and Information and for National Development, and Adviser to East Coast GRC Grassroots Organisations.<\/p>\r\nNoting that Singapore is home to some of the world\u2019s longest living persons, Mr Tan highlighted the importance of closing the gap between life span and health span, adding that this is where everyone has a role. Mr Tan also reflected on his experiences of encountering seniors forming social networks and actively volunteering in the community, to overcome social isolation.<\/p>\r\nExpressing his delight that the CTPCLC curriculum has offered undergraduates a path to support these initiatives with their research and involvement in the community, Mr Tan expressed that this would bode well for our community, as it takes an all-of-community approach to tackle the challenges of an ageing society like Singapore.<\/p>\r\nHolistic Approaches to Ageing<\/strong>Attendees at the symposium delved into a thought-provoking hour-long panel discussion elaborating on efforts and plans to address the challenges of the ageing population in Singapore. Moderated by CTPCLC alumna Ms Sim Rou Chen, Chief Operating Officer of WeHiro, panellists Mr Chern Siang Jye, Group Chief, Sector and Partnerships Division, Agency for Integrated Care; Associate Professor (Dr) Kenny Tan, Chief Executive Officer of St Luke's ElderCare Ltd; and Associate Professor Thang Leng Leng from the\u00a0NUS Japanese Studies<\/a>\u00a0and Co-Director of the\u00a0Next Age Institute<\/a>,\u00a0NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences)<\/a>, exchanged stories, insights, and recommendations on effectively addressing the challenges posed by an ageing population.\r\nThe discussion explored topics such as healthcare management, social support systems, and policy interventions, all designed to address key challenges faced by the elderly in our community. Assoc Prof (Dr) Kenny Tan captured the challenges succinctly in three words: helplessness, loneliness and boredom.<\/p>\r\nThese thoughts were also echoed by Assoc Prof Thang Leng Leng, who spoke about loneliness and social isolation, even for elderly parents who may be living with their children, when conversations within the home could be limited to routine check-ins such as \u201cHave you taken your medicine today?\u201d<\/p>\r\nThe discussion underscored the real need for elderly among the community to be actively engaged \u2013 and that the community can play a part through raising awareness of the former\u2019s needs and supporting befrienders\u2019 programmes, in ensuring that seniors can age amidst a strong social support network.<\/p>\r\nFrom Engagement to Effort<\/strong>Since its establishment in 2011, CTPCLC has continually challenged and empowered its students to explore the many facets of Singapore society and consider solutions to alleviate and address societal issues. CTPCLC students\u2019 thoughtful analyses and implementations were showcased at the symposium through presentations, demonstrations and poster displays.\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1324\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] Charmaine Song (left) and Tong Hui Yi (right) shared their research findings and recommendations on \u2018Reimagining the Active Ageing Centres of Thye Hua Kwan\u2019.<\/strong>[\/caption]\r\nCTPCLC students and project partners Charmaine Song (Business<\/a>, Year 4) and Tong Hui Yi (Social Work<\/a> and Sociology<\/a>, Year 4) took to the stage to elaborate on a year-long project they had embarked on in partnership with Thye Hua Kwan Moral Charities Limited.<\/p>\r\nDuring their project, which was titled \u2018Reimagining the Active Ageing Centres (AACs) of Thye Hua Kwan\u2019, Charmaine and Hui Yi interacted with seniors who were service users at Active Ageing Centres (AACs) in Ang Mo Kio. From the conversations, they gathered the seniors\u2019 various opinions and hopes on how the AAC could further develop to serve Singapore\u2019s ageing population.<\/p>\r\nAdopting a mixed methods approach that incorporated the use of observation work, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and online surveys, their study revealed that future AACs can play a vital role in serving as important sources of social, cultural and spatial capital for seniors: AACs provide social capital through important networks and social support among seniors; cultural capital by being a hub for acquiring new knowledge that will empower them; and spatial capital by being a potential \u2018home away from home\u2019, enabling seniors\u2019 access to additional spaces of emotional and physical comfort.<\/p>\r\nThe study also put forth key recommendations that highlighted how AACs can be further developed as a space for intergenerational communal socialisation, while serving as a rallying site for proactive seniors to engage in community-related volunteerism.<\/p>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1323\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] Associate Professor Soo Yuen Jien, Director of the NUS Centre for Development of Teaching and Learning (centre) and Associate Professor Lee Kooi Cheng, Director of the NUS Centre for English Language Communication (first on right), looking on to a demonstration by Mr Willoughby Niki Lee (first on left) on the use of 'BoomBox\u2019, AI-based gamified activities to engage seniors.<\/strong>[\/caption]\r\nBeyond talks and discussions, attendees at the symposium also engaged with passionate CTPCLC alumni and students at a series of live demonstrations and poster displays detailing their various engagements with the community.<\/p>\r\nAmongst these was a demonstration by CTPCLC alumnus Mr Willoughby Niki Lee (College of Design and Engineering<\/a>, Class of 2022) of his brainchild BoomBox -\u00a0AI-based gamified activities innovated to help in seniors\u2019 wellbeing<\/a>, inspired by his love for the community and his engineering knowledge.<\/p>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1322\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] Participants got to try on props from the ageing simulation demonstration, such as ear muffs, goggles, and gloves, which mimic the ageing experience while the participant attempts a simple everyday task such as writing.<\/strong>[\/caption]\r\nMs Sim Rou Chen (Social Work<\/a> and Psychology<\/a> '22) also led an ageing simulation demonstration which allowed participants to experience what ageing could feel like, through the use of props and equipment like goggles, walking sticks and sandbags which hinder physical movement. Through this, participants developed a greater understanding and empathy of the physical, and thereafter, social and emotional, encounters and challenges that seniors could be facing in their daily lives.<\/p>\r\nCelebrating Tomorrow\u2019s Changemakers<\/strong>A ceremony was also held at the symposium to honour the achievements of CTPCLC\u2019s Class of 2023, acknowledging their completion of the community development and leadership programme in NUS and celebrating their achievements in driving positive change within communities in Singapore.\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1321\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] CTPCLC\u2019s Class of 2023 with (front row) NUS Senior Vice Provost (Undergraduate Education Prof Bernard Tan, SMS Tan, Dr Chua Thian Poh (Board Member; Chua Foundation; Executive Chairman, Ho Bee Land Limited), Ms Chua Weiling (Director of Philanthropy, Chua Foundation; Chief Executive Officer, One Hill Capital Pte Ltd) and CTPCLC Director Associate Professor Chng Huang Hoon.<\/strong>[\/caption]\r\n\u201cThe Symposium has come at an opportune time as I begin my career in the community care sector,\u201d said CTPCLC alumni Mr Kho Yong Xiang (Communications and New Media<\/a> '23).<\/p>\r\n\u201cCPTCLC has once again proven to be an invaluable platform for addressing the priorities of today. I heard peers discussing their ground-up research as well as connecting with partners and experts in the eldercare space. I am thankful for my time at the Centre and hope for more students to embrace the opportunities offered by CTPCLC,\u201c he added.<\/p>\r\nBeyond academics, the annual CTPCLC symposium provides a platform for like-minded individuals to share knowledge, foster collaboration, and inspire future leaders to address pressing community issues, making a difference to those around them. From their first tentative steps of taking courses at CTPCLC, the symposium also documents how students have been empowered to develop themselves further into passionate community builders and future leaders.<\/p>\r\n\u201cIn addition to the good work our alumni and students are doing in the community, it is really heartening that they continue to engage the Centre at an event like this one,\u201d said Associate Professor Chng Huang Hoon, Director of CTPCLC. \u201cI feel very proud to have been a part of their wonderful journey.\"<\/p>\r\n<\/article>\r\nThis story by <\/em>NUS Chua Thian Poh Community Leadership Centre<\/a> first appeared in <\/i><\/em>NUSNews<\/a> on 16<\/i><\/em>\u00a0October 2023.<\/i><\/em><\/p>\r\n<\/article>\r\n<\/div><\/div>Call for Nominations | FASS Inspiring Mentor Award 2022<\/a><\/h3>06 October 2022 <\/div>\r\nIN BRIEF | 3 min read<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\nWe invite NUS FASS members of staff to nominate the colleagues who have served as their truly inspiring mentors - who have gone beyond the call of duty to positively impact their work and life - for FIMA 2022 honours.<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nClick through image below (or just write to fassmentoraward@nus.edu.sg<\/a>) to file your nomination.<\/p>\r\n<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/div><\/div>Commencement 2022: Kickstarting a Season of Celebration and Achievement<\/a><\/h3>07 July 2022 <\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0IN BRIEF | 10 min read<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/strong><\/strong>NUS celebrates the milestone accomplishments of 13,975 graduates through 28 in-person ceremonies<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong>.<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\t[caption id=\"attachment_1167\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] Commencement celebrates the resilience and tenacity of the Class of 2022, a cohort which has spent much of its NUS education in the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/strong>[\/caption]<\/p>\r\nA long-awaited season of celebration is officially under way, with the inaugural ceremony of Commencement 2022 marking the milestone achievements of some 200 Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences<\/a>\u00a0(FASS) graduates, and seeing the conferment of two Honorary Graduates, Professor Tommy Koh and Professor Wang Gungwu.<\/p>\r\nTaking place at the University Cultural Centre, the ceremony kicked off bright and early on 6 July to an effervescent buzz of anticipation from the graduates and their loved ones, inaugurating a total of 28 in-person ceremonies to be held over the following 10 days.<\/p>\r\nIn keeping with the Commencement traditions and the proud ceremonial heritage of NUS, the ceremony showcased the pageantry of the Ceremonial Procession, the fanfare, and playing of the National Anthem, all culminating in the highlight of the ceremony-the presentation of graduates. Graduates from the Class of 2022 celebrated their achievements amid the applause of family and friends, a momentous apogee of their time in NUS.<\/p>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1166\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] Resilience and boldness - these are the qualities that will avail graduates in a greatly changed post-COVID landscape, said NUS President Prof Tan Eng Chye in his speech.<\/strong>[\/caption]<\/p>\r\nSpeaking at the ceremony, NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye reflected on the qualities needed for graduates to thrive in today's dynamic environment: an attitude of resilience and adaptability to overcome challenges, and a willingness and boldness to view problems as opportunities, exercise creativity, and apply their skills and knowledge to create solutions.<\/p>\r\n\"For the Class of 2022, you are crossing the threshold into a wider world of dynamic change and great possibilities, but also of discomforting uncertainty,\" he said.<\/p>\r\n\"But I am fully confident that the NUS graduates of today share the same ethos of excellence and service to community of generations past. In time to come, you will undoubtedly make your own unique contributions, and become the vanguard in elevating our collective prosperity and well-being.\"<\/p>\r\nContributions to Law, Nature and Culture: Prof Tommy Koh\r\n<\/strong>Two illustrious NUS alumni were also honoured as Honorary Graduates for the Class of 2022-lawyer and diplomat Professor Tommy Koh, and historian Professor Wang Gungwu.\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] (from left to right) Honorary Doctor of Laws Professor Tommy Koh, NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye and Honorary Doctor of Letters Professor Wang Gungwu are all illustrious alumni of NUS.<\/strong>[\/caption]<\/p>\r\nIn recognition of his dedication as a practitioner-scholar and decades of service to the University, Singapore, and the world, Prof Koh, who wears many hats including Ambassador-at-Large at Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Special Advisor of the\u00a0Institute of Policy Studies<\/a>, and founding Rector of NUS'\u00a0Tembusu College<\/a>, was conferred the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws.<\/p>\r\nHighlighting three areas on which he has focused his energies - law, nature, and culture - Prof Koh said, \"I chose to study law, not to enrich myself, but to pursue justice and to promote the rule of law.\"<\/p>\r\nHe also spoke about his work concerning nature and the environment, including chairing the 1992 Earth Summit, being patron of the Nature Society, and helping NUS establish the\u00a0Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum<\/a>\u00a0as its founding Chairman. \"My vision is to live in harmony with nature.\u00a0 My agenda is to promote sustainability in all our endeavours,\" he added. \"I am [also] glad that I have been able to play a very small role in transforming Singapore, from a cultural desert to a cultural oasis.\"<\/p>\r\nDelivering the citation for Prof Koh's conferment, Professor Simon Chesterman, Vice-Provost (Educational Innovation) and Dean of the NUS Faculty of Law and NUS College, referred to Prof Koh's \"academic milestones [which] are but one strand of the rich tapestry of his professional life\", as well as his leadership and guidance in education at NUS, and his eminent contributions to state and environmental diplomacy.<\/p>\r\nAn Inspiring Story Worth Retelling: Prof Wang Gungwu\r\n<\/strong>Prof Wang, one of the world's foremost experts on the Chinese diaspora and Sino-Southeast Asian historical relations, was conferred the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters, the latest in a long list of accolades that includes the prestigious\u00a0Tang Prize in Sinology<\/a>, and the Distinguished Service Order of Singapore.\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1164\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] Eminent historian Prof Wang Gungwu was conferred the Honorary Doctor of Letters by NUS Pro-Chancellor Mr Po'ad Mattar.<\/strong>[\/caption]<\/p>\r\nReflecting on his time as a student of the University in colonial Malaya, Prof Wang said: \"You can imagine how happy I am to be a graduand again with my alma mater. The university gave my generation a good start in life. It went on to adapt to the rapid changes of our time. In so doing, it has come out better and stronger.\"<\/p>\r\nHe spoke about the \"inspiring story worth retelling\" of how the University had set out and followed its own aspirations, becoming a major centre of learning by being actively connected to the world, as well as regularly reinventing itself.<\/p>\r\n\"The way our university strives to keep our humanity always in our sights is something to be very proud of. I hope that all of us graduating today, no matter where life leads us, will never hesitate to help our university to enhance this capacity to advance our human condition,\" Prof Wang stressed.<\/p>\r\nProf Lionel Wee, Dean of FASS and co-Dean of the College of Humanities and Sciences, \u00a0who delivered the citation on Prof Wang's conferment, lauded the latter as \"an eminent figure and brilliant mind\" who has made manifold contributions as a leading figure in Sinology, a renowned public intellectual, and a visionary leader and administrator at leading academic institutions around the world.<\/p>\r\n\"This doctorate symbolises the meaningful connections between Professor Wang and the University, and it celebrates the long-standing contributions and value that Professor Wang's scholarly insights bring to Singapore, to Southeast Asia and, indeed, to the world,\" he said.<\/p>\r\nParsing the Path Forward\r\n<\/strong>Infusing the celebrations with a spirit of introspective gratitude, Valedictorian Mr Nickson Quak, who is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts with Honours (Highest Distinction) in\u00a0Philosophy, Politics, and Economics<\/a>\u00a0said, \"As varied as our journeys may have been, each and every one of us graduates here could have only made it thus far because of the unwavering support that our parents, our families, our loved ones, and our friends have so generously afforded us.\"\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1163\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] Philosophy, Politics and Economics graduate Mr Nickson Quak delivering his valedictorian speech at the ceremony, emphasising a spirit of gratitude and resilience going forward.<\/strong>[\/caption]<\/p>\r\nHis words further summarised the spirit of determination and community that will carry graduates onwards in their lives: \"If [the journey ahead] appears daunting to you, I say to you: fret not… because when you look to your left and your right, you see the resilient men and women who, forged by the challenges brought upon by the global pandemic, will always offer you a helping hand.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\nThis story first appeared in <\/i>NUSNews<\/a> on 6 July 2022 as part of <\/i>NUS News' coverage of Commencement 2022, which celebrates the achievements of our 13,975 graduates through 28 in-person ceremonies. For more on Commencement, look out for our upcoming graduate profiles, check out the <\/i>official Commencement website<\/i><\/a>, or look up (and tag) #NUS2022 and #NUSFASS on NUS' and FASS' social media channels!<\/i><\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div><\/div>New FCAB Training Curriculum for Frontline Officers and Volunteers Supporting Low-income in Singapore<\/a><\/h3>20 June 2022 <\/div>\r\n\t\u00a0IN BRIEF | 10 min read<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\nDeveloped by the Next Age Institute (NAI)<\/a> with Citi Foundation<\/a>\u2019s funding, the new Financial Capability and Asset Building (FACB) training \u00a0curriculum follows success of training programme for social workers rolled out in 2020.<\/strong><\/li>\r\nNAI\u2019s plans to develop the SG FCAB-Frontline Training curriculum is supported by nine stakeholder-organisations. They are the Ministry of Social and Family Development<\/a>, National Council of Social Service<\/a>, MENDAKI<\/a>, Singapore Prison Service<\/a>, People\u2019s Association<\/a>, Institute for Financial Literacy<\/a>, Singapore After-Care Association<\/a>, Care Corner Singapore Ltd<\/a> and AMKFSC Community Services Ltd<\/a>.<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\t[caption id=\"attachment_1150\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] Mr Masagos Zulkifli, Minister for Social and Family Development, and Second Minister for Health (centre) together with organisers at the \u201cFinancial Capability and Asset Building (FCAB): Maximising Potential, Empowering Communities\u201d event.<\/strong>[\/caption]<\/p>\r\nThe\u00a0Next Age Institute (NAI)<\/a>\u00a0at the\u00a0National University of Singapore (NUS) Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS)<\/a>\u00a0has embarked on an initiative to develop the Singapore Financial Capability and Asset Building (SG FCAB)-Frontline Training curriculum. The curriculum aims to equip frontline officers and volunteers from public, social services and community agencies with knowledge and skills to help low-income individuals and families improve their financial capabilities.<\/p>\r\nThe development of the new SG FCAB-Frontline Training curriculum, which began in January 2022, follows the success of the SG FCAB-Social Work Training programme which was rolled out in 2020 by the\u00a0Department of Social Work<\/a>\u00a0at NUS FASS to specifically train social workers and social work students to support the most financially vulnerable in Singapore.<\/p>\r\nNAI\u2019s plans to develop the SG FCAB-Frontline Training curriculum is supported by nine stakeholder-organisations. They are the Ministry of Social and Family Development, National Council of Social Service, MENDAKI, Singapore Prison Service, People\u2019s Association, Institute for Financial Literacy, Singapore After-Care Association, Care Corner Singapore Ltd and AMKFSC Community Services Ltd.<\/p>\r\nCiti Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Citigroup, has awarded a grant of US$330,000 towards the development of the SG FCAB-Frontline Training curriculum and the training of 200 more social workers in the SG FCAB-Social Work Training programme from January 2022 to June 2023. From 2017 to 2021, it had awarded grants totalling US$630,000 to develop and roll out the SG FCAB-Social Work Training programme that trained more than 250 social workers and more than 150 social work students to support the most financially vulnerable populations in Singapore.<\/p>\r\nCommenting on the SG FCAB initiative, Citi\u2019s ASEAN Head and Citi Country Officer for Singapore, Mr Amol Gupte said, \u201cThe development of the new SG FCAB-Frontline Training curriculum marks another significant milestone in Citi\u2019s 120 anniversary year in Singapore. Citi has been demonstrating its commitment to enable growth and progress in the community, and we are pleased to continue our financial inclusion efforts in supporting the vulnerable through the partnership with the NUS FASS Department of Social Work and the Next Age Institute.\u201d<\/p>\r\nThe plans for the new SG FCAB-Frontline Training curriculum and impact of the SG-FCAB Social Work Training programme were announced today at the \u201cFinancial Capability and Asset Building (FCAB): Maximising Potential, Empowering Communities\u201d event organised by NAI and the NUS FASS Department of Social Work. Mr Masagos Zulkifli, Minister for Social and Family Development, and Second Minister for Health, attended the event as the Guest-of-Honour and delivered a speech which highlighted the importance of helping lower-income families to strengthen their financial management capabilities and how FCAB training could equip social workers, frontline staff and volunteers with the skills and knowledge to enable this.<\/p>\r\nAlso speaking at the event, Associate Professor Chia Ngee Choon, Co-Director of NAI shared, \u201cTogether with social workers, frontline staff and volunteers play a crucial role in the overall help system. Low-income individuals and families who have worked through their social and financial vulnerabilities with the support of social workers, can continue to work with frontline staff and volunteers as part of the wider support system network to achieve their aspirations. With the SG FCAB-Frontline Training curriculum, frontline staff and volunteers will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to continue supporting low-income individuals and families to enhance their financial capabilities and asset building efforts.\u201d<\/p>\r\nAdjunct Associate Professor Corinne Ghoh, SG FCAB-Frontline Project Lead at NAI highlighted that \u201cinstead of being prescriptive, FCAB principles emphasise the importance of listening, understanding, and building trusting relationships with recipients of help. This enables them to become more in control of their circumstances and helps them develop increased financial functioning to achieve their goals. When low-income individuals and families experience support in making informed decisions about their finances, they are empowered to assume greater control over their lives and move towards positive changes.\u201d<\/p>\r\nThe SG FCAB-Frontline Training Curriculum<\/u><\/strong>\r\nA nine-member Resource Committee chaired by NAI, which comprises representatives from the stakeholder-organisations was formed in April 2022. The Resource Committee will play a key role in providing guidance on the curriculum development and training of the sector.\r\nNAI will also be conducting focus group discussions with frontline staff and volunteers who work with low-income individuals and families, to assess the training needs and identify gaps in practice.<\/p>\r\nIt will also pilot the curriculum at the community level with 60 frontline staff and volunteers in the fourth quarter of 2022. The process of development, testing and refinement of the curriculum will be completed by June 2023. The aim is to institutionalise the SG FCAB-Frontline Training curriculum in the form of a programme as part of ongoing field learning and training for this group.<\/p>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1149\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] The plenary session at today\u2019s event discussed the social innovations by social workers who went through the programme and how they applied FCAB principles to uplift lives and address financial challenges faced by their low-income clients.<\/strong>[\/caption]<\/p>\r\nAn Update on the Impact of the SG FCAB-Social Work Training Programme\r\n<\/u><\/strong>The SG FCAB-Social Work Training programme was offered from 2020 through the Continuing Professional Education arm of the NUS FASS Department of Social Work, with the curriculum developed by NAI from 2017 to 2019.\r\nAssociate Professor Esther Goh, Head of the Department of Social Work shared, \u201cThe success of the SG FCAB-Social Work Training programme is evident from the overwhelming response and positive feedback from SG FCAB-trained social workers who have enhanced their competencies in the area of financial social work. Aligned with the core values of social work, the SG FCAB-Social Work Training programme equips social workers with the knowledge and skills to actively engage clients in shaping their financial goals, harnessing their strengths to increase financial functioning and achieving sustainable financial outcomes.\u201d<\/p>\r\nThe plenary session at today\u2019s event discussed the social innovations by social workers who went through the programme and how they applied FCAB principles to uplift lives and address financial challenges faced by their low-income clients.<\/p>\r\nMs Grace Xu, Head of the Social Work Team at AWWA Transitional Shelter, who attended the SG FCAB training, said \u201cI gained confidence and competency in navigating resources, shared benefits, and opportunities to enhance clients\u2019 employability and strengthened their aspirations in achieving their financial goals.\u201d Citing an example, she shared, \u201cThe knowledge of the Progressive Wage Model enabled me to better understand and support my client's efforts to improve his employability and eventually advance his employment prospects.\u201d<\/p>\r\nThis article first appeared in<\/em> NUSNews<\/a> on 17 June 2022.<\/em><\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n<\/div><\/div>NUS CHS Open House 2022: Discover #Interdisciplinary Education!<\/a><\/h3>06 May 2022 <\/div>\r\n\t\u00a0IN BRIEF | 5 min read<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\nThe NUS<\/a> College of Humanities and Sciences<\/a> is hosting its Open House 2022 next week and all prospective students who have received offers are invited!<\/strong><\/li>\r\nA two-day hybrid programme \u2013 11 May on Zoom (and viewable on CHS\u2019 Facebook page<\/a>) and 14 May on several locations across the NUS Kent Ridge campus, specifically the areas around the Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FASS)<\/a>, and the Faculty of Science (FoS)<\/a> \u2013 CHS Open House 2022 aims to address all concerns a prospective undergraduate may have before committing to academic at the University and College.<\/strong><\/li>\r\nHighlights include opportunities to engage, discuss and explore academic pursuits, career development and student life at the College with key faculty and administrative staff and leadership \u2014 live and in person.<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\t<\/p>\r\nThe NUS<\/a> College of Humanities and Sciences<\/a> is hosting its Open House 2022<\/a> next week and all prospective students who have received their offers are invited. As the deadline for them to accept their offers is looming, CHS has put together a programme aimed at answering all the questions they may have and clarifying all their concerns as much as possible.<\/p>\r\nMarking a cautiously calibrated return of the University to the normalcy of hosting large on-site events, this year\u2019s CHS Open House is a two-day hybrid programme: 11 May on Zoom (and viewable on CHS\u2019 Facebook page) and 14 May on several locations across the NUS Kent Ridge campus, specifically the areas around the Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FASS), and the Faculty of Science (FoS).*<\/p>\r\n11 May 2022 (Wednesday): The Essentials, Online\r\n<\/strong>This a series of comprehensive information sessions (on Zoom and livestreamed on Facebook Live) covering everything new undergraduates need to know to get the most out of their education journey with CHS, including the:\r\n\r\nCHS Core Curriculum<\/li>\r\nCollege\u2019s three challenging but rewarding cross-disciplinary programmes\r\n\r\nData Science and Economics (DSE-XDP)<\/li>\r\nEnvironmental Studies (BES-XDP)<\/li>\r\nPhilosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE-XDP)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\nmyriad Learning Pathways laid for you<\/li>\r\nversatile career development programmes designed to prepare you for the future workplace<\/li>\r\nCHS Student Experience\u2014eye-opening and busy, yet energising and enriching<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nSpeakers and panelists include CHS Co-Deans, Vice-Deans, key faculty staff members, career preparation and student services leader.<\/p>\r\nFor more information and links to the 11 May sessions, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n14 May 2022 (Saturday): Get Personal, On Campus\r\n<\/strong>The College is calling for prospective students to come on site, visit where they could well be spending their undergraduate years very soon, and speak to their future instructors and potential mentors. The full-day programme \u2013 running in key FASS and FoS locations across the NUS campus \u2013 offers:\r\n\r\nentry to witness and even participate in talks\/lectures and panel discussions presented and hosted by award-winning instructors on a variety of academic subjects, interdisciplinary topics and specialised research areas<\/li>\r\nface-to-face engagement with faculty, admin and student representatives from ALL Departments and student organisations under CHS, and opportunities to explore academic, financial aid and student activity options with the people in the know<\/li>\r\nconsultation with the career development teams of CHS<\/li>\r\nguided Walking Tours across the facilities of FoS and FASS<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nFor more information on the activities planned for 14 May, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\r\nDiscover Your #Interdisciplinary Future @ CHS\r\n<\/strong>This Open House is the last chance for prospective students to learn more about the complete #interdisciplinary educational experience that they can expect at CHS. One that opens up a world of possibilities\u00a0and\u00a0equips them with skills and knowledge across the humanities, social sciences, physical sciences and applied sciences. One that\u00a0inspires, cultivates and prepares them\u00a0to work across\u00a0diverse\u00a0industries and sectors, with\u00a0multidisciplinary\u00a0teams, to solve some of the most\u00a0complex wicked problems\u00a0facing the world today \u2014 from social inequality to food shortage, unsustainable development and global warming. And one that grooms them to be the\u00a0leaders of public institutions and private enterprise tomorrow.\r\n* Campus shuttle bus services will be made available on 14 May to all visitors for easier movement across campus, which extends to Kent Ridge MRT.<\/em><\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n<\/div><\/div>Open House 2022 Engages and Excites<\/a><\/h3>09 March 2022 <\/div>\r\n\tIN BRIEF | 30 min read<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\nThe ever-popular NUS Open House hit new heights this year, attracting over 8.61 million visitors \u2013 a 26.2 per cent increase from the 6.83 million visitors that attended last year's online Open House.<\/strong><\/strong><\/li>\r\nFrom 26 Feb to 5 Mar, visitors crowded the websites, livestreams, webinars and social media sessions hosted by the University's colleges, faculties and schools. There was something for everyone, and the event covered everything from academic courses to student life and entrepreneurship programmes.<\/strong><\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\t[caption id=\"attachment_1114\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"]
\r\n<\/article>\r\nThis story<\/em> first appeared in <\/i><\/em>NUSNews<\/a> on 16 November<\/i><\/em>\u00a02023.<\/i><\/em><\/p>\r\n<\/article>\r\n<\/div><\/div>Coming Together in a Whole-of-Society Approach to Address Singapore's Ageing Population Challenges<\/a><\/h3>17 October 2023 <\/div>\r\nIN BRIEF | 5 min read<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\nThe profiled alumna Ms Siti Adriana Muhamad Rasip is the co-founder of Empowered Families Initiative, which seeks to harness the strengths and abilities of low-income families by investing in their aspirations, and\u00a0took home the top honours at the inaugural =Dreams Asia Breakthrough Prize Competition, a nationwide contest of ideas to eradicate poverty.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1325\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] A three-person panel at the symposium discussed how various sectors such as healthcare and social support can come together in a whole-of-society approach to tackling the challenges of an ageing population.<\/strong>[\/caption]\r\nHow can the whole of society be mobilised to tackle the challenges of an ageing population in Singapore? As the Singapore population demographic greys progressively, this question was at the centre of discussion at the annual symposium of the NUS Chua Thian Poh Community Leadership Centre<\/a>\u00a0(CTPCLC).<\/p>\r\nHeld on 30 September at NUS University Town, the symposium gathered more than 120 attendees consisting of NUS students, staff and alumni, as well as stakeholders from the public and social sectors. Now in its 11th iteration, the in-person event saw changemakers, community leaders, and thought leaders discussing the issue of 'Challenges of an Ageing Population in Singapore', and how different organisations and individuals are doing their part to tackle this challenge.<\/p>\r\nThe event was graced by Guest-of-Honour Mr Tan Kiat How, Senior Minister of State for Ministry of Communications and Information and for National Development, and Adviser to East Coast GRC Grassroots Organisations.<\/p>\r\nNoting that Singapore is home to some of the world\u2019s longest living persons, Mr Tan highlighted the importance of closing the gap between life span and health span, adding that this is where everyone has a role. Mr Tan also reflected on his experiences of encountering seniors forming social networks and actively volunteering in the community, to overcome social isolation.<\/p>\r\nExpressing his delight that the CTPCLC curriculum has offered undergraduates a path to support these initiatives with their research and involvement in the community, Mr Tan expressed that this would bode well for our community, as it takes an all-of-community approach to tackle the challenges of an ageing society like Singapore.<\/p>\r\nHolistic Approaches to Ageing<\/strong>Attendees at the symposium delved into a thought-provoking hour-long panel discussion elaborating on efforts and plans to address the challenges of the ageing population in Singapore. Moderated by CTPCLC alumna Ms Sim Rou Chen, Chief Operating Officer of WeHiro, panellists Mr Chern Siang Jye, Group Chief, Sector and Partnerships Division, Agency for Integrated Care; Associate Professor (Dr) Kenny Tan, Chief Executive Officer of St Luke's ElderCare Ltd; and Associate Professor Thang Leng Leng from the\u00a0NUS Japanese Studies<\/a>\u00a0and Co-Director of the\u00a0Next Age Institute<\/a>,\u00a0NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences)<\/a>, exchanged stories, insights, and recommendations on effectively addressing the challenges posed by an ageing population.\r\nThe discussion explored topics such as healthcare management, social support systems, and policy interventions, all designed to address key challenges faced by the elderly in our community. Assoc Prof (Dr) Kenny Tan captured the challenges succinctly in three words: helplessness, loneliness and boredom.<\/p>\r\nThese thoughts were also echoed by Assoc Prof Thang Leng Leng, who spoke about loneliness and social isolation, even for elderly parents who may be living with their children, when conversations within the home could be limited to routine check-ins such as \u201cHave you taken your medicine today?\u201d<\/p>\r\nThe discussion underscored the real need for elderly among the community to be actively engaged \u2013 and that the community can play a part through raising awareness of the former\u2019s needs and supporting befrienders\u2019 programmes, in ensuring that seniors can age amidst a strong social support network.<\/p>\r\nFrom Engagement to Effort<\/strong>Since its establishment in 2011, CTPCLC has continually challenged and empowered its students to explore the many facets of Singapore society and consider solutions to alleviate and address societal issues. CTPCLC students\u2019 thoughtful analyses and implementations were showcased at the symposium through presentations, demonstrations and poster displays.\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1324\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] Charmaine Song (left) and Tong Hui Yi (right) shared their research findings and recommendations on \u2018Reimagining the Active Ageing Centres of Thye Hua Kwan\u2019.<\/strong>[\/caption]\r\nCTPCLC students and project partners Charmaine Song (Business<\/a>, Year 4) and Tong Hui Yi (Social Work<\/a> and Sociology<\/a>, Year 4) took to the stage to elaborate on a year-long project they had embarked on in partnership with Thye Hua Kwan Moral Charities Limited.<\/p>\r\nDuring their project, which was titled \u2018Reimagining the Active Ageing Centres (AACs) of Thye Hua Kwan\u2019, Charmaine and Hui Yi interacted with seniors who were service users at Active Ageing Centres (AACs) in Ang Mo Kio. From the conversations, they gathered the seniors\u2019 various opinions and hopes on how the AAC could further develop to serve Singapore\u2019s ageing population.<\/p>\r\nAdopting a mixed methods approach that incorporated the use of observation work, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and online surveys, their study revealed that future AACs can play a vital role in serving as important sources of social, cultural and spatial capital for seniors: AACs provide social capital through important networks and social support among seniors; cultural capital by being a hub for acquiring new knowledge that will empower them; and spatial capital by being a potential \u2018home away from home\u2019, enabling seniors\u2019 access to additional spaces of emotional and physical comfort.<\/p>\r\nThe study also put forth key recommendations that highlighted how AACs can be further developed as a space for intergenerational communal socialisation, while serving as a rallying site for proactive seniors to engage in community-related volunteerism.<\/p>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1323\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] Associate Professor Soo Yuen Jien, Director of the NUS Centre for Development of Teaching and Learning (centre) and Associate Professor Lee Kooi Cheng, Director of the NUS Centre for English Language Communication (first on right), looking on to a demonstration by Mr Willoughby Niki Lee (first on left) on the use of 'BoomBox\u2019, AI-based gamified activities to engage seniors.<\/strong>[\/caption]\r\nBeyond talks and discussions, attendees at the symposium also engaged with passionate CTPCLC alumni and students at a series of live demonstrations and poster displays detailing their various engagements with the community.<\/p>\r\nAmongst these was a demonstration by CTPCLC alumnus Mr Willoughby Niki Lee (College of Design and Engineering<\/a>, Class of 2022) of his brainchild BoomBox -\u00a0AI-based gamified activities innovated to help in seniors\u2019 wellbeing<\/a>, inspired by his love for the community and his engineering knowledge.<\/p>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1322\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] Participants got to try on props from the ageing simulation demonstration, such as ear muffs, goggles, and gloves, which mimic the ageing experience while the participant attempts a simple everyday task such as writing.<\/strong>[\/caption]\r\nMs Sim Rou Chen (Social Work<\/a> and Psychology<\/a> '22) also led an ageing simulation demonstration which allowed participants to experience what ageing could feel like, through the use of props and equipment like goggles, walking sticks and sandbags which hinder physical movement. Through this, participants developed a greater understanding and empathy of the physical, and thereafter, social and emotional, encounters and challenges that seniors could be facing in their daily lives.<\/p>\r\nCelebrating Tomorrow\u2019s Changemakers<\/strong>A ceremony was also held at the symposium to honour the achievements of CTPCLC\u2019s Class of 2023, acknowledging their completion of the community development and leadership programme in NUS and celebrating their achievements in driving positive change within communities in Singapore.\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1321\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] CTPCLC\u2019s Class of 2023 with (front row) NUS Senior Vice Provost (Undergraduate Education Prof Bernard Tan, SMS Tan, Dr Chua Thian Poh (Board Member; Chua Foundation; Executive Chairman, Ho Bee Land Limited), Ms Chua Weiling (Director of Philanthropy, Chua Foundation; Chief Executive Officer, One Hill Capital Pte Ltd) and CTPCLC Director Associate Professor Chng Huang Hoon.<\/strong>[\/caption]\r\n\u201cThe Symposium has come at an opportune time as I begin my career in the community care sector,\u201d said CTPCLC alumni Mr Kho Yong Xiang (Communications and New Media<\/a> '23).<\/p>\r\n\u201cCPTCLC has once again proven to be an invaluable platform for addressing the priorities of today. I heard peers discussing their ground-up research as well as connecting with partners and experts in the eldercare space. I am thankful for my time at the Centre and hope for more students to embrace the opportunities offered by CTPCLC,\u201c he added.<\/p>\r\nBeyond academics, the annual CTPCLC symposium provides a platform for like-minded individuals to share knowledge, foster collaboration, and inspire future leaders to address pressing community issues, making a difference to those around them. From their first tentative steps of taking courses at CTPCLC, the symposium also documents how students have been empowered to develop themselves further into passionate community builders and future leaders.<\/p>\r\n\u201cIn addition to the good work our alumni and students are doing in the community, it is really heartening that they continue to engage the Centre at an event like this one,\u201d said Associate Professor Chng Huang Hoon, Director of CTPCLC. \u201cI feel very proud to have been a part of their wonderful journey.\"<\/p>\r\n<\/article>\r\nThis story by <\/em>NUS Chua Thian Poh Community Leadership Centre<\/a> first appeared in <\/i><\/em>NUSNews<\/a> on 16<\/i><\/em>\u00a0October 2023.<\/i><\/em><\/p>\r\n<\/article>\r\n<\/div><\/div>Call for Nominations | FASS Inspiring Mentor Award 2022<\/a><\/h3>06 October 2022 <\/div>\r\nIN BRIEF | 3 min read<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\nWe invite NUS FASS members of staff to nominate the colleagues who have served as their truly inspiring mentors - who have gone beyond the call of duty to positively impact their work and life - for FIMA 2022 honours.<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nClick through image below (or just write to fassmentoraward@nus.edu.sg<\/a>) to file your nomination.<\/p>\r\n<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/div><\/div>Commencement 2022: Kickstarting a Season of Celebration and Achievement<\/a><\/h3>07 July 2022 <\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0IN BRIEF | 10 min read<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/strong><\/strong>NUS celebrates the milestone accomplishments of 13,975 graduates through 28 in-person ceremonies<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong>.<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\t[caption id=\"attachment_1167\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] Commencement celebrates the resilience and tenacity of the Class of 2022, a cohort which has spent much of its NUS education in the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/strong>[\/caption]<\/p>\r\nA long-awaited season of celebration is officially under way, with the inaugural ceremony of Commencement 2022 marking the milestone achievements of some 200 Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences<\/a>\u00a0(FASS) graduates, and seeing the conferment of two Honorary Graduates, Professor Tommy Koh and Professor Wang Gungwu.<\/p>\r\nTaking place at the University Cultural Centre, the ceremony kicked off bright and early on 6 July to an effervescent buzz of anticipation from the graduates and their loved ones, inaugurating a total of 28 in-person ceremonies to be held over the following 10 days.<\/p>\r\nIn keeping with the Commencement traditions and the proud ceremonial heritage of NUS, the ceremony showcased the pageantry of the Ceremonial Procession, the fanfare, and playing of the National Anthem, all culminating in the highlight of the ceremony-the presentation of graduates. Graduates from the Class of 2022 celebrated their achievements amid the applause of family and friends, a momentous apogee of their time in NUS.<\/p>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1166\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] Resilience and boldness - these are the qualities that will avail graduates in a greatly changed post-COVID landscape, said NUS President Prof Tan Eng Chye in his speech.<\/strong>[\/caption]<\/p>\r\nSpeaking at the ceremony, NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye reflected on the qualities needed for graduates to thrive in today's dynamic environment: an attitude of resilience and adaptability to overcome challenges, and a willingness and boldness to view problems as opportunities, exercise creativity, and apply their skills and knowledge to create solutions.<\/p>\r\n\"For the Class of 2022, you are crossing the threshold into a wider world of dynamic change and great possibilities, but also of discomforting uncertainty,\" he said.<\/p>\r\n\"But I am fully confident that the NUS graduates of today share the same ethos of excellence and service to community of generations past. In time to come, you will undoubtedly make your own unique contributions, and become the vanguard in elevating our collective prosperity and well-being.\"<\/p>\r\nContributions to Law, Nature and Culture: Prof Tommy Koh\r\n<\/strong>Two illustrious NUS alumni were also honoured as Honorary Graduates for the Class of 2022-lawyer and diplomat Professor Tommy Koh, and historian Professor Wang Gungwu.\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] (from left to right) Honorary Doctor of Laws Professor Tommy Koh, NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye and Honorary Doctor of Letters Professor Wang Gungwu are all illustrious alumni of NUS.<\/strong>[\/caption]<\/p>\r\nIn recognition of his dedication as a practitioner-scholar and decades of service to the University, Singapore, and the world, Prof Koh, who wears many hats including Ambassador-at-Large at Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Special Advisor of the\u00a0Institute of Policy Studies<\/a>, and founding Rector of NUS'\u00a0Tembusu College<\/a>, was conferred the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws.<\/p>\r\nHighlighting three areas on which he has focused his energies - law, nature, and culture - Prof Koh said, \"I chose to study law, not to enrich myself, but to pursue justice and to promote the rule of law.\"<\/p>\r\nHe also spoke about his work concerning nature and the environment, including chairing the 1992 Earth Summit, being patron of the Nature Society, and helping NUS establish the\u00a0Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum<\/a>\u00a0as its founding Chairman. \"My vision is to live in harmony with nature.\u00a0 My agenda is to promote sustainability in all our endeavours,\" he added. \"I am [also] glad that I have been able to play a very small role in transforming Singapore, from a cultural desert to a cultural oasis.\"<\/p>\r\nDelivering the citation for Prof Koh's conferment, Professor Simon Chesterman, Vice-Provost (Educational Innovation) and Dean of the NUS Faculty of Law and NUS College, referred to Prof Koh's \"academic milestones [which] are but one strand of the rich tapestry of his professional life\", as well as his leadership and guidance in education at NUS, and his eminent contributions to state and environmental diplomacy.<\/p>\r\nAn Inspiring Story Worth Retelling: Prof Wang Gungwu\r\n<\/strong>Prof Wang, one of the world's foremost experts on the Chinese diaspora and Sino-Southeast Asian historical relations, was conferred the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters, the latest in a long list of accolades that includes the prestigious\u00a0Tang Prize in Sinology<\/a>, and the Distinguished Service Order of Singapore.\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1164\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] Eminent historian Prof Wang Gungwu was conferred the Honorary Doctor of Letters by NUS Pro-Chancellor Mr Po'ad Mattar.<\/strong>[\/caption]<\/p>\r\nReflecting on his time as a student of the University in colonial Malaya, Prof Wang said: \"You can imagine how happy I am to be a graduand again with my alma mater. The university gave my generation a good start in life. It went on to adapt to the rapid changes of our time. In so doing, it has come out better and stronger.\"<\/p>\r\nHe spoke about the \"inspiring story worth retelling\" of how the University had set out and followed its own aspirations, becoming a major centre of learning by being actively connected to the world, as well as regularly reinventing itself.<\/p>\r\n\"The way our university strives to keep our humanity always in our sights is something to be very proud of. I hope that all of us graduating today, no matter where life leads us, will never hesitate to help our university to enhance this capacity to advance our human condition,\" Prof Wang stressed.<\/p>\r\nProf Lionel Wee, Dean of FASS and co-Dean of the College of Humanities and Sciences, \u00a0who delivered the citation on Prof Wang's conferment, lauded the latter as \"an eminent figure and brilliant mind\" who has made manifold contributions as a leading figure in Sinology, a renowned public intellectual, and a visionary leader and administrator at leading academic institutions around the world.<\/p>\r\n\"This doctorate symbolises the meaningful connections between Professor Wang and the University, and it celebrates the long-standing contributions and value that Professor Wang's scholarly insights bring to Singapore, to Southeast Asia and, indeed, to the world,\" he said.<\/p>\r\nParsing the Path Forward\r\n<\/strong>Infusing the celebrations with a spirit of introspective gratitude, Valedictorian Mr Nickson Quak, who is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts with Honours (Highest Distinction) in\u00a0Philosophy, Politics, and Economics<\/a>\u00a0said, \"As varied as our journeys may have been, each and every one of us graduates here could have only made it thus far because of the unwavering support that our parents, our families, our loved ones, and our friends have so generously afforded us.\"\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1163\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] Philosophy, Politics and Economics graduate Mr Nickson Quak delivering his valedictorian speech at the ceremony, emphasising a spirit of gratitude and resilience going forward.<\/strong>[\/caption]<\/p>\r\nHis words further summarised the spirit of determination and community that will carry graduates onwards in their lives: \"If [the journey ahead] appears daunting to you, I say to you: fret not… because when you look to your left and your right, you see the resilient men and women who, forged by the challenges brought upon by the global pandemic, will always offer you a helping hand.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\nThis story first appeared in <\/i>NUSNews<\/a> on 6 July 2022 as part of <\/i>NUS News' coverage of Commencement 2022, which celebrates the achievements of our 13,975 graduates through 28 in-person ceremonies. For more on Commencement, look out for our upcoming graduate profiles, check out the <\/i>official Commencement website<\/i><\/a>, or look up (and tag) #NUS2022 and #NUSFASS on NUS' and FASS' social media channels!<\/i><\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div><\/div>New FCAB Training Curriculum for Frontline Officers and Volunteers Supporting Low-income in Singapore<\/a><\/h3>20 June 2022 <\/div>\r\n\t\u00a0IN BRIEF | 10 min read<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\nDeveloped by the Next Age Institute (NAI)<\/a> with Citi Foundation<\/a>\u2019s funding, the new Financial Capability and Asset Building (FACB) training \u00a0curriculum follows success of training programme for social workers rolled out in 2020.<\/strong><\/li>\r\nNAI\u2019s plans to develop the SG FCAB-Frontline Training curriculum is supported by nine stakeholder-organisations. They are the Ministry of Social and Family Development<\/a>, National Council of Social Service<\/a>, MENDAKI<\/a>, Singapore Prison Service<\/a>, People\u2019s Association<\/a>, Institute for Financial Literacy<\/a>, Singapore After-Care Association<\/a>, Care Corner Singapore Ltd<\/a> and AMKFSC Community Services Ltd<\/a>.<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\t[caption id=\"attachment_1150\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] Mr Masagos Zulkifli, Minister for Social and Family Development, and Second Minister for Health (centre) together with organisers at the \u201cFinancial Capability and Asset Building (FCAB): Maximising Potential, Empowering Communities\u201d event.<\/strong>[\/caption]<\/p>\r\nThe\u00a0Next Age Institute (NAI)<\/a>\u00a0at the\u00a0National University of Singapore (NUS) Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS)<\/a>\u00a0has embarked on an initiative to develop the Singapore Financial Capability and Asset Building (SG FCAB)-Frontline Training curriculum. The curriculum aims to equip frontline officers and volunteers from public, social services and community agencies with knowledge and skills to help low-income individuals and families improve their financial capabilities.<\/p>\r\nThe development of the new SG FCAB-Frontline Training curriculum, which began in January 2022, follows the success of the SG FCAB-Social Work Training programme which was rolled out in 2020 by the\u00a0Department of Social Work<\/a>\u00a0at NUS FASS to specifically train social workers and social work students to support the most financially vulnerable in Singapore.<\/p>\r\nNAI\u2019s plans to develop the SG FCAB-Frontline Training curriculum is supported by nine stakeholder-organisations. They are the Ministry of Social and Family Development, National Council of Social Service, MENDAKI, Singapore Prison Service, People\u2019s Association, Institute for Financial Literacy, Singapore After-Care Association, Care Corner Singapore Ltd and AMKFSC Community Services Ltd.<\/p>\r\nCiti Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Citigroup, has awarded a grant of US$330,000 towards the development of the SG FCAB-Frontline Training curriculum and the training of 200 more social workers in the SG FCAB-Social Work Training programme from January 2022 to June 2023. From 2017 to 2021, it had awarded grants totalling US$630,000 to develop and roll out the SG FCAB-Social Work Training programme that trained more than 250 social workers and more than 150 social work students to support the most financially vulnerable populations in Singapore.<\/p>\r\nCommenting on the SG FCAB initiative, Citi\u2019s ASEAN Head and Citi Country Officer for Singapore, Mr Amol Gupte said, \u201cThe development of the new SG FCAB-Frontline Training curriculum marks another significant milestone in Citi\u2019s 120 anniversary year in Singapore. Citi has been demonstrating its commitment to enable growth and progress in the community, and we are pleased to continue our financial inclusion efforts in supporting the vulnerable through the partnership with the NUS FASS Department of Social Work and the Next Age Institute.\u201d<\/p>\r\nThe plans for the new SG FCAB-Frontline Training curriculum and impact of the SG-FCAB Social Work Training programme were announced today at the \u201cFinancial Capability and Asset Building (FCAB): Maximising Potential, Empowering Communities\u201d event organised by NAI and the NUS FASS Department of Social Work. Mr Masagos Zulkifli, Minister for Social and Family Development, and Second Minister for Health, attended the event as the Guest-of-Honour and delivered a speech which highlighted the importance of helping lower-income families to strengthen their financial management capabilities and how FCAB training could equip social workers, frontline staff and volunteers with the skills and knowledge to enable this.<\/p>\r\nAlso speaking at the event, Associate Professor Chia Ngee Choon, Co-Director of NAI shared, \u201cTogether with social workers, frontline staff and volunteers play a crucial role in the overall help system. Low-income individuals and families who have worked through their social and financial vulnerabilities with the support of social workers, can continue to work with frontline staff and volunteers as part of the wider support system network to achieve their aspirations. With the SG FCAB-Frontline Training curriculum, frontline staff and volunteers will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to continue supporting low-income individuals and families to enhance their financial capabilities and asset building efforts.\u201d<\/p>\r\nAdjunct Associate Professor Corinne Ghoh, SG FCAB-Frontline Project Lead at NAI highlighted that \u201cinstead of being prescriptive, FCAB principles emphasise the importance of listening, understanding, and building trusting relationships with recipients of help. This enables them to become more in control of their circumstances and helps them develop increased financial functioning to achieve their goals. When low-income individuals and families experience support in making informed decisions about their finances, they are empowered to assume greater control over their lives and move towards positive changes.\u201d<\/p>\r\nThe SG FCAB-Frontline Training Curriculum<\/u><\/strong>\r\nA nine-member Resource Committee chaired by NAI, which comprises representatives from the stakeholder-organisations was formed in April 2022. The Resource Committee will play a key role in providing guidance on the curriculum development and training of the sector.\r\nNAI will also be conducting focus group discussions with frontline staff and volunteers who work with low-income individuals and families, to assess the training needs and identify gaps in practice.<\/p>\r\nIt will also pilot the curriculum at the community level with 60 frontline staff and volunteers in the fourth quarter of 2022. The process of development, testing and refinement of the curriculum will be completed by June 2023. The aim is to institutionalise the SG FCAB-Frontline Training curriculum in the form of a programme as part of ongoing field learning and training for this group.<\/p>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1149\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] The plenary session at today\u2019s event discussed the social innovations by social workers who went through the programme and how they applied FCAB principles to uplift lives and address financial challenges faced by their low-income clients.<\/strong>[\/caption]<\/p>\r\nAn Update on the Impact of the SG FCAB-Social Work Training Programme\r\n<\/u><\/strong>The SG FCAB-Social Work Training programme was offered from 2020 through the Continuing Professional Education arm of the NUS FASS Department of Social Work, with the curriculum developed by NAI from 2017 to 2019.\r\nAssociate Professor Esther Goh, Head of the Department of Social Work shared, \u201cThe success of the SG FCAB-Social Work Training programme is evident from the overwhelming response and positive feedback from SG FCAB-trained social workers who have enhanced their competencies in the area of financial social work. Aligned with the core values of social work, the SG FCAB-Social Work Training programme equips social workers with the knowledge and skills to actively engage clients in shaping their financial goals, harnessing their strengths to increase financial functioning and achieving sustainable financial outcomes.\u201d<\/p>\r\nThe plenary session at today\u2019s event discussed the social innovations by social workers who went through the programme and how they applied FCAB principles to uplift lives and address financial challenges faced by their low-income clients.<\/p>\r\nMs Grace Xu, Head of the Social Work Team at AWWA Transitional Shelter, who attended the SG FCAB training, said \u201cI gained confidence and competency in navigating resources, shared benefits, and opportunities to enhance clients\u2019 employability and strengthened their aspirations in achieving their financial goals.\u201d Citing an example, she shared, \u201cThe knowledge of the Progressive Wage Model enabled me to better understand and support my client's efforts to improve his employability and eventually advance his employment prospects.\u201d<\/p>\r\nThis article first appeared in<\/em> NUSNews<\/a> on 17 June 2022.<\/em><\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n<\/div><\/div>NUS CHS Open House 2022: Discover #Interdisciplinary Education!<\/a><\/h3>06 May 2022 <\/div>\r\n\t\u00a0IN BRIEF | 5 min read<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\nThe NUS<\/a> College of Humanities and Sciences<\/a> is hosting its Open House 2022 next week and all prospective students who have received offers are invited!<\/strong><\/li>\r\nA two-day hybrid programme \u2013 11 May on Zoom (and viewable on CHS\u2019 Facebook page<\/a>) and 14 May on several locations across the NUS Kent Ridge campus, specifically the areas around the Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FASS)<\/a>, and the Faculty of Science (FoS)<\/a> \u2013 CHS Open House 2022 aims to address all concerns a prospective undergraduate may have before committing to academic at the University and College.<\/strong><\/li>\r\nHighlights include opportunities to engage, discuss and explore academic pursuits, career development and student life at the College with key faculty and administrative staff and leadership \u2014 live and in person.<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\t<\/p>\r\nThe NUS<\/a> College of Humanities and Sciences<\/a> is hosting its Open House 2022<\/a> next week and all prospective students who have received their offers are invited. As the deadline for them to accept their offers is looming, CHS has put together a programme aimed at answering all the questions they may have and clarifying all their concerns as much as possible.<\/p>\r\nMarking a cautiously calibrated return of the University to the normalcy of hosting large on-site events, this year\u2019s CHS Open House is a two-day hybrid programme: 11 May on Zoom (and viewable on CHS\u2019 Facebook page) and 14 May on several locations across the NUS Kent Ridge campus, specifically the areas around the Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FASS), and the Faculty of Science (FoS).*<\/p>\r\n11 May 2022 (Wednesday): The Essentials, Online\r\n<\/strong>This a series of comprehensive information sessions (on Zoom and livestreamed on Facebook Live) covering everything new undergraduates need to know to get the most out of their education journey with CHS, including the:\r\n\r\nCHS Core Curriculum<\/li>\r\nCollege\u2019s three challenging but rewarding cross-disciplinary programmes\r\n\r\nData Science and Economics (DSE-XDP)<\/li>\r\nEnvironmental Studies (BES-XDP)<\/li>\r\nPhilosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE-XDP)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\nmyriad Learning Pathways laid for you<\/li>\r\nversatile career development programmes designed to prepare you for the future workplace<\/li>\r\nCHS Student Experience\u2014eye-opening and busy, yet energising and enriching<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nSpeakers and panelists include CHS Co-Deans, Vice-Deans, key faculty staff members, career preparation and student services leader.<\/p>\r\nFor more information and links to the 11 May sessions, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n14 May 2022 (Saturday): Get Personal, On Campus\r\n<\/strong>The College is calling for prospective students to come on site, visit where they could well be spending their undergraduate years very soon, and speak to their future instructors and potential mentors. The full-day programme \u2013 running in key FASS and FoS locations across the NUS campus \u2013 offers:\r\n\r\nentry to witness and even participate in talks\/lectures and panel discussions presented and hosted by award-winning instructors on a variety of academic subjects, interdisciplinary topics and specialised research areas<\/li>\r\nface-to-face engagement with faculty, admin and student representatives from ALL Departments and student organisations under CHS, and opportunities to explore academic, financial aid and student activity options with the people in the know<\/li>\r\nconsultation with the career development teams of CHS<\/li>\r\nguided Walking Tours across the facilities of FoS and FASS<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nFor more information on the activities planned for 14 May, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\r\nDiscover Your #Interdisciplinary Future @ CHS\r\n<\/strong>This Open House is the last chance for prospective students to learn more about the complete #interdisciplinary educational experience that they can expect at CHS. One that opens up a world of possibilities\u00a0and\u00a0equips them with skills and knowledge across the humanities, social sciences, physical sciences and applied sciences. One that\u00a0inspires, cultivates and prepares them\u00a0to work across\u00a0diverse\u00a0industries and sectors, with\u00a0multidisciplinary\u00a0teams, to solve some of the most\u00a0complex wicked problems\u00a0facing the world today \u2014 from social inequality to food shortage, unsustainable development and global warming. And one that grooms them to be the\u00a0leaders of public institutions and private enterprise tomorrow.\r\n* Campus shuttle bus services will be made available on 14 May to all visitors for easier movement across campus, which extends to Kent Ridge MRT.<\/em><\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n<\/div><\/div>Open House 2022 Engages and Excites<\/a><\/h3>09 March 2022 <\/div>\r\n\tIN BRIEF | 30 min read<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\nThe ever-popular NUS Open House hit new heights this year, attracting over 8.61 million visitors \u2013 a 26.2 per cent increase from the 6.83 million visitors that attended last year's online Open House.<\/strong><\/strong><\/li>\r\nFrom 26 Feb to 5 Mar, visitors crowded the websites, livestreams, webinars and social media sessions hosted by the University's colleges, faculties and schools. There was something for everyone, and the event covered everything from academic courses to student life and entrepreneurship programmes.<\/strong><\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\t[caption id=\"attachment_1114\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"]
<\/article>\r\nThis story<\/em> first appeared in <\/i><\/em>NUSNews<\/a> on 16 November<\/i><\/em>\u00a02023.<\/i><\/em><\/p>\r\n<\/article>\r\n<\/div><\/div>Coming Together in a Whole-of-Society Approach to Address Singapore's Ageing Population Challenges<\/a><\/h3>17 October 2023 <\/div>\r\nIN BRIEF | 5 min read<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\nThe profiled alumna Ms Siti Adriana Muhamad Rasip is the co-founder of Empowered Families Initiative, which seeks to harness the strengths and abilities of low-income families by investing in their aspirations, and\u00a0took home the top honours at the inaugural =Dreams Asia Breakthrough Prize Competition, a nationwide contest of ideas to eradicate poverty.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1325\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] A three-person panel at the symposium discussed how various sectors such as healthcare and social support can come together in a whole-of-society approach to tackling the challenges of an ageing population.<\/strong>[\/caption]\r\nHow can the whole of society be mobilised to tackle the challenges of an ageing population in Singapore? As the Singapore population demographic greys progressively, this question was at the centre of discussion at the annual symposium of the NUS Chua Thian Poh Community Leadership Centre<\/a>\u00a0(CTPCLC).<\/p>\r\nHeld on 30 September at NUS University Town, the symposium gathered more than 120 attendees consisting of NUS students, staff and alumni, as well as stakeholders from the public and social sectors. Now in its 11th iteration, the in-person event saw changemakers, community leaders, and thought leaders discussing the issue of 'Challenges of an Ageing Population in Singapore', and how different organisations and individuals are doing their part to tackle this challenge.<\/p>\r\nThe event was graced by Guest-of-Honour Mr Tan Kiat How, Senior Minister of State for Ministry of Communications and Information and for National Development, and Adviser to East Coast GRC Grassroots Organisations.<\/p>\r\nNoting that Singapore is home to some of the world\u2019s longest living persons, Mr Tan highlighted the importance of closing the gap between life span and health span, adding that this is where everyone has a role. Mr Tan also reflected on his experiences of encountering seniors forming social networks and actively volunteering in the community, to overcome social isolation.<\/p>\r\nExpressing his delight that the CTPCLC curriculum has offered undergraduates a path to support these initiatives with their research and involvement in the community, Mr Tan expressed that this would bode well for our community, as it takes an all-of-community approach to tackle the challenges of an ageing society like Singapore.<\/p>\r\nHolistic Approaches to Ageing<\/strong>Attendees at the symposium delved into a thought-provoking hour-long panel discussion elaborating on efforts and plans to address the challenges of the ageing population in Singapore. Moderated by CTPCLC alumna Ms Sim Rou Chen, Chief Operating Officer of WeHiro, panellists Mr Chern Siang Jye, Group Chief, Sector and Partnerships Division, Agency for Integrated Care; Associate Professor (Dr) Kenny Tan, Chief Executive Officer of St Luke's ElderCare Ltd; and Associate Professor Thang Leng Leng from the\u00a0NUS Japanese Studies<\/a>\u00a0and Co-Director of the\u00a0Next Age Institute<\/a>,\u00a0NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences)<\/a>, exchanged stories, insights, and recommendations on effectively addressing the challenges posed by an ageing population.\r\nThe discussion explored topics such as healthcare management, social support systems, and policy interventions, all designed to address key challenges faced by the elderly in our community. Assoc Prof (Dr) Kenny Tan captured the challenges succinctly in three words: helplessness, loneliness and boredom.<\/p>\r\nThese thoughts were also echoed by Assoc Prof Thang Leng Leng, who spoke about loneliness and social isolation, even for elderly parents who may be living with their children, when conversations within the home could be limited to routine check-ins such as \u201cHave you taken your medicine today?\u201d<\/p>\r\nThe discussion underscored the real need for elderly among the community to be actively engaged \u2013 and that the community can play a part through raising awareness of the former\u2019s needs and supporting befrienders\u2019 programmes, in ensuring that seniors can age amidst a strong social support network.<\/p>\r\nFrom Engagement to Effort<\/strong>Since its establishment in 2011, CTPCLC has continually challenged and empowered its students to explore the many facets of Singapore society and consider solutions to alleviate and address societal issues. CTPCLC students\u2019 thoughtful analyses and implementations were showcased at the symposium through presentations, demonstrations and poster displays.\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1324\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] Charmaine Song (left) and Tong Hui Yi (right) shared their research findings and recommendations on \u2018Reimagining the Active Ageing Centres of Thye Hua Kwan\u2019.<\/strong>[\/caption]\r\nCTPCLC students and project partners Charmaine Song (Business<\/a>, Year 4) and Tong Hui Yi (Social Work<\/a> and Sociology<\/a>, Year 4) took to the stage to elaborate on a year-long project they had embarked on in partnership with Thye Hua Kwan Moral Charities Limited.<\/p>\r\nDuring their project, which was titled \u2018Reimagining the Active Ageing Centres (AACs) of Thye Hua Kwan\u2019, Charmaine and Hui Yi interacted with seniors who were service users at Active Ageing Centres (AACs) in Ang Mo Kio. From the conversations, they gathered the seniors\u2019 various opinions and hopes on how the AAC could further develop to serve Singapore\u2019s ageing population.<\/p>\r\nAdopting a mixed methods approach that incorporated the use of observation work, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and online surveys, their study revealed that future AACs can play a vital role in serving as important sources of social, cultural and spatial capital for seniors: AACs provide social capital through important networks and social support among seniors; cultural capital by being a hub for acquiring new knowledge that will empower them; and spatial capital by being a potential \u2018home away from home\u2019, enabling seniors\u2019 access to additional spaces of emotional and physical comfort.<\/p>\r\nThe study also put forth key recommendations that highlighted how AACs can be further developed as a space for intergenerational communal socialisation, while serving as a rallying site for proactive seniors to engage in community-related volunteerism.<\/p>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1323\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] Associate Professor Soo Yuen Jien, Director of the NUS Centre for Development of Teaching and Learning (centre) and Associate Professor Lee Kooi Cheng, Director of the NUS Centre for English Language Communication (first on right), looking on to a demonstration by Mr Willoughby Niki Lee (first on left) on the use of 'BoomBox\u2019, AI-based gamified activities to engage seniors.<\/strong>[\/caption]\r\nBeyond talks and discussions, attendees at the symposium also engaged with passionate CTPCLC alumni and students at a series of live demonstrations and poster displays detailing their various engagements with the community.<\/p>\r\nAmongst these was a demonstration by CTPCLC alumnus Mr Willoughby Niki Lee (College of Design and Engineering<\/a>, Class of 2022) of his brainchild BoomBox -\u00a0AI-based gamified activities innovated to help in seniors\u2019 wellbeing<\/a>, inspired by his love for the community and his engineering knowledge.<\/p>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1322\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] Participants got to try on props from the ageing simulation demonstration, such as ear muffs, goggles, and gloves, which mimic the ageing experience while the participant attempts a simple everyday task such as writing.<\/strong>[\/caption]\r\nMs Sim Rou Chen (Social Work<\/a> and Psychology<\/a> '22) also led an ageing simulation demonstration which allowed participants to experience what ageing could feel like, through the use of props and equipment like goggles, walking sticks and sandbags which hinder physical movement. Through this, participants developed a greater understanding and empathy of the physical, and thereafter, social and emotional, encounters and challenges that seniors could be facing in their daily lives.<\/p>\r\nCelebrating Tomorrow\u2019s Changemakers<\/strong>A ceremony was also held at the symposium to honour the achievements of CTPCLC\u2019s Class of 2023, acknowledging their completion of the community development and leadership programme in NUS and celebrating their achievements in driving positive change within communities in Singapore.\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1321\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] CTPCLC\u2019s Class of 2023 with (front row) NUS Senior Vice Provost (Undergraduate Education Prof Bernard Tan, SMS Tan, Dr Chua Thian Poh (Board Member; Chua Foundation; Executive Chairman, Ho Bee Land Limited), Ms Chua Weiling (Director of Philanthropy, Chua Foundation; Chief Executive Officer, One Hill Capital Pte Ltd) and CTPCLC Director Associate Professor Chng Huang Hoon.<\/strong>[\/caption]\r\n\u201cThe Symposium has come at an opportune time as I begin my career in the community care sector,\u201d said CTPCLC alumni Mr Kho Yong Xiang (Communications and New Media<\/a> '23).<\/p>\r\n\u201cCPTCLC has once again proven to be an invaluable platform for addressing the priorities of today. I heard peers discussing their ground-up research as well as connecting with partners and experts in the eldercare space. I am thankful for my time at the Centre and hope for more students to embrace the opportunities offered by CTPCLC,\u201c he added.<\/p>\r\nBeyond academics, the annual CTPCLC symposium provides a platform for like-minded individuals to share knowledge, foster collaboration, and inspire future leaders to address pressing community issues, making a difference to those around them. From their first tentative steps of taking courses at CTPCLC, the symposium also documents how students have been empowered to develop themselves further into passionate community builders and future leaders.<\/p>\r\n\u201cIn addition to the good work our alumni and students are doing in the community, it is really heartening that they continue to engage the Centre at an event like this one,\u201d said Associate Professor Chng Huang Hoon, Director of CTPCLC. \u201cI feel very proud to have been a part of their wonderful journey.\"<\/p>\r\n<\/article>\r\nThis story by <\/em>NUS Chua Thian Poh Community Leadership Centre<\/a> first appeared in <\/i><\/em>NUSNews<\/a> on 16<\/i><\/em>\u00a0October 2023.<\/i><\/em><\/p>\r\n<\/article>\r\n<\/div><\/div>Call for Nominations | FASS Inspiring Mentor Award 2022<\/a><\/h3>06 October 2022 <\/div>\r\nIN BRIEF | 3 min read<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\nWe invite NUS FASS members of staff to nominate the colleagues who have served as their truly inspiring mentors - who have gone beyond the call of duty to positively impact their work and life - for FIMA 2022 honours.<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nClick through image below (or just write to fassmentoraward@nus.edu.sg<\/a>) to file your nomination.<\/p>\r\n<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/div><\/div>Commencement 2022: Kickstarting a Season of Celebration and Achievement<\/a><\/h3>07 July 2022 <\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0IN BRIEF | 10 min read<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/strong><\/strong>NUS celebrates the milestone accomplishments of 13,975 graduates through 28 in-person ceremonies<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong>.<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\t[caption id=\"attachment_1167\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] Commencement celebrates the resilience and tenacity of the Class of 2022, a cohort which has spent much of its NUS education in the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/strong>[\/caption]<\/p>\r\nA long-awaited season of celebration is officially under way, with the inaugural ceremony of Commencement 2022 marking the milestone achievements of some 200 Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences<\/a>\u00a0(FASS) graduates, and seeing the conferment of two Honorary Graduates, Professor Tommy Koh and Professor Wang Gungwu.<\/p>\r\nTaking place at the University Cultural Centre, the ceremony kicked off bright and early on 6 July to an effervescent buzz of anticipation from the graduates and their loved ones, inaugurating a total of 28 in-person ceremonies to be held over the following 10 days.<\/p>\r\nIn keeping with the Commencement traditions and the proud ceremonial heritage of NUS, the ceremony showcased the pageantry of the Ceremonial Procession, the fanfare, and playing of the National Anthem, all culminating in the highlight of the ceremony-the presentation of graduates. Graduates from the Class of 2022 celebrated their achievements amid the applause of family and friends, a momentous apogee of their time in NUS.<\/p>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1166\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] Resilience and boldness - these are the qualities that will avail graduates in a greatly changed post-COVID landscape, said NUS President Prof Tan Eng Chye in his speech.<\/strong>[\/caption]<\/p>\r\nSpeaking at the ceremony, NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye reflected on the qualities needed for graduates to thrive in today's dynamic environment: an attitude of resilience and adaptability to overcome challenges, and a willingness and boldness to view problems as opportunities, exercise creativity, and apply their skills and knowledge to create solutions.<\/p>\r\n\"For the Class of 2022, you are crossing the threshold into a wider world of dynamic change and great possibilities, but also of discomforting uncertainty,\" he said.<\/p>\r\n\"But I am fully confident that the NUS graduates of today share the same ethos of excellence and service to community of generations past. In time to come, you will undoubtedly make your own unique contributions, and become the vanguard in elevating our collective prosperity and well-being.\"<\/p>\r\nContributions to Law, Nature and Culture: Prof Tommy Koh\r\n<\/strong>Two illustrious NUS alumni were also honoured as Honorary Graduates for the Class of 2022-lawyer and diplomat Professor Tommy Koh, and historian Professor Wang Gungwu.\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] (from left to right) Honorary Doctor of Laws Professor Tommy Koh, NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye and Honorary Doctor of Letters Professor Wang Gungwu are all illustrious alumni of NUS.<\/strong>[\/caption]<\/p>\r\nIn recognition of his dedication as a practitioner-scholar and decades of service to the University, Singapore, and the world, Prof Koh, who wears many hats including Ambassador-at-Large at Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Special Advisor of the\u00a0Institute of Policy Studies<\/a>, and founding Rector of NUS'\u00a0Tembusu College<\/a>, was conferred the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws.<\/p>\r\nHighlighting three areas on which he has focused his energies - law, nature, and culture - Prof Koh said, \"I chose to study law, not to enrich myself, but to pursue justice and to promote the rule of law.\"<\/p>\r\nHe also spoke about his work concerning nature and the environment, including chairing the 1992 Earth Summit, being patron of the Nature Society, and helping NUS establish the\u00a0Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum<\/a>\u00a0as its founding Chairman. \"My vision is to live in harmony with nature.\u00a0 My agenda is to promote sustainability in all our endeavours,\" he added. \"I am [also] glad that I have been able to play a very small role in transforming Singapore, from a cultural desert to a cultural oasis.\"<\/p>\r\nDelivering the citation for Prof Koh's conferment, Professor Simon Chesterman, Vice-Provost (Educational Innovation) and Dean of the NUS Faculty of Law and NUS College, referred to Prof Koh's \"academic milestones [which] are but one strand of the rich tapestry of his professional life\", as well as his leadership and guidance in education at NUS, and his eminent contributions to state and environmental diplomacy.<\/p>\r\nAn Inspiring Story Worth Retelling: Prof Wang Gungwu\r\n<\/strong>Prof Wang, one of the world's foremost experts on the Chinese diaspora and Sino-Southeast Asian historical relations, was conferred the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters, the latest in a long list of accolades that includes the prestigious\u00a0Tang Prize in Sinology<\/a>, and the Distinguished Service Order of Singapore.\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1164\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] Eminent historian Prof Wang Gungwu was conferred the Honorary Doctor of Letters by NUS Pro-Chancellor Mr Po'ad Mattar.<\/strong>[\/caption]<\/p>\r\nReflecting on his time as a student of the University in colonial Malaya, Prof Wang said: \"You can imagine how happy I am to be a graduand again with my alma mater. The university gave my generation a good start in life. It went on to adapt to the rapid changes of our time. In so doing, it has come out better and stronger.\"<\/p>\r\nHe spoke about the \"inspiring story worth retelling\" of how the University had set out and followed its own aspirations, becoming a major centre of learning by being actively connected to the world, as well as regularly reinventing itself.<\/p>\r\n\"The way our university strives to keep our humanity always in our sights is something to be very proud of. I hope that all of us graduating today, no matter where life leads us, will never hesitate to help our university to enhance this capacity to advance our human condition,\" Prof Wang stressed.<\/p>\r\nProf Lionel Wee, Dean of FASS and co-Dean of the College of Humanities and Sciences, \u00a0who delivered the citation on Prof Wang's conferment, lauded the latter as \"an eminent figure and brilliant mind\" who has made manifold contributions as a leading figure in Sinology, a renowned public intellectual, and a visionary leader and administrator at leading academic institutions around the world.<\/p>\r\n\"This doctorate symbolises the meaningful connections between Professor Wang and the University, and it celebrates the long-standing contributions and value that Professor Wang's scholarly insights bring to Singapore, to Southeast Asia and, indeed, to the world,\" he said.<\/p>\r\nParsing the Path Forward\r\n<\/strong>Infusing the celebrations with a spirit of introspective gratitude, Valedictorian Mr Nickson Quak, who is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts with Honours (Highest Distinction) in\u00a0Philosophy, Politics, and Economics<\/a>\u00a0said, \"As varied as our journeys may have been, each and every one of us graduates here could have only made it thus far because of the unwavering support that our parents, our families, our loved ones, and our friends have so generously afforded us.\"\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1163\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] Philosophy, Politics and Economics graduate Mr Nickson Quak delivering his valedictorian speech at the ceremony, emphasising a spirit of gratitude and resilience going forward.<\/strong>[\/caption]<\/p>\r\nHis words further summarised the spirit of determination and community that will carry graduates onwards in their lives: \"If [the journey ahead] appears daunting to you, I say to you: fret not… because when you look to your left and your right, you see the resilient men and women who, forged by the challenges brought upon by the global pandemic, will always offer you a helping hand.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\nThis story first appeared in <\/i>NUSNews<\/a> on 6 July 2022 as part of <\/i>NUS News' coverage of Commencement 2022, which celebrates the achievements of our 13,975 graduates through 28 in-person ceremonies. For more on Commencement, look out for our upcoming graduate profiles, check out the <\/i>official Commencement website<\/i><\/a>, or look up (and tag) #NUS2022 and #NUSFASS on NUS' and FASS' social media channels!<\/i><\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div><\/div>New FCAB Training Curriculum for Frontline Officers and Volunteers Supporting Low-income in Singapore<\/a><\/h3>20 June 2022 <\/div>\r\n\t\u00a0IN BRIEF | 10 min read<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\nDeveloped by the Next Age Institute (NAI)<\/a> with Citi Foundation<\/a>\u2019s funding, the new Financial Capability and Asset Building (FACB) training \u00a0curriculum follows success of training programme for social workers rolled out in 2020.<\/strong><\/li>\r\nNAI\u2019s plans to develop the SG FCAB-Frontline Training curriculum is supported by nine stakeholder-organisations. They are the Ministry of Social and Family Development<\/a>, National Council of Social Service<\/a>, MENDAKI<\/a>, Singapore Prison Service<\/a>, People\u2019s Association<\/a>, Institute for Financial Literacy<\/a>, Singapore After-Care Association<\/a>, Care Corner Singapore Ltd<\/a> and AMKFSC Community Services Ltd<\/a>.<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\t[caption id=\"attachment_1150\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] Mr Masagos Zulkifli, Minister for Social and Family Development, and Second Minister for Health (centre) together with organisers at the \u201cFinancial Capability and Asset Building (FCAB): Maximising Potential, Empowering Communities\u201d event.<\/strong>[\/caption]<\/p>\r\nThe\u00a0Next Age Institute (NAI)<\/a>\u00a0at the\u00a0National University of Singapore (NUS) Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS)<\/a>\u00a0has embarked on an initiative to develop the Singapore Financial Capability and Asset Building (SG FCAB)-Frontline Training curriculum. The curriculum aims to equip frontline officers and volunteers from public, social services and community agencies with knowledge and skills to help low-income individuals and families improve their financial capabilities.<\/p>\r\nThe development of the new SG FCAB-Frontline Training curriculum, which began in January 2022, follows the success of the SG FCAB-Social Work Training programme which was rolled out in 2020 by the\u00a0Department of Social Work<\/a>\u00a0at NUS FASS to specifically train social workers and social work students to support the most financially vulnerable in Singapore.<\/p>\r\nNAI\u2019s plans to develop the SG FCAB-Frontline Training curriculum is supported by nine stakeholder-organisations. They are the Ministry of Social and Family Development, National Council of Social Service, MENDAKI, Singapore Prison Service, People\u2019s Association, Institute for Financial Literacy, Singapore After-Care Association, Care Corner Singapore Ltd and AMKFSC Community Services Ltd.<\/p>\r\nCiti Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Citigroup, has awarded a grant of US$330,000 towards the development of the SG FCAB-Frontline Training curriculum and the training of 200 more social workers in the SG FCAB-Social Work Training programme from January 2022 to June 2023. From 2017 to 2021, it had awarded grants totalling US$630,000 to develop and roll out the SG FCAB-Social Work Training programme that trained more than 250 social workers and more than 150 social work students to support the most financially vulnerable populations in Singapore.<\/p>\r\nCommenting on the SG FCAB initiative, Citi\u2019s ASEAN Head and Citi Country Officer for Singapore, Mr Amol Gupte said, \u201cThe development of the new SG FCAB-Frontline Training curriculum marks another significant milestone in Citi\u2019s 120 anniversary year in Singapore. Citi has been demonstrating its commitment to enable growth and progress in the community, and we are pleased to continue our financial inclusion efforts in supporting the vulnerable through the partnership with the NUS FASS Department of Social Work and the Next Age Institute.\u201d<\/p>\r\nThe plans for the new SG FCAB-Frontline Training curriculum and impact of the SG-FCAB Social Work Training programme were announced today at the \u201cFinancial Capability and Asset Building (FCAB): Maximising Potential, Empowering Communities\u201d event organised by NAI and the NUS FASS Department of Social Work. Mr Masagos Zulkifli, Minister for Social and Family Development, and Second Minister for Health, attended the event as the Guest-of-Honour and delivered a speech which highlighted the importance of helping lower-income families to strengthen their financial management capabilities and how FCAB training could equip social workers, frontline staff and volunteers with the skills and knowledge to enable this.<\/p>\r\nAlso speaking at the event, Associate Professor Chia Ngee Choon, Co-Director of NAI shared, \u201cTogether with social workers, frontline staff and volunteers play a crucial role in the overall help system. Low-income individuals and families who have worked through their social and financial vulnerabilities with the support of social workers, can continue to work with frontline staff and volunteers as part of the wider support system network to achieve their aspirations. With the SG FCAB-Frontline Training curriculum, frontline staff and volunteers will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to continue supporting low-income individuals and families to enhance their financial capabilities and asset building efforts.\u201d<\/p>\r\nAdjunct Associate Professor Corinne Ghoh, SG FCAB-Frontline Project Lead at NAI highlighted that \u201cinstead of being prescriptive, FCAB principles emphasise the importance of listening, understanding, and building trusting relationships with recipients of help. This enables them to become more in control of their circumstances and helps them develop increased financial functioning to achieve their goals. When low-income individuals and families experience support in making informed decisions about their finances, they are empowered to assume greater control over their lives and move towards positive changes.\u201d<\/p>\r\nThe SG FCAB-Frontline Training Curriculum<\/u><\/strong>\r\nA nine-member Resource Committee chaired by NAI, which comprises representatives from the stakeholder-organisations was formed in April 2022. The Resource Committee will play a key role in providing guidance on the curriculum development and training of the sector.\r\nNAI will also be conducting focus group discussions with frontline staff and volunteers who work with low-income individuals and families, to assess the training needs and identify gaps in practice.<\/p>\r\nIt will also pilot the curriculum at the community level with 60 frontline staff and volunteers in the fourth quarter of 2022. The process of development, testing and refinement of the curriculum will be completed by June 2023. The aim is to institutionalise the SG FCAB-Frontline Training curriculum in the form of a programme as part of ongoing field learning and training for this group.<\/p>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1149\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] The plenary session at today\u2019s event discussed the social innovations by social workers who went through the programme and how they applied FCAB principles to uplift lives and address financial challenges faced by their low-income clients.<\/strong>[\/caption]<\/p>\r\nAn Update on the Impact of the SG FCAB-Social Work Training Programme\r\n<\/u><\/strong>The SG FCAB-Social Work Training programme was offered from 2020 through the Continuing Professional Education arm of the NUS FASS Department of Social Work, with the curriculum developed by NAI from 2017 to 2019.\r\nAssociate Professor Esther Goh, Head of the Department of Social Work shared, \u201cThe success of the SG FCAB-Social Work Training programme is evident from the overwhelming response and positive feedback from SG FCAB-trained social workers who have enhanced their competencies in the area of financial social work. Aligned with the core values of social work, the SG FCAB-Social Work Training programme equips social workers with the knowledge and skills to actively engage clients in shaping their financial goals, harnessing their strengths to increase financial functioning and achieving sustainable financial outcomes.\u201d<\/p>\r\nThe plenary session at today\u2019s event discussed the social innovations by social workers who went through the programme and how they applied FCAB principles to uplift lives and address financial challenges faced by their low-income clients.<\/p>\r\nMs Grace Xu, Head of the Social Work Team at AWWA Transitional Shelter, who attended the SG FCAB training, said \u201cI gained confidence and competency in navigating resources, shared benefits, and opportunities to enhance clients\u2019 employability and strengthened their aspirations in achieving their financial goals.\u201d Citing an example, she shared, \u201cThe knowledge of the Progressive Wage Model enabled me to better understand and support my client's efforts to improve his employability and eventually advance his employment prospects.\u201d<\/p>\r\nThis article first appeared in<\/em> NUSNews<\/a> on 17 June 2022.<\/em><\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n<\/div><\/div>NUS CHS Open House 2022: Discover #Interdisciplinary Education!<\/a><\/h3>06 May 2022 <\/div>\r\n\t\u00a0IN BRIEF | 5 min read<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\nThe NUS<\/a> College of Humanities and Sciences<\/a> is hosting its Open House 2022 next week and all prospective students who have received offers are invited!<\/strong><\/li>\r\nA two-day hybrid programme \u2013 11 May on Zoom (and viewable on CHS\u2019 Facebook page<\/a>) and 14 May on several locations across the NUS Kent Ridge campus, specifically the areas around the Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FASS)<\/a>, and the Faculty of Science (FoS)<\/a> \u2013 CHS Open House 2022 aims to address all concerns a prospective undergraduate may have before committing to academic at the University and College.<\/strong><\/li>\r\nHighlights include opportunities to engage, discuss and explore academic pursuits, career development and student life at the College with key faculty and administrative staff and leadership \u2014 live and in person.<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\t<\/p>\r\nThe NUS<\/a> College of Humanities and Sciences<\/a> is hosting its Open House 2022<\/a> next week and all prospective students who have received their offers are invited. As the deadline for them to accept their offers is looming, CHS has put together a programme aimed at answering all the questions they may have and clarifying all their concerns as much as possible.<\/p>\r\nMarking a cautiously calibrated return of the University to the normalcy of hosting large on-site events, this year\u2019s CHS Open House is a two-day hybrid programme: 11 May on Zoom (and viewable on CHS\u2019 Facebook page) and 14 May on several locations across the NUS Kent Ridge campus, specifically the areas around the Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FASS), and the Faculty of Science (FoS).*<\/p>\r\n11 May 2022 (Wednesday): The Essentials, Online\r\n<\/strong>This a series of comprehensive information sessions (on Zoom and livestreamed on Facebook Live) covering everything new undergraduates need to know to get the most out of their education journey with CHS, including the:\r\n\r\nCHS Core Curriculum<\/li>\r\nCollege\u2019s three challenging but rewarding cross-disciplinary programmes\r\n\r\nData Science and Economics (DSE-XDP)<\/li>\r\nEnvironmental Studies (BES-XDP)<\/li>\r\nPhilosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE-XDP)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\nmyriad Learning Pathways laid for you<\/li>\r\nversatile career development programmes designed to prepare you for the future workplace<\/li>\r\nCHS Student Experience\u2014eye-opening and busy, yet energising and enriching<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nSpeakers and panelists include CHS Co-Deans, Vice-Deans, key faculty staff members, career preparation and student services leader.<\/p>\r\nFor more information and links to the 11 May sessions, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n14 May 2022 (Saturday): Get Personal, On Campus\r\n<\/strong>The College is calling for prospective students to come on site, visit where they could well be spending their undergraduate years very soon, and speak to their future instructors and potential mentors. The full-day programme \u2013 running in key FASS and FoS locations across the NUS campus \u2013 offers:\r\n\r\nentry to witness and even participate in talks\/lectures and panel discussions presented and hosted by award-winning instructors on a variety of academic subjects, interdisciplinary topics and specialised research areas<\/li>\r\nface-to-face engagement with faculty, admin and student representatives from ALL Departments and student organisations under CHS, and opportunities to explore academic, financial aid and student activity options with the people in the know<\/li>\r\nconsultation with the career development teams of CHS<\/li>\r\nguided Walking Tours across the facilities of FoS and FASS<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nFor more information on the activities planned for 14 May, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\r\nDiscover Your #Interdisciplinary Future @ CHS\r\n<\/strong>This Open House is the last chance for prospective students to learn more about the complete #interdisciplinary educational experience that they can expect at CHS. One that opens up a world of possibilities\u00a0and\u00a0equips them with skills and knowledge across the humanities, social sciences, physical sciences and applied sciences. One that\u00a0inspires, cultivates and prepares them\u00a0to work across\u00a0diverse\u00a0industries and sectors, with\u00a0multidisciplinary\u00a0teams, to solve some of the most\u00a0complex wicked problems\u00a0facing the world today \u2014 from social inequality to food shortage, unsustainable development and global warming. And one that grooms them to be the\u00a0leaders of public institutions and private enterprise tomorrow.\r\n* Campus shuttle bus services will be made available on 14 May to all visitors for easier movement across campus, which extends to Kent Ridge MRT.<\/em><\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n<\/div><\/div>Open House 2022 Engages and Excites<\/a><\/h3>09 March 2022 <\/div>\r\n\tIN BRIEF | 30 min read<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\nThe ever-popular NUS Open House hit new heights this year, attracting over 8.61 million visitors \u2013 a 26.2 per cent increase from the 6.83 million visitors that attended last year's online Open House.<\/strong><\/strong><\/li>\r\nFrom 26 Feb to 5 Mar, visitors crowded the websites, livestreams, webinars and social media sessions hosted by the University's colleges, faculties and schools. There was something for everyone, and the event covered everything from academic courses to student life and entrepreneurship programmes.<\/strong><\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\t[caption id=\"attachment_1114\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"]
\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1325\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] A three-person panel at the symposium discussed how various sectors such as healthcare and social support can come together in a whole-of-society approach to tackling the challenges of an ageing population.<\/strong>[\/caption]\r\nHow can the whole of society be mobilised to tackle the challenges of an ageing population in Singapore? As the Singapore population demographic greys progressively, this question was at the centre of discussion at the annual symposium of the NUS Chua Thian Poh Community Leadership Centre<\/a>\u00a0(CTPCLC).<\/p>\r\nHeld on 30 September at NUS University Town, the symposium gathered more than 120 attendees consisting of NUS students, staff and alumni, as well as stakeholders from the public and social sectors. Now in its 11th iteration, the in-person event saw changemakers, community leaders, and thought leaders discussing the issue of 'Challenges of an Ageing Population in Singapore', and how different organisations and individuals are doing their part to tackle this challenge.<\/p>\r\nThe event was graced by Guest-of-Honour Mr Tan Kiat How, Senior Minister of State for Ministry of Communications and Information and for National Development, and Adviser to East Coast GRC Grassroots Organisations.<\/p>\r\nNoting that Singapore is home to some of the world\u2019s longest living persons, Mr Tan highlighted the importance of closing the gap between life span and health span, adding that this is where everyone has a role. Mr Tan also reflected on his experiences of encountering seniors forming social networks and actively volunteering in the community, to overcome social isolation.<\/p>\r\nExpressing his delight that the CTPCLC curriculum has offered undergraduates a path to support these initiatives with their research and involvement in the community, Mr Tan expressed that this would bode well for our community, as it takes an all-of-community approach to tackle the challenges of an ageing society like Singapore.<\/p>\r\nHolistic Approaches to Ageing<\/strong>Attendees at the symposium delved into a thought-provoking hour-long panel discussion elaborating on efforts and plans to address the challenges of the ageing population in Singapore. Moderated by CTPCLC alumna Ms Sim Rou Chen, Chief Operating Officer of WeHiro, panellists Mr Chern Siang Jye, Group Chief, Sector and Partnerships Division, Agency for Integrated Care; Associate Professor (Dr) Kenny Tan, Chief Executive Officer of St Luke's ElderCare Ltd; and Associate Professor Thang Leng Leng from the\u00a0NUS Japanese Studies<\/a>\u00a0and Co-Director of the\u00a0Next Age Institute<\/a>,\u00a0NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences)<\/a>, exchanged stories, insights, and recommendations on effectively addressing the challenges posed by an ageing population.\r\nThe discussion explored topics such as healthcare management, social support systems, and policy interventions, all designed to address key challenges faced by the elderly in our community. Assoc Prof (Dr) Kenny Tan captured the challenges succinctly in three words: helplessness, loneliness and boredom.<\/p>\r\nThese thoughts were also echoed by Assoc Prof Thang Leng Leng, who spoke about loneliness and social isolation, even for elderly parents who may be living with their children, when conversations within the home could be limited to routine check-ins such as \u201cHave you taken your medicine today?\u201d<\/p>\r\nThe discussion underscored the real need for elderly among the community to be actively engaged \u2013 and that the community can play a part through raising awareness of the former\u2019s needs and supporting befrienders\u2019 programmes, in ensuring that seniors can age amidst a strong social support network.<\/p>\r\nFrom Engagement to Effort<\/strong>Since its establishment in 2011, CTPCLC has continually challenged and empowered its students to explore the many facets of Singapore society and consider solutions to alleviate and address societal issues. CTPCLC students\u2019 thoughtful analyses and implementations were showcased at the symposium through presentations, demonstrations and poster displays.\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1324\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] Charmaine Song (left) and Tong Hui Yi (right) shared their research findings and recommendations on \u2018Reimagining the Active Ageing Centres of Thye Hua Kwan\u2019.<\/strong>[\/caption]\r\nCTPCLC students and project partners Charmaine Song (Business<\/a>, Year 4) and Tong Hui Yi (Social Work<\/a> and Sociology<\/a>, Year 4) took to the stage to elaborate on a year-long project they had embarked on in partnership with Thye Hua Kwan Moral Charities Limited.<\/p>\r\nDuring their project, which was titled \u2018Reimagining the Active Ageing Centres (AACs) of Thye Hua Kwan\u2019, Charmaine and Hui Yi interacted with seniors who were service users at Active Ageing Centres (AACs) in Ang Mo Kio. From the conversations, they gathered the seniors\u2019 various opinions and hopes on how the AAC could further develop to serve Singapore\u2019s ageing population.<\/p>\r\nAdopting a mixed methods approach that incorporated the use of observation work, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and online surveys, their study revealed that future AACs can play a vital role in serving as important sources of social, cultural and spatial capital for seniors: AACs provide social capital through important networks and social support among seniors; cultural capital by being a hub for acquiring new knowledge that will empower them; and spatial capital by being a potential \u2018home away from home\u2019, enabling seniors\u2019 access to additional spaces of emotional and physical comfort.<\/p>\r\nThe study also put forth key recommendations that highlighted how AACs can be further developed as a space for intergenerational communal socialisation, while serving as a rallying site for proactive seniors to engage in community-related volunteerism.<\/p>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1323\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] Associate Professor Soo Yuen Jien, Director of the NUS Centre for Development of Teaching and Learning (centre) and Associate Professor Lee Kooi Cheng, Director of the NUS Centre for English Language Communication (first on right), looking on to a demonstration by Mr Willoughby Niki Lee (first on left) on the use of 'BoomBox\u2019, AI-based gamified activities to engage seniors.<\/strong>[\/caption]\r\nBeyond talks and discussions, attendees at the symposium also engaged with passionate CTPCLC alumni and students at a series of live demonstrations and poster displays detailing their various engagements with the community.<\/p>\r\nAmongst these was a demonstration by CTPCLC alumnus Mr Willoughby Niki Lee (College of Design and Engineering<\/a>, Class of 2022) of his brainchild BoomBox -\u00a0AI-based gamified activities innovated to help in seniors\u2019 wellbeing<\/a>, inspired by his love for the community and his engineering knowledge.<\/p>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1322\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] Participants got to try on props from the ageing simulation demonstration, such as ear muffs, goggles, and gloves, which mimic the ageing experience while the participant attempts a simple everyday task such as writing.<\/strong>[\/caption]\r\nMs Sim Rou Chen (Social Work<\/a> and Psychology<\/a> '22) also led an ageing simulation demonstration which allowed participants to experience what ageing could feel like, through the use of props and equipment like goggles, walking sticks and sandbags which hinder physical movement. Through this, participants developed a greater understanding and empathy of the physical, and thereafter, social and emotional, encounters and challenges that seniors could be facing in their daily lives.<\/p>\r\nCelebrating Tomorrow\u2019s Changemakers<\/strong>A ceremony was also held at the symposium to honour the achievements of CTPCLC\u2019s Class of 2023, acknowledging their completion of the community development and leadership programme in NUS and celebrating their achievements in driving positive change within communities in Singapore.\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1321\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] CTPCLC\u2019s Class of 2023 with (front row) NUS Senior Vice Provost (Undergraduate Education Prof Bernard Tan, SMS Tan, Dr Chua Thian Poh (Board Member; Chua Foundation; Executive Chairman, Ho Bee Land Limited), Ms Chua Weiling (Director of Philanthropy, Chua Foundation; Chief Executive Officer, One Hill Capital Pte Ltd) and CTPCLC Director Associate Professor Chng Huang Hoon.<\/strong>[\/caption]\r\n\u201cThe Symposium has come at an opportune time as I begin my career in the community care sector,\u201d said CTPCLC alumni Mr Kho Yong Xiang (Communications and New Media<\/a> '23).<\/p>\r\n\u201cCPTCLC has once again proven to be an invaluable platform for addressing the priorities of today. I heard peers discussing their ground-up research as well as connecting with partners and experts in the eldercare space. I am thankful for my time at the Centre and hope for more students to embrace the opportunities offered by CTPCLC,\u201c he added.<\/p>\r\nBeyond academics, the annual CTPCLC symposium provides a platform for like-minded individuals to share knowledge, foster collaboration, and inspire future leaders to address pressing community issues, making a difference to those around them. From their first tentative steps of taking courses at CTPCLC, the symposium also documents how students have been empowered to develop themselves further into passionate community builders and future leaders.<\/p>\r\n\u201cIn addition to the good work our alumni and students are doing in the community, it is really heartening that they continue to engage the Centre at an event like this one,\u201d said Associate Professor Chng Huang Hoon, Director of CTPCLC. \u201cI feel very proud to have been a part of their wonderful journey.\"<\/p>\r\n<\/article>\r\nThis story by <\/em>NUS Chua Thian Poh Community Leadership Centre<\/a> first appeared in <\/i><\/em>NUSNews<\/a> on 16<\/i><\/em>\u00a0October 2023.<\/i><\/em><\/p>\r\n<\/article>\r\n<\/div><\/div>Call for Nominations | FASS Inspiring Mentor Award 2022<\/a><\/h3>06 October 2022 <\/div>\r\nIN BRIEF | 3 min read<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\nWe invite NUS FASS members of staff to nominate the colleagues who have served as their truly inspiring mentors - who have gone beyond the call of duty to positively impact their work and life - for FIMA 2022 honours.<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nClick through image below (or just write to fassmentoraward@nus.edu.sg<\/a>) to file your nomination.<\/p>\r\n<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/div><\/div>Commencement 2022: Kickstarting a Season of Celebration and Achievement<\/a><\/h3>07 July 2022 <\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0IN BRIEF | 10 min read<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/strong><\/strong>NUS celebrates the milestone accomplishments of 13,975 graduates through 28 in-person ceremonies<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong>.<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\t[caption id=\"attachment_1167\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] Commencement celebrates the resilience and tenacity of the Class of 2022, a cohort which has spent much of its NUS education in the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/strong>[\/caption]<\/p>\r\nA long-awaited season of celebration is officially under way, with the inaugural ceremony of Commencement 2022 marking the milestone achievements of some 200 Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences<\/a>\u00a0(FASS) graduates, and seeing the conferment of two Honorary Graduates, Professor Tommy Koh and Professor Wang Gungwu.<\/p>\r\nTaking place at the University Cultural Centre, the ceremony kicked off bright and early on 6 July to an effervescent buzz of anticipation from the graduates and their loved ones, inaugurating a total of 28 in-person ceremonies to be held over the following 10 days.<\/p>\r\nIn keeping with the Commencement traditions and the proud ceremonial heritage of NUS, the ceremony showcased the pageantry of the Ceremonial Procession, the fanfare, and playing of the National Anthem, all culminating in the highlight of the ceremony-the presentation of graduates. Graduates from the Class of 2022 celebrated their achievements amid the applause of family and friends, a momentous apogee of their time in NUS.<\/p>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1166\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] Resilience and boldness - these are the qualities that will avail graduates in a greatly changed post-COVID landscape, said NUS President Prof Tan Eng Chye in his speech.<\/strong>[\/caption]<\/p>\r\nSpeaking at the ceremony, NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye reflected on the qualities needed for graduates to thrive in today's dynamic environment: an attitude of resilience and adaptability to overcome challenges, and a willingness and boldness to view problems as opportunities, exercise creativity, and apply their skills and knowledge to create solutions.<\/p>\r\n\"For the Class of 2022, you are crossing the threshold into a wider world of dynamic change and great possibilities, but also of discomforting uncertainty,\" he said.<\/p>\r\n\"But I am fully confident that the NUS graduates of today share the same ethos of excellence and service to community of generations past. In time to come, you will undoubtedly make your own unique contributions, and become the vanguard in elevating our collective prosperity and well-being.\"<\/p>\r\nContributions to Law, Nature and Culture: Prof Tommy Koh\r\n<\/strong>Two illustrious NUS alumni were also honoured as Honorary Graduates for the Class of 2022-lawyer and diplomat Professor Tommy Koh, and historian Professor Wang Gungwu.\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] (from left to right) Honorary Doctor of Laws Professor Tommy Koh, NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye and Honorary Doctor of Letters Professor Wang Gungwu are all illustrious alumni of NUS.<\/strong>[\/caption]<\/p>\r\nIn recognition of his dedication as a practitioner-scholar and decades of service to the University, Singapore, and the world, Prof Koh, who wears many hats including Ambassador-at-Large at Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Special Advisor of the\u00a0Institute of Policy Studies<\/a>, and founding Rector of NUS'\u00a0Tembusu College<\/a>, was conferred the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws.<\/p>\r\nHighlighting three areas on which he has focused his energies - law, nature, and culture - Prof Koh said, \"I chose to study law, not to enrich myself, but to pursue justice and to promote the rule of law.\"<\/p>\r\nHe also spoke about his work concerning nature and the environment, including chairing the 1992 Earth Summit, being patron of the Nature Society, and helping NUS establish the\u00a0Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum<\/a>\u00a0as its founding Chairman. \"My vision is to live in harmony with nature.\u00a0 My agenda is to promote sustainability in all our endeavours,\" he added. \"I am [also] glad that I have been able to play a very small role in transforming Singapore, from a cultural desert to a cultural oasis.\"<\/p>\r\nDelivering the citation for Prof Koh's conferment, Professor Simon Chesterman, Vice-Provost (Educational Innovation) and Dean of the NUS Faculty of Law and NUS College, referred to Prof Koh's \"academic milestones [which] are but one strand of the rich tapestry of his professional life\", as well as his leadership and guidance in education at NUS, and his eminent contributions to state and environmental diplomacy.<\/p>\r\nAn Inspiring Story Worth Retelling: Prof Wang Gungwu\r\n<\/strong>Prof Wang, one of the world's foremost experts on the Chinese diaspora and Sino-Southeast Asian historical relations, was conferred the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters, the latest in a long list of accolades that includes the prestigious\u00a0Tang Prize in Sinology<\/a>, and the Distinguished Service Order of Singapore.\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1164\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] Eminent historian Prof Wang Gungwu was conferred the Honorary Doctor of Letters by NUS Pro-Chancellor Mr Po'ad Mattar.<\/strong>[\/caption]<\/p>\r\nReflecting on his time as a student of the University in colonial Malaya, Prof Wang said: \"You can imagine how happy I am to be a graduand again with my alma mater. The university gave my generation a good start in life. It went on to adapt to the rapid changes of our time. In so doing, it has come out better and stronger.\"<\/p>\r\nHe spoke about the \"inspiring story worth retelling\" of how the University had set out and followed its own aspirations, becoming a major centre of learning by being actively connected to the world, as well as regularly reinventing itself.<\/p>\r\n\"The way our university strives to keep our humanity always in our sights is something to be very proud of. I hope that all of us graduating today, no matter where life leads us, will never hesitate to help our university to enhance this capacity to advance our human condition,\" Prof Wang stressed.<\/p>\r\nProf Lionel Wee, Dean of FASS and co-Dean of the College of Humanities and Sciences, \u00a0who delivered the citation on Prof Wang's conferment, lauded the latter as \"an eminent figure and brilliant mind\" who has made manifold contributions as a leading figure in Sinology, a renowned public intellectual, and a visionary leader and administrator at leading academic institutions around the world.<\/p>\r\n\"This doctorate symbolises the meaningful connections between Professor Wang and the University, and it celebrates the long-standing contributions and value that Professor Wang's scholarly insights bring to Singapore, to Southeast Asia and, indeed, to the world,\" he said.<\/p>\r\nParsing the Path Forward\r\n<\/strong>Infusing the celebrations with a spirit of introspective gratitude, Valedictorian Mr Nickson Quak, who is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts with Honours (Highest Distinction) in\u00a0Philosophy, Politics, and Economics<\/a>\u00a0said, \"As varied as our journeys may have been, each and every one of us graduates here could have only made it thus far because of the unwavering support that our parents, our families, our loved ones, and our friends have so generously afforded us.\"\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1163\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] Philosophy, Politics and Economics graduate Mr Nickson Quak delivering his valedictorian speech at the ceremony, emphasising a spirit of gratitude and resilience going forward.<\/strong>[\/caption]<\/p>\r\nHis words further summarised the spirit of determination and community that will carry graduates onwards in their lives: \"If [the journey ahead] appears daunting to you, I say to you: fret not… because when you look to your left and your right, you see the resilient men and women who, forged by the challenges brought upon by the global pandemic, will always offer you a helping hand.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\nThis story first appeared in <\/i>NUSNews<\/a> on 6 July 2022 as part of <\/i>NUS News' coverage of Commencement 2022, which celebrates the achievements of our 13,975 graduates through 28 in-person ceremonies. For more on Commencement, look out for our upcoming graduate profiles, check out the <\/i>official Commencement website<\/i><\/a>, or look up (and tag) #NUS2022 and #NUSFASS on NUS' and FASS' social media channels!<\/i><\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div><\/div>New FCAB Training Curriculum for Frontline Officers and Volunteers Supporting Low-income in Singapore<\/a><\/h3>20 June 2022 <\/div>\r\n\t\u00a0IN BRIEF | 10 min read<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\nDeveloped by the Next Age Institute (NAI)<\/a> with Citi Foundation<\/a>\u2019s funding, the new Financial Capability and Asset Building (FACB) training \u00a0curriculum follows success of training programme for social workers rolled out in 2020.<\/strong><\/li>\r\nNAI\u2019s plans to develop the SG FCAB-Frontline Training curriculum is supported by nine stakeholder-organisations. They are the Ministry of Social and Family Development<\/a>, National Council of Social Service<\/a>, MENDAKI<\/a>, Singapore Prison Service<\/a>, People\u2019s Association<\/a>, Institute for Financial Literacy<\/a>, Singapore After-Care Association<\/a>, Care Corner Singapore Ltd<\/a> and AMKFSC Community Services Ltd<\/a>.<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\t[caption id=\"attachment_1150\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] Mr Masagos Zulkifli, Minister for Social and Family Development, and Second Minister for Health (centre) together with organisers at the \u201cFinancial Capability and Asset Building (FCAB): Maximising Potential, Empowering Communities\u201d event.<\/strong>[\/caption]<\/p>\r\nThe\u00a0Next Age Institute (NAI)<\/a>\u00a0at the\u00a0National University of Singapore (NUS) Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS)<\/a>\u00a0has embarked on an initiative to develop the Singapore Financial Capability and Asset Building (SG FCAB)-Frontline Training curriculum. The curriculum aims to equip frontline officers and volunteers from public, social services and community agencies with knowledge and skills to help low-income individuals and families improve their financial capabilities.<\/p>\r\nThe development of the new SG FCAB-Frontline Training curriculum, which began in January 2022, follows the success of the SG FCAB-Social Work Training programme which was rolled out in 2020 by the\u00a0Department of Social Work<\/a>\u00a0at NUS FASS to specifically train social workers and social work students to support the most financially vulnerable in Singapore.<\/p>\r\nNAI\u2019s plans to develop the SG FCAB-Frontline Training curriculum is supported by nine stakeholder-organisations. They are the Ministry of Social and Family Development, National Council of Social Service, MENDAKI, Singapore Prison Service, People\u2019s Association, Institute for Financial Literacy, Singapore After-Care Association, Care Corner Singapore Ltd and AMKFSC Community Services Ltd.<\/p>\r\nCiti Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Citigroup, has awarded a grant of US$330,000 towards the development of the SG FCAB-Frontline Training curriculum and the training of 200 more social workers in the SG FCAB-Social Work Training programme from January 2022 to June 2023. From 2017 to 2021, it had awarded grants totalling US$630,000 to develop and roll out the SG FCAB-Social Work Training programme that trained more than 250 social workers and more than 150 social work students to support the most financially vulnerable populations in Singapore.<\/p>\r\nCommenting on the SG FCAB initiative, Citi\u2019s ASEAN Head and Citi Country Officer for Singapore, Mr Amol Gupte said, \u201cThe development of the new SG FCAB-Frontline Training curriculum marks another significant milestone in Citi\u2019s 120 anniversary year in Singapore. Citi has been demonstrating its commitment to enable growth and progress in the community, and we are pleased to continue our financial inclusion efforts in supporting the vulnerable through the partnership with the NUS FASS Department of Social Work and the Next Age Institute.\u201d<\/p>\r\nThe plans for the new SG FCAB-Frontline Training curriculum and impact of the SG-FCAB Social Work Training programme were announced today at the \u201cFinancial Capability and Asset Building (FCAB): Maximising Potential, Empowering Communities\u201d event organised by NAI and the NUS FASS Department of Social Work. Mr Masagos Zulkifli, Minister for Social and Family Development, and Second Minister for Health, attended the event as the Guest-of-Honour and delivered a speech which highlighted the importance of helping lower-income families to strengthen their financial management capabilities and how FCAB training could equip social workers, frontline staff and volunteers with the skills and knowledge to enable this.<\/p>\r\nAlso speaking at the event, Associate Professor Chia Ngee Choon, Co-Director of NAI shared, \u201cTogether with social workers, frontline staff and volunteers play a crucial role in the overall help system. Low-income individuals and families who have worked through their social and financial vulnerabilities with the support of social workers, can continue to work with frontline staff and volunteers as part of the wider support system network to achieve their aspirations. With the SG FCAB-Frontline Training curriculum, frontline staff and volunteers will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to continue supporting low-income individuals and families to enhance their financial capabilities and asset building efforts.\u201d<\/p>\r\nAdjunct Associate Professor Corinne Ghoh, SG FCAB-Frontline Project Lead at NAI highlighted that \u201cinstead of being prescriptive, FCAB principles emphasise the importance of listening, understanding, and building trusting relationships with recipients of help. This enables them to become more in control of their circumstances and helps them develop increased financial functioning to achieve their goals. When low-income individuals and families experience support in making informed decisions about their finances, they are empowered to assume greater control over their lives and move towards positive changes.\u201d<\/p>\r\nThe SG FCAB-Frontline Training Curriculum<\/u><\/strong>\r\nA nine-member Resource Committee chaired by NAI, which comprises representatives from the stakeholder-organisations was formed in April 2022. The Resource Committee will play a key role in providing guidance on the curriculum development and training of the sector.\r\nNAI will also be conducting focus group discussions with frontline staff and volunteers who work with low-income individuals and families, to assess the training needs and identify gaps in practice.<\/p>\r\nIt will also pilot the curriculum at the community level with 60 frontline staff and volunteers in the fourth quarter of 2022. The process of development, testing and refinement of the curriculum will be completed by June 2023. The aim is to institutionalise the SG FCAB-Frontline Training curriculum in the form of a programme as part of ongoing field learning and training for this group.<\/p>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1149\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] The plenary session at today\u2019s event discussed the social innovations by social workers who went through the programme and how they applied FCAB principles to uplift lives and address financial challenges faced by their low-income clients.<\/strong>[\/caption]<\/p>\r\nAn Update on the Impact of the SG FCAB-Social Work Training Programme\r\n<\/u><\/strong>The SG FCAB-Social Work Training programme was offered from 2020 through the Continuing Professional Education arm of the NUS FASS Department of Social Work, with the curriculum developed by NAI from 2017 to 2019.\r\nAssociate Professor Esther Goh, Head of the Department of Social Work shared, \u201cThe success of the SG FCAB-Social Work Training programme is evident from the overwhelming response and positive feedback from SG FCAB-trained social workers who have enhanced their competencies in the area of financial social work. Aligned with the core values of social work, the SG FCAB-Social Work Training programme equips social workers with the knowledge and skills to actively engage clients in shaping their financial goals, harnessing their strengths to increase financial functioning and achieving sustainable financial outcomes.\u201d<\/p>\r\nThe plenary session at today\u2019s event discussed the social innovations by social workers who went through the programme and how they applied FCAB principles to uplift lives and address financial challenges faced by their low-income clients.<\/p>\r\nMs Grace Xu, Head of the Social Work Team at AWWA Transitional Shelter, who attended the SG FCAB training, said \u201cI gained confidence and competency in navigating resources, shared benefits, and opportunities to enhance clients\u2019 employability and strengthened their aspirations in achieving their financial goals.\u201d Citing an example, she shared, \u201cThe knowledge of the Progressive Wage Model enabled me to better understand and support my client's efforts to improve his employability and eventually advance his employment prospects.\u201d<\/p>\r\nThis article first appeared in<\/em> NUSNews<\/a> on 17 June 2022.<\/em><\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n<\/div><\/div>NUS CHS Open House 2022: Discover #Interdisciplinary Education!<\/a><\/h3>06 May 2022 <\/div>\r\n\t\u00a0IN BRIEF | 5 min read<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\nThe NUS<\/a> College of Humanities and Sciences<\/a> is hosting its Open House 2022 next week and all prospective students who have received offers are invited!<\/strong><\/li>\r\nA two-day hybrid programme \u2013 11 May on Zoom (and viewable on CHS\u2019 Facebook page<\/a>) and 14 May on several locations across the NUS Kent Ridge campus, specifically the areas around the Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FASS)<\/a>, and the Faculty of Science (FoS)<\/a> \u2013 CHS Open House 2022 aims to address all concerns a prospective undergraduate may have before committing to academic at the University and College.<\/strong><\/li>\r\nHighlights include opportunities to engage, discuss and explore academic pursuits, career development and student life at the College with key faculty and administrative staff and leadership \u2014 live and in person.<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\t<\/p>\r\nThe NUS<\/a> College of Humanities and Sciences<\/a> is hosting its Open House 2022<\/a> next week and all prospective students who have received their offers are invited. As the deadline for them to accept their offers is looming, CHS has put together a programme aimed at answering all the questions they may have and clarifying all their concerns as much as possible.<\/p>\r\nMarking a cautiously calibrated return of the University to the normalcy of hosting large on-site events, this year\u2019s CHS Open House is a two-day hybrid programme: 11 May on Zoom (and viewable on CHS\u2019 Facebook page) and 14 May on several locations across the NUS Kent Ridge campus, specifically the areas around the Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FASS), and the Faculty of Science (FoS).*<\/p>\r\n11 May 2022 (Wednesday): The Essentials, Online\r\n<\/strong>This a series of comprehensive information sessions (on Zoom and livestreamed on Facebook Live) covering everything new undergraduates need to know to get the most out of their education journey with CHS, including the:\r\n\r\nCHS Core Curriculum<\/li>\r\nCollege\u2019s three challenging but rewarding cross-disciplinary programmes\r\n\r\nData Science and Economics (DSE-XDP)<\/li>\r\nEnvironmental Studies (BES-XDP)<\/li>\r\nPhilosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE-XDP)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\nmyriad Learning Pathways laid for you<\/li>\r\nversatile career development programmes designed to prepare you for the future workplace<\/li>\r\nCHS Student Experience\u2014eye-opening and busy, yet energising and enriching<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nSpeakers and panelists include CHS Co-Deans, Vice-Deans, key faculty staff members, career preparation and student services leader.<\/p>\r\nFor more information and links to the 11 May sessions, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n14 May 2022 (Saturday): Get Personal, On Campus\r\n<\/strong>The College is calling for prospective students to come on site, visit where they could well be spending their undergraduate years very soon, and speak to their future instructors and potential mentors. The full-day programme \u2013 running in key FASS and FoS locations across the NUS campus \u2013 offers:\r\n\r\nentry to witness and even participate in talks\/lectures and panel discussions presented and hosted by award-winning instructors on a variety of academic subjects, interdisciplinary topics and specialised research areas<\/li>\r\nface-to-face engagement with faculty, admin and student representatives from ALL Departments and student organisations under CHS, and opportunities to explore academic, financial aid and student activity options with the people in the know<\/li>\r\nconsultation with the career development teams of CHS<\/li>\r\nguided Walking Tours across the facilities of FoS and FASS<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nFor more information on the activities planned for 14 May, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\r\nDiscover Your #Interdisciplinary Future @ CHS\r\n<\/strong>This Open House is the last chance for prospective students to learn more about the complete #interdisciplinary educational experience that they can expect at CHS. One that opens up a world of possibilities\u00a0and\u00a0equips them with skills and knowledge across the humanities, social sciences, physical sciences and applied sciences. One that\u00a0inspires, cultivates and prepares them\u00a0to work across\u00a0diverse\u00a0industries and sectors, with\u00a0multidisciplinary\u00a0teams, to solve some of the most\u00a0complex wicked problems\u00a0facing the world today \u2014 from social inequality to food shortage, unsustainable development and global warming. And one that grooms them to be the\u00a0leaders of public institutions and private enterprise tomorrow.\r\n* Campus shuttle bus services will be made available on 14 May to all visitors for easier movement across campus, which extends to Kent Ridge MRT.<\/em><\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n<\/div><\/div>Open House 2022 Engages and Excites<\/a><\/h3>09 March 2022 <\/div>\r\n\tIN BRIEF | 30 min read<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\nThe ever-popular NUS Open House hit new heights this year, attracting over 8.61 million visitors \u2013 a 26.2 per cent increase from the 6.83 million visitors that attended last year's online Open House.<\/strong><\/strong><\/li>\r\nFrom 26 Feb to 5 Mar, visitors crowded the websites, livestreams, webinars and social media sessions hosted by the University's colleges, faculties and schools. There was something for everyone, and the event covered everything from academic courses to student life and entrepreneurship programmes.<\/strong><\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\t[caption id=\"attachment_1114\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"]
<\/article>\r\nThis story by <\/em>NUS Chua Thian Poh Community Leadership Centre<\/a> first appeared in <\/i><\/em>NUSNews<\/a> on 16<\/i><\/em>\u00a0October 2023.<\/i><\/em><\/p>\r\n<\/article>\r\n<\/div><\/div>Call for Nominations | FASS Inspiring Mentor Award 2022<\/a><\/h3>06 October 2022 <\/div>\r\nIN BRIEF | 3 min read<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\nWe invite NUS FASS members of staff to nominate the colleagues who have served as their truly inspiring mentors - who have gone beyond the call of duty to positively impact their work and life - for FIMA 2022 honours.<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nClick through image below (or just write to fassmentoraward@nus.edu.sg<\/a>) to file your nomination.<\/p>\r\n<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/div><\/div>Commencement 2022: Kickstarting a Season of Celebration and Achievement<\/a><\/h3>07 July 2022 <\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0IN BRIEF | 10 min read<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/strong><\/strong>NUS celebrates the milestone accomplishments of 13,975 graduates through 28 in-person ceremonies<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong>.<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\t[caption id=\"attachment_1167\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] Commencement celebrates the resilience and tenacity of the Class of 2022, a cohort which has spent much of its NUS education in the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/strong>[\/caption]<\/p>\r\nA long-awaited season of celebration is officially under way, with the inaugural ceremony of Commencement 2022 marking the milestone achievements of some 200 Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences<\/a>\u00a0(FASS) graduates, and seeing the conferment of two Honorary Graduates, Professor Tommy Koh and Professor Wang Gungwu.<\/p>\r\nTaking place at the University Cultural Centre, the ceremony kicked off bright and early on 6 July to an effervescent buzz of anticipation from the graduates and their loved ones, inaugurating a total of 28 in-person ceremonies to be held over the following 10 days.<\/p>\r\nIn keeping with the Commencement traditions and the proud ceremonial heritage of NUS, the ceremony showcased the pageantry of the Ceremonial Procession, the fanfare, and playing of the National Anthem, all culminating in the highlight of the ceremony-the presentation of graduates. Graduates from the Class of 2022 celebrated their achievements amid the applause of family and friends, a momentous apogee of their time in NUS.<\/p>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1166\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] Resilience and boldness - these are the qualities that will avail graduates in a greatly changed post-COVID landscape, said NUS President Prof Tan Eng Chye in his speech.<\/strong>[\/caption]<\/p>\r\nSpeaking at the ceremony, NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye reflected on the qualities needed for graduates to thrive in today's dynamic environment: an attitude of resilience and adaptability to overcome challenges, and a willingness and boldness to view problems as opportunities, exercise creativity, and apply their skills and knowledge to create solutions.<\/p>\r\n\"For the Class of 2022, you are crossing the threshold into a wider world of dynamic change and great possibilities, but also of discomforting uncertainty,\" he said.<\/p>\r\n\"But I am fully confident that the NUS graduates of today share the same ethos of excellence and service to community of generations past. In time to come, you will undoubtedly make your own unique contributions, and become the vanguard in elevating our collective prosperity and well-being.\"<\/p>\r\nContributions to Law, Nature and Culture: Prof Tommy Koh\r\n<\/strong>Two illustrious NUS alumni were also honoured as Honorary Graduates for the Class of 2022-lawyer and diplomat Professor Tommy Koh, and historian Professor Wang Gungwu.\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] (from left to right) Honorary Doctor of Laws Professor Tommy Koh, NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye and Honorary Doctor of Letters Professor Wang Gungwu are all illustrious alumni of NUS.<\/strong>[\/caption]<\/p>\r\nIn recognition of his dedication as a practitioner-scholar and decades of service to the University, Singapore, and the world, Prof Koh, who wears many hats including Ambassador-at-Large at Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Special Advisor of the\u00a0Institute of Policy Studies<\/a>, and founding Rector of NUS'\u00a0Tembusu College<\/a>, was conferred the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws.<\/p>\r\nHighlighting three areas on which he has focused his energies - law, nature, and culture - Prof Koh said, \"I chose to study law, not to enrich myself, but to pursue justice and to promote the rule of law.\"<\/p>\r\nHe also spoke about his work concerning nature and the environment, including chairing the 1992 Earth Summit, being patron of the Nature Society, and helping NUS establish the\u00a0Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum<\/a>\u00a0as its founding Chairman. \"My vision is to live in harmony with nature.\u00a0 My agenda is to promote sustainability in all our endeavours,\" he added. \"I am [also] glad that I have been able to play a very small role in transforming Singapore, from a cultural desert to a cultural oasis.\"<\/p>\r\nDelivering the citation for Prof Koh's conferment, Professor Simon Chesterman, Vice-Provost (Educational Innovation) and Dean of the NUS Faculty of Law and NUS College, referred to Prof Koh's \"academic milestones [which] are but one strand of the rich tapestry of his professional life\", as well as his leadership and guidance in education at NUS, and his eminent contributions to state and environmental diplomacy.<\/p>\r\nAn Inspiring Story Worth Retelling: Prof Wang Gungwu\r\n<\/strong>Prof Wang, one of the world's foremost experts on the Chinese diaspora and Sino-Southeast Asian historical relations, was conferred the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters, the latest in a long list of accolades that includes the prestigious\u00a0Tang Prize in Sinology<\/a>, and the Distinguished Service Order of Singapore.\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1164\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] Eminent historian Prof Wang Gungwu was conferred the Honorary Doctor of Letters by NUS Pro-Chancellor Mr Po'ad Mattar.<\/strong>[\/caption]<\/p>\r\nReflecting on his time as a student of the University in colonial Malaya, Prof Wang said: \"You can imagine how happy I am to be a graduand again with my alma mater. The university gave my generation a good start in life. It went on to adapt to the rapid changes of our time. In so doing, it has come out better and stronger.\"<\/p>\r\nHe spoke about the \"inspiring story worth retelling\" of how the University had set out and followed its own aspirations, becoming a major centre of learning by being actively connected to the world, as well as regularly reinventing itself.<\/p>\r\n\"The way our university strives to keep our humanity always in our sights is something to be very proud of. I hope that all of us graduating today, no matter where life leads us, will never hesitate to help our university to enhance this capacity to advance our human condition,\" Prof Wang stressed.<\/p>\r\nProf Lionel Wee, Dean of FASS and co-Dean of the College of Humanities and Sciences, \u00a0who delivered the citation on Prof Wang's conferment, lauded the latter as \"an eminent figure and brilliant mind\" who has made manifold contributions as a leading figure in Sinology, a renowned public intellectual, and a visionary leader and administrator at leading academic institutions around the world.<\/p>\r\n\"This doctorate symbolises the meaningful connections between Professor Wang and the University, and it celebrates the long-standing contributions and value that Professor Wang's scholarly insights bring to Singapore, to Southeast Asia and, indeed, to the world,\" he said.<\/p>\r\nParsing the Path Forward\r\n<\/strong>Infusing the celebrations with a spirit of introspective gratitude, Valedictorian Mr Nickson Quak, who is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts with Honours (Highest Distinction) in\u00a0Philosophy, Politics, and Economics<\/a>\u00a0said, \"As varied as our journeys may have been, each and every one of us graduates here could have only made it thus far because of the unwavering support that our parents, our families, our loved ones, and our friends have so generously afforded us.\"\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1163\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] Philosophy, Politics and Economics graduate Mr Nickson Quak delivering his valedictorian speech at the ceremony, emphasising a spirit of gratitude and resilience going forward.<\/strong>[\/caption]<\/p>\r\nHis words further summarised the spirit of determination and community that will carry graduates onwards in their lives: \"If [the journey ahead] appears daunting to you, I say to you: fret not… because when you look to your left and your right, you see the resilient men and women who, forged by the challenges brought upon by the global pandemic, will always offer you a helping hand.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\nThis story first appeared in <\/i>NUSNews<\/a> on 6 July 2022 as part of <\/i>NUS News' coverage of Commencement 2022, which celebrates the achievements of our 13,975 graduates through 28 in-person ceremonies. For more on Commencement, look out for our upcoming graduate profiles, check out the <\/i>official Commencement website<\/i><\/a>, or look up (and tag) #NUS2022 and #NUSFASS on NUS' and FASS' social media channels!<\/i><\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div><\/div>New FCAB Training Curriculum for Frontline Officers and Volunteers Supporting Low-income in Singapore<\/a><\/h3>20 June 2022 <\/div>\r\n\t\u00a0IN BRIEF | 10 min read<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\nDeveloped by the Next Age Institute (NAI)<\/a> with Citi Foundation<\/a>\u2019s funding, the new Financial Capability and Asset Building (FACB) training \u00a0curriculum follows success of training programme for social workers rolled out in 2020.<\/strong><\/li>\r\nNAI\u2019s plans to develop the SG FCAB-Frontline Training curriculum is supported by nine stakeholder-organisations. They are the Ministry of Social and Family Development<\/a>, National Council of Social Service<\/a>, MENDAKI<\/a>, Singapore Prison Service<\/a>, People\u2019s Association<\/a>, Institute for Financial Literacy<\/a>, Singapore After-Care Association<\/a>, Care Corner Singapore Ltd<\/a> and AMKFSC Community Services Ltd<\/a>.<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\t[caption id=\"attachment_1150\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] Mr Masagos Zulkifli, Minister for Social and Family Development, and Second Minister for Health (centre) together with organisers at the \u201cFinancial Capability and Asset Building (FCAB): Maximising Potential, Empowering Communities\u201d event.<\/strong>[\/caption]<\/p>\r\nThe\u00a0Next Age Institute (NAI)<\/a>\u00a0at the\u00a0National University of Singapore (NUS) Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS)<\/a>\u00a0has embarked on an initiative to develop the Singapore Financial Capability and Asset Building (SG FCAB)-Frontline Training curriculum. The curriculum aims to equip frontline officers and volunteers from public, social services and community agencies with knowledge and skills to help low-income individuals and families improve their financial capabilities.<\/p>\r\nThe development of the new SG FCAB-Frontline Training curriculum, which began in January 2022, follows the success of the SG FCAB-Social Work Training programme which was rolled out in 2020 by the\u00a0Department of Social Work<\/a>\u00a0at NUS FASS to specifically train social workers and social work students to support the most financially vulnerable in Singapore.<\/p>\r\nNAI\u2019s plans to develop the SG FCAB-Frontline Training curriculum is supported by nine stakeholder-organisations. They are the Ministry of Social and Family Development, National Council of Social Service, MENDAKI, Singapore Prison Service, People\u2019s Association, Institute for Financial Literacy, Singapore After-Care Association, Care Corner Singapore Ltd and AMKFSC Community Services Ltd.<\/p>\r\nCiti Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Citigroup, has awarded a grant of US$330,000 towards the development of the SG FCAB-Frontline Training curriculum and the training of 200 more social workers in the SG FCAB-Social Work Training programme from January 2022 to June 2023. From 2017 to 2021, it had awarded grants totalling US$630,000 to develop and roll out the SG FCAB-Social Work Training programme that trained more than 250 social workers and more than 150 social work students to support the most financially vulnerable populations in Singapore.<\/p>\r\nCommenting on the SG FCAB initiative, Citi\u2019s ASEAN Head and Citi Country Officer for Singapore, Mr Amol Gupte said, \u201cThe development of the new SG FCAB-Frontline Training curriculum marks another significant milestone in Citi\u2019s 120 anniversary year in Singapore. Citi has been demonstrating its commitment to enable growth and progress in the community, and we are pleased to continue our financial inclusion efforts in supporting the vulnerable through the partnership with the NUS FASS Department of Social Work and the Next Age Institute.\u201d<\/p>\r\nThe plans for the new SG FCAB-Frontline Training curriculum and impact of the SG-FCAB Social Work Training programme were announced today at the \u201cFinancial Capability and Asset Building (FCAB): Maximising Potential, Empowering Communities\u201d event organised by NAI and the NUS FASS Department of Social Work. Mr Masagos Zulkifli, Minister for Social and Family Development, and Second Minister for Health, attended the event as the Guest-of-Honour and delivered a speech which highlighted the importance of helping lower-income families to strengthen their financial management capabilities and how FCAB training could equip social workers, frontline staff and volunteers with the skills and knowledge to enable this.<\/p>\r\nAlso speaking at the event, Associate Professor Chia Ngee Choon, Co-Director of NAI shared, \u201cTogether with social workers, frontline staff and volunteers play a crucial role in the overall help system. Low-income individuals and families who have worked through their social and financial vulnerabilities with the support of social workers, can continue to work with frontline staff and volunteers as part of the wider support system network to achieve their aspirations. With the SG FCAB-Frontline Training curriculum, frontline staff and volunteers will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to continue supporting low-income individuals and families to enhance their financial capabilities and asset building efforts.\u201d<\/p>\r\nAdjunct Associate Professor Corinne Ghoh, SG FCAB-Frontline Project Lead at NAI highlighted that \u201cinstead of being prescriptive, FCAB principles emphasise the importance of listening, understanding, and building trusting relationships with recipients of help. This enables them to become more in control of their circumstances and helps them develop increased financial functioning to achieve their goals. When low-income individuals and families experience support in making informed decisions about their finances, they are empowered to assume greater control over their lives and move towards positive changes.\u201d<\/p>\r\nThe SG FCAB-Frontline Training Curriculum<\/u><\/strong>\r\nA nine-member Resource Committee chaired by NAI, which comprises representatives from the stakeholder-organisations was formed in April 2022. The Resource Committee will play a key role in providing guidance on the curriculum development and training of the sector.\r\nNAI will also be conducting focus group discussions with frontline staff and volunteers who work with low-income individuals and families, to assess the training needs and identify gaps in practice.<\/p>\r\nIt will also pilot the curriculum at the community level with 60 frontline staff and volunteers in the fourth quarter of 2022. The process of development, testing and refinement of the curriculum will be completed by June 2023. The aim is to institutionalise the SG FCAB-Frontline Training curriculum in the form of a programme as part of ongoing field learning and training for this group.<\/p>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1149\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"] The plenary session at today\u2019s event discussed the social innovations by social workers who went through the programme and how they applied FCAB principles to uplift lives and address financial challenges faced by their low-income clients.<\/strong>[\/caption]<\/p>\r\nAn Update on the Impact of the SG FCAB-Social Work Training Programme\r\n<\/u><\/strong>The SG FCAB-Social Work Training programme was offered from 2020 through the Continuing Professional Education arm of the NUS FASS Department of Social Work, with the curriculum developed by NAI from 2017 to 2019.\r\nAssociate Professor Esther Goh, Head of the Department of Social Work shared, \u201cThe success of the SG FCAB-Social Work Training programme is evident from the overwhelming response and positive feedback from SG FCAB-trained social workers who have enhanced their competencies in the area of financial social work. Aligned with the core values of social work, the SG FCAB-Social Work Training programme equips social workers with the knowledge and skills to actively engage clients in shaping their financial goals, harnessing their strengths to increase financial functioning and achieving sustainable financial outcomes.\u201d<\/p>\r\nThe plenary session at today\u2019s event discussed the social innovations by social workers who went through the programme and how they applied FCAB principles to uplift lives and address financial challenges faced by their low-income clients.<\/p>\r\nMs Grace Xu, Head of the Social Work Team at AWWA Transitional Shelter, who attended the SG FCAB training, said \u201cI gained confidence and competency in navigating resources, shared benefits, and opportunities to enhance clients\u2019 employability and strengthened their aspirations in achieving their financial goals.\u201d Citing an example, she shared, \u201cThe knowledge of the Progressive Wage Model enabled me to better understand and support my client's efforts to improve his employability and eventually advance his employment prospects.\u201d<\/p>\r\nThis article first appeared in<\/em> NUSNews<\/a> on 17 June 2022.<\/em><\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n<\/div><\/div>NUS CHS Open House 2022: Discover #Interdisciplinary Education!<\/a><\/h3>06 May 2022 <\/div>\r\n\t\u00a0IN BRIEF | 5 min read<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\nThe NUS<\/a> College of Humanities and Sciences<\/a> is hosting its Open House 2022 next week and all prospective students who have received offers are invited!<\/strong><\/li>\r\nA two-day hybrid programme \u2013 11 May on Zoom (and viewable on CHS\u2019 Facebook page<\/a>) and 14 May on several locations across the NUS Kent Ridge campus, specifically the areas around the Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FASS)<\/a>, and the Faculty of Science (FoS)<\/a> \u2013 CHS Open House 2022 aims to address all concerns a prospective undergraduate may have before committing to academic at the University and College.<\/strong><\/li>\r\nHighlights include opportunities to engage, discuss and explore academic pursuits, career development and student life at the College with key faculty and administrative staff and leadership \u2014 live and in person.<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\t<\/p>\r\nThe NUS<\/a> College of Humanities and Sciences<\/a> is hosting its Open House 2022<\/a> next week and all prospective students who have received their offers are invited. As the deadline for them to accept their offers is looming, CHS has put together a programme aimed at answering all the questions they may have and clarifying all their concerns as much as possible.<\/p>\r\nMarking a cautiously calibrated return of the University to the normalcy of hosting large on-site events, this year\u2019s CHS Open House is a two-day hybrid programme: 11 May on Zoom (and viewable on CHS\u2019 Facebook page) and 14 May on several locations across the NUS Kent Ridge campus, specifically the areas around the Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FASS), and the Faculty of Science (FoS).*<\/p>\r\n11 May 2022 (Wednesday): The Essentials, Online\r\n<\/strong>This a series of comprehensive information sessions (on Zoom and livestreamed on Facebook Live) covering everything new undergraduates need to know to get the most out of their education journey with CHS, including the:\r\n\r\nCHS Core Curriculum<\/li>\r\nCollege\u2019s three challenging but rewarding cross-disciplinary programmes\r\n\r\nData Science and Economics (DSE-XDP)<\/li>\r\nEnvironmental Studies (BES-XDP)<\/li>\r\nPhilosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE-XDP)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\nmyriad Learning Pathways laid for you<\/li>\r\nversatile career development programmes designed to prepare you for the future workplace<\/li>\r\nCHS Student Experience\u2014eye-opening and busy, yet energising and enriching<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nSpeakers and panelists include CHS Co-Deans, Vice-Deans, key faculty staff members, career preparation and student services leader.<\/p>\r\nFor more information and links to the 11 May sessions, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n14 May 2022 (Saturday): Get Personal, On Campus\r\n<\/strong>The College is calling for prospective students to come on site, visit where they could well be spending their undergraduate years very soon, and speak to their future instructors and potential mentors. The full-day programme \u2013 running in key FASS and FoS locations across the NUS campus \u2013 offers:\r\n\r\nentry to witness and even participate in talks\/lectures and panel discussions presented and hosted by award-winning instructors on a variety of academic subjects, interdisciplinary topics and specialised research areas<\/li>\r\nface-to-face engagement with faculty, admin and student representatives from ALL Departments and student organisations under CHS, and opportunities to explore academic, financial aid and student activity options with the people in the know<\/li>\r\nconsultation with the career development teams of CHS<\/li>\r\nguided Walking Tours across the facilities of FoS and FASS<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nFor more information on the activities planned for 14 May, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\r\nDiscover Your #Interdisciplinary Future @ CHS\r\n<\/strong>This Open House is the last chance for prospective students to learn more about the complete #interdisciplinary educational experience that they can expect at CHS. One that opens up a world of possibilities\u00a0and\u00a0equips them with skills and knowledge across the humanities, social sciences, physical sciences and applied sciences. One that\u00a0inspires, cultivates and prepares them\u00a0to work across\u00a0diverse\u00a0industries and sectors, with\u00a0multidisciplinary\u00a0teams, to solve some of the most\u00a0complex wicked problems\u00a0facing the world today \u2014 from social inequality to food shortage, unsustainable development and global warming. And one that grooms them to be the\u00a0leaders of public institutions and private enterprise tomorrow.\r\n* Campus shuttle bus services will be made available on 14 May to all visitors for easier movement across campus, which extends to Kent Ridge MRT.<\/em><\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n<\/div><\/div>Open House 2022 Engages and Excites<\/a><\/h3>09 March 2022 <\/div>\r\n\tIN BRIEF | 30 min read<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\nThe ever-popular NUS Open House hit new heights this year, attracting over 8.61 million visitors \u2013 a 26.2 per cent increase from the 6.83 million visitors that attended last year's online Open House.<\/strong><\/strong><\/li>\r\nFrom 26 Feb to 5 Mar, visitors crowded the websites, livestreams, webinars and social media sessions hosted by the University's colleges, faculties and schools. There was something for everyone, and the event covered everything from academic courses to student life and entrepreneurship programmes.<\/strong><\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\t[caption id=\"attachment_1114\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"]