The NUS Chua Thian Poh Community Leadership Centre (CTPCLC) Symposium is an annual celebration of students’ work in the community. Its 12^th iteration, held on 21 September 2024, took the theme ‘Inclusive Communities’, underscoring the importance of fostering environments where all individuals, regardless of their background, can thrive and be full-fledged members of our community. This theme also reflects a growing recognition that inclusivity is not merely an idea but a necessary foundation for sustainable social development and cohesion.

Held in conjunction with NUS Homecoming 2024, the symposium attracted over 130 attendees comprising NUS students, alumni, staff, and partners; and featured insightful presentations, inspiring keynote speeches, an alumni panel discussion, and a mini graduation ceremony for students who completed their Certificate or Minor degrees in Community Development and Leadership at CTPCLC.

In his opening address, Guest-of-Honour, Mr Desmond Tan, Senior Minister of State, Prime Minister's Office and Deputy Secretary-General of the National Trade Union Congress, emphasised the importance of community inclusion and the role of educational institutions in fostering a spirit of care and support. Mr Tan urged attendees to champion causes and leverage digital tools to expand access for all. "Building an inclusive society requires intentional efforts to ensure that every part of our community is accessible to everyone," he said.

Advocacy and action

A highlight of the symposium was the presentation of four community projects spearheaded by students from CTPCLC, the College of Alice and Peter Tan (CAPT), and Residential College 4 (RC4):

● No Nation is an Island: Singaporean Weekenders and Home-Seekers in Johor Bahru 
The study by CTPCLC students Carin Chua (Arts and Social Sciences ‘24) and Ting Mei Ting (Arts and Social Sciences ‘25) found two major themes – expenses and escape – driving Singaporeans to travel frequently across the Johor-Singapore Causeway. They discussed the implication of these factors on future policies related to economics and the mental well-being of Singaporeans.

● Fieldwork to Enterprise: Mediating Role of Systems Thinking for Community Engagement in the Himalaya
A project by RC4 students Noe Noe Su Aung (Business ‘23), Thangavel Jishnuanandh (Computing ‘25), Teo De Liang Ryan (Design & Engineering ‘26) and Tan Qing Heng (Business ‘26), they shared how they have empowered local communities and promoted responsible ecotourism in the region through the STEER Himalayas programme.

● Understanding Accessibility in Neighbourhood Spaces among Autistic Persons in Singapore
As part of their capstone, CAPT students Lim Yi Ann (Science ‘25), Lim Yi Leo (Arts and Social Sciences ‘23), Dean Woo (Arts and Social Sciences ‘25) and Celestine Tan Jing Xuan (Arts and Social Sciences ‘25) collaborated with Boon Lay Citizens’ Consultative Committee to explore the essential roles of caregivers, support networks, and social and environmental factors in shaping accessibility for autistic individuals.

● An Exploratory Study on Hatch’s Immersive+ Programme: Meeting the Needs and Impacting the Life Outcomes for School Dropouts
CTPCLC students Ashwin Pandiyan (Arts and Social Sciences ‘24), Goh Keng Swee Darren (Arts and Social Sciences  ‘24), Jerome Ong Yi Jie (Arts and Social Sciences ‘24) and Rachel Tee Xin Yi (Arts and Social Sciences ‘24) worked with Hatch, a social enterprise in Singapore to conduct a thematic analysis, during which they uncovered key insights into the youths’ most pressing needs and the factors influencing their life trajectories.

Adding to the significance of the day, the symposium featured two keynote speeches by CTPCLC alumni who shared their journeys and experiences in community service and leadership.

Mr Willoughby Niki Lee (Design & Engineering ‘22), a CTPCLC alumnus and founder of TinkerThings Global, delivered the opening keynote in which he shared his journey as a young community leader. He gave insights into creating a trustworthy digital ecosystem through innovation and collaboration, where everyone contributes their skills and time to building a resilient community.

Ms Cheong Ming Fang (Arts and Social Sciences ‘21), CTPCLC distinguished alumna and Community Development Manager at Ray of Hope, delivered the closing keynote where she discussed the importance of inclusive leadership and the need to amplify diverse voices in decision-making processes so that those on the margins can also have a say in shaping the future.

CTPCLC Instructor Ms Kuah Ting Ting moderated a lively panel discussion with three CTPCLC alumni – Pradnya Govind (Arts and Social Sciences ‘20), Goh Kher Liang (Arts and Social Sciences ‘21) and Daniel Lopez (Arts and Social Sciences ‘22). Hailing from the healthcare, philanthropy, and community development sectors, the group provided insights and engaged the audience in a thought-provoking dialogue on how to address systemic barriers and build inclusivity. Some ideas that were shared include, having community connectors bring in volunteer manpower and establishing a feedback loop system between citizens and policymakers to establish common ground.

Celebrating achievements

One of the most heart-warming moments of the event was the mini graduation ceremony for CTPCLC’s Class of 2024. Ms Chua Weiling, Director of Philanthropy at the Chua Foundation took the stage to congratulate the graduates and present them with a token to acknowledge their well-earned Certificates and Minor degrees in Community Development and Leadership.

Cheng Tian Wei, who was Valedictorian of the Class of 2024, said, “CTPCLC has been one of the most impactful experiences of my growing years; its people have taught me not just the skills needed in social development, but also the heart and posture needed in any area of the impact space.” Today, Tian Wei is part of the strategy branch of the Ministry of Social and Family Development, where he is pursuing his interest in community work.

“The symposium fostered a sense of unity and shared purpose. Our presenters spoke with such conviction about their community engagement projects; they engaged our hearts and minds, providing insights into experiences from the ground and from the corridors of government and philanthropy,” said CTPCLC’s Director Associate Professor Chng Huang Hoon, reflecting on the event.

“Our students and alumni have shown us what can be achieved when diverse groups come together with a shared vision of making a positive impact, and I’m so proud of them for their achievements and the profound impact they have made in our community,” she added.

The NUS Chua Thian Poh Community Leadership Centre offers both Certificate and Minor degrees in Community Development and Leadership. To date, 350 students have been awarded the Certificate in Community Development and Leadership and 41 of these students also received Minor degrees in Community Development and Leadership.

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