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(E-STEER) Sub-Saharan Africa 2021 (Applications ends 22 October 2021)

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NUS Electronic Study Trip for Engagement and EnRichment (e-STEER) Programme

Theme: “Sub-Saharan Africa – Introduction, Colonization, De-Colonization, Transformation, Conservation, Fascination”
Venue: Singapore (online)
Date:    6 – 16 December 2021*

*takes place during the 10am to 6.30pm period (excluding weekends) for a total of 26 hours

 
What is the NUS e-STEER Sub-Saharan Africa?  
 

The Global Relations Office (GRO) is organising the e-STEER Sub-Saharan Africa programme, which comprises a series of webinars and virtual activities to facilitate an introduction and spur engagements with the intriguing Political History/Economic and Social Developments/Wildlife Conservation/Business Opportunities/Heritage/Cultures of Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda and South Africa. These countries have specially been curated as they have developed strong, bilateral, political, economic and trade ties with Singapore. In many ways, they serve as the gateways for increased business investments, cultural ties, peoples-to-peoples exchanges in Sub-Saharan Africa/Singapore.  Many companies in these African countries are also using Singapore as a base for their expansion into Asia. Sub-Saharan Africa has a population of over 1.1 billion with 6 of the world’s 10 fastest-growing economies over the previous decade being situated in this region. With 42% of its inhabitants being younger than 15 years, this represents tremendous potential for social and economic transformations. Through the e-STEER Sub-Saharan Africa programme, participants will discover this relatively unknown continent through an immersive study of a broad range of historical, cultural, environmental, political, business subjects that are presented to guide the participants to understand the strategic imperatives facing this continent. The programme will examine topics beyond the news headlines.

 

These include:-

: Analyzing the richness of the “Mother Continent” not just in terms of mineral wealth and raw materials which had attracted the Imperialist Powers in their “Scramble for Africa” in the 19th century but also in terms of its cultural offerings, which have a profound effect globally on music, aesthetics and cuisine.

: Venturing to historical venues to hear the stories of injustices associated with the Slave Trade and the African Diaspora since the 1500s and critically assessing its impact.

: Understanding wildlife conservation/biodiversity management beyond the confines of safaris.

 

: Probing into the little publicized economic transformation successes of African states; and its huge market potentials.

: Examining the Business Strategies of Singapore MNCs/SMEs operating in Africa.

The e-STEER Sub-Saharan Africa programme will comprise two parts:-

  • Part 1 is now open for registration. The programme will mostly be conducted virtually.
  • Part 2 will take place in Botswana/Rwanda/South Africa/Ghana* itself when the current Covid-19 related travel restrictions are lifted. Please note that Part 1 is operated independently of Part 2. That is, participants, joining Part 1 of the programme are not required to continue with Part 2. However, participants who complete Part 1 will enjoy priority admission for Part 2 when it is offered.
    *Subject to confirmation

 

  
Why you should participate: 

  • The programme is specially designed to provide participants with a springboard introduction to Sub-Saharan Africa. Opportunities to learn, analyse and synthesize social/cultural/political/economic developments that continue to shape this continent will bring you up to speed from a novice to an enlightened and conversant enthusiast.
  • Learn about the European colonization, including the British Imperial Experience (Boer Wars), and more recently neo-colonialism and its impact on society, economy, trade.
  • Analyze the motivations, legislations and impact of laws under the Apartheid system, the anti-Apartheid resistance, as well as Transitional Justice following its dismantlement in South Africa.
  • Discover the political history of South Africa through perspectives in music.
  • Examine the nexus between Law, Religions and the Environment, through a special focus on the work of Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Wangari Maathai.
  • Explore issues related to environmental stewardship; and the delicate balance between sustainable development and growth.
  • Learn about African aesthetics – including the influence of Javanese batik on West African fabric designs.
  • Learn about Singapore’s investments in Africa and e-network with senior corporate executives from MNCs, such as Tolaram, on how they have successfully penetrated the African market.
  • Examine the entrepreneurial landscape through case studies of Start-Ups in IT sector (FinTech and Tech).
  • Learn about the economic transformations from governmental officials and academics.
  • Network/expand your social networks with professionals associated with African interests in Singapore, ’meet’ with corporate executives, officials from Singapore governmental agencies and explore professional career options in Africa.
  • Savour authentic and tasty dishes from the Swahili coast, Nigeria and Rwanda, as part of a remote simultaneous dining experience*.

*The programme fee includes a home-delivered meal from Kafe Utu (vegetarian options can be requested/alternative Halal option from another restaurant can also be arranged).

 
 

How can I apply?

 

The e-STEER Sub-Saharan Africa 2021 programme is open to all full‐time NUS students.

 

Students interested in e-STEER Sub-Saharan Africa 2021 programme will be required to apply for the programme through the Education Records System* (EduRec) by Friday, 22 October 2021.

To find the programme in the system, search using setup ID 02007

Students encountering issues in submitting their application via EduRec may write to Jasper Tang grottd@nus.edu.sg for the application form.

Application results will be announced by Tuesday, 26 October 2021*. Selected candidates will be required to accept the offer in EduRec and pay the programme fee of S$80 to secure their places by Monday, 1 November 2021*.
*subjected to change

 
How much does the programme cost?
 

S$80 (inclusive of a home-delivered dinner from Kafe UTU).

 

All unused monies collected will be returned to participants after completion of the programme.

 
Who to contact for more information?
 

Check out the e-STEER website here for more details.

 

For additional information or related queries, please click here or write to Jasper Tang grottd@nus.edu.sg

 

2021 SMART3.0 Online Pitch Competition is calling for application!

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2021 SMART3.0 Online Pitch Competition is calling for application!

 

Last year’s SMART2.0 Challenge attracted 106 undergraduate and postgraduate students of 19 different nationalities, representing universities from 8 countries to work together in international and cross-cultural teams. Following such success, we are proud to introduce the 2021 SMART3.0 Online Pitch Competition, where in addition to cross-cultural exposure, innovations and entrepreneurialism are also the emphases. If you have any great ideas and want them to be seen but do not know where to start, this is the competition for you.

 

Topics

Too many great ideas will never see the light of day because not enough people have exposure to thinking like an entrepreneur. The SMART3.0 Online Pitch Competition is designed for anyone from any discipline and no entrepreneurial experience is required. Sign up now and learn to think like an entrepreneur: creating a business plan, determining product/market fit, giving a pitch, etc. under one of the three topics below:

 

  • Exercise technology
  • Combating misinformation online
  • Environmental sustainability

 

We will also provide self-paced accelerated entrepreneurial lessons for participants.

 

Prizes

Diamond Award: US$5,000 (0-1 team)

Gold Award: US$3,000 (1 team)

Silver Award: US$1,000 (1 team)

Bronze Award: US$300 (5 teams)

 

How to join

Fill in the form HERE by 31 August 2021.

Upon receipt of your application, we will assign you to a team in the first week of September.

 

Eligibility

Participant must be:

 

Further Details & Enquiries

For more details, please visit the SMART 3.0 website.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at smart@ncku.edu.tw

Temasek Foundation (TF) – NUS LEaRN Young Asian Leaders Initiative

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<Message from Global Relations Office>

 

Hello Students!

 

Greetings from the Global Relations Office, NUS.

 

We are glad to announce that applications for the inaugural TF-NUS LEaRN Young Asian Leaders Initiative are now open!

 

What is the future of work in Asia and how can I develop holistic resilience to prepare for a post-pandemic new economy?

Topics like the one above, and more, have been specially curated for you in a 10-part online workshop to help you get ahead and thrive in the new normal!

 

Why join this special programme?

One of the biggest concerns facing university students today is whether they are equipped with the resilience, skills and knowledge needed to sustain their mental health and succeed at work in a post-pandemic economy.

 

This programme, sponsored by TF and NUS, and personally delivered by The Thought Collective Co-founder Kuik Shiao-yin and Pivotal will be focused on:

 

  1. Developing holistic resilience (physical, mental, social, and emotional), intrapersonal and intercultural skills and understanding

 

  1. Preparing you for the future of work in Asia

 

  • Interactive discussions for you to network with peers from the ASEAN region

 

Hurry! Places for this exclusive programme are limited.

 

Programme Details

  • Sessions will be conducted online over 10 sessions (once a week) from 1st September to 18th November 2021.
    • Programme schedule available in attached PDF

 

  • Participants do not have to be from any particular faculty, but should ensure they can achieve programme requirements (as outlined in attached PDF) as far as possible.

 

What’s more?

This programme is FREE (worth $550) for participants!

Upon completion, you will receive a certificate of participation from Temasek Foundation and NUS

(provided you have fulfilled the programme requirements as outlined in the attached PDF)

TF-NUS LEaRN YALI Details (for Local)

 

Application deadline: 20 August 2021

https://nus.syd1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9QVCZMWJiIC51ye 

Results will be notified to applicants on 24 August 2021

 

Please feel free to contact Mr. Charlton A. Lim at Charlton.a.lim@nus.edu.sg if you have any questions.

 

Be a trailblazer and join us today!

 

Take good care,

NUS Global Relations Office

NUS e-STEER Israel

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NUS e-STEER Israel
Theme: Israel – Unpacking the Start-up Nation: Society, Heritage, Technology, Innovation, Entrepreneurship
Venue: Singapore (online)
Date: 19 – 21 May 2021 (3 days)
NUS Overseas Colleges (NOC) and the Global Relations Office (GRO) are co-organizing e-STEER Israel, which comprises a series of webinars and virtual activities to facilitate a specialised understanding of Israel. A small country of barely 9 million citizens, Israel is known for its stunningly disproportionate global impact on scientific research, technological innovations and entrepreneurship, as well as its political influence built on extensive international alliances, an advanced economy and a strong military. Through the e-STEER Israel programme, participants will be exposed to topics beyond the news headlines.

U21 RISE (Real Impact on Society and Environment) showcase and awards

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<Message from GRO>

RISE (Real Impact on Society and Environment) is an international showcase of student achievement in sustainability and social innovation. RISE is designed to accelerate the scale and impact of student-led projects by connecting them with a network of experts in academia and industry.

Alongside access to a global network of supporter, teams will have the chance of winning prizes of $2000 each to further develop their project.

 

Due to the success of RISE 2019, U21 has expanded the competition for this year. Each U21 member institution is invited to nominate up to 4 student-led projects based on an aspect of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

 

Who can enter?

Any National University of Singapore student, either as an individual or in a group. NUS may sponsor a maximum of 4 nominated projects, up to 3 projects led solely by students at their university and one additional joint nomination involving students from 2+ member universities.

 

What sort of projects can be entered?

Project must directly address at least one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. These aren’t just about environmental action, they cover almost every aspect of environmental and societal development. In practice most non-profit and social innovation projects will already be addressing at least one goal.

The project should be at the development stage, not just an idea. There needs to have been some positive actions taken to turn an idea into reality. However, that doesn’t mean it has to be a fully-fledged enterprise or small business – see the image attached for more details. For examples of the type of projects eligible for RISE, check out the RISE 2019 showcase.

 

What will students gain from entering?

All entrants will:

–           Gain experience in pitching their project

–           Have the opportunity to win one of four $2000 for their project

–           Be given the chance to network with fellow entrepreneurs

 

In addition to the above those nominated to the RISE showcase will:

–           Be part of a cohort of finalists from across the world

–           Take part in a bespoke development package for student entrepreneurs

–           Receive a certificate recognising their achievement as a RISE finalist.

–           Have the opportunity to receive pledges of support from U21s global network.

–           Gain feedback on their project from experts in the field

–           Become part of an alumni network of global social innovators.

Information sessions to find out more about the RISE showcase and competition

These session will give more information on what being part of the RISE showcase and awards can offer and will give students an opportunity to ask any questions they may have. Please note as each university runs its own selection process to decide their RISE nominated projects, U21 will not be able to give details about the selection process at our university.

If you have any voluntary, social enterprise or environmental projects that you would like to scale up, develop, and build, then RISE is a platform. Please write in to studyabroadfass@nus.edu.sg by 12 Nov 2020 with the following details, we will collate and forward it to Global Relations Office for their consideration if they would like to nominate your project.

  • Team members
  • Project Synopsis

 

To find out more about U21 RISE visit here: https://universitas21.com/get-involved/student-competitions/rise/information-students

 

Regards

StudyAbroadFASS

GRO’s E-Study Abroad Talks and E-SEP Clinic

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Interested in exchange? Sign up for Global Relations Office’s (GRO) E-Study Abroad Talks and E-SEP Clinic to learn more.

Sign up for the Study Abroad Talk Series here:

  1. Americas: https://myaces.nus.edu.sg/CoE/ViewEvent?actionParam=VIEWEVENT&eventID=96184
  2. Asia & Australasia: https://myaces.nus.edu.sg/CoE/ViewEvent?actionParam=VIEWEVENT&eventID=96185
  3. Europe & Middle East: https://myaces.nus.edu.sg/CoE/ViewEvent?actionParam=VIEWEVENT&eventID=96186

 

Additionally, GRO would also be running the E-SEP Clinic from 7-25 Sep 2020 (Mon, Wed and Fri) where you can clarify any SEP related questions and they will be happy to share their experience from application to travel planning and advice for any questions you might have.

 

Sign up for the E-SEP clinics here: https://bit.ly/askapal

 

GRO will send the meeting links to your NUS email address. Hope to see you there!

 

Cheers,

Your Peer Advising Leaders (PALs)

Peer Advising Programme

Global Relations Office (GRO)

 

[Call for Application] ASEA-UNINET International Community Outreach Program : Life Below Water (15-21 December 2019)

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<Message from GRO>

 

ASEA-UNINET International Community Outreach Program : Life Below Water (15-21 December 2019)

The International Community Outreach Program under the ASEA-UNINET consortium is a one-week program which is designed to offer students and academic staff a once-in-a-lifetime experience that allows them to explore and respond to the actual social life & help the community development problems.

Adapted from Goal 14.7 of Sustainable Development Goals, Life Below Water, participants are expected to educate the coastal communities about increasing the economic benefits from the sustainable use of marine resources, especially clams, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism. Participants, both academic staff and students, will have a working session and community services in both Surabaya and Semarang. The goal is to make the community able to process the clams into products with the higher added value. Both academic staff and students are expected to encourage the coastal communities to discuss and reflect with them, to gain experience in a diverse range of knowledge.

 

15-21 December 2019, co-hosted by Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya and Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia.

Registration deadline: 30 November 2019.

To register or find out more about the program, click here. Please also submit your application at EduRec to be covered by the NUS Students Travel Insurance.

Future of Finance International Bootcamp in Singapore from 11 to 15 Nov 2019

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<Message from NUS Overseas Colleges – NOC>

 

SSES (Stockholm School of Entrepreneurship) will be organizing a “Future of Finance International Bootcamp” in Singapore from 11 to 15 November 2019 together with their partner Nordea, one of the largest financial groups in the Nordics.

 

The “Future of Finance International Bootcamp” will explore how finance will influence the way we live, love and work in future.  During this intense one week Bootcamp, participants from Singapore and Sweden will collaborate to prototype solutions with a Fintech and Design Thinking focus.  Through a variety of immersions and excursions, participants will meet entrepreneurs and other experts in Fintech and Design thinking.  More details are given at the link https://www.sses.se/event/future-of-finance/ and interested participants may apply on the link here. https://www.lyyti.fi/reg/future_of_finance

Application deadline is Sun 20 Oct 2019.

Explore your exchange at the University of Mannheim!

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<Message from GRO>
Dear Students,

Planning to have an exchange semester at the University of Mannheim (UniMA), Germany? 😊

To give you an intimate glimpse of life at UniMA, Ms Gledis Londo will be coming to NUS (and you) on 22 October 2019:

When? 22 October 2019, Tuesday
What time? 2.30 PM to 3.30 PM
Where? NUS Kent Ridge campus

Shaw Foundation Alumni House level 1, Global Lounge.

(Click here for a Google Maps location.)

To sign up for the session, click here!

 

We look forward to having you at this session!

 

For more information, feel free contact Mr Hafidz (hafidz@nus.edu.sg) from the NUS Global Relations Office.

 

Regards,

NUS Global Relations Office

Darwin, Darwinism & Conservation in the Galapagos Islands – a talk by Dr Diego Quiroga

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<Message from GRO>

Darwin, Darwinism & Conservation in the Galapagos Islands – a talk by Dr Diego Quiroga

01/11/2019 (02:00 PM – 04:00 PM)

Shaw Foundation Alumni House, Level 1, NUS GLOBAL LOUNGE

Join us as we explore how Darwin’s legendary and mythologised visit to the Galapagos affected the socio-ecosystems of the Islands, as well as the culture and intellectual traditions of Ecuador and Latin America. The lecture will highlight how the connection between Darwin and the Galapagos has had real, enduring and paradoxical effects in the Archipelago. This twentieth century construct of the Galapagos as the cradle of Darwin’s theory and insights triggers not on the definition of the Galapagos as a living natural laboratory, but also the production of a series of conservation practices and the reshaping of the Galapagos as a tourism destination with an increasingly important flow of tourists that potentially threaten its fragile ecosystems. During the talk, it will be argued that the idea of a Darwinian living laboratory has been limited by the success of the very same constructs that promote its conservation. The talk will suggest critical interpretations of this paradox by questioning many of the dichotomies that have been created to understand nature and its conservation. The lecture will explore some possible ways in which Darwin’s ideas can be used to better understand the social and natural threats facing the Islands and to develop sustainable and successful management practices.

About speaker

Diego has led research and international programs at Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ for over 10 years. His efforts and vision have ranked USFQ as the No. 1 University for Internationalization in the Latin America Region (Times Higher Education). Currently, he is Vice President of Research and International Programs as well as Co-director of the Galapagos Academic Institute of Arts and Sciences (GAIAS).

He obtained his Ph.D. degree in Anthropology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His areas of research interest are Human Ecology, Political Ecology, Medical Anthropology in regions such as Galapagos, Amazon and the Andes. Diego has done research on topics that range from Biodiversity vulnerability to religion and traditional medicine.

He is a firm believer that universities should be part of the innovation ecosystem and be connected in order to help shape policy and support to the private sector. His working culture is also based in Liberal Arts which is why he promotes multidisciplinary teams work together, each contributing with their expertise in research opportunities.

Interested participants can sign up for this event here: https://myaces.nus.edu.sg:443/CoE/ViewEvent?actionParam=VIEWEVENT&eventID=94210