Nine SIM student leaders embarked on an Overseas Community Involvement Project in Sabah, Malaysia, empowering young learners through English education while gaining valuable lessons in leadership, empathy and cultural appreciation.

From 30 September to 10 October 2025, nine student leaders from the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) embarked on an 11-day Overseas Community Involvement Project (OCIP) in Sabah, Malaysia, in collaboration with INDEP Education.

Through the Be English Speaker Today (BEST) programme, the student leaders visited seven primary schools, engaging more than 200 Primary 5 pupils through interactive English lessons and activities. Beyond teaching, the journey provided an opportunity for participants to develop their leadership capabilities, embrace cultural diversity and contribute meaningfully to local communities.

Taking on the roles of educators and facilitators, the student leaders conducted engaging English lessons through games, spelling challenges, charades and creative activities designed to build pupils’ confidence in communicating.

Adapting to different learning abilities and classroom dynamics, participants demonstrated patience, creativity and teamwork to ensure that every pupil felt encouraged to participate.

For many student leaders, witnessing initially shy pupils gradually gain the confidence to speak up was among the most rewarding moments of the experience.

Beyond the classroom, the OCIP challenged participants to step outside their comfort zones and apply their leadership skills in unfamiliar environments.

Through collaborative lesson planning, classroom facilitation and daily reflections, student leaders strengthened their communication, adaptability and problem-solving skills.

The experience also reshaped their understanding of leadership, highlighting that effective leaders do more than guide others. They listen, empathise and adapt to the needs of those around them.

The journey also offered opportunities to experience Sabah’s rich cultural heritage through interactions with local communities, traditional activities and cultural exchanges.

These encounters broadened participants’ perspectives, fostering greater appreciation for different lifestyles, traditions and educational opportunities.

More importantly, the heartfelt interactions with pupils and local residents left lasting impressions, reminding student leaders that meaningful community engagement is built on genuine human connections.

As the programme concluded, the nine student leaders returned to Singapore with newfound perspectives on leadership, gratitude and social responsibility.

Describing the experience as fulfilling, humbling, meaningful and rewarding, participants expressed a renewed motivation to continue making positive contributions to their communities.

The Sabah OCIP reflects SIM’s commitment to developing socially responsible student leaders through experiential learning and meaningful community engagement.

Ultimately, the journey demonstrated that learning extends far beyond the classroom, and that even small acts of kindness and encouragement can create meaningful impact.

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An afternoon of conversations, cultural experiences and new connections brought students and young people from different backgrounds together at the inaugural Integration Symposium 2026, organised by the National Youth Council (NYC) on 12 September at Sands Expo & Convention Centre.

The afternoon began with networking and small-group activities, where participants stepped outside their usual circles and got to know people from different backgrounds. Through icebreakers and conversation prompts, attendees shared their experiences with integration and reflected on some of the assumptions we may have about one another. What started as a few simple introductions soon became conversations about experiences, perspectives and the communities we live in.

The conversation continued on a bigger stage with a panel featuring Dr Lim Yiru from SUSS, local content creator Nancy, and Mr Baey Yam Keng, Minister of State for MCCY and MOT. Together, they explored some of the key issues surrounding integration between Singapore’s local and international communities, while participants had the opportunity to join in through an open Q&A. With different perspectives in the room, the discussion encouraged everyone to look at integration beyond the bigger picture and consider the role we can play in our everyday interactions.

After the panel, participants got the chance to explore the Pasar Malam of Opportunities, where booths representing different cultural and ethnic communities came together alongside organisations focused on volunteering, cultural integration, civic engagement and networking. From discovering new opportunities to learning more about different communities, the Pasar Malam offered a more hands-on way to experience the diversity that makes up Singapore.

The afternoon then took a more personal turn with Never Strangers, where participants were paired with someone they had never met before. With the day’s conversations in mind, they were encouraged to ask questions, share stories and find common ground. It was a simple way to put the idea of integration into practice — by taking the first step to connect with someone outside our usual circles.

More than just an afternoon of activities, the Integration Symposium 2026 brought together conversations, cultures and communities in one space. It was a reminder that building a more connected Singapore does not always have to start with something big. Sometimes, it can begin with being curious about someone else’s story, challenging our assumptions or simply taking the time to say hello.

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What does love look like beyond romance? For the SIM-UOB Student Council (UOBSC), it meant bringing together students, preschoolers, and migrant workers through acts of kindness, gratitude, and compassion.

As part of UOBSC’s annual charity programme, the Valentine’s-themed initiative aimed to both support migrant workers and nurture empathy in younger generations through a meaningful two-part outreach programme.

The initiative began with preparations by UOBSC members, who designed thank-you cards, packed welfare items, and planned activities for the outreach. These efforts reflected the council’s commitment to creating a thoughtful and impactful experience for all participants.

In the first part of the programme, UOBSC members conducted interactive storytelling and games with kindergarten 2 children from Little Skool-House at Ngee Ann Polytechnic. Through these activities, the children learned about gratitude, empathy, and the contributions of migrant workers in Singapore. The session ended with the children creating heartfelt handmade cards to express their appreciation.

The club also continued its focus on compassion through initiatives such as Generations in Creation at Punggol Nursing Home, where members spent time with elderly residents through games, activities, and shared meals.

These cards were later included in Carepacks distributed to migrant workers in the second part of the outreach. In collaboration with ItsRainingRaincoats, UOBSC prepared care packs containing daily essentials and nutritious snacks to support the workers’ well-being.

Both preschoolers and UOBSC members took part in separate distribution sessions, where they had the opportunity to personally thank migrant workers for their contributions. Through these interactions, the initiative sought not only to provide practical support, but also to create meaningful moments of connection and recognition.

Overall, the outreach impacted over 100 migrant workers and involved 37 preschool participants, strengthening community compassion across different generations and backgrounds.

More importantly, the initiative served as a reminder that love goes beyond Valentine’s Day, it is a value rooted in kindness, empathy, and shared humanity that can be practiced throughout the year.

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Since its establishment in 2025, SIM Boxing Club has been steadily building a passionate and welcoming boxing community within SIM. Open to students of all experience levels, the club provides an inclusive space for both complete beginners taking their first steps into boxing and individuals looking to sharpen their skills in a more structured environment.

With boxing continuing to grow in global popularity—through legendary icons such as Muhammad Ali, modern champions like Naoya Inoue, and the rise of influencer boxing—the sport has captured the attention of a new generation of athletes and fans alike. SIM Boxing Club offers students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the “sweet science” while balancing fitness, discipline, and enjoyment.

Under the guidance of experienced trainers, members train in a safe, structured, and supportive environment designed to develop both technical skills and personal growth. Sessions focus on building strong boxing fundamentals, including proper punching techniques, defensive movements such as slips and weaves, and effective footwork.

Beyond the physical aspect of the sport, members also cultivate valuable life skills such as perseverance, resilience, discipline, and teamwork. At its core, boxing is not just about throwing punches, it is about strategy, self-control, and embracing the philosophy of “to hit and not get hit.”

Whether students are looking to stay active, challenge themselves, or simply try something new, SIM Boxing Club provides a welcoming platform to learn, grow, and be part of a supportive sporting community.

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