Celebrating the Festive Season Through Giving

Celebrating the Festive Season Through Giving

25 Mar 25 | All, World of Potential, Student Leadership, Leadership & Development

Celebrating the Festive Season Through Giving

The festive season is a time for joy, togetherness, and giving back to the community. With this in mind, SIM-UOB Student Council partnered with Marsiling SunLove Active Aging Centre (AAC) to bring an early Chinese New Year celebration to the elderly on 25th January 2025. Our Student Council members dedicated their time to creating a meaningful and engaging experience for the elderly, ensuring they felt appreciated and valued during this special time of the year.

This initiative was not just about celebrating a single event but about fostering a culture of community service and meaningful engagement with the elderly. By building relationships with Marsiling SunLove AAC, we hope to continue similar collaborations in the future, ensuring that we can bring joy and companionship to the elderly beyond festive occasions.

Bringing Smiles to the Elderly

Through this event, we connected with the elderly in meaningful ways, engaging in various activities that sparked joy and warmth. The celebration was more than just a festive gathering—it was an opportunity for the elderly to feel appreciated, included, and uplifted. The interactions not only brought smiles and laughter but also fostered a sense of belonging and happiness within the community.

Encouragement for the Student Council

One of the most touching moments of the event was seeing the genuine smiles and heartfelt gratitude from the elderly as they participated in our planned activities. The time spent planning for the activities such as lantern-making, and for preparing the festive goodie bags truly did not go to waste! We are honoured to play a part in making this Chinese New Year a special one for them.

A simple gesture of spending time with them made a huge impact, reminding us of the power of community and human connection.

Waking up early on a Friday morning to volunteer was not easy, but our Student Council members were eager and committed to making the event a success. The biggest challenge was ensuring that all elderly participants felt engaged and included, but through teamwork, enthusiasm, and genuine conversations, we managed to create a warm and lively atmosphere.

Making Future Events Even Better

While the event was a success, there is always room to improve. We found that early planning and teamwork helped make the celebration smooth and enjoyable. One area for improvement could be increasing the variety of activities to better cater to different interests among the elderly. We also hope to involve more student volunteers in future events to create an even bigger impact. (Yes, we are on a lookout for more student volunteers- Join us!)

Moving forward, we aim to continue working with Marsiling SunLove AAC and explore other opportunities to give back to the elderly community. Whether through festive celebrations, regular visits, or interactive workshops, we want to keep spreading kindness and making a difference as a student body.

Celebrating the Festive Season Through Giving

The festive season is a time for joy, togetherness, and giving back to the community. With this in mind, SIM-UOB Student Council partnered with Marsiling SunLove Active Aging Centre (AAC) to bring an early Chinese New Year celebration to the elderly on 25th January 2025. Our Student Council members dedicated their time to creating a meaningful and engaging experience for the elderly, ensuring they felt appreciated and valued during this special time of the year.

This initiative was not just about celebrating a single event but about fostering a culture of community service and meaningful engagement with the elderly. By building relationships with Marsiling SunLove AAC, we hope to continue similar collaborations in the future, ensuring that we can bring joy and companionship to the elderly beyond festive occasions.

Bringing Smiles to the Elderly

 Through this event, we connected with the elderly in meaningful ways, engaging in various activities that sparked joy and warmth. The celebration was more than just a festive gathering—it was an opportunity for the elderly to feel appreciated, included, and uplifted. The interactions not only brought smiles and laughter but also fostered a sense of belonging and happiness within the community.

Encouragement for the Student Council

One of the most touching moments of the event was seeing the genuine smiles and heartfelt gratitude from the elderly as they participated in our planned activities. The time spent planning for the activities such as lantern-making, and for preparing the festive goodie bags truly did not go to waste! We are honoured to play a part in making this Chinese New Year a special one for them.

A simple gesture of spending time with them made a huge impact, reminding us of the power of community and human connection.

Waking up early on a Friday morning to volunteer was not easy, but our Student Council members were eager and committed to making the event a success. The biggest challenge was ensuring that all elderly participants felt engaged and included, but through teamwork, enthusiasm, and genuine conversations, we managed to create a warm and lively atmosphere.

Making Future Events Even Better

While the event was a success, there is always room to improve. We found that early planning and teamwork helped make the celebration smooth and enjoyable. One area for improvement could be increasing the variety of activities to better cater to different interests among the elderly. We also hope to involve more student volunteers in future events to create an even bigger impact. (Yes, we are on a lookout for more student volunteers- Join us!)

Moving forward, we aim to continue working with Marsiling SunLove AAC and explore other opportunities to give back to the elderly community. Whether through festive celebrations, regular visits, or interactive workshops, we want to keep spreading kindness and making a difference as a student body.

InSIGHT 2025: Arkana — Unveil the Truth

InSIGHT 2025: Arkana — Unveil the Truth

27 Jan 25 | Arts & Culture, All, World of Potential

InSIGHT 2025: Arkana — Unveil the Truth

InSIGHT 2025: Arkana — Unveil the Truth was InSIM’s annual musical, staged across 24 and 25 January 2025 at the SIM Performing Arts Theatre.

The production brought together student performers and creatives to tell a compelling story on stage, exploring themes of truth, identity, and hidden narratives through expressive performances and dramatic storytelling.

As the curtains closed, Arkana marked a powerful beginning to InSIGHT 2025 — a reflection of what student creativity can achieve when passion, collaboration, and collective effort come together on stage.

Harvard World MUN 2024 Conference: A New Generation of Global Leaders

Harvard World MUN 2024 Conference: A New Generation of Global Leaders

18 Dec 24 | All, World of Potential, Special Interest Club

Following the successful participation in the Harvard National Model United Nations (HNMUN) 2024 in Boston from 15 to 18 February 2024, the International Affairs Society (IAS) MUN team sent its next group of delegates to Taipei from 10 to 14 March 2024, for the Harvard World MUN (HWMUN) 2024.

The Harvard World MUN (HWMUN) conference, held annually in different cities since 1992, provides a global platform for young leaders to discuss pressing global issues. In its 32nd edition, HWMUN aims to instill in delegates fundamental principles like leadership, innovation, and cooperation to effect tangible change.

This marked the inaugural participation of the IAS-MUN team in HWMUN 2024. The 7-member delegation from various SIM GE degree programs, represented the nation-states of Kuwait and Greece across four committees, led by Student Advisor, Ms. Gobinath Atchayah from the SIM-UOL program.

After months of preparation, including research and training, the team gained valuable diplomatic experience. One of the delegates, Ms. Syaqila Binte Suzaini, representing Kuwait in the Economic and Financial Committee, received the Verbal Commendation Award.

Moving forward, the team intends to support future IAS-MUN delegations with their expertise.

Participating students: Angel Lim, Anusha Fatima, Anub Sathia Joshan, Azrah, Fathima (Student Advisor), Chen Yanyou, Chew Kai He Dillon, Dave Aarohi Keyur, Jedidiah Asaf Tallulembang, Rajpal Simran, Siti Hajar Binti Mohd Azam and Yeo Hui Qi.

Sherna

“Participating in Harvard World MUN (HWMUN) was a transformative, once-in-a-lifetime experience I’d never forget! Through HWMUN, I learned how to leverage my strengths to contribute to the team and gained a greater appreciation for diplomats and leaders in the international scene. During the 4-Day conference, one of the most challenging aspects was to master negotiation techniques. Crafting resolutions that balance differing national interests while advocating for my assigned country’s stance and policies pushed me out of my comfort zone. What I enjoyed the most was the HWMUN spirit and the shared purpose among delegates. Despite the competitive nature of MUN, there was a collective drive towards finding innovative solutions to solve global issues. The thrill of debate, the excitement and satisfaction of having our resolutions passed after intense discussions, and the friendships made along the way were really rewarding.”

Marcus

“Diving into the Model United Nations conference was like hopping onto a rollercoaster, except instead of screaming about the scary drops, I was debating global policies! It was a whirlwind of ideas, strategies, and some seriously intense diplomacy. I wasn’t just there to show off my research skills; I was there to connect, learn, and maybe even change a few perspectives – including my own. I rubbed elbows with delegates from around the world, each bringing a slice of their homeland to the table. It was like a cultural potluck, but instead of bringing food, we brought arguments and alliances. The experience was a crash course in diplomacy, and boy, did it test my ability to think on my feet! But here’s the kicker: amidst all the serious policy talk, I found laughter, camaraderie, and a shared sense of purpose. And I realized that while we might be using our voices to represent nations, we were also building bridges between real people.”

Katrina

“Sounds cliché, yes, but participating in Harvard World MUN (HWMUN), was truly life changing for me. Coming from zero MUN experience, I was nervous and worried about how I’d fare in what is dubbed the Olympics of the MUN world. These worries were immediately swept away from the very first committee session. Not only was everyone able to push forward for our shared goals, but we were able to do so while coming from entirely different backgrounds. In my opinion, HWMUN is not only a place to showcase one’s skill in diplomacy, negotiation, and public speaking, it is also a place that bridges the gap between people. HWMUN also took me all the way to Taipei, a city I had never ventured to before. It provided me the chance to fully immerse myself in the global aspect of MUN and learn about the ins and outs of Taiwanese food and culture.”

Suhayla

“This conference enabled me to push my horizons, and it enabled me to find out what I was capable of. Truly, the lessons I learnt from the planning and attending the conference are memories to last a lifetime. I learnt how to be a strong communicator and dealt with problems effectively and innovatively. The experience I had liaising with people all over the world was a refreshing experience and helped me to appreciate the role of diplomats and foreign affairs more. The local Taiwanese culture and the HWMUN spirit made the conference extremely fun and educational at the same time. Reflecting on the trip, it was one that was ABSOLUTELY not to be missed for the wonderful memories it gave me and my fellow SIM-MUN delegates.”

Syaqila

It was a whirlwind of excitement and growth, constant adrenaline that left an indelible mark on my journey. We delve into intense speech practices and immersed ourselves in research about our respective – Kuwait and Greece. In the Economics and Finance Committee, I found myself diving into fruitful discussion and tackling the intriguing topic of global retirement age. It was challenging, yes, but incredibly rewarding. And the connections made with delegates from across the globe? Absolutely unforgettable. HWMUN 2024 wasn’t just about debates, it was a voyage of discovery. It opened my eyes to the complexities of global issues and diplomacy in ways textbooks never could. It’s not just a conference; it’s a catalyst for change and raising awareness. Reflecting on this experience, one thing stands out: the importance of listening, speaking up and staying true to yourself. Oh, and cherishing the connections you make along the way – they’re what make the journey truly memorable.

Hanan

“My trip to Taiwan to attend Harvard World MUN was definitely one for the books. The rush of being in a foreign land, experiencing a new culture (or many new cultures in this case!), being surrounded by friends all while meeting exciting new people and debating global politics is truly a unique experience. I am truly grateful for the opportunity as I learned a lot about myself and hard work, communication and presentation, and how the world works—especially finding commonality where sometimes, you can only see differences. One of the best parts of immersing yourself in such a diverse setting is meeting new people and forging real international friendships! Coming together with that many like-minded, change-driven people is an invigorating, motivating experience. I would truly recommend this experience to anyone, as in many small ways, I am a changed person from this for the better.”

Miraa

“HWMUN sparked my joy in public speaking and debate after so many years of being an introvert. The whole process from research to the actual committee sessions built up my courage and confidence to face others with strong opinions. I was able to speak up despite the fear of what others would think as I felt more confident in how I could add value to the sessions instead of what others thought of me. After HWMUN, I feel like a new person as I find so much joy at even the thought of joining future MUNs. It has truly inspired me to inspire others to speak up and say what they think without worrying about what others think or feel. It helped me navigate social and negotiation skills which has broadened my communication skills with those around me.”

Unlocking AI Potential: Highlights from the Omnitool Hackathon

Unlocking AI Potential: Highlights from the Omnitool Hackathon

18 Dec 24 | All, World of Potential, Special Interest Club, Leadership & Development

The recent hackathon event has garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants. The event, meticulously planned by a team of 20 club members – including 8 Excos and 12 subcommittee members from 3 departments – featured 20 group of 3 to 5 participants, totaling 80 enthusiastic participants.

A key highlight of the hackathon was the introduction of Omnitool.ai, a versatile software platform that integrates multiple AI tools and models and models into a single, user-friendly interface. Designed for users without extensive coding knowledge, Omnitool.ai supports tasks such as image generation, text analysis and data processing by incorporating AI services from providers like OpenAI, Google and Hugging Face. Participants expressed that the hackathon introduced them expanded their knowledge of AI and Omnitool, emphasizing the lessons in time management, project planning, and thriving under pressure. The event showcased the potential and significance of AI when utilized effectively, demonstrating its practical applications in today’s industry. Participants expressed their intention to incorporate Omnitool into their daily lives, highlighting the event’s tangible impact on their professional lives.

 

Beyond technical skills, the hackathon provided valuable networking opportunities, a panel discussion and dedicated networking sessions allowed participants to connect with the Omnitool team and special guests from Mata and Hiverlab. These interactions offered insight into the evolving landscape of AI development and practical advice from industry experts. To recognize outstanding teams, prizes awarded to the top 3 teams with the most creative ideas. All participants received certificates of participation, which they can showcase on LinkedIn or include in their professional portfolios. This recognition not only rewarded their hard work but also added value to their professional credentials.

SIM IT Club hosts at least one hackathon annually and actively shares external hackathon opportunities with members through our club’s Telegram channel. Notable events shared include those from AngelHack which often collaborates with major companies. Recent examples are AngelHack and DSTA BrainHack, providing students with diverse experiences in the hackathon ecosystem. The primary objective of this hackathon was to encourage students to develop innovative ideas using Omnitool.AI. Additionally, the event aims to facilitate meaningful panel discussion and networking opportunities with the Omnitool Co-founders, Creative Technologies Ex-strategic at Meta and two special guests from Mata and Hiverlab. This collaboration and the event’s success highlight out commitment to fostering innovation, learning and professional growth among our members. We look forward to continuing this tradition and creating more impactful experience for our students in the future.

Helping Children with Cleft Lips: A Student-Led Smile Asia Campaign

Helping Children with Cleft Lips: A Student-Led Smile Asia Campaign

18 Dec 24 | All, World of Potential, Student Leadership

This article was written by Johnson Cheah and Mabel Sim Zhi Yi, representing the University of Stirling Student Council, who independently managed most of the operations for Smile Asia, a charity group that provides surgeries to change the lives of children with cleft lips. They hope their initiative inspires students of SIM to take the lead in similar projects and make a positive impact. Continue reading to discover their thoughts on how they started this project and their plans for the future!

Purpose: Doing Charity for a Change 

This campaign is a chance for us to focus on giving back. Our decision to work with Smile Asia was inspired by an interview with our Student Council president, Johnson, who has interacted with several fundraisers with them in the past. He shared how impactful their work has been and why it aligns with our goals. Since this initiative is non-funded and led by first-year members, it is a great way to get involved in charity and community work that is cost-friendly while also helping students develop empathy and character outside of the classroom. 

Supporting children with cleft lips is important because these surgeries not only improve their health but also help them feel confident and happy. We believe helping Smile Asia is a great way for us to make a positive impact. 

Sustainability: Keeping the Campaign Going 

Our campaign is designed to be low-cost and something we can manage without needing extra funding from the school. We are using social media and word of mouth to spread awareness about children with cleft lips. Our goal is to keep this campaign going in the future and to raise awareness so that people continue supporting Smile Asia, even after the event is over. 

By making the campaign low-cost, we hope to repeat it every year, ensuring that we can keep helping Smile Asia long-term. 

Beneficiary Impact: How the Campaign Helps 

After one week of fundraising, we managed to raise approximately $1500, enough to cover the surgery for 3 children. The money we raised went directly to providing surgeries for children in need. Each donation helped a child receive life-changing treatment, allowing them to speak better, smile confidently, and live without the difficulties caused by a cleft lip. Additionally, we got students to write heartfelt messages on a mirror, the idea is to let the kids who have completed their surgery, see their new smile alongside the messages left by the student body. 

Improving the Process: Making Future Campaigns Better 

As we look ahead, there’s always room for improvement. We want to build stronger partnerships with local businesses to get more support, and we will work on getting more alumni and outside supporters involved. What worked for us was having an activity to interact with students and lecturers at the booth to design and share about our cause. What didn’t work for us is that we could have planned it during the school term and not the holidays. By reflecting on what works and what could be better, we can continue to grow and improve this campaign. Hopefully garnering more donations for future editions of our fundraiser. 

Future Plans: Continuing to Work with Smile Asia 

In the future, we plan to keep working with Smile Asia because of the incredible impact they make. This campaign has been successful, and we want to keep this partnership going. At the same time, we’re open to exploring other causes that need support, while still keeping Smile Asia as a priority. 

Personal Stories: What Inspires Us 

One story that touched us deeply was about a young girl who, because of her cleft lip, was excluded from school and her community. After receiving surgery through Smile Asia, she was able to return to school and live a happier life. Stories like this remind us of why we’re doing this campaign—to change lives, one surgery at a time. 

Overcoming Challenges: Getting People Involved 

Like all campaigns, ours has faced challenges. It’s not always easy to get students to support a cause, especially when many other events are happening in school. But we’ve worked hard to spread the word by using social media, holding small events, and sharing personal stories to show people why this cause is so important. These efforts have helped us keep students engaged and supportive.

A New Venue and More Faces: SID’24 Recap

A New Venue and More Faces: SID’24 Recap

18 Dec 24 | Arts & Culture, All, Special Interest Club, Sports & Fitness, International Student Club

This year’s Student Involvement Drive (SID) took a fresh approach, moving from the usual Atrium at Block A to the Student Hub at Block B. This change in venue and layout reshaped the flow of the event, creating an environment where clubs could engage more closely with students. Live performances and interactive challenges, especially from sports clubs, added a dynamic element to the event. The improved acoustics made conversations smoother and the overall atmosphere more vibrant and intimate.

The proximity of club booths encouraged greater interaction between student clubs, allowing them to collaborate in guiding students toward clubs aligned with their interests. The layout also provided an excellent opportunity for student leaders to reconnect after EQuip Leadership Camp (read about the camp here). New students were able to explore the wide range of CCAs SIM offers, with 58 clubs participated — part of SIM’s impressive roster of 80 clubs.

Another notable highlight was the food rotation, with nachos emerging as a crowd favourite, something we’ll certainly consider for next year. The increased engagement was evident, as this year’s SID welcomed 676 students — an improvement from last year’s 520 attendees in 2023.

For those who missed out on this year’s CCA recruitment, don’t worry! You can still express your interest in your preferred clubs by filling out this form using your SIM email: CCA Interest Form.

We value your feedback! If you have any suggestions to make SID’25 even better, feel free to email us at student-involvement@sim.edu.sg, or let us know in the comments section. Do share your thoughts—did you prefer this year’s Student Hub venue, or the Atrium from previous years?