Impact Experience: An NUSC Podcast

In this episode of the Impact Experience podcast, host Julius Bautista engages with Dr. Carissa Foo and Dr. Kiven Strohm, both creative practitioners and lecturers at the National University of Singapore College. The discussion delves into how art and the creative process can enhance community engagement in service learning. Through exploring arts-based research (ABR), the conversation highlights...

In this episode, Dr. Yi'En Cheng, a human geographer and lecturer at the National University of Singapore College, joins the discussion to explore the conceptual boundaries of "community" with a focus on service learning. The conversation delves into the geographical and social constructs of community, examining both top-down and bottom-up perspectives. Dr. Cheng emphasizes the importance of under...

In this episode of the Impact Experience podcast, host Julius Bautista is joined by guests Swan Ping Poon and Dr. Michelle Lee to explore the intricacies of defining and measuring impact in service learning projects. The discussion delves into the importance of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the development of baselines for real-world change. Together,...

In this episode of the IEx podcast, Dr. Amanda Blair, a political scientist with over 15 years of experience in conflict-affected regions, shares her expertise in ethics and community building. Currently a Lecturer at the National University of Singapore College, Dr. Blair discusses the application of ethical principles in community projects, emphasizing mutual respect and reciprocity. Her insight...

In this episode, we delve into a thought-provoking discussion with guests Dr. Nurhidayahti and Dr. Ng Keng Khoon, both lecturers at the National University of SIngapore College. When we engage in service learning endeavors, should we consider ourselves the 'saviors' of the communities we seek to benefit?  Join producer and host Dr. Julius Bautista in unpacking the intricate dynamics of community e...

In this episode of the IEx Podcast, we speak with  Dr Lim Chee Han, Senior Lecturer at NUS College, as he demystifies Service‑Learning—showing how it goes beyond volunteering by weaving critical reflection, academic rigor, and genuine partnership into coursework. Dr.  Lim tackles the curriculum challenges of workload, learning‑outcome alignment, and authentic community impact, while revealing the...

Journey with us from Thailand’s upland forests to Bali’s coastal mangroves as we explore how rural communities address environmental and economic challenges. Featuring two NUSC student groups partnering with community leaders in Pong Sayaen and Desa Budeng, this episode highlights their collaborative efforts in building sustainable livelihoods, preserving culture, and stewarding Southeast Asia’s l...

While academic achievements are highly emphasized in the education system, many Vietnamese youths face challenges developing essential soft skills such as public and intercultural communication, leadership, critical problem-solving and lateral thinking. This gap leaves many young Vietnamese underprepared for the demands of the global workplace. In this episode, we spotlight a group of three NUSC u...

Southeast Asia faces a waste crisis as rapid urbanization, consumption and tourism puts pressure on already limited waste management and recycling resources.   In this episode, two undergraduate students discuss their respective initiatives to improve waste management capacities through infrastructure enhancement and education in Cambodia and Sabah.  

Greenery has long been integral to the Singaporean government’s urban planning agenda.  Incorporating parks and green corridors throughout the city-state has underscored its reputation as a “Garden City.”  Community gardens have served as vibrant spaces that provide respite while promoting sustainability, wellness and small-scale food production.  But what are the challenges faced by those who cul...

Period poverty is the challenge of accessing affordable menstrual hygiene products and facilities. It is a problem that affects many women and girls, even in affluent societies like Singapore where the stigma surrounding menstruation often leads to silence and embarrassment. Two NUS College students describe their efforts to work with local community partners in confronting this important issue. 

The island of Bali lies within the Coral Triangle, an area of incredibly rich biodiversity that sustains the world's oceans.  The marine ecosystem there faces numerous climatic and man-made threats.  Three NUSC undergraduate students go beneath the waves to utilize local knowledge and coconut husk to confront this pressing issue.  

Stateless people, who are not recognized as nationals of any country,  do not have access to basic rights to education, healthcare, employment, and legal protection.  Two groups of NUSC undergraduate students are looking to collaborate with community partners to contribute towards the empowerment of stateless communities in Chiang Mai and Sabah.

Two million kilograms of food is discarded in Singapore every day.  Two groups of NUSC undergraduate students are collaborating with industry and community partners on implementing practical and organic approaches towards tackling the food waste problem in the city-state.

The relationship between elephants and their human custodians in Thailand are ancient and complex.  Over the years, significant attention has been placed on the physical well-being of both animals and humans.   Four NUSC undergraduate students share their experiences collaborating with local communities to advance the welfare of elephants and their mahouts in the "Land of Smiles."

Confronting the stigma of bamboo as a 'poor man's material', a group of students discuss their endeavour to advance youth empowerment by promoting bamboo-based agribusiness in the Philippines.

Working with Filipino bamboo artisans, six undergraduate students discuss their plans to facilitate youth-oriented cultural awareness workshops in Laguna, Philippines.