SUSS Part-Time (PT) Freshmen Befrienders, also known as Anchors, and Nor Syazwan, SUSS Year 3 Social Work student and the face of Wan’s Ubin Journal, co-organised Ubin Unwind: With Family & Friends to connect our part-time student community over group bonding and fun! Attracting over 15 participants ranging from five to 60 years old, the activities were tailored to accommodate various age groups, allowing our PT students to connect with fellow peers in a light-hearted environment, while sharing the experience with their family members and loved ones.
Part Time students visit Warung Pak Ahmad, making friends and enjoying the friendly atmosphere
Through this networking programme, the participants immersed themselves in the history of Pulau Ubin’s landmarks and explored the island’s remaining villages. Guided by Nor Syazwan, the participants engaged in an informative heritage hike and gained insights into the Kampong environment through the eyes of the local community.
SUSS facilitators strike a pose at a garden in Pulau Ubin.
Syazwan explaining the stories behind the uses of the Sireh tree.
To add excitement and foster teamwork, participants competed in station games in the ‘Amazing Race’ segment for the chance to win prizes. The activities were designed to encourage collaboration while maintaining a spirit of healthy competition.
Participants focus on the task at hand, engaging in teamwork to solve the clues around Pulau Ubin together.
Participants realise passing hula hoops may not be as easy as they think while they attempt the Amazing race.
Grace Ker Hui Xin, SUSS Year 1 Social Work student, shared, “this networking event is like farming. Plant a seed and it sprouts into beautiful friendships, happiness and discoveries”, which reinforces the paramount need for such networking opportunities to integrate different student communities, particularly for freshmen transitioning into university life.
The winning team celebrates with their prize, a bagpack!
The facilitators and participants pose for a final group photo to remember a day of fun before disembarking for Singapore.
Choo Ming Liang, SUSS Year 4 Business student and Anchor from the organising committee, also echoed the importance of such events, “This networking session creates a platform for Anchors to network and understand our freshmen even more.”
The participants left the event with a newfound appreciation for Pulau Ubin and its history as well as newly forged connections with fellow freshmen and seniors.
For more information on how to serve as a part-time freshmen befriender, keep a lookout for recruitment for Student Anchors at the July 2024 Orientation!