To underscore the importance of cultural diversity, Singapore Management University’s (SMU) Student Success Centre (SSC) launched “Diverse-City 2021: The World at Your Fingertips” on 3 September. The festival aims to raise awareness and celebrate different cultures and identities through a full range of activities including talks and language classes, sharing sessions, hands-on workshops and tours. This year’s event, which lasted till 17 September, was held virtually in view of the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic.

Diverse-City 2021 presented an array of rich traditions and heritage through experiential virtual activities. From whipping up Penang Assam Laksa to uncovering the gems of Siem Reap, the event exposed students to the vibrant diversity of cultures around the world and delivered opportunities to attend webinar-style cultural talks on French language, Arabic calligraphy as well as Chinese tea and culture. Participants who were keen to get off their seats, had the chance to explore Peranakan Culture via a physical tour by The Intan, and chillax in Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve via a physical tour conducted by specialised nature guide Karen Chen.

In a virtual workshop dubbed an “Express course in Korean culture”, participants got to hear from Hyunwoo, a personality who had helped millions of people learn Korean through the “Talk To Me In Korean” online lessons and books. He delved into the workings of a society that had created the famously popular K-drama, K-pop and K-beauty, spoke about the economy and entrepreneurial culture in Korea, as well as the importance of the 'age system' in the country and how this has shaped its culture.

In addition to the myriad activities that highlighted the fun and unique aspects of various countries, the Diverse-City 2021 programme included insightful dialogue sessions on business practices and global issues. SMU’s International Office, Office of Core Curriculum and Prinsep Street Residences, invited two country ambassadors as panellists in a session, “Extraordinary Human Effects on the Lives and Histories of Earth”. Ambassadors of New Zealand and South Africa discussed human attitudes towards the finite resources of the planet, the double-edged role of science and technology and the difficult questions about political and economic values, in a dialogue moderated by Winston Chow, Associate Professor of Science, Technology and Society at SMU’s School of Social Sciences.

In a nod to the current unprecedented pandemic, SMU Ambassadorial Corps (ASMU) also hosted the forum, themed “ASEAN in a Pandemic - Past, Present and Future”. Some of the most influential opinion leaders in ASEAN shared their thoughts on how the region is faring amidst the pandemic, and the way forward.

Speakers included H.E Mr Mark Neo, Director-General, ASEAN Directorate, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore; Ms Sharon Seah, Coordinator of ASEAN Studies Centre at ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute; and Prof Park Haesoo, SMU Assistant Professor of Science, Technology and Society (Education).

The festival also provided opportunities for students to fulfill their Global Exposure graduation requirement by attending the cultural programmes. Students were also involved in organising aspects of the events, which contributed to an enhanced learning experience.

Formed in April 2021, the Diverse-City Organising Committee team comprised 12 undergraduates from both the local and international student community of the university. Over a period of four months, the team curated a series of cultural learning programmes, focusing on 14 countries and regions represented by student clubs SMU International Connections (SMUICON) and SMU Komunitas Indonesia (SMUKI). These efforts culminated in a festival themed “Internationalisation-at-home”.

"This year is very memorable to me as we engaged more than 30+ partners within and outside SMU and Singapore,” commented Michelle Alexandra, a Year 3 undergraduate from SMU’s School of Social Sciences and Diverse-City 2021 Organising Committee Co-Chair. “All of our activities have been carefully selected and planned to provide the best cultural experience for the SMU community. I really hope that the participants thoroughly enjoy and gain a deeper understanding of various cultures and values through Diverse-City 2021."

Concurring, her Singaporean Co-Chair, Koh Tongning Jamie, a Year 3 undergraduate from SMU’s Lee Kong Chian School of Business said: "Each passing year, Diverse-City specially cultivates a series of different activities for our SMU students and our staff. Our aim still remains the same, which is to encourage a deeper understanding and appreciation of the different cultures. We hope that our activities have ignited curiosity and the desire to learn more and embrace the differences around us."

“Global exposure, from the vantage of a university education, is invaluable for international networking and to develop a global perspective, opening doors to bigger opportunities. Within the current environment of global travel restrictions, our Diverse-City festival brings cross-cultural awareness virtually to our students,” said SMU Provost, Professor Timothy Clark.

“The benefits that students reap from their global exposure experience are long-term, lasting beyond graduation and into the formative years of their careers. This is a key element for graduates to thrive, perhaps even more so in a post-COVID world, especially one which sees an increasing prevalence of hybrid workplace arrangements and the need for international collaboration.” 

Photo credit: SMU