Reflecting on her role in leading the event, Anabelle, President of SCD, shared: “This experience made the CIRCLE values feel much more tangible to me - showing that these values are not just ideals to aspire to when things are going well, but principles that are tested most when things become difficult."
Mathew Marchel Lim, Project Leader for Project Bumi, shared this takeaway: “Creating a more inclusive society isn't about hiding our weaknesses, but intentionally bringing together our collective strengths to drive genuine, lasting impact."
T-Junction was alive with energy, laughter, and spirited competition on 2 September as students gathered for the SMU CIRCLEs Bazaar. Organised by the Student Council of Discipline (SCD), the event demonstrated how SMU’s CIRCLE Values—Commitment, Integrity, Responsibility, Collegiality, Leadership, and Excellence—are lived out on campus every day. Guest of Honour Mr Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary (SPS), Ministry of Law & Ministry of Social and Family Development, opened the bazaar and spent the afternoon with student organisers.
In his opening address, SPS Chua commended the SCD for proactively driving campus culture through interactive engagement.
"What truly roots us are our values." — SPS Eric Chua
Addressing the audience amidst rapid AI-driven technological shifts, SPS Chua emphasised that human character remains irreplaceable. He called on youths to carry the CIRCLE values in their daily actions, reminding them that Singapore's future relies on young leaders who govern themselves with integrity and uplift those around them.
SPS Chua joined students on the floor to experience the bazaar firsthand, trying out the game booths alongside students, capturing memorable snaps at the photo booth, and sitting for a custom caricature. The walkabout was an opportunity for student organisers to share how they translate the six values into everyday campus life.
![](/sites/news.smu.edu.sg/files/styles/max_650x650/public/inline-images/DSC02439.jpg?itok=vE9YeOF1 "SPS Eric Chua tries out the "Commitment" scenario booth at the bazaar, reflecting on team responsibility and proactive communication alongside SMU students.")
The event concluded with an engaging dialogue session featuring SPS Chua, Dean of Students Prof Mark Chong, and more than 15 student leaders from the SCD EXCO, Community Service Projects, and Voices@SMU Student Advocates. Opening the session, SPS Eric Chua posed a thought-provoking question to the room - “What keeps you awake at night?” – students shared about their personal volunteer journeys and discuss the real-world barriers facing youth civic engagement. Listening to their hopes for the future, SPS Chua encouraged them to approach life as a continuous process of self-discovery. He advised the student leaders to act according to their unique skillsets, identify their personal passions, and harness those strengths for positive change.
Closing on an inspiring note, he encouraged the students to stay hopeful, recognise how well-positioned they are, and leverage their capabilities to lead with purpose and serve the broader community.
Reflecting on her role in leading the event, Anabelle, President of SCD, shared: “This experience made the CIRCLE values feel much more tangible to me - showing that these values are not just ideals to aspire to when things are going well, but principles that are tested most when things become difficult."
Mathew Marchel Lim, Project Leader for Project Bumi, shared this takeaway: “Creating a more inclusive society isn't about hiding our weaknesses, but intentionally bringing together our collective strengths to drive genuine, lasting impact."
This article was contributed by the Office of the Dean of Students.