Reflections by Eugene Teh

Sino Sing is all about...

Learning...

...And having cultural exchanges.

Networking...

...And making new friends.

Posing...

...And proposing!

Going to the Botanical Gardens...

...And becoming swannabes! Becoming Deans of NUS...

...And being on television!

Having good food...

...Like Rojak and Bo Bo Cha Cha

....And more at Block 85 Bedok Market.

Making funny faces...

...And sharing the finest things in life.

Mugging...

...And hugging!

Reflections by Siok Chen

Having attended a summer programme at Peking University just last year, there were inevitable comparisons between the students at Peking University and the Chinese delegates of this programme. While Peking students are studious and ambitious (taking 6-7 or more modules in university is the norm), the students of Tianjin, Tongji, Nankai and East China (Science & Tech) are more laid-back and fun. But as far as general impressions go, the differences could probably be attributed to the fact that the delegates are not in their home country and are instead on a ‘holiday’.

Having said that, through the few days of interaction, what struck me the most is how I ought to be thankful of what I am given and where I am. While the Chinese delegates ooh-ed and ahh-ed over the fantastic greenery present in Singapore, I rarely even stop to appreciate it and perhaps only complain for the lack of trees when the weather gets too hot. While Chinese delegates worry about the worth of their degrees in China (and having learnt that most pursue a masters to make them more marketable), I once complained about not being able to study overseas for a more prestigious degree. [NUS patriots, please don’t bash me, my thinking stemmed from my educational background and is no longer representative of my thinking now].

While they have to tolerate (and perhaps also accept) some unfairness in the political, educational and social systems of China, we complain (and I speak generically of the Singapore culture) all the time about everything political, educational and social, sometimes without being grateful for the benefits (for what it’s worth) Singapore has given us. Before I ramble on and stumble into the realm of NE, perhaps its last to add the Chinese delegates taught me what’s really called 知足.

Lastly, a big thank you to everyone, especially Group 3 for making the Singapore leg such a fun and memorable experience for me. Special thanks to the Chinese delegates in Group 3 - Mao Mao for being so crazily fun (seriously, her Lady Gaga moves were phenomenal), Chi Lin for being such a foodie-durian lover and basically treated to us to 毛山王 durians, Liang Chen for fascinating me with the food he has eaten (according to him - everything under the sky and within his means, except rats), Ling Zi for providing me lots of insights and gossips, Xiao Lin for being so hospitable (in advance) – she was the first to check with us on where we want to go when we are in Shanghai, Wang Ting for telling me so much about 内蒙古 and its culture (which is really fascinating), and everyone else for being really enthusiastic, sporting and fun!

Reflections by Han Liang

The last time I was formally exposed to Chinese language and Chinese culture was actually during my secondary school days, many years ago. This is one of the reasons why I joined SSUE – to rekindle the memorable learning experiences I had during my teenage years. There are still many aspects of the rich Chinese culture that I have yet to learn and explore, and I hope to bridge my gaps in information through SSUE.

During my interaction with the Chinese delegates from 13 to 16 March 2010, I gradually regained the momentum to converse in Chinese, a language that I use less often now compared to the past. Thus, my experiences with the delegates basically redefined and reemphasized my heritage of being a Chinese.

My experiences in SSUE so far has also reaffirmed my pride in being a Singaporean. It gives me great pleasure when I am able to introduce and showcase Singapore's architectural wonders and unique places of interest to the Chinese undergraduates!

Lastly, the SSUE has allowed me to forge friendships with many other enthusiastic and like-minded students from NUS. I hope everyone can learn from one another and enjoy each other’s company when we head off to China in May!

Reflections by Jeremy

I would say that throughout Sino-Sing, among all the indelible memories and valuable experiences, I was definitely made painfully aware of one thing: I am not a very good Mandarin speaker. This weakness crippled me in my encounters with the Chinese delegates, and it made me realize, albeit bitterly, that effective communication is so crucial to establishing a sense of rapport with them. I have made it my resolution to return one day with renewed fluency in Mandarin. The good news is that the Chinese delegates mostly understood what I was trying to convey as they made a conscientious effort to listen carefully.

That aside, I absolutely enjoyed every moment of Sino-Sing. At the start, we interacted with our Chinese delegates on a very professional and official level. Of course, as the days went by, the barriers started to break down and the delegates began to loosen up. While some delegates continued to be polite and diplomatic, others started to express themselves more freely (they know who they are!). I am glad that eventually we did not just exchange pleasant words, but instead held markedly intellectual and thought-provoking conversations that went beyond the surface.

I also realized that the delegates, while brilliant, shared the same joys and challenges as us. All of us enjoyed food, fun and laughter and gravitated towards such activities. It was truly an affirmation that we have common experiences even across thousands of miles!

Reflections By Yang Chong

When I was just a 15 year old kid, I have heard about the initiation of a bilateral exchange programme involving undergraduates from Singapore and China by then Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong to then Chinese Vice-President Hu Jintao. It was my dream to be part of the Singapore delegation to boost bilateral relations at the undergraduate level. 9 years later, my dream came true. I am indeed honoured and proud to be one of the ambassadors for NUS and also Singapore in the 7th Sino-Singapore Undergraduate Exchange Programme.

(Tour of the Southern Ridges: A 1st hand experience of how Singapore incorporates economic development with environmental conservation)

The 3 day Singapore leg programme was indeed fun and enriching. First up was the “ice-breaker” day at Sentosa where I first got to interact with a few Chinese delegates and also got to know the other NUS delegates. After that, it was the 2-day NUS programme where we tried to sell Singapore’s strength in ‘sustainable development’ which is currently an ‘in-thing’ in China and also introduced our cultural heritage to the Chinese delegates. Finally, it was the funky farewell dinner which was rather informal and brought the Singapore leg programme to a climax and also an emotional end.

Through the Singapore leg, I have gained a new perspective of the Chinese undergraduates. Born to Chinese-educated parents, having studied in a SAP school and being active in the Singapore’s Chinese Orchestral arena for more than a decade, I am indeed rather familiar with China’s social, economic, demographics etc. But after interacting 1st hand with the Chinese delegates during the Singapore leg, I have sensed that their lives are driven by causes and patriotism. Apart from grades, they are passionate, idealistic, out to change the world for the better and to make a mark for themselves. They are full of energy in pushing causes and promoting projects, ranging from helping disadvantaged families to promoting green energy etc.

On the other hand, I have indeed learnt what differentiates Singaporeans from the Chinese delegates. We do not speak 标准 Mandarin. We speak Mandarin with our Cantonese, Hokkien and all kinds of Teochew accents and phrases. We are also “culturally somewhere in between the Chinese and the West” and are more familiar with both cultures.

(Posing buoyantly at the Henderson Waves: Evidence of the close friendship forged in just 3 days)

Whatever the differences between the Singapore and China delegates are, the Singapore leg programme did gel of us as one. May the friendships forged during be continued decades down the road. May all of our fond memories of this programme be sunk in depth in our heads that it can be one of the milestones of our lives besides commencement, marriage etc. May Sino-Singapore relations not just at the undergraduate level, but at all levels reach greater heights in the years to come….

In the meantime, let us look forward to seeing our China friends in May. CHINA HERE WE COME!

Reflections by Cheryl

1) I was quite apprehensive about joining SSUE because my Mandarin is not very good! I hadn't spoken it in awhile, and it was really rusty. One of my personal hopes was that through SSUE, I would be able to speak the language more fluently. I don't know if I have fully achieved this goal (probably should ask you all that instead) but I am more confident holding a conversation in Mandarin now. Hopefully I will improve more in May!!!

2) 2 significant memories of SSUE: the Southern Ridges tour with my group and the conversations I had with our Chinese friends over dinner in Bedok.

When we went on our walk through the Southern Ridges, it was pouring. We had to share umbrellas and a few of us got quite wet, but our Chinese teammates were really positive and their spirits weren't dampened at all. It was encouraging to see how they were so supportive of our plans and appreciative of Singapore's natural habitat. I decided that we must reciprocate their positivity in May! Walking the trail with them made me see our garden city through new eyes and helped me to appreciate our greenery more too.

At Bedok, we were talking about (among other things) China's history and society. I was struck by how much our Chinese peers really loved their country and felt responsible for her success. It was quite moving to witness their patriotism, and the debt of gratitude/responsibility they felt they owe to China! They made me relook at my position in Singapore and the responsibility I have to bring about her development. When I think about our conversation I feel quite guilty at how micro my views of life tend to be, when my peers in China are thinking about global issues like saving the world and leading their country!

3) I'm really happy to be part of the NUS SSUE delegation! It's been great meeting, befriending and working with you all and I hope it continues into the China leg and beyond! Special thanks to my friends in Group 1 - it was a wonderful 2 days with the 4 of you - and my fellow videographer Mei Yan.

Looking forward to the 2 weeks in China with everyone!

Reflections by Wei Quan

Our journey for Sino-Singapore kicked off with a meeting in the Shaw Foundation House when all of us were still strangers to one another. However, the meeting turned out to be a fruitful one and we decided that the theme of the NUS leg was to be about Singapore’s sustainable development.

I would say that although the theme was decided rather late, we sprang into action immediately and the different groups came up with distinctively Singaporean programmes, which aimed to be both exciting and engaging. I am proud that the NUS team was able to do this and I am indeed honoured to be part of this team. With sheer determination and hard work, we managed to pull off a decent programme for the Chinese delegates, which we hoped would thrill and excite them.

The day finally arrived when the Chinese delegates touched down on our shores. Our NUS contingent was the only force present at the Airport, shouting “欢迎” loudly which indeed left a deep impression in the minds of many Chinese delegates. This was the start of the NUS’ hospitality and many Chinese students immediately felt our kind gesture.

Following up was a memorable trip to the Sentosa. To be honest, even we as Singaporeans had a whale of time at Sentosa as we were amazed by the rapid development and the mushrooming of new facilities. This was also our first encounter with the Chinese students, who were friendly and we hit it off rather easily. Of course, nobody would forget the birthday celebration that became like a mini press conference, where all of us took out our cameras and started snapping photos of the birthday boys and girls.

The NUS participants were honoured to host the Chinese students for two days, where we brought them around NUS to enjoy the scenery and the good food (I hope so!!) in our campus. The highlight of our programme was the heritage cum sustainability tour around Singapore, during which my group brought them to the National Library and Kampong Glam. At the National Library, we learnt more about the energy efficiency of the building and marveled at how the tweaking of simple designs actually helped save the earth. Of course, the happiest thing was that we had the privilege of enjoying the city’s panorama from the top floor of the National Library which is normally closed to the public.

Our visit to the Sultan Mosque was also full of surprises. Our speaker, who introduced Islam to us at the Mosque, was surprisingly a Chinese Muslim! Only after our conversation with the staff of the mosque did we discover that the mosque actually put in effort to find a Chinese to speak to our Chinese delegates so that they could understand Islam better. The Chinese were also delighted at the fact that they were able to don on the traditional Malay costume. What was an interactive way for them to know more about Islam.

The Singapore leg of the programme ended off with our sending off of the Chinese delegates at the Airport. There were no tears, but smiles, hugs and also the overweight luggage of our Chinese friends. Friendships were forged, not only among the NUS students in this programme, but also with other local universities and not forgetting our Chinese friends. Everyone is looking forward to the second leg in China where we will once again be reunited.