Singapore Chapter – Pre-Departure Gathering 2016/17 (Sem 1)

About the Event

Written by Nigel KOH and Ming Rui CHIANG (FS2015-16, Singapore Management University)

The Fung Scholars Singapore Chapter welcomed the new batch of scholars who are embarking on their exchange adventure in the coming semester, as well as returning scholars who have already went on exchange.

Nigel began the session with an introduction from everyone present, and thereafter an introduction to the Victor and William Fung Foundation as well as the background information of the Fung Group. Following which, he shared about the history of the Singapore Chapter and its beginnings. This included an overview of the past activities and future plans of the Singapore Chapter of the upcoming year.

One of the key activities in the 2016 Singapore Chapter’s calendar was the annual Fung Leadership Conference, which Nigel shared would be held in October at Hong Kong this year. They encouraged the new and returning Fung Scholars to join the upcoming Fung Scholars Leadership Conference to be held in 2016.

After which, Nigel continued sharing about his exchange experience in the Carlson School of Management, at the United States. He is a FS2015-2016 Sem 1 returning scholar who had returned from his exchange at the University of the Minnesota. After which, Ming Rui shared his personal experiences from the Washington University at St Louis, at the United States. He is also a FS2015-2016 Sem 1 returning scholar. Nigel and Ming Rui also shared exchange and travelling tips to the new Fung scholars.

Finally, a bonding activity was conducted for the scholars to mingle around. Such a bonding activity was conducted at a pre-departure gathering, as we wanted to promote more interaction and longer lasting relationships among our scholars.

Before the pre-departure came to a close, the scholars had lunch together and networked with one another. It was interesting to hear what the new scholars have planned for their upcoming exchange semesters, such as their travel plans.

All in all, it was a fulfilling event. The Singapore Chapter wishes all the best for those embarking on their exchange experience in the upcoming semesters.

The new Fung Scholars had benefited greatly from the gathering by learning more about the Victor and William Fung Foundation, Fung Group and the Singapore Chapter. They also gained the opportunity to meet similar batch mates who will be embarking on their respective exchange programmes in the coming semester. The scholars had also gained new insights and exchange tips from the sharing by the FS alumni.

It was an interactive session, where the scholars got to know one another better through learning about everyone’s plans for the upcoming term, and interesting facts about one another. Besides, we hope that through the sharing about our future goals and expectations, our scholars can grow together as one chapter, as we reflect upon our aspirations for the next few months. Along the way, we believe the scholars can motivate and help one another achieve their goals.

It was great to see the chapter to continue growing with a new batch. The new scholars displayed enthusiasm to participate and organise future events when they return from their exchange. At the same time, it was encouraging to see some of our alumni back, as some relentlessly supported the Chapter and shared generously any advice or experiences they have to the new scholars.

We sincerely hope that the Chapter’s network will continue to grow and strengthen in the future, and we look forward to meeting one another at subsequent events.