In the quest for deeper understanding of the cultures of interest, self-formed and governed cultural group activities are vivacious on campus. This way, they can bring their activities into a developed level, opening up more possibilities such as organizing events together.
For instance, students with a common interest in Korean culture have organized NUS Korean Cultural Interest Group (KCIG). Starting from Korean language classes, KCIG displayed its cultural interest in diverse areas such as K-pop, food and TV programs.
“This year, to recruit our new members, we did our orientation playing games, similar to one of the Korean TV programs ‘Running Man’” said Jaslyn Ng Xin Hui (NUS, 2), the president of KCIG. “We also performed Korean songs and dances for our concert.”
While KCIG is broadening its interest toward different cultures, NUS Indian Cultural Society (ICS) is more concentrated on spreading its own culture to others.
“Having such a rich Indian culture and tradition in Singapore, we aim to share this culture with other NUS students,” said Michelle Loke (NUS, 2), the president of ICS.
To achieve this goal, ICS holds events like “Cultural Bazaar” every year. Selling items representing Indian culture such as Koi bubble tea, colorful Indian Kurta tops and Murukku, a popular Indian snack, ICS strives to infuse its own culture to the campus.
“The aim of “Cultural Bazaar” is to raise funds as well as to enable NUS students to better understand and appreciate the Indian culture,” Loke said. “We managed to attract many students from diverse backgrounds to our stall.”
For NUS, multiculturalism is no longer just a philosophy but a way of life, which steadily expands beyond campus.
“My interest toward Indian culture started from its food which has led me to join the South Asian Studies Students Society,” said Sophy Tio Hui (NUS, 3). “This was also followed by participating in ‘Study Trips for Engagement and Enrichment India,’ a stint for deepening our cultural interest with professors and fellow students.”
Kang Na-min
jina6502@ewhain.net