SIM University
PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES

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UniSIM
Besides imparting knowledge and practical skills, UniSIM ensures undergraduates are also individuals who take a keen interest in the world.

T he demand for flexibility among today’s learners has seen UniSIM develop new ways of teaching. The University offers part-time programmes for working professionals who wish to enhance their knowledge, as well as full-time programmes for students who want to prepare themselves for the workforce. It tailors its pedagogy to suit the needs of part-time and full-time students, a testament to its commitment to put students at the heart of its operations.

In line with UniSIM’s flexible approach, full-time students can expedite the completion of their programme by taking additional evening classes with part-time students. This fulfils more than just the aspect of flexibility – it also enriches the learning experiences of full-time students. Being able to learn alongside working professionals allows full-time students to develop a deeper understanding of work issues and form critical professional networks.

For 23-year-old Priscilla Ngeow and 20-year-old Jasmin Kaur, both full-time students, this unique approach to teaching drew them to Singapore’s only private university. They let us in on the activities that form their eventful student life, and how they have been empowered by their range of opportunities.

Priscilla Ngeow Qian Yu

Priscilla Ngeow Qian Yu

Studying:
Bachelor of Science in Finance

“Put your head, heart and habit into your learning.”

A Holistic Learning Journey

Priscilla tells us that first-year students are required to complete common core modules such as ‘Thinking and Reasoning’ and ‘World Histories and Issues’ to hone their critical thinking skills. They will delve deeper into their majors in their second year, and will complete a 24-week work attachment in their third year.

For Priscilla, who is pursuing her degree in finance, she looks forward to undergoing her internship with DHL. “Being equipped with a finance degree would allow me to find employment opportunities in areas such as investment banking and corporate finance. I am not sure yet about the path I intend to take, but I know my internship would allow me to gain critical job insights and explore my areas of interest,” she tells us confidently.

On Jasmin’s end, the Accountancy student looks forward to her internship with Ecovis Assurance LLP, where she will be exposed to the work of audit and assurance experts. “My internship would allow me to understand concepts even before my lecturers teach them in class. A greater understanding of these subject matters would enable me to learn by not just simply memorising,” she tells us.

Beyond the academics, Jasmin shares that students are required to undergo a service-learning project grounded in UniSIM’s principles and practices. This project aims to build a culture of service among the UniSIM community and allows students to apply their skills to serve society. For Jasmin, she has been involved in the work of the Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC), where she shadows specialists to better understand concerns of migrant workers. “We conduct surveys to find out how they feel about social issues and organise small-scale events to create a homely environment for them. Sometimes, we do simple things like prepare dinner to fuel them in view of their tight work schedule,” Jasmin tells us.

Jasmin Kaur d/o Jagjit Singh

Jasmin Kaur d/o Jagjit Singh

Studying:
Bachelor of Accountancy

“These events allow us to experience university life beyond the walls of our classroom.”

An Abundance Of Opportunities

UniSIM students are also given various opportunities to broaden their worldly perspectives. For instance, Priscilla and her group of friends founded the Advocates of Thought, Language and Service (ATLAS) club to alleviate youth apathy towards global issues such as justice, democracy and human trafficking. This is done through reading sessions, dedicated online content, participation in the Model United Nations or a global debate, and community service.

In view of her work in ATLAS, she was selected by UniSIM to represent the University at the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) Youth Debates 2015. Priscilla participated alongside students from National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and other ASEAN universities to frame arguments surrounding ASEAN policies. “It was a good opportunity to meet delegates from various backgrounds and listen to their perspectives. It also allowed me to hear from people who actually crafted the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration!” Priscilla enthuses.

Jasmin, too, has received opportunities to gain insights from peers and world-renowned experts. She attended the SG100 Dream Future Forum, where student representatives shared their thoughts about policies in Singapore. “It was a forum to discuss real issues – such as the LGBT movement – that matter to Singaporeans. We were given the chance to hear from our peers as they expressed their aspirations for national progress,” she explains.

She also benefitted from the Singapore Management Festival organised by SIM Professional Development, where distinguished guests such as renowned physicist Dr Michio Kaku and ex-CEO of Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS), Mr Bernard Harrison, offer industry inputs. “These events allow us to experience university life beyond the walls of our classroom,” Jasmin shares with a smile.

With all the experiences they have been through, the duo tells us that one has to grasp both academic and non-academic opportunities in order to benefit from a fulfilling university journey. “Put your head, heart and habit into your learning,” Priscilla shares. Singing the same tune, Jasmin concludes, “Your undergraduate experience will be much more meaningful if you possess the passion to give back to society. It is also important to be ever willing and open to embrace change!”