Through its unique 3H philosophy that emphasises the importance of “Head,” “Heart,” and “Habit,” Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) transforms its students into well-rounded individuals who can thrive in any environment. Its focus on professional competency with applied knowledge and social awareness to meet the needs of society has empowered SUSS students to become leaders who can make a difference in their communities.

One shining example is Jourdan Dinh Thi Chinh Nguyet, a final year student pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing with a Minor in Communication. Jourdan’s experience at SUSS has been nothing short of transformative. The university has presented her with opportunities to develop her academic knowledge while instilling in her leadership skills and a desire to make a positive impact in her community.

“SUSS was the only university offering a specialised degree in marketing with a minor in communication. This was a significant factor in my decision to choose SUSS. Additionally, the flexibility of the SUSS curriculum allowed me to balance hands-on experience, coursework and real-world learning. This flexibility enables me to pursue other projects, engage in community activities, and manage personal commitments alongside my studies,” she said.

While at SUSS, Jourdan learned about the Temasek Foundation Sunburst Scholarship and successfully applied for it. As an international student who moved with her parents from Vietnam to Singapore during her secondary school education, Jourdan was thrilled to learn that the scholarship was open to students like herself. “My biggest motivation for applying for the scholarship would be to alleviate my parents’ financial burden,” she shared.“They left their jobs back home and moved to Singapore to give me a better future. Their unwavering determination and sacrifices have inspired me to work hard and achieve success. I want to make them proud and let them know their sacrifices were not in vain. They are indeed my biggest motivators for applying to this scholarship.”

A Leader in the Making

Jourdan has also honed her leadership skills through her involvement in various extracurricular activities. She took up her first leadership role in the Current Affairs Interest Group, serving as Chief Communication Officer overseeing the Group’s communication strategy to raise awareness for its events.

Her experience gained from the Current Affairs Interest Group also served as a solid foundation for Jourdan’s subsequent role in helming the social media and outreach efforts for Sociovation Forum 2022, an event organised by SUSS and supported by Temasek Foundation. The 10-day event brought together 80 undergraduate students from 21 institutions across the ASEAN region to share insights into various boons and banes of social media. It included talks, workshops and panel discussions involving social media giants such as Meta Blueprint, Twitter, Google and TikTok.

“I found this experience extremely eye-opening and fulfilling as it allowed me to contribute to the entire programme from inception to completion. As a member of the social media team, I created a content calendar and crafted engaging Facebook and Instagram posts. I was really elated to see the overwhelming increase in sign-ups and gaining over 300 followers within just 3 months. This experience taught me how to effectively lead a team and collaborate with others to achieve optimal outcomes. As a scholar, I truly value the experiences and support I received from Temasek Foundation and SUSS,” she reflected.

Jourdan Dinh

Impact Beyond the Classroom

Beyond gaining leadership skills, Jourdan has also found joy in making positive impact in the community. One of her most memorable experiences was volunteering with the Singapore Red Cross’ Young Hearts programme to tutor children from less privileged families in the English Language and Mathematics. She was also involved in workshops to help students understand the value of teamwork, communication and mutual encouragement to achieve their goals.

“Overall, this was one of the most meaningful experiences for me as it allowed me to contribute to the community while developing leadership and teamwork skills,” she said.

Jourdan continuously seeks to expand her skill sets and gain practical experience through various public relations and digital marketing internships. Currently, she is working as a Content Intern at GroupM, a prominent media investment company. In this role, she works closely with the content team to gather client briefs, propose suitable Key Opinion Leaders and influencers, plan and execute content campaigns. Her dedication to learning and growing in her career is evident through her pursuit of diverse work experiences.

Toward a Brighter Future

Looking towards the future, Jourdan is excited to apply key marketing and communications concepts in an increasingly digitalised world, having gained a strong foundation through her degree programme. With Artificial Intelligence (AI) becoming more prevalent, she hopes to harness its technology in the content creation field.

“One of my goals is to develop an AI-based technology that can optimise and simplify the workflow of content marketers like myself, making it more accessible and cost-effective for other brands and clients to assess content marketing without overspending. I believe this study area holds great potential, and I’m excited to explore it,” she enthused.

She is also grateful for the supportive and nurturing environment of the teaching faculty at SUSS, where Associate Professor Jimmy Wong played a significant role as her mentor and source of inspiration when she was working on a challenging thesis on AI. His unwavering support and deep passion for AI made the experience one of her most unforgettable at SUSS.

“His vast knowledge and insights were truly engaging, and he gave me valuable tips on improving my writing and communication skills. His guidance and mentorship during my thesis research have been invaluable, and I continue to apply the lessons learnt in other aspects of life,” she said.

For students who aspire to join SUSS, Jourdan believes that SUSS offers a unique balance of work and study that other universities may not provide. “If you’re looking for flexibility in your schedule to balance both, SUSS is the perfect place. You can take on internships or personal projects while managing your coursework without overwhelming yourself. Although you have to juggle between activities and your studies, it’s manageable due to SUSS’ flexible curriculum. This is a great perk of being a student at SUSS!”