FROM SHY STUDENT TO CHANGEMAKER: FINDING HER VOICE AT NUS 

When Ms Lara Chal first entered the National University of Singapore (NUS), she did not imagine herself leading large-scale student initiatives or moderating national policy discussions. Today, the final-year Life Sciences undergraduate serves as the Director of Alumni Relations and Community Engagement in the 46th NUS Students’ Union Executive Committee, overseeing a team of 20 and launching inclusive university-wide events.

“I used to be extremely shy,” she admitted with a laugh. “Before NUS, I wasn’t involved 
in any leadership roles. But in my first year, I took a leap and signed up to lead my Science Faculty’s Bash event and my hall’s Dinner & Dance. That’s when I realised I actually love working with people, creating new initiatives and helping others feel seen.”

Ms Chal credits NUS for providing the environment to develop into the leader she has become. “There are over 300 clubs and CCAs — everything from judo and golf to cultural and community groups,” she shared. “It’s a university of opportunities. You just have to act on them.”

One of her key motivations is fostering a sense of belonging among all students, no matter their faculty or hall. “Not everyone joins a faculty club or stays in hall, and they end up feeling left out,” she explained. “That’s why I wanted to create university-wide initiatives that anyone could participate in.”

CONNECTING THROUGH CONVERSATION 

One such initiative is Trek & Connect, an event pairing small groups of students with NUS alumni for a casual morning hike followed by intimate conversations. The format is simple: Walk, talk and connect. “We’ve done it at Mount Faber and around the NUS campus. Students choose from a list of alumni based on their interests, and we pair them up in small groups. It’s relaxed and very personal,” she said. “One alumnus even hosted a group of students at his office after the event—it’s been amazing to see those bonds form.”

Unlike formal panel discussions, Ms Chal said Trek & Connect gives students the space to ask fundamental questions and gain career advice in a comfortable setting. “Students told us they finally felt heard,” she added. “That’s what makes it all worth it.”

WIDENING HER WORLDVIEW 

Another milestone was her role as Social Chair in the Harvard Undergraduates in Asia Program, where she helped host Harvard delegates during their spring visit to Singapore. 

Eager to showcase the best of the country, Ms Chal and her team organised visits to iconic spots such as Jewel Changi Airport, Singapore Botanic Gardens and hawker centres. “They were blown away by how green our city is, how clean it is, and how good and affordable our food is,” she said.

The experience left a lasting impression on her as well. “When we visited Harvard in turn, I was struck by how open and questioning their academic culture is,” she said. “Students aren’t afraid to challenge their professors — it made me realise how important it is to create space for dialogue and diverse views.”

One of Ms Chal’s proudest moments was moderating a panel discussion with Minister of National Development Mr Desmond Lee and Housing and Development Board CEO Mr Tan Meng Dui. The high-profile event was held at NUS to discuss new housing policies for young couples. “It was nerve-wracking but extremely rewarding,” she recalled. “As a student organiser, I had to navigate working with government agencies, which involved a lot of coordination and patience. But seeing NUS credited in national news coverage made all that work feel worth it.”

A LEADER WHO LISTENS

Throughout her leadership journey, Ms Chal has embraced two principles: Take every opportunity and listen more than you speak. “Your committee often has the best ideas — you just need to give them the space to share,” she said. “I’ve learnt that being a good leader isn’t about giving directions; it’s about creating a collaborative space where everyone feels heard.”She also represented NUS at the University Leaders Dialogue, discussing the meaning of success with student leaders from across Singapore. “It was humbling,” she said. “Everyone had such different perspectives. Some said success was about travel, others about making an impact. It reminded me that leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all.”

As she prepares to graduate, Ms Chal plans to apply her leadership experience to the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in medical affairs. “NUS taught me not to shy away from opportunities. Even if you’re unsure, just try. You’ll either succeed or grow — and both are wins,” she said. “I want to carry that mindset into my career: To be bold, collaborative and always open to learning.”

Text by Audrina Gan. Photos by Dillon Tan.