Electronic Study Trip For Engagement & EnRichment (e-STEER)

Theme: "Sub-Saharan Africa - Introduction, Colonization, De-Colonization, Transformation, Conservation, Fascination."
Venue: Singapore (online)
Dates: 6 - 16 Dec 2021 (9 days, 2 to 5 hours each day)

What is NUS e-STEER Sub-Saharan Africa? 

The Global Relations Office (GRO) is organising the e-STEER Sub-Saharan Africa programme, which comprises a series of webinars and virtual activities to facilitate an introduction and spur engagements with the intriguing Political History/Economic and Social Developments/Wildlife Conservation/Business Opportunities/Heritage/Cultures of Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda and South Africa. These countries have specially been curated as they have developed strong, bilateral, political, economic and trade ties with Singapore. In many ways, they serve as the gateways for increased business investments, cultural ties, peoples-to-peoples exchanges in Sub-Saharan Africa.  Many companies in these African countries are also using Singapore as a base for their expansion into Asia. Sub-Saharan Africa has a population of over 1.1 billion with 6 of the world's 10 fastest-growing economies over the previous decade being situated in this region. With 42% of its inhabitants being younger than 15 years, this represents tremendous potential for social and economic transformations. Through the e-STEER Sub-Saharan Africa programme, participants will discover this relatively unknown continent through an immersive study of a broad range of historical, cultural, environmental, political, business subjects that are presented to guide the participants to understand the strategic imperatives facing this continent. The programme will examine topics beyond the news headlines.

 

These include:- 

: Analyzing the richness of the “Mother Continent" not just in terms of mineral wealth and raw materials which had attracted the Imperialist Powers in their “Scramble for Africa” in the 19^th century but also in terms of its cultural offerings, which have a profound effect globally on music, fashion and cuisine.

: Venturing to historical venues to hear the stories of injustices associated with the Slave Trade and the African Diaspora since the 1500s.

: Understanding wildlife conservation/biodiversity management beyond the confines of safaris.

: Probing into the little publicized economic transformation successes of African states; and its huge market potentials.

: Examining the Business Strategies of Singapore MNCs/SMEs operating in Africa.

The e-STEER Sub-Saharan Africa programme will comprise two parts:-

• Part 1 is now open for registration. The programme will mostly be conducted virtually.
• Part 2 will take place in Botswana/Rwanda/South Africa/Ghana* itself when the current Covid-19 related travel restrictions are lifted. Please note that Part 1 is operated independently of Part 2. That is, participants, joining Part 1 of the programme are not required to continue with Part 2. However, participants who complete Part 1 will enjoy priority admission for Part 2 when it is offered.
  

  *Subject to confirmation

Programme highlights: 

• Learn about Colonization, De-Colonization, Independence and Neo-Colonialism that have shaped the continent. Critically examine the British Imperial Experience in Africa, the Boer Wars and understand the dark chapter associated with the Transatlantic Slave Trade with a virtual visit to Cape Coast Castle in Ghana. 
• Examine the Apartheid system, its unravelling and Transitional Justice in South Africa. Delve into contemporary challenges in South Africa including inequality, state capture, civil unrest, and African Renaissance.
• Learn about contemporary economic transformations in selected nation states from government officials and academics. Analyze these developments with regard to social impact and sustainability.
• Learn about Singapore’s investments and delve into case studies of Singapore MNCs’ successful projects in Sub-Saharan Africa. Peek into Singapore MNCs’ Business Strategies (including Market Entry into Different Sectors, Brand Management, Public-Private Partnership) for the continent.
• Understand Venture Capital and Private Equity markets in Sub-Saharan Africa and explore its Start-Up scene.
• Learn about Wildlife & Biodiversity Protection/Conservation efforts in Rwanda, Kenya and Botswana. 
• Examine the nexus between religions and the environment, through a special focus on the work of Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Wangari Maathai.
• “Trek” and “See” the Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda.
• Learn about West African fashion and how its textile design was influenced by Batik from Java.
• Interact with youths from Rwanda.
• Expand your social network with professionals associated with African interests, based in Singapore.
• Network with corporate executives, officials from Singapore governmental agencies, and explore professional career options in Africa. 
• Indulge in Popular Culture and learn about contemporary Afrikaans music.
• Nourish your curiosity about African culinary delights and savour authentic and tasty dishes from Swahili coast, Nigeria, Rwanda. Indulge in a remote, shared and simultaneous dining experience*.
  *The programme fee includes a home-delivered meal from an African theme restaurant in Singapore (vegetarian options can be requested/alternative Halal option from another restaurant can also be arranged).
  
  

When does the programme take place? 

6 December to 16 December 2021

Online activities, typically lasting 2 to 5 hours a day, will mostly take place during the 10 am to 6.30 pm period (there will be no organised activities on the weekend (Sat and Sun)). 

The total number of online learning hours is approximately 26 hours. The programme itinerary will be shared with all participants at a later date.

Who can apply? 

The e-STEER Sub-Saharan Africa 2021 programme is open to all full‐time NUS students*.
*As this programme is targeted at undergraduates, priority will be given to undergraduates

How can I apply?

Students interested in e-STEER Sub-Saharan Africa 2021 programme will be required to apply for the programme through the Education Records System* (EduRec) by Friday, 22 October 2021.

To find the programme in the system, search using setup ID 02007

Students encountering issues in submitting their application via EduRec may write to Jasper Tang grottd@nus.edu.sg for the application form. 

Application results will be announced by Tuesday, 26 October 2021*. Selected candidates will be required to accept the offer in EduRec and pay the programme fee of S$80 to secure their places by Monday, 1 November 2021*.
*subjected to change

How much does the programme cost?

S$80 (inclusive of a home-delivered dinner). All unused monies collected will be returned to participants after completion of the programme.

Who to contact for more information?

For additional information or related queries, please click here or write to Jasper Tang grottd@nus.edu.sg 

Theme: Israel – Unpacking the Start-up Nation: Society, Heritage, Technology, Innovation, Entrepreneurship
Venue: Singapore (online)
Dates: 19 - 21 May 2021 ( 3 days)

What is e-STEER Israel 

NUS Overseas Colleges (NOC) and the Global Relations Office (GRO) are co-organizing e-STEER Israel, which comprises a series of webinars and virtual activities to facilitate a specialised understanding of Israel. A small country of barely 9 million citizens, Israel is known for its stunningly disproportionate global impact on scientific research, technological innovations and entrepreneurship, as well as its political influence built on extensive international alliances, an advanced economy and a strong military. Through the e-STEER Israel programme, participants will be exposed to topics beyond the news headlines. These include:- 

: Learning why venture capitalists and multinational companies flock to Israel despite ongoing tensions and conflicts in the region;

: Venturing beyond the well-trodden tourist sites;

: Probing into the Startup Nation success story; and

: Decoding the often oversimplified and hackneyed narrative, and peering into the fascinating kaleidoscope of social intricacies and infrastructure, pervasive ethos and national imperatives that have advanced the development of a truly nimble, resilient nation.

The e-STEER Israel programme will comprise two parts:-

• Part 1 is now open for registration. The programme will mostly be conducted virtually with some segments being offered physically in NUS (all Covid-19 pandemic health precautions will be fully observed and practised).
• Part 2 will take place in Israel itself when the current Covid-19 related travel restrictions are lifted. Please note that Part 1 is operated independently of Part 2. That is, participants, joining Part 1 of the programme are not required to continue with Part 2. However, participants who complete Part 1 will enjoy priority admission for Part 2 when it is offered.

Programme highlights: 

• Learn how Israel stays relevant and plays an influential role in the global community of nations. Analyse political, economic and societal developments in the Middle East and further afield, tracing their impact on Israel’s aspirations; 
• Grasp the concept of ‘tikun olam’. Find out how Israel deploys its crisis management acumen and technological innovations into humanitarian missions around the world. This drive to heal the world also powers successful entrepreneurship in the Startup Nation but there are challenges as well;
• Examine how Modern Hebrew, an artificial construct, was recreated from religious texts and ceremonial scripts dating back more than 3,000 years. Find out why the ancient spoken language was lost and how one family helped to revive it in a crazy experiment; 
• Visit famous historical sites in Israel, and explore parts of the ancient walled city of Old Jerusalem. Immerse yourself in the engaging history and diverse cultures of the land of Israel through our virtual tour offerings; 
• Uncover the small but significant Jewish community in Singapore. When did they settle here and what are their stories? Get up close and personal with an eye-opening visit* to a local Jewish synagogue;
  *subject to social distancing conditions at the time of visit
•  Participate in group discussions on our virtual platform, where you can critically examine, analyse various issues with STEER participants, Israeli students and subject matter experts; and 
• Savour culinary delights from Israel, indulge in a remote, shared and simultaneous dining experience* and find out how Israeli cuisine tells stories about the past and conveys hope for the future.
  *The programme fee includes a home-delivered meal from an Israeli restaurant in Singapore (vegetarian options can be requested).
  
  

When does the programme take place? 

19 May to 21 May 2021

Online activities, typically lasting 3 to 4 hours a day, will take place during the 10 am to 6 pm period (there will be a weekday in which you will be required to be on campus and another weekday in which the programme will end at 8 pm). 

The total number of online learning hours is approximately 11 hours. The programme itinerary will be shared with all participants at a later date.

Who can apply? 

e-STEER Israel 2021 is open to all full‐time NUS students*.
*As this programme is targeted at undergraduates, priority will be given to undergraduates

How can I apply?

 Students interested in e-STEER Israel will be required to apply for the programme through the Education Records System* (EduRec) by Monday, 29 March 2021.

To find the programme in the system, search using setup ID 01889

Students encountering issues in submitting their application via EduRec may write to Jasper Tang grottd@nus.edu.sg for the application form. 

Application results will be announced by Tuesday, 30 March 2021*. Selected candidates will be required to accept the offer in EduRec and pay the programme fee of S$60 to secure their places by Friday, 9 April 2021*.
*subjected to change

How much does the programme cost?

S$60 (inclusive of a home-delivered dinner)

Who to contact for more information?

For additional information or related queries, please click here or write to Jasper Tang grottd@nus.edu.sg 

Theme: Middle East 101
Venue: Singapore (online)
Date: 7 - 16 December 2020 (10 days)

What is e-STEER Middle East about?

The Covid-19 pandemic has created a new normal. To halt the spread of the virus, governments around the world have implemented the closure of its borders. Work and travel that we once know, may not make a comeback swiftly, as we work together to stop the spread.

Restrictions on travel movements have resulted in a slump in the demand for goods and services. This has hastened the global recession. In recent years, Middle Eastern countries have taken steps to diversify their hydrocarbon export-based economies into knowledge-based ones, as well as accelerated the developments of tourism and alternative energy industries.

The NUS Global Relations Office (GRO) will be organizing a series of webinars where participants will be provided with the rare opportunities to learn more about global energy demand in the age of a pandemic and how key stakeholders in the Middle Eastern economies are gearing up to meet these challenges through revising corporate strategies, and re-pivoting of geo-political considerations and interests. Through this programme, e-networking opportunities with staff in foreign embassies and Singapore embassies abroad, partaking in an introductory Arabic Language course, learning about the rich history and culture through virtual tours to places such as souks, museums and savouring Middle Eastern cuisine through a remote, shared simultaneous dining experience, will be offered.

This e-STEER Middle East programme will comprise two parts. The first part will consist of a series of webinars, e-learning, virtual corporate visits and tours (as described above). The second part will comprise an in situ country programme where participants will partake in a physical visit to the county itself, when travel restrictions are lifted. Part 1 can operate independently of Part 2. Successful participants in Part 1 of the programme will enjoy priority for admissions into the Part 2 programme.   

Programme highlights:

• Learn Introductory Arabic in a fun way
• Participate in webinars and understand the history and developments of the UAE and GCC countries, the geo-politics of the Middle East, the impact of Covid-19 pandemic on:- global energy demand, Middle Eastern economies, corporate strategies and environmental sustainability.
• Interact with Singaporeans working and thriving in the Middle East through a Zoom video call.
• Navigate through virtual, narrated walking tours to souks, historical venues and imbibe the rich and fascinating cultures of the Middle East.
• Indulge in Middle Eastern cuisine through a unique, remote, shared simultaneous dining experience.

Programme fee includes a home delivered Middle Eastern halal dinner (vegetarian options can be requested).

When does the programme take place?

7 December to 16 December 2020

Online activities, typically lasting 3 to 4 hours a day will take place during the 10 am to 5 pm period (weekdays and a Saturday).

The total number of online learning hours is approximately 12 hours. The programme itinerary will be shared with all participants at a later date.

Who can apply?

e-STEER Middle East 2020 is open to all full‐time NUS undergraduate students*.

How can I apply?

Students interested in applying for STEER Middle East will be required to apply for the programme through the Education Records System (EduRec) by Sunday, 1 November 2020.

To find the programme in the system, search using setup ID 01834

*students encountering issues in submitting their application via EduRec may write to Jasper Tang grottd@nus.edu.sg for the application form.

Final decisions will be made by Monday, 2 November 2020*. Selected candidates will be required to accept the offer in EduRec and pay the programme fee of S$50 to secure their places by Tuesday, 10 November 2020*.
*subjected to change

How much does the programme cost?

S$50 (inclusive of a home delivered dinner)

Who to contact for more information?

For additional information or related queries, please click here or write to Mr Jasper Tang @ grottd@nus.edu.sg.