Experience : Helix Study Trips for Engagement & EnRichment (STEER) Vietnam 2023
Wellness: Lifestyle, Food and Mind
"Embark on a journey to discover and comprehend the rich diversity of socio-cultural-economic landscapes, along with wellness practices focusing on lifestyle, nutrition, and mindfulness. Let go of preconceived notions and embrace learning through immersive experiences." This is how I encapsulate our transformative Helix STEER Vietnam 2023 journey, which spanned across Hanoi, Sapa, and Ha Long Bay.
Guided by our Resident Fellow, Dr. Hoang Truong Giang, the team departed from Changi Airport on the morning of 16 December 2023, to the three most popular destinations for wellness tourism in Vietnam. The participants, residents from all Blocks in Helix House, had never met each other before! As their accompanying staff for 12 days, I was filled with both excitement and anticipation for them.
Helix STEER Vietnam 2023 is an initiative designed to explore the wellness and food & beverage industries of Vietnam, with a focus on promoting a healthy lifestyle. The objective was to learn about Vietnam's diverse culture and history, understand the country's approach to healthy food and nutrition, and foster compassion and happiness through community service.
In collaboration with the Vietnam National University (VNU), our inaugural group of nine participants found the experience to be a resounding success. They engaged in a plethora of enriching activities that allowed them to immerse themselves in Vietnamese culture. This included insightful lectures, meaningful interactions with the local community, particularly the Mountainous Underprivileged Students (MUSF) at Trung Chai Primary School, hands-on cooking workshops, local exploratory visits, rejuvenating yoga sessions, and invigorating hikes.
As part of the fundraising efforts, the Helix STEER 2023 team successfully raised over SGD 1500 (27,443,381 Vietnamese Dong) for underprivileged children in Vietnam's mountainous regions. The funds were used to support student meals, purchase stationery, provide first aid kits, and make cash donations to MUSF.
Here's what our participants have to say:
In summary, I never regretted being on this journey with them. I personally forged new memories and friendships that will hopefully last a lifetime. As I write this, I can feel the 'Vietnam blues' kicking in again, despite having been back for weeks now.