What is the Southeast Asia Friendship Initiative?

The Southeast Asia Friendship Initiative (SFI) introduces Southeast Asia (SEA) to undergraduates living in residential units. These courses:

1. focus on an SEA country,
2. address one of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and/or Innovation and Enterprise (I&E), and
3. include a study trip to an SEA country.

Why read SFI courses?

SEA is one of the most culturally diverse regions in the world with a population of almost 640 million people. Leveraging Singapore's unique geographical location, you can learn more about this region that is teeming with opportunities.

SFI courses:

1. Are credit-bearing and you will receive a letter grade for the course
2. Are experiential, and includes a trip to an SEA country
3. Are designed to deepen your understanding of the SEA country
4. Explore the specific local challenges and solutions related to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and/or Innovation and Enterprise (I&E)
5. Encourage students to interact with local community partners, NGOs and government offices
6. Comprise learning a Southeast Asian language (only applicable to SFI courses bearing 4 units offered to Halls and Houses)

Eligibility

You are eligible to read an SFI course if you:

1. are a full-time undergraduate,
2. have not previously read a SFI course,
3. are living in a residential unit, and
4. are not an exchange student.

SFI courses are open to all Singaporeans, Singapore PRs and international students.