Singapore Chapter – Annual Bonding Session 2014

About the Event

Written by Astrid LIM (FS2012-13, National University of Singapore)

To strengthen the Fung Scholars network, the Singapore Chapter annually organises a Bonding Session to provide opportunities for interaction between the existing and alumni Fung Scholars community. With this year’s key theme of connecting and engaging both alumni members and existing Scholars, the Singapore Chapter Networking Session 2014 was initiated and organised on 29 May 2014, kindly sponsored by the Fung Foundation.

Held in the heart of the Central Business District, the event was organised in The Penny Black, a popular after-work gathering place conveniently situated in the Raffles Place office precinct. Centrally located, the event venue would be easily accessible to alumni members working in the area.

With a light and friendly atmosphere, Scholars conversed over drinks and finger food, while enjoying live music performances at The Penny Black. A total of 11 Fung Scholars attended the Networking Event. During the Networking Session, the alumni members shared their working experiences and perspectives regarding the corporate world, and Scholars that returned from their Exchange Programme also exchanged travel tips and fond memories of their experiences studying abroad.

As participants hailed from varying cohorts of Fung Scholars, the Networking Session also provided opportunities for Scholars to interact and connect with each other, strengthening the Scholars community. In fact, the Event was attended by two overseas Fung Scholars- Gigi Au-Yeung (FS2008-09, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University) from Hong Kong, and Carl Qian (FS2006-07, Fudan University) from Shanghai, who are currently pursuing their post-graduate studies in Singapore.

During the Event, with the Scholars updating each other on their current careers and lives, an alumni member, Eugene Yan, mentioned about a meaningful community project, Willing Hearts, which he was currently volunteering in. The non-profit organisation, Willing Hearts1, operates soup kitchens to help the needy and underprivileged in Singapore. With an opportunity to contribute to society through a community involvement activity with Willing Hearts, the Fung Scholars’ Singapore Chapter could possibly consider organising a future community event with the organisation.

Through the exchange of perspectives and insights, and forging of new networks and friendships between Scholars from diverse backgrounds, the Networking Event was a successful and enjoyable session, and we would like to thank the Foundation for its support and funding for the Event. The Singapore Chapter hopes to continue connecting members across cohorts, and strengthening bonds within the Scholars’ network through events and projects.