Kevin KIM

University of Sydney, Australia
Exchange to the National University of Singapore, Singapore

I had the privilege of finishing my law degree in Singapore at the prestigious National University of Singapore (NUS). Joined by hundreds of students from all around the globe I came to be a part of a global village that NUS boasted. I was fascinated by Singapore’s rapid rise to influence in the global economy since Singapore became a self-governing state within the Commonwealth in 1959. It is now home to one of the busiest ports in the world and centre of global business activity. I had the opportunity to explore this tiny but influential island by foot, night cycling tours and by Singapore’s efficient public transport system.

NUS to me felt like a microcosm of the wider Singapore, a campus radiating with students from all over the world sharing their lives through academia, community service and sport. The local students made sure we got a feel for their “Singlish” and their patriotism especially at the National Day Parade where various NUS faculties and residences produced a spectacular display of hand-made floats and choreographed dancing. When the students aren’t at sports training or volunteer visits to community centres, they can be found along the corridors of campus and in the numerous libraries around campus preparing for their next class or engaging in furious debate with their peers. NUS is a dynamic place; no day is ever the same.

Singapore is a hotspot for students with an eager eye for travel. Kuala Lumpur is only a bus ride away from the NUS main campus and most destinations in South East Asia have cheap flights out from Singapore (specials are on all the time!). Between my studies I scaled Mt Kinabalu (Malaysia), the highest mountain in South East Asia, snorkelled over corals in Batam Island, cable-skied in Indonesia and indulged in exotic Thai cuisine in busy Bangkok.

Thanks to the Endeavour Australia Cheung Kong Awards, I was able to immerse myself in studies and truly undertake a cultural exploration through my travel to various countries in the region. I would strongly encourage all students to consider Asia and, in particular, Singapore as their exchange destination.

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