Lessons On Resilience, Responsibility And Resourcefulness

By Ether Kum, Senior Programme Executive, SIM Student Development 

Whilst academia equips students with the knowledge and required expertise in their various subject matters, student life activities promote the development of soft skills and networks that enhance student readiness for employment. SIM Student Development recently supported two such activities.

From 23 to 26 August 2018, 14 members of the SIM Outdoor Adventure Club (SIM ODAC) and two supporting staff scaled Mount Fansipan in Vietnam. At a commanding height of 3,143 metres, Fansipan is the highest mountain in the Indochinese Peninsular, earning the nickname ‘The Roof of Indochina'.

Through the four-day expedition, students acquired and practiced basic outdoor skills and picked up the seven principles of Leave No Trace, a set of principles designed for environmentally conscious people worldwide as a standard set for outdoor ethics. The extreme terrain accompanied by heavy rains and temperature changes posed a great challenge to the expedition; it was indeed a step out of the team's comfort zone.


Alice Pang (pictured in a green jacket) attempting to descend a steep rock wall, with the support of teammates. Slippery rocks walls as such are common of Fanispan and make for a risky descend.

“Pre-expedition, the consistent physical training honed my trekking skills; I was able to put them to practice during the hike and even tried variations of the technique. During the ascend, I did not trek as fast as I had hoped to but still managed to pace my peers. Nonetheless, I relished the experience. Indeed, it was demanding both emotionally and physically; peer support through gestures and words of encouragement pushed me through! Looking back, these are precious moments I cherish and ones I will continue to hold on to till the next adventure with SIM ODAC,” says Alice Pang, University at Buffalo Bachelor of Arts (Communication) student and SIM ODAC Member.


Trading the luxuries of home for some simple meals, trekkers prepare for the treacherous ascend to the Fanispan summit.

With only each other for support, the team bonded through the trying conditions. Daily facilitations and reflections also afforded them valuable lessons of resilience, responsibility, and resourcefulness. Post-ascend, a beautiful sunrise and joy awaited the eager trekkers who were feeling accomplished.


Flying the SIM ODAC banner high at 3,143 metres above sea level. SIM Fansipan Expedition 2018 was indeed a fine success!

Triple The Joy At Varsity Boat Race

(From left to right) NTU, SIM, and NUS canoeists beaming as Singapore universities swept all podium placings for the K2 1000m race! Special mention to Andrea Tan (centre-front) for a third runner-up finish in her first canoeing competition. Congratulations team! 

SIM Canoe Sprint did the institution proud at the Varsity Boat Race 2018 coming in first, third, and fourth in the Women's K2 1000m, Men's K1 500m, and Women's K1 500m races respectively. Hosted at the Bukit Merah Laketown Resort in Perak, Malaysia, the competition is highly contested by universities in the Southeast Asian region. The team accomplished commendable results having only participated in the race once in 2017.

Faced with choppier waters and differering boat conditions, the competitors put their pre-race preparations to use and tackled the challenges swiftly and calmly. In true sportsmanship, teams from the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) offered their assistance; special thanks to NUS Canoeing and NTU Canoeing for the support.

For Leow Jing Yi, President of SIM Canoe Sprint, the event afforded more than just a competition experience.

She said: “Racing and results aside, Varsity Boat Race was a good platform for us to interact with other student-athletes in Southeast Asia and strengthen bonds within the team. Our humble team of four rowers forged a strong friendship with the canoeing teams from the other local universities. We even interacted with student athletes from Hong Kong, the Philippines and more! Sharing experiences and tips gave me insights into how the other student athletes manage their time between studies and training. It was encouraging to know that we are all in this great endeavour to achieve sporting glory and academic excellence!”


Seetoh Kian Wai (front) is all smiles and relieved after an intense Men K1 500m race. 

Competitors in the water but comrades on shore; it was a heartwarming sight as athletes of various institutions cheered each other on and shared experiences. Upon returning to Singapore, SIM Canoe Sprint continues to train hard in preparation for the upcoming local and international races.

For more information on SIM's Student Life Activities, email: student-involvement@sim.edu.sg

Posted online, 23 Nov 2018