Students
Story and experiences
Students
Story and experiences
Change Agents Immersion Programme
In collaboration with Singapore Management University
In Singapore, many youth want to create change and impact their communities– however, they often feel unsure on how to achieve these goals. Such was the case for sixteen budding leaders from Singapore Management University (SMU).
In collaboration with SMU, Bamboo Builders curated an immersion programme for these aspiring changemakers, bringing them to Bangkok to expand their horizons on the social development landscape in ASEAN.
AT A GLANCE
AT A GLANCE
We visited a textile upcycling factory, learning about circular economy efforts in ASEAN.
To gain a deeper appreciation of our food supply chain, we visited an organic farm and heard from local farmers how sustainability is promoted in agricultural practices.
We participated in a workshop facilitated by baristas who were visually impaired and learned how to make drinks — completely blindfolded!
Why Building Social Enterprises?
Learn Tried-and-Tested Social Entrepreneurship
Methodologies
Develop New ASEAN Friendships
Gain Exclusive Access to Social Entrepreneurs from ASEAN
Gain Career-Relevant Skills and Experience
What Goes On?
Programme Outline
Online Session | Hands-on Project Activity
Conducted in international classroom setting
1
Social Entrepreneurship in ASEAN
Understand how PES factors influence social enterprises differently in different countries.
2
Empathy in Social Entrepreneurship
Understand how empathy impacts the way we view both customers and the social issues we try to tackle.
3
Creative Problem Solving
Understand how to craft business ideas that solve real customer needs in ASEAN.
4
Final Presentation
Learn how others have built on similarities and exploited differences to produce innovations.
Fajris Zahrotun Nihayah
Indonesia
"I urge you to not hesitate because it is actually a very fun program! There are so many things that you could learn from this program and meet people from different countries - you get to know the insights of many social causes or many social problems around the world. So join in, it's very fun!"
Nattanich Lecksiwilai
Thailand
"This program gives me many inspirations to initiate my own social enterprise (to help with) Thai people's livelihood.
I will definitely use Design Thinking and also (my) great experience from this program to start my own social project!"
Yit Kang Yordan
Singapore
"My experience of going through the design thinking stages is going to stay with me for a long time to come. It might even colour the way I approach some of the problems that I face, the way I address or ideate problems nowadays. The process, the framework, and the learning down when it comes to thinking of solutions."
Yew Jun Huo
Malaysia
"I would say that it is meaningful, the experience, even though this exchange was quite short for me. It brings a lot of impact, for example, I got to collaborate with different people from different backgrounds and countries. From here, I got to learn from their perspective of looking at particular issues around the world."
Goh Si Xuan Kymberly
Singapore
"It was an unexpected experience because I signed up for this without much expectations with what I was going to go into or get out of this program at the end of the day. To be quite honest, initially, I thought this program was to learn about the business aspects behind social entrepreneurship. But somehow it became creating my own social entrepreneurship project with a bunch of other teammates from the other ASEAN region. So I thought that was quite interesting that I got to network with other teammates from the ASEAN region so I thought that was quite interesting. Tt was quite fun overall, to meet like-minded people who are passionate about social issues."
Our Approach
Right from the programme’s conceptualisation, Bamboo Builders turned to our signature Head, Hand and Heart pedagogy to inspire change and growth among the participating students.
Firstly, Head; we aimed to deepen the students’ knowledge of various dimensions in social development. The students started by learning about the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) framework and Design Thinking principles– key methodologies that lie at the heart of creating powerful and sustainable solutions to community challenges.
Next, Hand; at Bamboo Builders, we recognise the importance of hands-on experiences and practical application to meaningful learning. In Bangkok, the students engaged with a multitude of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), social enterprises, and regional organisations.
These interactions were not limited to mere visits. Instead, the students stepped into the shoes of various beneficiaries. Distributing daily necessities to slum communities, making coffee with visually handicapped baristas– these were just some of the exciting activities the students embarked on.
They were also given valuable opportunities to meet with local trailblazers, learning from seasoned industry professionals in the public, social, and private sectors.
Finally, Heart; throughout the trip, the students regularly reflected on their learnings and emotions from each day, giving them perspective and insights into their own development. Not only had they honed their community engagement skills, they had also become more empathetic and socially aware leaders.
As they walk away from this programme changed and inspired, we cannot wait to see how they, too, will create change in others.
Our Testimonials
Alvin Sim
Head, Co-Curriculum Development at SMU
Bamboo Builders was very responsive to our requests, and understood our trip objectives and unique approach. Our participants enjoyed a trip full of impactful, experiential learning experiences.
Vu Anh Nhi
Trip Participant
I was inspired by the Bangkok changemakers' fearlessness in pursuing their passion to improve society. I hope to find like-minded peers in Singapore and work with them to give back to the community.
Sarah Ng
Trip Participant
Over this trip, I was encouraged to step out of my comfort zone- as a result, I've grown and learnt so much. I've now become more resilient, empathetic, and socially aware than before!