Batik and Community Bonding: Fostering Inclusivity at Pioneer House through Design-Your-Own-Course
Pioneer House (PH) at the National University of Singapore (NUS) has emphasized inclusivity and community bonding since its establishment in 2017. A recent initiative, known as “Design-Your-Own-Course” (DYOC), has further reinforced this commitment by allowing students to engage in self-directed learning outside their academic disciplines.
Connecting with the International Student Community
Launched in August 2024, a group of ten students initiated efforts to connect with the international student community residing at PH. This was the first time such initiatives were formally organized under the DYOC framework, which encourages collaboration with subject matter experts within the university. The programme aims to promote cultural exchange and strengthen community ties among students from diverse backgrounds.
The Vision Behind DYOC
The DYOC concept was proposed by Nikol Goh, a second-year psychology student, who aimed to cultivate a sense of community through collaborative activities. Goh’s team, named PHamigo—a blend of the acronym for Pioneer House and “amigo,” which means friend in Spanish—expanded from an initial group of four to ten members.
Guidance and Learning Goals
Under the guidance of Dr. Andi Sudjana Putra from the College of Design and Engineering and Associate Professor Wilson Tam from NUS Nursing, the students established learning goals aligned with Bloom’s Taxonomy. This educational framework categorizes learning into ascending levels of complexity. The team centered its efforts on community development strategies that highlighted existing community assets to improve engagement.
Community Engagement Activities
Throughout the semester, the students organized various events, including community tours and cultural activities, aimed at enhancing interactions among local and international students. These events, referred to as “OpenJio”—a colloquial term for an inclusive invitation—included visits to notable Singaporean landmarks such as the former Ford factory and Parliament House, along with culinary exchanges that allowed participants to share traditional games and cuisines from their respective cultures.
Batik Painting Workshop
To conclude their efforts, the PHamigo team hosted a Batik painting event in mid-October 2024, which attracted participation from both students and housekeeping staff at Pioneer House. This event served as an opportunity to express gratitude to the staff for their commitment to maintaining the residence. Goh and her team recognized the importance of understanding and addressing the needs of the staff in fostering a sense of community.
Impact of the DYOC Initiative
The Batik workshop introduced students to an important cultural art form and was described as therapeutic by many participants. The DYOC initiative was deemed invaluable, particularly for international students who had missed earlier orientation activities during the academic year.
Looking Ahead
As the semester came to a close, plans for the next PHamigo DYOC were announced, reflecting continued interest in community-building initiatives within Pioneer House. This framework highlights the potential for structured student engagement to enhance residential life and cultural appreciation at NUS.
Source: National University of Singapore News.
