Theme: Middle East 101
Venue: Singapore (online)
Date: 7 - 16 December 2020 (10 days)

What is e-STEER Middle East about?
The Covid-19 pandemic has created a new normal. To halt the spread of the virus, governments around the world have implemented the closure of its borders. Work and travel that we once know, may not make a comeback swiftly, as we work together to stop the spread.
Restrictions on travel movements have resulted in a slump in the demand for goods and services. This has hastened the global recession. In recent years, Middle Eastern countries have taken steps to diversify their hydrocarbon export-based economies into knowledge-based ones, as well as accelerated the developments of tourism and alternative energy industries.
The NUS Global Relations Office (GRO) will be organizing a series of webinars where participants will be provided with the rare opportunities to learn more about global energy demand in the age of a pandemic and how key stakeholders in the Middle Eastern economies are gearing up to meet these challenges through revising corporate strategies, and re-pivoting of geo-political considerations and interests. Through this programme, e-networking opportunities with staff in foreign embassies and Singapore embassies abroad, partaking in an introductory Arabic Language course, learning about the rich history and culture through virtual tours to places such as souks, museums and savouring Middle Eastern cuisine through a remote, shared simultaneous dining experience, will be offered.
This e-STEER Middle East programme will comprise two parts. The first part will consist of a series of webinars, e-learning, virtual corporate visits and tours (as described above). The second part will comprise an in situ country programme where participants will partake in a physical visit to the county itself, when travel restrictions are lifted. Part 1 can operate independently of Part 2. Successful participants in Part 1 of the programme will enjoy priority for admissions into the Part 2 programme.
Programme highlights:
- Learn Introductory Arabic in a fun way
- Participate in webinars and understand the history and developments of the UAE and GCC countries, the geo-politics of the Middle East, the impact of Covid-19 pandemic on:- global energy demand, Middle Eastern economies, corporate strategies and environmental sustainability.
- Interact with Singaporeans working and thriving in the Middle East through a Zoom video call.
- Navigate through virtual, narrated walking tours to souks, historical venues and imbibe the rich and fascinating cultures of the Middle East.
- Indulge in Middle Eastern cuisine through a unique, remote, shared simultaneous dining experience.
Programme fee includes a home delivered Middle Eastern halal dinner (vegetarian options can be requested).
When does the programme take place?
7 December to 16 December 2020
Online activities, typically lasting 3 to 4 hours a day will take place during the 10 am to 5 pm period (weekdays and a Saturday).
The total number of online learning hours is approximately 12 hours. The programme itinerary will be shared with all participants at a later date.
Who can apply?
e-STEER Middle East 2020 is open to all full‐time
NUS undergraduate students*.
How can I apply?
Students interested in applying for STEER Middle East will be required to apply for the programme through the
Education Records System (EduRec) by
Sunday, 1 November 2020.
To find the programme in the system, search using setup ID 01834
*students encountering issues in submitting their application via
EduRec may write to Jasper Tang
grottd@nus.edu.sg for the application form.
Final decisions will be made by
Monday, 2 November 2020*. Selected candidates will be required to accept the offer in EduRec and pay the programme fee of S$50 to secure their places by
Tuesday, 10 November 2020*.
*subjected to change
How much does the programme cost?
S$50 (inclusive of a home delivered dinner)
Who to contact for more information?
For additional information or related queries, please click
here or write to Mr Jasper Tang @
grottd@nus.edu.sg.