Going Abroad for Broader Perspectives

When Ho Yunci, a Year 4 Business Administration undergraduate at the National University of Singapore (NUS), embarked on her Student Exchange Programme (SEP) in South Korea, she mainly expected to gain new academic perspectives.

What she did not expect was how conversations with classmates, everyday encounters, and immersion in Korean culture would reshape the way she saw the world.

“Living in vibrant Seoul, where modern city life and traditional heritage coexist so naturally, was a transformative experience,” she said. “As a Leadership and Human Capital Management major, understanding how Korean values like hyo—which emphasises filial piety, respect, and collective well-being—shape leadership, alongside interacting with peers worldwide, showed me there’s rarely only one ‘right’ way to live or think.”

It was during her time in Seoul that she found the truth in French novelist Marcel Proust’s idea of how ‘the real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.’ 

“SEP gave me those new eyes—inspiring me to be more adaptable, inquisitive, and deeply engaged with different cultural perspectives” she reflected.

Experiences like Yunci’s underscore why overseas exchanges have become an invaluable part of an NUS education. Beyond academic learning, these programmes cultivate adaptability, resilience and cross-cultural understanding, all qualities that are increasingly important in today’s interconnected world.

A Gift for Multicultural Collaboration

It is opportunities like these that the Imdang Scholarship & Cultural Foundation hopes to make possible for even more students through its latest gift to support student exchange programmes at NUS.

Formalised at a signing ceremony on 20 August 2026, the Foundation’s gift will provide awards to Singaporean NUS undergraduates participating in SEP to South Korea, encouraging them to pursue deeper learning and gain new perspectives through meaningful cultural immersion. Priority will be given to students from lower-income families with a monthly per capita income of S$2,500 or below.

Established in 2005 by the late Ms Kim Moon-hee, the Foundation has long supported initiatives in education, culture and the arts. Today, the Imdang Scholarship & Cultural Foundation is chaired by Ms Kim’s eldest granddaughter, Ms Chung Jiyi, Executive Vice President at Hyundai Movex.

Ms Chung sees South Korea and Singapore as two important Asian hubs with strong potential for deeper ties in the years ahead. Through this Scholarship, she hopes to give future leaders the opportunity to experience Korea as a global partner, fostering meaningful exchanges while developing the critical thinking, openness and adaptability needed to navigate diverse environments.

“NUS is recognised for nurturing its students with ambition, curiosity and academic excellence. Multicultural collaboration is key to shaping future innovators and leaders,” said Ms Chung. “Through this gift, we hope to deepen ties between South Korea and Singapore, allowing more students to immerse themselves in Korean culture, build a global mindset and foster intercultural dialogue.”

Strengthening Global Skills 

As ​education becomes increasingly global, opportunities to learn beyond the classroom are more important than ever. International exchange programmes expose students to different perspectives, strengthen their critical thinking and communication skills, and prepare them to navigate an increasingly interconnected world with confidence. 

​“We are deeply grateful to the Imdang Scholarship & Cultural Foundation for this generous gift. The experiences students gain through overseas exchange programmes are transformative—they are opportunities for our students to see the world through new eyes and grow in ways a classroom alone cannot offer,” said Associate Professor Lum Sau Kim, Associate Vice President of the NUS Global Relations Office.

“With the Foundation’s support, more students will have the chance to broaden their horizons and grow into thoughtful global citizens who are curious, compassionate and engaged with their communities and the world.”

​For students like Yunci, an overseas exchange goes beyond a semester abroad. It is a transformative experience that broadens their perspectives, deepens cultural understanding and shapes them into future leaders. Thanks to the Imdang Scholarship & Cultural Foundation’s support, more students will get to enjoy these opportunities and come away with valuable life lessons.