Singapore Chapter

from Fung Scholars Network Newsletter - Feb 2020

Fung Scholars Dinner: Fireside Chat with Charlie Tian

Bringing Positivity to

Those Around Us/ Jamie Ko

On 5 th October 2019, we had a postdeparture and return gathering for Fung Scholars from multiple batches, and we also set up a chance for Hong Kong Fung Scholars in Singapore to meet other Singapore Fung Scholars. We would also like to express thanks to Warren Goh (FS18/19, Singapore Management University) and Ying Ho ((FS17/18, Singapore Management University) for arranging for the venue and snacks! As new Fung Scholars were already on exchange, one of them joined us over video call for the session. With the video call set up, we also had the pleasure of having JennyAnn join us for the session!

Jia Yi (FS18/19, National University of Singapore) shared about her exchange experience in Sydney, Australia, and also offered tips to people on exchange, or for anyone travelling with Australia!

Narcissa Koh (FS17/18, National University of Singapore) also organized a surprise activity, where we got the group to collectively come up with a calendar of activities over 2 weeks to spread kindness and positivity to people around us, and in the process, generating some sunshine for ourselves.

Following the event, we also consolidated the ideas generated into a calendar, to share with the Fung Scholars Singapore Chapter to act on, and we also encouraged sharing the challenge to anyone else who would find the project fun / meaningful.

Narcissa also consolidated the results of the 2-week challenge, and summarized some takeaways and observations:

As a respondent shared, "There are many acts of kindness around us every day, we just have to be more conscious and empower ourselves and others to propagate positivity."

1Limited Response on Survey (Total 7) + General Decrease in Completion Rate over Time

As much as we tried to engage, the survey came back with a small sample response, with some beyond that of the FS community! The finding might be attributed to the drop-off in response (due to busy schedules etc.) or the possibility that we are supporters of the thought of engaging in kind acts, but not necessarily doers of kind acts.

2Significantly Lower Completion for Tasks Perceived to be More Effortful

Buying a treat for those in the service line, not complaining for a day and Skype calling a friend who is overseas — did these tasks potentially have more barriers to completion?

This goes in contrast with tasks like HTHT, saying thank you and having genuine conversations beyond work.

For the activities that go a mile beyond that of our comfort zone of require additional efforts on our end, we might not easily engage in, or have the tendency to delay its completion.

3Take the First Step, it all Starts with Me :)

Across respondent stories, it seems that they reaped positive emotions in the process of brightening the day of those around them.

"When I did some kind things for my friends, they actually said it made their day!"

"Keeping to this challenge has helped me to remind myself that “even if no one does it, I can do it” and how positivity really bounces around and makes everyone more happy :)"

Being more courageous has opened new possibilities for them.

"Reminds me again of how it makes sense to take the first step, without needing to fear rejection as much, because many people really do appreciate the gesture! :)"

Whilst the movement has ended, do continue spreading the spirit of positivity whenever you can, to those around you, whether you know them or not!

This is the first time experimenting with such an activity and we hope that the Singapore Chapter can help to spread more positive messages in future!

Beyond this meaningful activity, Singapore Fung Scholars also got to catch up with other Fung Scholars on other occasions (some more ad-hoc than others!):