https://IEx.podbean.com The Impact Experience Podcast is about the many facets of University-driven community engagement and service-learning. The show features interviews with university students, faculty, staff and alumni who will share their experiences, projects and ideas about how the University serves as an incubator and catalyst for positive social change.

]]> Tue, 20 Jan 2026 16:48:56 +0800 https://podbean.com/?v=5.5 en sg Copyright 2023 All rights reserved. Education 1440 episodic Impact Experience: An NUSC Podcast is about the many facets of University-driven community engagement and service-learning. The show features interviews with university students, faculty, staff and alumni who will share their experiences, projects and ideas about how the University serves as an incubator and catalyst for positive social change. NUS College (NUSC) is the honours college of the National University of Singapore, and IEx is a required capstone project done across two years for all its students. Julius Bautista Julius Bautista No false https://feed.podbean.com/IEx/feed.xml https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/16833629/Impact_experience_Logos94rr1.jpg https://IEx.podbean.com 144 144 Arts in the Impact Experience: Exploring arts-based research in service-learning https://IEx.podbean.com/e/arts-in-the-impact-experience-exploring-arts-based-research-in-service-learning/ https://IEx.podbean.com/e/arts-in-the-impact-experience-exploring-arts-based-research-in-service-learning/#comments Tue, 20 Jan 2026 16:48:56 +0800 IEx.podbean.com/a13dcc07-c835-356b-b926-cc59c4440337 In this episode of the Impact Experience podcast, host Julius Bautista engages with Dr. Carissa Foo and Dr. Kiven Strohm, both creative practitioners and lecturers at the National University of Singapore College. The discussion delves into how art and the creative process can enhance community engagement in service learning. Through exploring arts-based research (ABR), the conversation highlights the potential of creative practices to foster meaningful connections and insights, encouraging students to embrace uncertainty and vulnerability as part of their learning journey.

]]> In this episode of the Impact Experience podcast, host Julius Bautista engages with Dr. Carissa Foo and Dr. Kiven Strohm, both creative practitioners and lecturers at the National University of Singapore College. The discussion delves into how art and the creative process can enhance community engagement in service learning. Through exploring arts-based research (ABR), the conversation highlights the potential of creative practices to foster meaningful connections and insights, encouraging students to embrace uncertainty and vulnerability as part of their learning journey.

]]> Julius Bautista false No 2175 2 6 full What is the 'community'? Unpacking a familiar concept beyond geography https://IEx.podbean.com/e/what-is-the-community-unpacking-a-familiar-concept-beyond-geography/ https://IEx.podbean.com/e/what-is-the-community-unpacking-a-familiar-concept-beyond-geography/#comments Tue, 20 Jan 2026 16:48:45 +0800 IEx.podbean.com/794012a9-d2bc-300d-9e7a-ceec43d7b3e5 In this episode, Dr. Yi'En Cheng, a human geographer and lecturer at the National University of Singapore College, joins the discussion to explore the conceptual boundaries of "community" with a focus on service learning. The conversation delves into the geographical and social constructs of community, examining both top-down and bottom-up perspectives. Dr. Cheng emphasizes the importance of understanding community as a dynamic and elastic concept, shaped by social interactions, emotional bonds, and power dynamics. The episode also highlights the role of technology in maintaining community ties and the significance of stakeholder mapping in community engagement.

]]> In this episode, Dr. Yi'En Cheng, a human geographer and lecturer at the National University of Singapore College, joins the discussion to explore the conceptual boundaries of "community" with a focus on service learning. The conversation delves into the geographical and social constructs of community, examining both top-down and bottom-up perspectives. Dr. Cheng emphasizes the importance of understanding community as a dynamic and elastic concept, shaped by social interactions, emotional bonds, and power dynamics. The episode also highlights the role of technology in maintaining community ties and the significance of stakeholder mapping in community engagement.

]]> Julius Bautista false No 2414 2 2 full Defining and Measuring Impact: Developing baselines and metrics for real-world change https://IEx.podbean.com/e/defining-and-measuring-impact-developing-baselines-and-metrics-for-real-world-change/ https://IEx.podbean.com/e/defining-and-measuring-impact-developing-baselines-and-metrics-for-real-world-change/#comments Fri, 16 Jan 2026 15:56:06 +0800 IEx.podbean.com/c2ae175b-b6bd-3bcb-83a1-3a8a1b0468a8 In this episode of the Impact Experience podcast, host Julius Bautista is joined by guests Swan Ping Poon and Dr. Michelle Lee to explore the intricacies of defining and measuring impact in service learning projects. The discussion delves into the importance of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the development of baselines for real-world change. Together, they share insights on how university-driven projects can create meaningful impact, the challenges of sustaining that impact, and the role of metrics in tracking progress.

]]> In this episode of the Impact Experience podcast, host Julius Bautista is joined by guests Swan Ping Poon and Dr. Michelle Lee to explore the intricacies of defining and measuring impact in service learning projects. The discussion delves into the importance of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the development of baselines for real-world change. Together, they share insights on how university-driven projects can create meaningful impact, the challenges of sustaining that impact, and the role of metrics in tracking progress.

]]> Julius Bautista false No 2790 2 7 full Ethics in Community Engagement: Navigating ethical dilemmas in service projects https://IEx.podbean.com/e/what-is-ethics-in-the-context-of-community-engagement/ https://IEx.podbean.com/e/what-is-ethics-in-the-context-of-community-engagement/#comments Fri, 09 Jan 2026 18:12:17 +0800 IEx.podbean.com/acd48075-dab3-30c2-ba78-011d92079be7 In this episode of the IEx podcast, Dr. Amanda Blair, a political scientist with over 15 years of experience in conflict-affected regions, shares her expertise in ethics and community building. Currently a Lecturer at the National University of Singapore College, Dr. Blair discusses the application of ethical principles in community projects, emphasizing mutual respect and reciprocity. Her insights are invaluable for those interested in using research to inform projects aimed at preventing and mitigating violence, making this episode essential for anyone committed to ethical community engagement.

]]> In this episode of the IEx podcast, Dr. Amanda Blair, a political scientist with over 15 years of experience in conflict-affected regions, shares her expertise in ethics and community building. Currently a Lecturer at the National University of Singapore College, Dr. Blair discusses the application of ethical principles in community projects, emphasizing mutual respect and reciprocity. Her insights are invaluable for those interested in using research to inform projects aimed at preventing and mitigating violence, making this episode essential for anyone committed to ethical community engagement.

]]> Julius Bautista false No 2463 2 5 full Savior Complex, Privilege and ‘Poverty Porn’: From saviours to collaborators https://IEx.podbean.com/e/are-we-saviours/ https://IEx.podbean.com/e/are-we-saviours/#comments Wed, 07 Jan 2026 17:50:25 +0800 IEx.podbean.com/b8af5252-c44e-3eca-a1ed-092258d8d1b1 In this episode, we delve into a thought-provoking discussion with guests Dr. Nurhidayahti and Dr. Ng Keng Khoon, both lecturers at the National University of SIngapore College. When we engage in service learning endeavors, should we consider ourselves the 'saviors' of the communities we seek to benefit?  Join producer and host Dr. Julius Bautista in unpacking the intricate dynamics of community engagement, focusing on the pivotal concepts of power, privilege, and representation. Explore the themes of poverty porn and the savior complex, as our experts provide insightful perspectives on these critical issues.

]]> In this episode, we delve into a thought-provoking discussion with guests Dr. Nurhidayahti and Dr. Ng Keng Khoon, both lecturers at the National University of SIngapore College. When we engage in service learning endeavors, should we consider ourselves the 'saviors' of the communities we seek to benefit?  Join producer and host Dr. Julius Bautista in unpacking the intricate dynamics of community engagement, focusing on the pivotal concepts of power, privilege, and representation. Explore the themes of poverty porn and the savior complex, as our experts provide insightful perspectives on these critical issues.

]]> Julius Bautista false No 4070 2 3 full Critical Service Learning: Service beyond volunteerism https://IEx.podbean.com/e/what-is-service-learning/ https://IEx.podbean.com/e/what-is-service-learning/#comments Sun, 30 Nov 2025 16:39:37 +0800 IEx.podbean.com/58a5693e-237d-3eb1-aaad-738042b38a0a In this episode of the IEx Podcast, we speak with  Dr Lim Chee Han, Senior Lecturer at NUS College, as he demystifies Service‑Learning—showing how it goes beyond volunteering by weaving critical reflection, academic rigor, and genuine partnership into coursework. Dr.  Lim tackles the curriculum challenges of workload, learning‑outcome alignment, and authentic community impact, while revealing the transformative potential for students to become lasting change‑makers.

]]> In this episode of the IEx Podcast, we speak with  Dr Lim Chee Han, Senior Lecturer at NUS College, as he demystifies Service‑Learning—showing how it goes beyond volunteering by weaving critical reflection, academic rigor, and genuine partnership into coursework. Dr.  Lim tackles the curriculum challenges of workload, learning‑outcome alignment, and authentic community impact, while revealing the transformative potential for students to become lasting change‑makers.

]]> Julius Bautista false No 1940 2 1 full Islands and Uplands: Rural Renewal Across Bali and Northern Thailand https://IEx.podbean.com/e/uplands-and-islands-rural-renewal-across-bali-and-northern-thailand/ https://IEx.podbean.com/e/uplands-and-islands-rural-renewal-across-bali-and-northern-thailand/#comments Sat, 10 May 2025 14:24:04 +0800 IEx.podbean.com/cb70f4b7-8a9f-3f08-895e-9f882844aa73 Journey with us from Thailand’s upland forests to Bali’s coastal mangroves as we explore how rural communities address environmental and economic challenges. Featuring two NUSC student groups partnering with community leaders in Pong Sayaen and Desa Budeng, this episode highlights their collaborative efforts in building sustainable livelihoods, preserving culture, and stewarding Southeast Asia’s landscapes

]]> Journey with us from Thailand’s upland forests to Bali’s coastal mangroves as we explore how rural communities address environmental and economic challenges. Featuring two NUSC student groups partnering with community leaders in Pong Sayaen and Desa Budeng, this episode highlights their collaborative efforts in building sustainable livelihoods, preserving culture, and stewarding Southeast Asia’s landscapes

]]> This episode highlights how rural communities in Pong Sayaen, Thailand, and Budeng Village, Bali, are tackling environmental and economic challenges through partnerships with NUSC student groups. Together, they are working toward sustainable livelihoods, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship across Southeast Asia’s diverse landscapes Julius Bautista false No 2751 11 full Project Confidence: Singapore Meets Vietnam in Soft Skills Empowerment https://IEx.podbean.com/e/project-confidence-singapore-meets-vietnam-in-soft-skills-empowerment/ https://IEx.podbean.com/e/project-confidence-singapore-meets-vietnam-in-soft-skills-empowerment/#comments Fri, 22 Nov 2024 18:39:12 +0800 IEx.podbean.com/4fc5e2c5-6789-3925-a14f-06f80c14b4a2 While academic achievements are highly emphasized in the education system, many Vietnamese youths face challenges developing essential soft skills such as public and intercultural communication, leadership, critical problem-solving and lateral thinking. This gap leaves many young Vietnamese underprepared for the demands of the global workplace. In this episode, we spotlight a group of three NUSC undergraduates collaborating with community partners in Trà Vinh to conduct workshops to help local youth build essential skills, empowering them for future success.

  ]]> While academic achievements are highly emphasized in the education system, many Vietnamese youths face challenges developing essential soft skills such as public and intercultural communication, leadership, critical problem-solving and lateral thinking. This gap leaves many young Vietnamese underprepared for the demands of the global workplace. In this episode, we spotlight a group of three NUSC undergraduates collaborating with community partners in Trà Vinh to conduct workshops to help local youth build essential skills, empowering them for future success.

  ]]> Julius Bautista false No 2343 10 full Trash Talk Southeast Asia: Tackling the Waste Crisis in Cambodia and Sabah https://IEx.podbean.com/e/trash-talk-southeast-asia-tackling-the-waste-crisis-in-cambodia-and-sabah/ https://IEx.podbean.com/e/trash-talk-southeast-asia-tackling-the-waste-crisis-in-cambodia-and-sabah/#comments Tue, 29 Oct 2024 14:24:55 +0800 IEx.podbean.com/c719848f-8129-3dc3-a698-00b84ee4d625 Southeast Asia faces a waste crisis as rapid urbanization, consumption and tourism puts pressure on already limited waste management and recycling resources.   In this episode, two undergraduate students discuss their respective initiatives to improve waste management capacities through infrastructure enhancement and education in Cambodia and Sabah.  

]]> Southeast Asia faces a waste crisis as rapid urbanization, consumption and tourism puts pressure on already limited waste management and recycling resources.   In this episode, two undergraduate students discuss their respective initiatives to improve waste management capacities through infrastructure enhancement and education in Cambodia and Sabah.  

]]> Julius Bautista false No 2226 9 full Urban Roots: Cultivating Community Through Gardening in Singapore https://IEx.podbean.com/e/urban-roots-cultivating-community-through-gardening-in-singapore/ https://IEx.podbean.com/e/urban-roots-cultivating-community-through-gardening-in-singapore/#comments Thu, 03 Oct 2024 22:01:59 +0800 IEx.podbean.com/7e6b7b11-c2c3-3d64-9aa5-da2ee9543829 Greenery has long been integral to the Singaporean government’s urban planning agenda.  Incorporating parks and green corridors throughout the city-state has underscored its reputation as a “Garden City.”  Community gardens have served as vibrant spaces that provide respite while promoting sustainability, wellness and small-scale food production.  But what are the challenges faced by those who cultivate these gardens?  How can students contribute to these endeavours?  Three NUSC undergraduates speak about their engagement with community gardeners in Singapore.

]]> Greenery has long been integral to the Singaporean government’s urban planning agenda.  Incorporating parks and green corridors throughout the city-state has underscored its reputation as a “Garden City.”  Community gardens have served as vibrant spaces that provide respite while promoting sustainability, wellness and small-scale food production.  But what are the challenges faced by those who cultivate these gardens?  How can students contribute to these endeavours?  Three NUSC undergraduates speak about their engagement with community gardeners in Singapore.

]]> Julius Bautista false No 2406 8 full Unspeakable Challanges: Confronting the Stigma of Period Poverty in Singapore https://IEx.podbean.com/e/confronting-the-stigma-of-period-poverty-in-singapore/ https://IEx.podbean.com/e/confronting-the-stigma-of-period-poverty-in-singapore/#comments Sun, 18 Aug 2024 13:23:57 +0800 IEx.podbean.com/59b29112-59fb-300e-bc93-f5500b604efd Period poverty is the challenge of accessing affordable menstrual hygiene products and facilities. It is a problem that affects many women and girls, even in affluent societies like Singapore where the stigma surrounding menstruation often leads to silence and embarrassment. Two NUS College students describe their efforts to work with local community partners in confronting this important issue. 

]]> Period poverty is the challenge of accessing affordable menstrual hygiene products and facilities. It is a problem that affects many women and girls, even in affluent societies like Singapore where the stigma surrounding menstruation often leads to silence and embarrassment. Two NUS College students describe their efforts to work with local community partners in confronting this important issue. 

]]> Julius Bautista false No 2291 7 full Finding Coco: Coral Reef Restoration in the Island of the Gods https://IEx.podbean.com/e/finding-coco-coral-reef-restoration-in-the-island-of-the-gods/ https://IEx.podbean.com/e/finding-coco-coral-reef-restoration-in-the-island-of-the-gods/#comments Sat, 04 May 2024 12:33:10 +0800 IEx.podbean.com/2244e32f-302e-3ece-bf33-6b8ed774a645 The island of Bali lies within the Coral Triangle, an area of incredibly rich biodiversity that sustains the world's oceans.  The marine ecosystem there faces numerous climatic and man-made threats.  Three NUSC undergraduate students go beneath the waves to utilize local knowledge and coconut husk to confront this pressing issue.  

]]> The island of Bali lies within the Coral Triangle, an area of incredibly rich biodiversity that sustains the world's oceans.  The marine ecosystem there faces numerous climatic and man-made threats.  Three NUSC undergraduate students go beneath the waves to utilize local knowledge and coconut husk to confront this pressing issue.  

]]> juliostyle false No 2484 6 full Empowered Beyond Borders: Collaborating with Stateless Communities in Southeast Asia https://IEx.podbean.com/e/empowered-beyond-borders-collaborating-with-stateless-communities-in-southeast-asia/ https://IEx.podbean.com/e/empowered-beyond-borders-collaborating-with-stateless-communities-in-southeast-asia/#comments Sat, 20 Apr 2024 18:21:43 +0800 IEx.podbean.com/62a1be4e-9058-3360-9095-16af7134e642 Stateless people, who are not recognized as nationals of any country,  do not have access to basic rights to education, healthcare, employment, and legal protection.  Two groups of NUSC undergraduate students are looking to collaborate with community partners to contribute towards the empowerment of stateless communities in Chiang Mai and Sabah.

]]> Stateless people, who are not recognized as nationals of any country,  do not have access to basic rights to education, healthcare, employment, and legal protection.  Two groups of NUSC undergraduate students are looking to collaborate with community partners to contribute towards the empowerment of stateless communities in Chiang Mai and Sabah.

]]> juliostyle false No 2718 5 full Circular Abundance: Technological and Agricultural Approaches to Food Waste in Singapore https://IEx.podbean.com/e/circular-abundance-technological-and-agricultural-approaches-to-food-waste-in-singapore/ https://IEx.podbean.com/e/circular-abundance-technological-and-agricultural-approaches-to-food-waste-in-singapore/#comments Sun, 07 Apr 2024 07:50:45 +0800 IEx.podbean.com/13aeac8e-a475-33a9-9f7e-75b908b06cea Two million kilograms of food is discarded in Singapore every day.  Two groups of NUSC undergraduate students are collaborating with industry and community partners on implementing practical and organic approaches towards tackling the food waste problem in the city-state.

]]> Two million kilograms of food is discarded in Singapore every day.  Two groups of NUSC undergraduate students are collaborating with industry and community partners on implementing practical and organic approaches towards tackling the food waste problem in the city-state.

]]> Julius Bautista false No 2137 4 full Guardians of the Giants: Elephant Ecotourism in Thailand https://IEx.podbean.com/e/guardians-of-the-giants-elephant-ecotourism-in-thailand/ https://IEx.podbean.com/e/guardians-of-the-giants-elephant-ecotourism-in-thailand/#comments Sun, 24 Mar 2024 16:18:06 +0800 IEx.podbean.com/ff4bb3d6-afd1-3a22-a37d-8a9d4bfed3bc The relationship between elephants and their human custodians in Thailand are ancient and complex.  Over the years, significant attention has been placed on the physical well-being of both animals and humans.   Four NUSC undergraduate students share their experiences collaborating with local communities to advance the welfare of elephants and their mahouts in the "Land of Smiles."

]]> The relationship between elephants and their human custodians in Thailand are ancient and complex.  Over the years, significant attention has been placed on the physical well-being of both animals and humans.   Four NUSC undergraduate students share their experiences collaborating with local communities to advance the welfare of elephants and their mahouts in the "Land of Smiles."

]]> juliostyle false No 2395 3 full Bayanihan: Empowering Filipino Youth Through Bamboo https://IEx.podbean.com/e/bayanihan-empowering-filipino-youth-through-bamboo/ https://IEx.podbean.com/e/bayanihan-empowering-filipino-youth-through-bamboo/#comments Tue, 06 Feb 2024 16:01:36 +0800 IEx.podbean.com/de072274-98c0-35d2-9f2d-d3fa8ac29430 Confronting the stigma of bamboo as a 'poor man's material', a group of students discuss their endeavour to advance youth empowerment by promoting bamboo-based agribusiness in the Philippines.

]]> Confronting the stigma of bamboo as a 'poor man's material', a group of students discuss their endeavour to advance youth empowerment by promoting bamboo-based agribusiness in the Philippines.

]]> juliostyle false No 1312 2 full Project Amihan: The Art of Bamboo https://IEx.podbean.com/e/project-amihan-the-art-of-bamboo/ https://IEx.podbean.com/e/project-amihan-the-art-of-bamboo/#comments Mon, 29 Jan 2024 13:18:16 +0800 IEx.podbean.com/ba6181ef-d6c0-3e2e-bb9a-87b1a16d0f7a Working with Filipino bamboo artisans, six undergraduate students discuss their plans to facilitate youth-oriented cultural awareness workshops in Laguna, Philippines.

]]> Working with Filipino bamboo artisans, six undergraduate students discuss their plans to facilitate youth-oriented cultural awareness workshops in Laguna, Philippines.

]]> juliostyle false No 624 1 full