Recognising SMU students who lead the way for meaningful change
Community Service has been a core component of SMU since its inception, aiming to prepare students as responsible citizens who demonstrate leadership and integrity in their personal and professional lives. In August, SMU recognised nine undergraduate students for their exceptional commitment to community service with the donor-sponsored SMU Community Service Student Achievement Awards 2024.
A mission beyond self-interest
For many SMU students, community service is more than a graduation requirement – it is a mission to make a difference in their own ways.
Lionel Goh, a Year 4 student at SMU School of Computing and Information Systems (SCIS), is a stellar example. As a past recipient of the Pilot Pen Community Champion Award in the Disability category in 2022, Lionel has been further recognised in 2024 with the prestigious SGS-Ikeda Peace Award. His extensive volunteering efforts through projects like Project Illuminate, Project YOLO, Project Enrich, and Project Ai highlight his unwavering commitment to social causes.
For Lionel, receiving the SGS-Ikeda Peace Award is more than a personal achievement – it’s testament to the collective effort and strength of his Exco team, united by the belief that even the smallest acts can spark lasting change.
“Don’t underestimate the amount of good you can do with what you are given. Community service is more than just an act of kindness; it’s a powerful catalyst for change,” he urges.
Stella Blenda Chandra, a Year 3 student at SMU Lee Kong Chian School of Business (LKCSB), was honoured with the Pilot Pen Community Champion Award for her contributions to disability service, such as facilitating an engagement session at THK Home for Disabled Adults @ Sembawang.
Her inspiring journey was initially driven by the need to meet the mandatory Community Service requirement at SMU. But as she engaged more with beneficiaries of the SMU Caretalyst’s Project YOLO 2023 – enriching the Freshmen’s Orientation through community service – she uncovered profound meaning in her community work with children from underprivileged families.
“One may think that community service pales in comparison to other pressing matters in our lives, but it’s crucial to recognise that its impact reaches far beyond the beneficiaries,” she says.
Stella emphasises that community service fosters empathy and a culture of care, benefiting both those served and those who serve, despite the challenges of time management that she had to overcome, through careful planning.
The benefits of giving back
While community service places a huge emphasis on giving back to the community, many students learn that they end up taking something important away from the experience for themselves.
It can be something as simple as feeling joyful from having made a difference, or a profound understanding of what life is like for the underprivileged, which in turn helps to fashion and reshape one’s outlook on life.
For Ryan Sim, a Year 3 student at SMU LKCSB, community service is both a chance to connect with others, as well as a reminder to appreciate what he has. Receiving the Pilot Pen Community Champion Award (Elderly Issues) is a significant milestone for Ryan, serving as both recognition and motivation.
“What motivates me is seeing the positive impact on beneficiaries and their smiles,” Ryan muses. “Community service provides a reality check, helps me appreciate what I have, and allows me to connect with people from all walks of life and hear their stories.”
Ryan’s commitment to community service started in his youth, with early efforts that included visits to elderly residents during his time in secondary school. The years have seen his dedication evolve as he took on leadership roles, such as spearheading impactful initiatives like Project Filos – a project to give back to and befriend socially isolated seniors and seniors with chronic diseases.
Goh Si Hui, a Year 4 student at SMU Yong Pung How School of Law (YPHSL), also appreciates the fulfilment she gains from her community service, which includes 369 hours of community service during her time at SMU alone – almost five times SMU’s minimum requirement.
Si Hui (second from the left) at the Life Community Services Society carnival, where she helped organise activities for the children.
Si Hui’s projects included leading initiatives like Project Illuminate, which supported underprivileged children through academic enrichment and character-building activities, and Project YOLO, which helped primary-school students develop soft skills through educational outings.
Additionally, she volunteered in Project Ai, working with Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (PWIDs), and Project Enrich, to facilitate the holistic development of beneficiaries. Beyond her community service efforts, Si Hui also contributed through her pro-bono work at the Community Justice Centre and Office of the Public Guardian.
“I hope more people find joy in serving the community, as even small acts, like tutoring, can make a significant impact,” she says, going on to quote Mahatma Gandhi: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
