Residential College 4 (RC4) continues to embody the philosophy of a living and learning community, exemplified by the initiatives of Noctua house. Under the guidance of Noctua Resident Fellow, Dr. Navarun Varma, and its dedicated student leaders, the house has created impactful experiences that blend systems thinking, student interests, and community outreach. These efforts have strengthened the sense of connection between RC4 students and the broader community, showcasing the significant impact of student-led initiatives.  

Dr. Navarun highlighted the importance of allowing students to take ownership of their service-learning activities. "During casual dinners or conversations in the corridors of RC4, I frequently discussed with (former) Noctua House Head, Jia Xuan, and Vice-Head, Steffi, about how we could plan something meaningful," Dr. Varma shared. "However, I got a clear message from the student leaders that anything structured from the top will kill the “fun”, “passion”, and “enthusiasm” for service." 

This led to the launch of the 'Values in Action' (VIA) initiative, spearheaded by the Noctua House Committee in 2023. This initiative saw students designing and executing events that resonated with their passion for service. By allowing the students to lead, they had created a framework where student interests and creativity could flourish, resulting in meaningful contributions. 

The VIA initiative has been highly successful in encouraging students to engage in a variety of service activities, partially due to its alignment and similarity to the Ministry of Education programs that students remembered from their previous years in school. This familiar approach attracted participation not only from Noctua House but also from across RC4’s student body. 

Among the standout events was the intergenerational sports day held at Ren Ci Senior Care Center, which allowed students to connect with senior citizens through fun and active engagement. "I'm grateful for this service-learning opportunity and proud of what our student leaders have accomplished," Dr. Navarun remarked, recognizing the significance of working alongside his students in a shared mission of community service. 

In January 2024, Noctua House collaborated with Mercy Relief. This initiative brought together youth volunteers from across ASEAN for a seminar focused on Systems Thinking in the context of urban disaster resilience. Noctua partnered with the “Urban Flood” game designed by RC4 alumni, Ernest, to provide an interactive learning experience that simulated real-world challenges in water governance. 

This seminar not only offered valuable insights into disaster resilience but also demonstrated how the principles of systems thinking - collaboration, informed decision-making, and foresight are vital to addressing complex urban issues. "It was eye-opening to see the diverse perspectives from across Southeast Asia, and it strengthened our understanding of resilience as a collaborative effort," shared Karthik, former Noctua House Head.  

Continuing their intergenerational outreach, Noctua House welcomed a group of children from Glyph Community in March 2024. The event included a tour of RC4 and NUS, along with hands-on activities like a history tour and a fun science session through slime-making. Karthik reflected on the joy this event brought to both the children and the students involved: "Seeing the joy on their faces was immensely rewarding for all of us. It showed the impact we can have when we engage with different generations." 

Through initiatives like Values in Action and partnerships with local organizations, Noctua House has exemplified the power of student-led learning. Under the leadership of Karthik, Ivy, Jia Xuan, Steffi, Stanley, Anderson, Ryan, Si Qi, Benjamin and many other Noctua residents, the house has successfully fostered an environment where meaningful service and community engagement can thrive. The dedication of these students, combined with the guidance of mentors like Dr. Varma, has enabled RC4 to strengthen its connections within the college and the wider community.