From 10 to 14 February 2025, RC4 residents came together to celebrate the vibrant culture of ASEAN through ASEAN Week. This week-long series of engaging activities, workshops, and culinary experiences provided a platform for residents to immerse themselves in the traditions, history, and arts of the region. Through this immersive experience, students have fostered a deeper appreciation for its cultural diversity.

The event was initially conceived by Dr. Naviyn, Director of Student Life, as a way to showcase the international backgrounds of RC4 residents. Inspired by this vision, Cecilia Parman (Year 3 Data Science and Analytics) and Pwint Thiri Ko (Hazel) (Year 4 Business Analytics) came together under the guidance of Dr. Lynette Tan (Director of External Programmes at RC4), to organise an engaging week to showcase their traditions and customs for their Senior Retention project. Cecilia, with her Indonesian roots, and Hazel, with her Burmese heritage, wanted to leverage ASEAN week as a means for residents to unwind and enrich their understanding of communities in the region.

In each day of ASEAN week, residents had the opportunity to take part in a workshop, afternoon tea with traditional snacks, and a move screening to gain exposure to the local cultures. Read on to find out more about the activities!

A Journey Through Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia

The festivities kicked off with a unique exploration of Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Residents were treated to a Balinese dance workshop led by Assoc. Prof. Irving Johnson, a social anthropologist whose research delves into Southeast Asian ethnic identities. Participants learnt the cultural significance behind each pose and gesture.

The evening continued with a delightful selection of traditional snacks from the three countries, followed by a movie screening that provided deeper insights into their heritage.

Moving with grace with Assoc. Prof. Irving Johnson!

Myanmar and Laos Take the Stage

Did you know that Chinlone, also known as caneball, is the national sport of Mynamar?

Day 2 shone the spotlight on Myanmar and Laos, where residents took part in a Burmese Chinlone workshop conducted by Assoc. Prof. Maitrii Aung-Thwin, Associate Professor of Myanmar/Southeast Asian History and Coordinator of the Comparative Asian Studies PhD Program at NUS.

Prof Maitrii introduced participants to the historical context of physical education in Myanmar, before delving into the origins of Chinlone, and explained its spread in today’s world. The workshop encouraged teamwork and agility as participants tried their hand at the traditional sport, which is equal parts skill and performance.

All smiles after the Chinlone workshop by Assoc. Prof. Maitrii Aung-Thwin!

A tasting session featuring authentic Burmese and Laotian snacks was a hit, offering flavours that ranged from sweet to savoury. Another film screening rounded off the evening, bringing residents closer to the lived experiences of people from these nations.

A Taste of Thailand, Cambodia, and the Philippines
On this day, food lovers were in for a treat as Assoc. Prof. Titima Suthiwan and Ms. Rungnapa Kitiarsa led a Thai salad-making workshop, where participants discovered the art of balancing sweet, sour, spicy, and salty flavours. This hands-on experience not only introduced residents to Thai culinary traditions but also sparked meaningful conversations about the cultural significance of food in community-building.

Celebrating culture and cuisine after a delicious Thai salad-making session!

Vietnamese Art and Singapore’s Cultural Essence

Art enthusiasts gathered for an inspiring session on Vietnamese art with Mr. Wang Zineng, an esteemed curator and expert in Southeast Asian art. His insights into the evolution of Vietnamese artistic expression left residents with a newfound appreciation for the region’s creative heritage. The Singaporean identity was also a central theme of the day, with discussions on how the nation’s unique multicultural fabric intertwines with broader ASEAN influences, alongside a delightful customary snack tasting and movie screening session.

One of the artworks that Mr Wang shared

Compilation of key artworks by the 3 artists, whose works were presented during the workshop

A Grand ASEAN Feast

The week culminated in a grand ASEAN-themed lunch, where residents savoured an array of traditional dishes from different ASEAN nations. It was a celebration of unity, shared experiences, and the friendships that blossomed throughout the week.

Rounding up a fruitful week with an ASEAN-themed lunch!

Reflections on a Week of Cultural Immersion

ASEAN Week at RC4 was a resounding success, bringing together students from different backgrounds to learn, engage, and appreciate the diverse cultures that make up Southeast Asia through hands-on workshops, storytelling, and culinary adventures.

Reflecting on her ASEAN week experience, Lauren Henry (Year 3, Computer Science) said, “I enjoyed getting to learn more about Southeast Asia through RC4’s ASEAN week! From playing Burmese Chinlone to Vietnamese art, I was able to learn a lot. Being able to speak with people from different Southeast Asian countries showed me how distinct all these cultures are, as well as the similarities between them.” Nicha Jasmine Hodgson (Year 1, Data Science and Economics) also echoed her sentiments, “As a Thai student studying in Singapore, participating in ASEAN Week was a truly meaningful experience for me. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Thai culture while being away from home. At the same time, I had the chance to learn about the diverse cultures within ASEAN and discover the many similarities in experiences and traditions that I share with my peers.”

When asked about her experience organising the week-long activities, Cecilia shared, "Overall, planning and executing this event provided valuable opportunities to reconnect with our roots and discover parts of our culture that we never knew. To our surprise, we also learnt how many traditions we share with one another."

As RC4 continues to champion intercultural learning and inclusivity, events like these serve as a testament to the power of community and the beauty of diversity.