I believe that the opportunity to go to Vietnam for our Fieldwork and Documentation module is very much in line with the USP’s mission of providing knowledge for the 21st century and encouraging proactive global citizenship. Firstly, it is no longer enough to be book smart or know theoretical concepts in a vacuum. In today’s interconnected world, the fine appreciation of how theory interplays with reality is a much-valued skill that will allow us to stand out from the crowd. By having the module in Vietnam, we are also given the opportunity to interact with communities that are normally out of our reach. This gives us the chance to experience a completely new culture and beyond that, hones our interpersonal skills and deepen our capacity to appreciate and connect with something new and foreign.
Looking ahead, we are expected to be not just be task proficient local managers on our future jobs, but competent, task focused leaders who can transfer our skillset across different domains and localities. This course sets the foundation and expectations that we need to look beyond the constraint of our shores and venture outwards, an important quality for USP scholars who are expected to be pushing the envelope of the fields we engage in.
By having a media presentation, I feel that I have an opportunity to stretch my capabilities and be innovative. As a business school student, I am more familiar with numbers and charts. However, I am looking forward to presenting a photo essay and I hope to express the distinct culture, traits and characteristics of the eco-tourism tour operators we interact with. By challenging ourselves and gaining exposure to new and uncertain domains, I hope that we can hone our own individual and unique talents.
While I am not an avid photographer, I’ve been to different art exhibitions and galleries and have had observed a few photo exhibitions. The best photo journals manage to capture and crystalize a moment in time to share with the viewer through the skillful combination of light, technique and post production. While I’d readily admit that I do not have the skill nor technical knowledge to execute an exhibition worthy photo journal, I do still expect (and hope) for the end results to be thought provoking and meaningful.
I recall an old exhibition I went in 2014 and I bought their work which contained photographs and interviews with regards to the Kampong spirit of Singapore. I remember it being very evocative even though it was a small-scale event in Tanjong Pagar.
In doing this reflection and researching on “Kampong”, I happened to find another work by Fable based on the impending demolition of Rochor Centre and the work is rather stunning and inspiring.
Lastly, on a more personal level, I do look forward to having fun and taking a break from the hustle of our concrete jungle with my group mates. I’ve heard about Sapa’s beauty and I am excited to see it for myself.
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