Having completed two summers of research and the Leadership in Action (LiA) program over the past two years, I am proud to say that this also marks the completion of my Laidlaw journey. Reflecting on these experiences, I realise how transformative and valuable they have been. I am truly grateful to my 2022 self for having the courage to sign up and turn dreams and ambitions into reality. 

In the first year of the research program, my focus was on: The Influences between the Evolution of Legal Frameworks and Civil Society in Singapore. This research examined how Singapore’s legal system evolved over time, from British rule and the Japanese Occupation to the pre-independence and post-independence eras, to form its dynamic and evolving relationship with civil society. The Singapore way of governance and interactions with civil society has always been of interest to both proponents of liberal democracy and those who support more authoritarian governance styles. Thus, this research encouraged me to think critically and reflect on the history, politics, and social issues that my own country faces, viewing them from both domestic and global perspectives. Although the research was conducted during the summer of 2023, it’s clear today, particularly with the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and also growingly in other parts of the world like Bangladesh, that civil society and activism are growing areas of concern. Even in Singapore, I have also observed fascinating interactions between civil society and the government. This research laid the foundation for my growing interest in activism and civil society, and it definitely helped to nurture my ability to think globally.

Take a look at my project poster and report here!

In my second year, I ventured beyond Singapore to explore a foreign country through my LiA project in Mongolia. Through my volunteer work, I gained valuable on-the-ground insights into the social and political dynamics, learning from my job, interactions with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and ages, and daily conversations with locals. I also realised listening to their stories and perspectives is not only valuable but crucial in ethical leadership. As someone interested in the journalism industry, this experience also reinforced the importance of staying true to the core values of ethical journalism. The LiA experience expanded my worldview, deepened my understanding of the complexity of issues, and taught me how to navigate them effectively. It was an opportunity to put my leadership values into practice and test my beliefs.

Discover more of my amazing LiA adventures in Mongolia here:)

Beyond these two major experiences, I’m particularly grateful for the leadership workshops we attended, such as the one at Cumberland Lodge and the Laidlaw Scholar conference in Dublin, Ireland. These workshops were invaluable in helping me reflect on myself as a leader and allowed me to meet many like-minded peers. The conference, in particular, provided deep insight into the kind of LiA I wanted to pursue and what I hoped to gain from it. I also forged valuable connections with scholars from other universities, many of whom I am still in touch with today.

The Laidlaw community has been a constant source of inspiration for me. We support one another on this shared journey of self-discovery and growth, working toward becoming true global citizens and leaders who can bring positive change to the world. My journey and our journey clearly doesn’t end here. There is so much more to come, and I look forward to what lies ahead!