Community Involvement Projects
The Community Involvement Projects (CIPs) at NUS Nursing provide our students with meaningful opportunities to extend their learning beyond the classroom and actively contribute to society. Through the Local Community Involvement Projects (LCIPs) and Overseas Community Involvement Projects (OCIPs), students engage directly with diverse communities both in Singapore and abroad, gaining first-hand insight into the challenges faced by various populations and understanding the needs of society. Emboding the concept of “learning without walls”, the programmes enable students to apply theoretical knowledge and practical skills in authentic, real-world contexts.
By working closely with communities, students are encouraged to think critically and creatively, designing and implementing initiatives that create tangible, positive impact. Beyond technical and professional skill development, these experiences nurture leadership, cultural sensitivity, ethical responsibility, and teamwork – qualities essential for effective nursing practice in today’s complex and dynamic healthcare environments. Participation in CIPs also fosters personal growth, empathy, and a spirit of service, allowing students to experience the joy and fulfilment of volunteering and responding to the real needs of society. By showcasing the dedication and achievements of our students, these programmes highlight the dynamic, socially responsible, and globally minded learning environment at NUS Nursing.
Dr CHEN, Hui-Chen, PhD, RN
Dr Ihsan Mattar, PhD, B Sc (Nursing)(Hons), AdvDip (Critical Care), RN
Local Projects
List of Local Projects
My time with Project First Aid (PFA) has been an invaluable milestone in my nursing journey. PFA not only equipped me with first aid skills but also provided countless opportunities to serve diverse communities. Through our partnerships with SCDF, Red Cross, Children’s Cancer Foundation, and Fun Fit Fruits, we extended our outreach beyond the NUS community. One particularly memorable experience was the Fun Fit Fruits event, where we had the privilege of teaching migrant workers essential first aid skills tailored to their job needs. These events deepened our understanding of the unique needs of various groups in Singapore and we learnt how to meet them where they are through our interactions and initiatives. PFA would also like to express heartfelt gratitude to our staff advisor, Dr. Chen Hui-Chen for her unwavering support for our project. With your invaluable guidance, our team was able to develop sustainable programs to empower communities with first aid skills while having space to grow as Nursing students. Being part of PFA has been more than an opportunity for us to serve the community, it has also been a pivotal learning experience in our NUS Nursing journey.
– Terelyn Leong, Project Director AY2023/2024
Overseas Projects
List of Overseas Projects
I joined Project Kura in my first year at NUS, initially for a rather superficial reason—I simply wanted to wear scrubs on a mountain. However, as I progressed through the journey, I was reminded of why I chose to pursue nursing in the first place.
Serving underprivileged communities in West Timor opened my eyes to the differences between their reality and the privileges we often take for granted in Singapore. The biggest challenge I faced was the language barrier, as the locals spoke only Bahasa Indonesia, a language I did not understand at the time. However, this experience deepened my appreciation for the power of non-verbal communication. Though words were limited, I learned that genuine care can be conveyed through actions, body language, and emotion. It was incredibly moving to see the smiles on their faces when we took the time to understand their needs and provide the necessary care.
This project really touched me, which is why I returned this year as Project Director. In this role, I not only continue to grow but also give back to a community that has become dear to my heart.
– Chia Jia Xuan, Project Director AY2024/2025
