A city can look very different when it becomes part of the classroom. For Kylie Victoria Tan Ying Qi, a Bachelor of Urban Planning (Honours) student from The University of Queensland, four weeks at the SMU Global Summer Programme (GSP) offered the opportunity to experience Singapore from the perspective of an emerging urban planner.

Through the course Innovation for Asia’s Smart Cities, Kylie explored how technology can contribute to better-designed cities. Beyond the classroom, field trips and activities around Singapore brought these ideas to life, while the friendships she formed gave her the chance to learn from perspectives and cultures from around the world. 

Looking back, what stands out most from your GSP experience?

My favourite memory from GSP sounds a bit cliché, but it has to be the learning that took place both inside and outside the classroom.

In class, discussions with people from varied backgrounds broadened my understanding of different perspectives. Beyond the classroom, I made new connections with participants from countries such as Korea, Canada and Sweden. I learnt about their cultures and formed genuine friendships with people I still speak to frequently today.

For me, that combination of learning and meeting people from around the world was what made the experience so memorable. 

Did GSP change your perspective on Singapore, SMU or studying abroad?

Yes, GSP significantly changed my perspective on both Singapore and studying overseas.

One of my motivations for choosing SMU was its strong commitment to sustainability, which aligns closely with my urban planning studies and my desire to create more liveable cities for future generations.

Through GSP, I was able to see how Singapore has successfully integrated greenery with dense urban infrastructure, particularly at SMU, where vertical greenery has been incorporated across the city campus.  

Seeing this firsthand has changed my perspective on SMU, as it shows the university’s strong commitment to delivering better change for the future. 

What was your favourite class or activity during GSP?

I took Innovation for Asia’s Smart Cities, which gave me a brand-new perspective on how cities can be better designed using smart technology.

During the course, we went on a field trip to Tiong Bahru. I found it fascinating because I got to see some of Singapore’s oldest infrastructure and understand the stories behind it.

I also really enjoyed the activities organised by the GSP team. One of my favourites was the guided nature walk at Fort Canning Park. It was a fun opportunity to connect with greenery and learn more about Singapore’s natural environment.

These experiences helped me appreciate the value of studying in a classroom filled with perspectives from around the world, while also giving me the chance to learn more about Singaporean culture and the city itself. 

What can you approach differently now because of your GSP experience?

GSP taught me how to collaborate more effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Studying alongside other international students taught me how to navigate different views, manage disagreements and continue working towards a shared goal.  

As an emerging urban planner, it is important for me to understand the perspectives of others and step into their shoes to see how they might experience a project. GSP helped me develop the skills to engage with communities more effectively and contribute more thoughtfully to the field of urban planning. 

What is one thing about GSP that you still find yourself telling your friends and family?

Even three months after the programme, I still find myself telling my friends and family how amazing my one-month overseas experience was.

Although it was not my first time studying abroad, GSP was very well structured and thought-out. There were many activities for participants to get involved in, and the programme allowed me to engage with the learning material while still having time to experience the fun and unique things Singapore has to offer.

It also gave me the opportunity to meet people from all over the world. The combination of education, cultural exchange and the friendships I made turned GSP into a truly unforgettable experience. 

What do you wish you had known before GSP, and what advice would you give prospective students?

I wish I had known that, in just four weeks, I would form such meaningful connections with such a genuine and supportive group of people. Saying goodbye was more difficult than I expected.

My advice to any prospective GSP student is simple: if you are hesitant about applying, take the opportunity and submit an application.

GSP was one of the most rewarding and memorable semester breaks I have ever had, and I would not have had it any other way.  

Ready to make Singapore your classroom this summer? Find out more about the SMU Global Summer Programme.