The Singapore Winter Camp was launched in 2024 by the SCE at Chongqing University to expand students' perspectives and improve their capacity for international exchange. From February 21 to 26, 2024, 28 graduate students and 4 undergraduate students set off on an exchange with the guidance of the school. During the period, the team visited the National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), China State Construction Engineering Corporation Ltd. for learning and exchanges, deeply appreciating Singapore's world-class universities, and learning Singapore's innovation and experience in planning, architecture and construction, etc., which will inject new impetus into the subsequent study and life.
The Study at prestigious universities
On 22 and 23 February, the team went to the National University of Singapore (ranked 8th in the QS World University Rankings) and Nanyang Technological University (ranked 26th in the QS World University Rankings) respectively. During the visit, professor Fu Yongxian and professor Geng Guoqing from the National University of Singapore, professor Wu Wei from Nanyang Technological University, alumni representatives and student representatives warmly received the visiting professors and students. The professors in charge of the two universities introduced the history, research fields, training methods and joint postgraduate training programs of the school, and welcomed our students to Singapore for exchange and further study. In the Q&A part, students asked questions about exchange programs, professional development and personal career development. In addition, the team visited the laboratories of the two universities and interacted with the professors and students of the universities. The scientific partitions and platforms of the laboratory are refreshing to the students, and also stimulate the students' interest in scientific research and further study abroad.
Enterprise visit
The group underwent a learning exchange when they went to CSCEC's headquarters on February 24. Devoted to an international vision, CSCEC has thirty-two years of extensive experience in Singapore, which become one of the most competitive foreign construction investment enterprises in the Singapore market, it stands out for its exceptional quality, great performance, and well-known brand. The Vice General Manager of CSCEC, also the alumnus of our school, Mr. Zhang Mingji introduced the history of development, business circumstance, as well as the current status and future planning of Singapore's construction industry. Mr. Zhang Yanglong, alumnus of SCE, shared his career development experience and ongoing projects of CSCEC. Subsequently, the exchange team visited the project under construction, experienced the modern project management and smart site construction, and gained insight into safety technology issues and solutions in actual engineering projects.
Cultural exchange
The exchange team traveled to Singapore on February 25 and 26 to visit a variety of cultural landmarks and institutions, including museums, the National Gallery Singapore, public housing planning and construction sites, the Housing Development Board (HDB), and well-known architectural landmarks like the Raffles Place skyscrapers. Through these tours, the participants gained a deeper grasp of civil engineering as well as insights into Singapore's rich history, immigrant culture, and social progress. Through visiting these cultural landmarks, educators and students were able to fully immerse themselves in Singapore's rich and varied cultural landscape and discover the country's distinct charm as a developed cosmopolitan city.
From February 25th to 26th, the exchange team visited National Gallery Singapore, National Museum of Singapore, Urban Redevelopment Authority, HDB planning and construction, and Raffles buildings. The visit not only expanded the understanding of civil engineering, but also helped exchange team to learn a lot about Singapore's historical origins, immigrant culture, and social development, and to feel Singapore's unique charm as a diversified and developed country.
Study tour experience
During the 6-day exchange and learning experience, I strengthened my understanding of Singapore from multiple dimensions such as civil engineering, education, and culture. I was deeply impressed and benefited greatly during this compressed period. By visiting world-class universities, excellent enterprises, and famous buildings, I not only broadened my academic horizons but also experienced Singapore's unique charm. I will apply this valuable experience and knowledge to my academic and future career development, striving to become a visionary and responsible researcher, and making my own contribution to the development and progress of society.
——Li Rui
I am appreciative to the school for offering this precious exchange program, which has helped me to comprehend Singapore's cultural legacy, historical development, and integration of many ethnic groups from antiquity to the present. I have also experienced the history and charm of Singapore, as well as exotic customs and lifestyles, further expanding my horizons.
——Li Xinjie
As a student, taking part in this study tour has been a valuable experience that allowed me to gain reflection on myself. In a foreign land, I face different cultures and lifestyles, constantly adapting and adjusting myself. I have learned to solve problems independently and also to collaborate with other students.
——Zhou Mengchao