PATA Student Chapters Singapore Temasek Polytechnic X Philippines LPU-Manila X Korea (ROK) Woosong University: Exploring Asia

Singapore, 22 March 2021 - Three PATA Student Chapters came together to forge new bonds and learning experiences. Titled Exploring Asia, a three-part collaboration between Singapore Temasek Polytechnic, Philippines LPU-Manila and Korea (ROK) Woosong University Student Chapters took place from 16th of March 2021 to 22nd of March 2021. Due to the ongoing Covid-19 situation, this collaboration was done online through Zoom. Through these three-part events, all student chapters hoped to expose members to each country’s different cultures - Singapore, Korea and the Philippines.

The first part of the collaboration consisted of a vlog sharing by all three student chapters where we showcased a content of our local school lives - from campus tours to our classes' subject content. It was an enriching learning experience to see how the schools in different countries conducted their learning, especially in this global pandemic - where certain schools take on hybrid classes, whilst some remain entirely online.

On the second day of Exploring Asia, we delighted in mutual sharing of each other’s countries in the form of travel itineraries. PATA Singapore Temasek Polytechnic Student Chapter presented a food, art and history-based itinerary using a more sustainable transport method. There were different Michelin star eateries suggested, as well as historical landmarks and interesting art and culture showcases.

Next, the first team from PATA Philippines LPU Manila Student Chapter presented a more nature-centred itinerary that showcased conservation efforts and the natural world in the Philippines. The second team presented a more urban itinerary with shopping malls, seafood ports and Jollibee - a Filipino classic fast-food chain that is almost considered as a staple food

Finally, PATA Woosong University Student Chapter gave a sharing about unique food and traditional cultural locations, specifically in the Daejeon area. It included some nature parks and traditional Korean food that is much better than that of the city’s food. To sum it all up, the second day of the Exploring Asia Collaboration was an insightful and educational sharing of food, culture and hidden gems of the respective countries.

For the third and final day of Exploring Asia, we were fortunate enough to have Dr Lilibeth Aragon (The Dean of the College of International Tourism and Hospitality Management, Lyceum of the Philippines University Manila), who shared with us on tips to help increase productivity, especially in such trying times. From this sharing session, we learnt a lot about how LPU Manila has undergone a multitude of changes to cope with the global pandemic like shifting to home-based learning and minimising school-wide events.

Dr Aragon also shared with us the steps the Philippines Government has taken to ensure its citizens’ safety and shared her struggles with the pandemic and lockdown. She concluded the session by sharing tips she used to cope with the lockdown like informing family members when she was in a meeting to avoid any distractions and suggested that we use the Pomodoro technique to avoid burnout and become overwhelmed. Overall, there were many things we learnt from this session, and it was an honour to have Dr Dean Lilibeth Aragon share her insights with us.

The Pomodor Technique shared by Dr Aragon

To conclude, throughout the three parts of collaboration, members from all three student chapters were given many opportunities to expand their knowledge and learn more about one another’s countries and lives. All members acquired more basic knowledge about the various countries, and valuable and necessary skills such as public speaking, time management, planning and the importance of communication whether it be locally or otherwise. Once again, we would like to thank both the Philippines LPU-Manila and Korea (ROK) Woosong University Student Chapters for helping us to make this collaboration a successful and significant one.

For more information, please contact:

Doo Yan Zi, Singapore TP PATA Student Chapter Chairperson

Email: dooyanzi.psc@gmail.com