A New Kind of Dialogue
The inaugural symposium, held at the W1 Forum, was the result of three months of planning by 20 students from The Republican Post and RePResent. More than 70 attendees came together to explore how classroom learning could connect with real-world relevance.
“We wanted to give students an authentic experience in curating conversations that matter,” said Ms Kelly Pereira, staff advisor of The Republican Post. “The aim was to spark curiosity, courage and initiative — to encourage them to be active participants in the world, not just passive learners.”
A Day of Ideas and Inspiration
The event opened with a welcome from Ms Joanna Lim, Assistant Academic Director of the School of Business. Then came a line-up of speakers who brought very different perspectives to the stage:
- Mr Glenn van Zutphen — a veteran journalist, on how strong communication shapes leadership.
- Mr Matthew Ong — on the power of play and emotional intelligence in rethinking education.
- Ms Jelita Teper — on leading in public service and breaking barriers in STEM.
- Mr Alvin Toh — on building future-ready marketing teams in the age of AI.
- Mr Muhammad Rostam Umar — on empowering youth and leading through sport.
After the talks, students mingled with the speakers before returning for a fireside panel discussion moderated by Mr Glenn van Zutphen. The conversation was driven entirely by student questions and touched on everything from leadership challenges to navigating cultural differences when working overseas.
“I didn’t think I’d be interested in industries like Environmental Science or Teaching,” admitted Year Two Mass Communication student Alyssa Ann Kellady. “But the speakers really surprised me. They were insightful and completely changed my expectations.”
Behind the Scenes
The symposium began as a bold idea to transform The Republican Post from a newsroom into “a dynamic learning lab.” From securing speakers to shaping the discussion flow, students led every step.
The planning and execution of the symposium was not another class project. It was real-world experience for The Republican Post team, equipping them with practical knowledge they can carry into internships, careers, and beyond.
When asked what she was most proud of, Ms Kelly’s answer was immediate: “The students. They owned it.”
Editor-in-Chief Nikesh Sundara, who led the project coordination, said the experience was a juggling act. “Balancing classes, interviews, and planning logistics wasn’t easy. I had my doubts,” he added. “But on the day, the team’s energy was incredible. It gave me new confidence in what we can achieve.”
More Than Just an Event
Beyond the inspiring speeches and engaging panel discussions, the symposium changed the students who organised it. It was a crash course in collaboration under pressure, managing uncertainty, and turning ideas into reality
The most valuable takeaway? That learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door. Sometimes, the most powerful lessons happen when students take the mic — and the lead.
