Dr. Noeleen Heyzer's commitment to practicing transformational leadership was the focus of her informal conversation with the RVRC Fellowship on 22nd August 2024. The session was facilitated by College Master A/P Sim Tick Ngee, who began the session with a brief overview of the RVRC mission and how it translates into the academic, student, and residential life at the College. This was followed by an exploration of potential opportunities in seeking mentorship from Dr. Heyzer, given her extensive experience in championing critical causes related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
In response, Dr. Heyzer started by saying that when she saw the College poster saying “The World is Our Classroom” she knew that RVRC is a special place, and she is honoured to be part of the community. RVRC’s focus on sustainability is about transforming our world, which is the agenda of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To achieve them goes beyond the usual siloed academic boundaries. Practicing leadership in sustainability requires taking a holistic approach. This approach is so relevant in preparing students not just to be workplace-ready but ready for our fast-changing world. In such a world we are challenged not to seek just the big but also the small and the unseen that can create meaningful societal impacts. She ended with a short reflection on her motivation to write her memoir 'Beyond Storms and Stars', which shows transformations to impact lives can be made by a leader using shared values despite the many challenges of the UN system. Dr. Heyzer then took questions related to her professional work, the advice she would give to aspiring changemakers, and the tenacity of overcoming personal challenges.
The informal conversation continued over light refreshments, and wrapped up with Dr. Heyzer signing a copy of her book for the College. We look forward to continued engagement with, and learning from, Dr. Heyzer in different student and staff activities.
