RV10: Celebrating 10 years of Living and Learning on the Ridge
Image credit: Joey Kwok
The Ridge View Residential College (RVRC) marked its 10th anniversary in 2024, with a nod to its forward-looking mission of fostering sustainability education and workplace readiness in young adults since 2014. RV10 celebrated how learning at the college transcends the confines of the classroom and the immediacy of the present, towards a contribution to the future of our society and the environment.
The RV10 milestone highlighted how the RVRC Programme has gradually evolved over the last decade to encourage our students to tackle complex issues by acquiring diverse capabilities, participating in meaningful growth opportunities, and driving the implementation of novel ideas during and beyond their time in the College. In particular, it featured how the RVRC living-learning experience strives to enable students to build a shared future that is more sustainable and equitable for all.
Beyond learning, RV10 celebrated how students see RVRC as a ‘home away from home’- a tight-knit and caring community in which they belong. The vibrant and enriching living-and-learning environment of RVRC enables students to develop both academically and personally. Lastly, RV10 showcased the indomitable RVRC kampung spirit that has strongly developed in the last decade through living and learning together as a College.
RV10 celebrations spanned across the year in 2024 and featured a range of meaningful college activities organised by staff and students, providing an avenue for current students, alumni, and staff to (re)connect and forge deeper ties with the college community.
RV10 Commemorative Events in 2024
RVRC Learning Forest . 27 January 2024
As a College in Nature, RVRC continued its greening efforts by creating a new reforestation plot at the main entrance to the college. This learning forest aims to enhance the native biodiversity of the campus and provide a space for both learning and recreation. College residents will have the opportunity to learn about key concepts of the forest ecosystem and find a quiet space to connect with the natural environment. RVRC Fellow and former Director of Studies, Mr. N. Sivasothi, delivered the opening address for this event and shared information about Singapore's One Million Tree movement. The RVRC Learning Forest also contributed, in a small part, to NUS Sustainability's 'Planting 10,000 Trees' initiative.
NATURE, NURTURE, ADVENTURE
Journeying with RVRC: 10th Anniversary Slogan Writing Competition
The slogan writing competition served as a creative platform for RVRC students and alumni to contribute to the College's legacy by crafting a unifying and enduring tagline. This competition encouraged participants to reflect on their personal experiences and the collective identity of RVRC, aiming to produce a slogan that would encapsulate the essence of the RVRC living and learning experience. Participants were invited to submit their entries throughout January 2024, with the winning slogan being announced during the RVRC Symposium on 24 February 2024. The chosen slogan, "Nature, Nurture, Adventure," by Ryan Tan Nai Yang, beautifully captured the College's commitment to fostering a harmonious relationship with nature, nurturing personal and academic growth, and embracing the adventurous spirit of exploration and discovery.
RVRC Song Writing Competition
The songwriting competition was designed to tap into the rich musical talents within the College's student community, providing them with an opportunity to express their unique RVRC living-and-learning experiences through music. Participants were encouraged to compose original songs that reflected their personal journeys, the friendships they formed, and the memorable moments they shared at RVRC. The winning song by Gaston Liew, performed live during the RVRC Gala Dinner on 30 August 2024, serves to celebrate RVRC's past achievements, acknowledge the present experiences, and inspire future endeavors. By encapsulating the collective memories and aspirations of the College, the song will play a significant role in fostering a sense of belonging and pride among all members of the RVRC family.
Personal Development Festival . 13 - 15 February 2024
The RVRC Personal Development Festival spanned three days and featured a variety of informal activities aimed at fostering the holistic development of students. The festival was meticulously designed to enhance students' capabilities and potential, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary for future employability. By participating in these activities, students were able to explore their interests, develop new competencies, and gain valuable insights into their personal and professional growth. The festival included workshops, seminars, and interactive sessions led by industry experts, alumni, and faculty members. These sessions covered a wide range of topics, such as leadership development, effective communication, time management, and career planning. Additionally, there were opportunities for students to engage in hands-on activities, such as team-building exercises, creative arts, and wellness programs, all aimed at enhancing their quality of life and overall well-being.
Living and Learning for a Shared Future: The RVRC Way
RVRC Symposium 2024
The RVRC Symposium 2024, held on 24 February, continued the tradition of providing a dynamic platform for students from RVRC, other NUS Residential Colleges, Faculties, Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs), educators, and community partners. This annual event was dedicated to fostering meaningful interactions, reflections, and learning on critical topics related to sustainability education and workplace readiness. The symposium featured a series of keynote addresses, panel discussions, and interactive. Participants had the opportunity to engage in thought-provoking dialogues, share best practices, and explore innovative approaches to integrating sustainability into educational curricula and professional practices.
One of the key highlights of the symposium was the networking session, which facilitated connections between students, educators, and industry professionals. This session provided a valuable platform for participants to exchange ideas, collaborate on projects, and build lasting relationships that could support their academic and career aspirations. The event also included presentations by students showcasing their research and initiatives related to sustainability. These presentations highlighted the creativity, dedication, and impact of the RVRC community in addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development.
Gala Dinner . 30 August 2024
The RVRC Gala Dinner recognized, celebrated, and commemorated the decade-old college community. This formal evening affair was meticulously planned to honour the rich history and achievements of RVRC over the past ten years. The event brought together RVRC students, staff, alumni, and distinguished guests. The evening featured a sumptuous multi-course meal, carefully curated to provide a delightful culinary experience. The elegant setting, adorned with tasteful decorations, created an ambiance of sophistication and festivity.
Throughout the evening, there were numerous opportunities for attendees to connect and reminisce, fostering a sense of camaraderie and continuity. The event included speeches and presentations that highlighted the College's accomplishments, shared memorable moments, and expressed gratitude to those who had contributed to RVRC's success.. Entertainment was also a key feature of the Gala Dinner, with performances by talented members of the RVRC community. These performances added a lively and celebratory atmosphere to the event, showcasing the artistic and creative talents within the College.
Overall, the RVRC Gala Dinner was a memorable occasion that not only celebrated the past but also looked forward to the future with optimism and enthusiasm. It was a night of reflection, connection, and celebration, reinforcing the strong bonds within the RVRC family and setting the stage for continued growth and success.
RV10: The Musical . 21 & 22 September 2024
This uplifting musical served as a tribute to the joys and tribulations of college life, celebrating the lifelong memories made along the way. The narrative of the musical captured the essence of the RVRC experience, highlighting the growth, challenges, and triumphs that students encountered during their time at the College. The production featured a diverse cast of talented individuals from various student Interest Groups, including Jukebox, Dance ReVo, Artelier, and many others. These groups brought their unique artistic flair to the musical, contributing to a vibrant and dynamic performance. The involvement of alumni added an extra layer of depth and authenticity to the production, as they shared their own experiences and memories of RVRC.
The musical was meticulously crafted to resonate with the audience, evoking a sense of nostalgia and pride. Through a combination of captivating storytelling, engaging dialogue, and memorable musical numbers, it painted a vivid picture of the RVRC journey. In addition to its entertainment value, the musical also emphasized the importance of community, resilience, and personal growth, inspiring current and future students to embrace their own journeys with enthusiasm and determination.
RVRC Day: Building Bridges, Strengthening Bonds . 26 October 2024
RVRC Day was designed to be truly inclusive, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their abilities, could participate and enjoy the festivities. To achieve this, RVRC partnered with organizations that support persons with disabilities (PWDs), creating an environment where accessibility and inclusivity were prioritized. One of the key highlights of RVRC Day was the "Walk for Rice," a charitable initiative aimed at supporting needy families. Participants walked together, symbolizing unity and collective effort, while raising awareness and resources for those in need. This activity not only promoted physical well-being but also fostered a sense of community and shared purpose.
Food stalls from social enterprises offered a range of delicious treats, highlighting the importance of supporting local businesses and promoting social responsibility. These stalls provided an opportunity for attendees to enjoy a variety of cuisines while contributing to meaningful causes. Overall, RVRC Day was designed to bring the community closer, celebrate diversity, and reinforce the values of inclusivity, support, and togetherness that define RVRC.
NUS News Feature about RV10 . November 2024
This special coverage on NUS News highlighted the College's decade-long journey of fostering sustainability education and workplace readiness among its students. The article showcased the various commemorative events held throughout the year, including the RVRC Symposium, Gala Dinner, and the heartwarming "Ridge View Musical." It also emphasized the College's commitment to creating a vibrant and inclusive community, where students, alumni, and staff come together to celebrate their shared experiences and achievements. Read the full article on the link to NUS News below.
RVRC marks 10 years of fostering sustainability education and workplace readiness in students. (NUS News, 22 November 2024)
RV10 Commemorative Video . December 2024
In celebration of RVRC’s 10th Anniversary, the publicity team undertook the creation and launch of a commemorative video that beautifully encapsulated the journey of the College. This video was crafted to highlight the past, present, and future of RVRC, offering a comprehensive narrative that celebrated its rich history and envisioned its promising future. The video began with a nostalgic look back at the College's founding and early years. Archival footage and photographs with founding members, alumni, and long-serving staff provided a heartfelt tribute to the College's origins and growth. Transitioning to the present, the video underscored the College's commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where students can thrive. Looking towards the future, the video creatively pivoted to personal messages for college residents to motivate and inspire them to strive despite any challenges they might face.
Throughout the video, the College's mission and vision were prominently featured, illustrating how these guiding principles have informed the year-long celebration and events. The video emphasized RVRC's dedication to nurturing a community that values learning, growth, and environmental stewardship - a fitting homage to the RVRC community and honouring the past while looking forward with optimism and determination.
RV10 Commemorative Video on YouTube
RV10 Celebratory and Congratulatory Messages
What makes for memorable university experiences?
One answer to this question is PLACE, PROGRAM, and PEOPLE. Place is where we gain the experiences – this includes the physical environment that enhances our experiences. Program is what we participate in – this includes training of minds and opportunities for self-development. And People is who we share the experiences with – this includes a sense of community.
In 2014, Ridge View Residential College was born in the heart of the NUS Kent Ridge Campus. In many ways, RVRC can considered atypical because it is the only RC not located in University Town. Its mix of old and new buildings also stands it further apart from the UTown RCs. What makes RVRC unique is PLACE - its many open green spaces, the Kent Ridge Forest behind it, its natural settings including a bioswale and NUS’ only eco-pond. Unsurprisingly, RVRC is known as the College in Nature. RV10 celebrations include a concerted effort to enhance the eco-pond, restore the bioswale, and create a “Learning Forest”.
RVRC was birthed with the twin themes of sustainability and workplace readiness. Around three years ago, the PROGRAM saw significant revision to support the NUS General Education Curriculum. RV10 celebrations will include the (re)launch of our informal curriculum for workplace readiness in the form of the Personal Development Festival (PDF) that will provide a week-long series of workshops for students to attend for their development. The training of the mind will continue its prominence, with RV10 including a signature Student Symposium entitled “Living and Learning for a Shared Future: The RVRC Way”.
For PEOPLE we will focus on a few aspects. One is the intangible element of the RVRC culture – to this end, we aim to strengthen our collective sense of community by articulating a slogan and a song for RVRC. We also aim to celebrate our collective in forms that involve our alumni – both those who have just graduated from the RVRC program as well as those who have graduated from NUS. To this end, we’re planning a series of activities that aims to bring students, alumni, staff, and family together –a Gala Dinner, a Musical, and an RVRC Day.
So, there you have it – Place, Program, and People. The elements that make for memorable university experiences are the same elements that we aim to include to make for a memorable RV10; a truly unforgettable year of celebrating not only how far we’ve come, but also what we can aim for in the future.
Let’s all celebrate RV10 together!
Associate Professor Sim Tick Ngee
College Master, RVRC
With immense pride and joy, I congratulate the students, faculty, staff, and alumni of Ridge View Residential College (RVRC) on this momentous occasion – the 10th Anniversary.
In 2014, an ambitious proposal for a living-learning experience centred on sustainability and workplace readiness, aimed at cultivating intellectually inquisitive, future-ready and value-centric students, was approved by the NUS Senate. Subsequently, we embarked on a journey to create a vibrant and nurturing community that would serve as a place of learning and as a home away from home for our students. Today, we celebrate the remarkable growth, achievements, and enduring spirit of RVRC.
Over the past ten years, RVRC has become a close-knit community, with each member contributing to the rich tapestry. We have seen countless achievements, celebrated diverse talents, and forged lifelong friendships. The intellectual curiosity that thrives within RVRC is nothing short of inspiring. As we commemorate this milestone, let us reflect on the values that have shaped us: the pursuit of knowledge, the commitment to inclusivity, and the responsibility to give back to society.
Ridge View Residential College will continue to flourish.
I am honoured to have served as the Founding College Master, working alongside dedicated staff and pioneer students on this extraordinary journey to shape RVRC into what it is today. Happy 10th Anniversary, Ridge View Residential College!
Professor Adekunle Adeyeye
Principal of Trevelyan College, Durham University, UK
Founding RVRC College Master (2014 - 2019)
Congratulations, Ridge View Residential College (RVRC), on the 10th anniversary. Not only is this a significant milestone, it is also an achievement.
I had the privilege of being part of the team led by then-College Master, Professor Adekunle Adeyeye, who conceptualised and implemented the first RVRC programme which is vastly different from what it is at present. RVRC started as a one-year living-learning programme for Year One students. We took a bold and unconventional approach in integrating an inter-disciplinary curriculum with three common courses focusing on sustainability, professional and academic communication, and workplace readiness and experiential learning. Our intention to interweave these courses was for students to appreciate the inter-connectivity and inter-relevance of what they learn. Our out-of-classroom learning included field trips, nature and heritage trails, networking sessions, industry visits as well as having guest speakers from diverse backgrounds at RVRC.
A decade later, it is great to see that RVRC has strengthened its sustainability focus and continues to emphasise communication competencies and life skills. From 94 students, 14 peer mentors (now known as resident assistants), four core academic staff members, and three administrative colleagues in August 2014, RVRC has certainly much to celebrate for the many residents on whom it has impacted, and for the many accomplishments it has achieved.
On a personal level, I treasure the camaraderie and strong bonds built with colleagues and students; many of us are still in contact with one another. The RV experience has been invaluable.
Congratulations again!
Assoc. Professor Lee Kooi Cheng
Director of CELC and Master, Helix House
Founding RVRC Director of Studies (2014 - 2016)
