The Tembusu (Fagraea fragrans) is a large evergreen tree in the family Gentianaceae. It is native to Southeast Asia. Its trunk is dark brown, with deeply fissured bark, looking somewhat like a bittergourd. It grows in an irregular shape from 10 to 25m high. Its leaves are light green and oval in shape. Its yellowish flowers have a distinct fragrance and the fruits of the tree are bitter tasting red berries, which are eaten by birds and fruit bats. Source: Tembusu, Wikipedia
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Interest Groups

Tembusu is home to a large number of student-run interest groups. Students can join any of the existing groups; and if they are interested in something else, they are encouraged to form their own groups. Whenever they submit a successful proposal, the College provides seed funding that is administered through the College Students’ Committee. Check out some of the past and present interest groups below!

Arts

tArt

Come down to the Blank Canvas for art jamming and craft workshops, with free art supplies! A weekly getaway from daily hustle, tArt is the perfect place for everyone to unleash their creativity. Believing that “there is no right and wrong in Arts”, we welcome everyone to explore various media with an open mind, be experimental, and most importantly, relish the art-making moments. From conventional painting to potentially unorthodox activities, tArt promises an enjoyable and enriching time for everyone regardless of your background!

tCrews

tCrews is the home to Tembusu College’s dancers, both experienced and aspiring. We are an IG that brings together passionate dancers with seasoned choreographers (from student dancers to choreographers from local studios) and we aim to cultivate a stronger dance community within the college! Our open classes range from hip-hop to contemporary, girls’ style to locking. To top it all of, our dancers also have the opportunity to dance in productions! So come join us and let’s get moving 🙂

Filmbusu

Tired after a long day of school? Come down to the Box Office and watch a movie with Filmbusu! We celebrate the best of what film has to offer. Every week, we screen an interesting movie for Tembusians to check out the must-watches, indie gems, and classic cinema that populate every filmbuff’s Letterboxd. And during recess week, we organise an outing to a local cinema to watch movies fresh off the press!

Book Club

Explore the rich tapestry of literature with The Book Club! Join us weekly for dynamic discussions that traverse genres, from the realms of fiction and philosophy to the enchanting realms of poetry and song lyrics. Our diverse community of readers engages in thought-provoking conversations that delve deep into the heart of literary works, fostering a space where ideas flourish. Whether you’re a seasoned bibliophile or just discovering the joy of reading, our club welcomes all. Uncover new perspectives, unravel narratives, and share your literary journey with fellow enthusiasts in the vibrant and inclusive setting of Tembusu College.

SlaTe

SlaTe is a theatre collective that aims to bring the art of the stage to all Tembusians! Everyone is invited to be a part of this art form — whether it’s through bringing their own scripts to life, participating in our workshops, or simply watching our shows. We’re completely beginner-friendly, and aim to provide as many opportunities to get involved in theatre as possible!

Tembolly

TemBolly is an Indian cultural interest group that promotes and celebrates Indian culture. It provides a platform for individuals with a common cultural background to foster a sense of community and provide support for those seeking to connect with Indian cultural heritage. We are dedicated to organising vibrant events, workshops and gatherings that showcase Indian dance, music, film, and cuisine to advocate the traditions and activities that shape Indian culture. Join if you’re enthusiastic to learn about Indian culture and participate in these engaging activities!

Tempo

Tempo is Tembusu College’s jam band interest group. We aim to bring avid music enthusiasts in the college together to form bands that perform in the college’s events. Through jam sessions, music workshops, and performances, we hope that Tembusians develop a passion for music-making and understand the inner workings of a jam band. Follow us on Instagram! @tembusutempo

Rolling Tones (Acapella)

 

Rolling Tones is an inclusive, enriching and welcoming student initiated Acapella group which allows students from different musical backgrounds (or none at all) to gather together to create music purely from human voices. We aim to nurture aspirations of young singers, cultivate musical growth and strong listening skills to create a cohesive, harmonious sound. Through our rehearsals, we will put up performances and recordings to showcase our musical preparation and promote more artistic engagement and interest in Tembusu College.

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Yarn & Doodles

Yarn & Doodles is an interest group where your nimble fingers and tingly artistic senses can be put to good use. Our sessions are biweekly and very beginnier friendly! Crafts that we do include shrink charms, crochet, dreamcatchers and many more! These sessions will give you the platform to have a fun time crafting with your friends or make your friend a unique handmade gift. We are always receptive to new ideas and skills that the members of the Tembusu community want to share! Yarn & Doodles strives for everyone who joins in to be able to exercise your creative muscle and have a fun, no-pressure experience doing something that you have never tried before. 🙂

tKaraoke

Welcome to tKaraoke, where we celebrate the art of pretending we’re all singing sensations. Perfection is overrated – we thrive on the sweet symphony of vocal originality <3

Sports

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tBalls (Dodgeball) 

tBalls is Tembusu’s dodgeball interest group! It has evolved into an integral part of Tembusu’s sports culture, providing a platform for both inter and intra-college interaction and bonding. Tembusians not only get to make friends within the college but also meet people from the other residential colleges that play the sport. We play both recreational and competitive dodgeball, giving everyone a chance to have fun as well as to challenge themselves and experience the more serious side of this team sport. All in all, tBalls is the place to have fun and build friendships, and serves to bring vibrancy to Tembusu and its sports scene.

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tBladers

tBladers is a beginner friendly interest group that aims to spread the joy of rollerblading! We focus on learning basic skating techniques such as how to stop and turn, and we always have fun together no matter the skill level! Feel like a challenge? We also learn more advanced skating skills like slalom and crossovers! Some sessions, we play games on wheels like captains ball and ice & freeze as well. tBladers has all the equipment you need to pick up skating, and you just need to bring along a pair of long socks! No matter your skill level, inline skating is a chill sport that is easy to learn. Get inline and roll in style with tBladers.

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tBoxing

Welcome to the tBoxing Interest Group, where our passion for the sweet science of boxing meets Tembusu’s atmosphere. We aim to spread martial arts through engaging training sessions, educational workshops, and a supportive network, making the art of boxing accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Whether stepping into the ring for the first time or looking to refine your skills, our group offers a welcoming space to explore the discipline, resilience, and camaraderie that boxing fosters. Join us to discover the transformative power of this ancient sport and find your place in our college community.

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tClimb

tClimb consists of a community of close-knit climbers that welcomes anyone who wants to pick up the sport. Our supportive members come up with brand new, fun, and challenging climbing routes weekly. Whether you’re looking for an intense workout or just want to hang during our weekly sessions, try climbing for a new grasp on life. Join us for our weekly bouldering sessions at the USC climbing wall to scale to new heights!

BolT and Pace

BolT and Pace is a sports Interest Group that cultivates the love for running among Tembusians, regardless of our level of sportiness. Both new and experienced runners are welcome. We teach the basics of running technique and encourage runners to be confident in their own pace.

Tembusu Basketball

Tembusu Basketball is a tight-knit and dedicated community of hoopers. We welcome everyone of different backgrounds and skill levels—come join us at our weekly trainings and friendly matches!

tShuttlers

tShuttlers is the home of badminton in Tembusu! tShuttlers aims to promote badminton within the Tembusu community. Furthermore, through our biweekly sessions, we hope to provide an outlet for all to de-stress and have an opportunity to take a break from their work.

tSquash

tSquash is a sports IG targeted towards players who are new to the sport of Squash, but also caters to experienced players and fosters a friendly and cohesive environment in Tembusu where players can hone their Squash skills. Squash is a game that is extremely physically demanding – and it helps everyone get an excellent workout.

Stretch & Tone

We are a beginner friendly interest group which allows Tembusians to try out different types of exercise in a fun, chill and encouraging environment. This is to allow Tembusians to keep fit, as well as explore new workouts which they may not have tried before! It is also a good session for Tembusians to relax and stretch after a long day of studying. Join us weekly to relax through the art of yoga, pilates, and barre!

Tembusu Netball

Rumour has it, Tembusu Netball is where fun and fitness meet! Break a sweat in our mixed-gender sessions, where the only thingy higher than our passes is the level of fun we have!

Tembusu Barefoots

Barefoots is Tembusu’s very own Ultimate Frisbee Interest Group, where skill levels don’t matter, but the fun does! Our Barefoots community is beginner-friendly and our sessions are all about learning, growing, and having a blast. We’ll teach you the basics, share tips and strategies, and ensure you’re comfortable getting those epic throws UPP in no time 🙂

See you on the field!

tChairs (Captain’s Ball)

tChairs is Tembusu’s Captain’s Ball interest group that aims to provide a fun and exciting sporting experience. The sport is very beginner-friendly and easy to pick up, regardless of skill level. We welcome all to come down for our weekly sessions to destress!

Tchoukball

Catch! Fly! Shoot! Learn how to play the amazing sport of tchoukball and join the fastest growing Frame-ily in Tembusu!

Tembusu Floorball

Tembusu Floorball introduces the action-packed sport of Floorball to Tembusians with fun and engaging weekly sessions. No experience required! Come join us on Monday and Wednesday nights to hit around and have fun!!

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Tembusu Football (Men)

Are you looking to get active, make new friends, and have a blast doing it? Look no further! Tembusu Mens Football welcomes football enthusiasts of all skill levels to join our beginner-friendly group where the beautiful game brings people together. We hold weekly sessions that are designed to be as fun as they are instructive. Whether you’re just learning to dribble or you’re ready to bend it like the pros, our club is the perfect place to find your footing. Each session is an opportunity to learn something new, improve your skills, and enjoy the camaraderie of team sports.

Tembusu Football (Women)

Tembusu Women’s Football is a beginner-friendly IG that welcomes all women, whether you are an experienced player or simply looking to learn a new sport! We host weekly sessions at UTown Green, where we practice drills and play friendly matches!

Tembusu Table Tennis

Discover the joy of table tennis at Tembu TT, a beginner-friendly haven with a focus on fun and camaraderie. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, our air-conditioned space welcomes all. Come on down after a tiring day of lectures, grab a bat and pit your wits and reflexes against your friends! Ping . . Pong . Ping . PONG, CHOLEI!!!

Tembusu Tennis

Join our Tennis IG to connect with fellow tennis enthusiasts! Whether you’re looking to improve your game or simply enjoy the company of like-minded fans, come join us to hit and have fun!

Tembusu Touch Rugby

Touch Rugby is a sports IG that hosts matches, teaches, and discusses all things Touch Rugby. It gives fellow Tembusians an opportunity to not only enjoy the sport, but also meet other fellow Touch Rugby enthusiasts and make new friends along the way. Touch Rugby also gives Tembusians who are new to the sport a platform to learn, while at the same time giving those proficient at the sport an opportunity to showcase their talent, and represent the College.

Tembusu Volleyball

Tembusu Volleyball is a fun-loving and welcoming community. Through our regular sessions, players will be able to find their place in this big family regardless of skill level! Our sessions are nothing short of fun and laughter while we hustle hard on the court. Whether you’re a veteran player or someone who’s never touched a volleyball before, Tembusu Volleyball is truly for anybody who wishes to enjoy a fantastic, engaging sport with warm, friendly people!

tCalisthenics

tCalisthenics introduces Tembusians to embrace the world of bodyweight mastery through weekly workout sessions that focus on strength, flexibility, and control.

Enrichment

tAstro

To us, Astronomy is not only the means to appreciate the vast universe that is above us, but also helps to gain mindfulness and awareness of our existence and importance in the world. With our tAstro sessions, we expose Tembusians and everyone in UTown to the mysteries of the night sky and provide education on how Astronomy works. We allow people to see marvels like Saturn, Jupiter and the Moon up close with their own eyes, which is a precious opportunity in our lives. Besides educating Tembusians on the physical element of Astronomy, we also provide a platform for relaxation and offloading academic stress. Our weekly sessions bring people from all over UTown together to forge friendships and create precious memories. Our interest group thus contributes on two fronts: education through exposure and forging friendships through experiences.

tBakes

tBakes is an enrichment interest group that holds weekly sessions at the Master’s Common Lounge. We explore different recipes, ranging in difficulty that cater to different taste buds. We aim to provide a platform for Tembusians to bond over the process of baking and forge stronger ties between each other. We hold beginner-friendly baking sessions for those interested in trying out baking but need the opportunity to experiment and hope that our weekly sessions will further their interest in taking up baking as a hobby. We hope that our sessions also provide Tembusians with the avenue to destress amidst studying hard for their courses.

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tFreedom

tFreedom is an Interest Group that aims to build a diverse and inclusive college, with a keen focus on community-building through conversations ranging from gender and sexuality, to feminism and sexual education.

tMeditation

Need to clear your mind of stressful thoughts or have a quiet moment to yourself? Come join tMeditation for a quick meditation session 🙂

IG²

IG² is all about playing different games, whether it’s Scrabble, card games like bridge, or even four-player chess! It’s super easy for beginners to join in – no need to know anything beforehand! If you already know a bit, that’s cool too, we can share strategies and tips. And if things get a bit confusing, don’t worry – because chances are, we’re equally confused too!

FinLit Society

Always wanted to learn more about financial literacy but unsure of how to do so? Look no further! FinLit Society serves as a platform for Tembusians to engage in discussions about financial knowledge. From these sharing sessions, FinLit Society hopes to empower Tembusians to make informed financial decisions which thereby improves their financial well-being. FinLit Society is here to make financial literacy LIT!

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Polity

Polity is about promoting discourse about social and political issues through organising events, interviews, and dialogues. We aim to make Tembusians invested and interested in the developments in our society today by making current affairs accessible and relatable to all.
Our flagship event, “In the Eyes Of …”, is a dialogue session where we engage with political and industry leaders about topics that affect the daily lives of those who live in Singapore. Past guests include Minister Chan Chun Sing, Minister Gan Siow Huang, and Dilhan Pillay.
We also have an upcoming initiative, Extra(Ordinary), where we bring in ordinary working adults to share their thoughts and work experience with Tembusians. As ITEOs give Tembusians a chance to engage with distinguished figures, Extra(Ordinary) aims to complement this by offering Tembusians a platform to hear the perspectives of everyday workers.

tQuest

Greetings adventurer! tQuest is bringing Dungeons & Dragons to Tembusu, a game where players can experience realms of limitless possibilities. We aim to introduce new players to the world of D&D as well as bring together players and allow them to immerse themselves in roleplay, solve puzzles, engage in combat, and build imaginary narratives together. Whether you’re an experienced player or just someone wanting to dip their toes into the magical world of D&D, the doors of tQuest are always open. Explore the worlds of this tabletop Role-Playing Game with your friends today!!!

tStudios

At tStudios, we hope to capture the magic in the mundane and chronicle your memories through hosting film walks, workshops, and photoshoots. With our wide array of production equipment, we’re your one-stop for all your content creation needs!

tTarik

tTarik provides an enriching platform for members of the Malay community in Tembusu College to engage themselves actively with Tembusians. It also acts to serve as a support group for its members and get to know about their cultural roots from one another.

Chinese Cultural Appreciation

Welcome to the Chinese Appreciation Interest Group, a vibrant community within in Tembu dedicated to exploring and celebrating the rich tapestry of Chinese culture and language. Our mission is to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of China’s vast cultural heritage, from its ancient roots to its dynamic present. Whether you are fluent in Mandarin, just beginning your journey with the language, or simply intrigued by Chinese art, history, and traditions, this group offers a welcoming space to learn, share, and grow.

tAKE ME OUT

tAkeMeOut is the College’s Outdoor Adventures Club with students passionate in fostering aventure and exploration. Through a range of activities like treks, cycling trips, and kayaking, the Interest Group creates an inclusive environment for members to step out of their comfort zones. By aligning with the college’s ethos on “Engaging the World” and “Helping People and Species In Need,” tAkeMeOut has also made previous efforts in engaging the greater community such as during reservoir cleanups.

Tembusu Christian Fellowship

Tembusu Christian Fellowship is a community open to all Christians regardless of denomination and background. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we love, encourage, and build each other up to boldly live out our faith, through praying, worshipping, and studying the word of God together. Being witnesses for Christ on campus, we also welcome all who are curious and who hold different beliefs to join us in dialogue and the exploration of the Christian faith!

Tembusu Coffeehouse

Coffeehouse is Tembusu’s one-and-only coffee appreciation interest group. We welcome anyone interested in coffee to join us and learn more — from the different roasts and origins, to various brewing techniques and tasting notes of coffee, and how to prepare their very own cup! Through our morning sessions and events, we bring specialty coffee and drinks to Tembusians everyday.
Here in Coffeehouse, a single cuppa is more than just a morning fix — it sparks conversations, forms bonds and creates cozy memories together. Come home to Tembusu Coffeehouse!

Tembusu Tea Co.

Tembusu Tea Co. began as a place for tea lovers to gather together and share the joys of tea drinking with others. In our sessions, find some time to reconnect and enjoy the pleasures of a simple pot, while sharing the social, cultural, and historical knowledge of all things tea-related.

Tembusu Tabletops

Tembusu Tabletops aims to facilitate social interaction, with board games as the medium of choice! Weekly sessions range from three to five hours, with multiple games being played during that period of time. IG members also have access to a myriad of board games which they can enjoy or play any time, with their friends. Tabletops also provides an avenue for Tembusians to borrow board games for group recreational activities, as well as supporting College events (eg. House & Residential Team events) through the provision of board games. Join us weekly to discover new, exciting games and have fun together!

Treehouse – Tembusu’s Online Student Journal

Treehouse is home to a community of writers who are curious and committed.
We bring together individuals who are excited about exploring issues and ideas, both within and beyond Tembusu College. We offer a communal space where you can articulate your world and ultimately express yourself.

tInternational

Tembusu International Students Program is dedicated to adding value to the international students’ experience and creating a sense of community among them. We aim to integrate international students into the college and Singaporean culture better, offer events to improve their mental well-being, and facilitate their assimilation to the local environment.

Some of our events include a baking session about the traditional Malay snack named ‘Ondeh Ondeh’. We also have our flagship ‘Local Snacks on Tembusu’. A series where international students tries local snacks, with each episode centered around a distinct theme (e.g., Chinese snacks)!

Communities and Engagement

tCambodia

tCambodia is an OCIP group in Tembusu College which centres around providing English lessons for children in less developed parts of Cambodia. We aim to empower Cambodian youths through education and mentorship. We work in partnership with Caring for Cambodia (CFC), an NGO in Siem Reap that aims at making a difference in Cambodia through educating children.

We aim to visit CFC once every academic year to meet our students in person. Through bonding and educational activities, we hope to strengthen our relationship with students, and deepen our relations with CFC. We also aim to visit other NGOs during our trip that contribute to the education landscape on Siem Reap.

tEnPower

tEnPower (established 2018) is a sustainability-focused OCIP in Tembusu College that aims to empower youths at Youth Development Centre (YDC), Shwegyin, Myanmar to gain access to better opportunities through improved English literacy. YDC is a boarding school that is home to around 200 underprivileged youths ranging from ages 3 to 18 –– providing them with accommodation, education and vocational training to prepare them for society.
Our work encompasses long-term, regular engagement in the form of weekly English classes over online video platforms, supported by self-developed curriculum.

GreenT

GreenT is Tembusu’s Sustainability Interest Group. We are committed to raising awareness for environmental issues, while striving to make a low-impact way of life both easy and accessible to Tembusians. Most importantly, we hope to build a close-knit eco-conscious community that inspires one another to learn and do more for our Earth. GreenT creates a safe space to discuss intersectional and interdisciplinary topics related to the environment. With Student Teas, discussion groups, workshops and our community chat, we encourage students to share and learn more about the world that shapes us. We also plan events to empower Tembusians to take the first few steps towards living a more eco-conscious lifestyle — be it through repurposing ‘ugly’ food items into something refreshing and tasty like a smoothie, or simply going thrifting together! Even if you are completely new to sustainability related issues, GreenT welcomes you with open arms and green fingers. Let’s have fun together while we explore ways to safeguard our environment! (Bonus if you like Green Tea)

Love Tembusu

Love Tembusu is a mental wellness advocacy group that aims to educate, destigmatise and provide a welcoming space for Tembusians to engage in conversations about mental health. Our initiatives and events all serve to advocate the importance of mental wellbeing and may be directed at the different ways Tembusians can destress and practice self-care.

tMentors

tMentors is a Local CIP (LoCIP) group based in Tembusu college that provides academic mentoring, enrichment sessions, and tertiary education guidance for secondary school students. We currently provide mentorship to students of New Town Secondary School (NTSS). These sessions are held weekly in Tembusu college compounds.

tWild

Tembusu Wildlife Association or tWild aims to be Tembusu College’s ambassador for wildlife conservation. We strive to create a community of like-minded individuals that are passionate about the environment and want to extend that passion to other Tembusians. We also hope to spread awareness on the plight of species in danger and involve Tembusians in the fight against biodiversity loss, supporting the College’s ethos of helping people and species in need.

tWild hosts talks and Student Teas with wildlife experts around the world and within Singapore to widen the horizons of Tembusians. We conduct regular visits to our nature spaces, organise panels on wildlife conservation and even host trivia nights to help Tembusians learn more about the beautiful wildlife around us and better understand the severity of the threat that global biodiversity face.

Thriftbusu

Thriftbusu aims to raise awareness regarding the detriment that fast fashion brings as well as promote sustainable alternatives to fashion amongst Tembusians, to create a community of planet-conscious fashion consumers!