Almost every week, members of Tembusu College are invited to meet and chat with guests - both local and international - through a variety of hosted events. There is a huge diversity of backgrounds amongst our visitors, who range from politicians to diplomats, artists, writers, poets, and academics. Select an event category on the left to find out more.
Our events and members of our community are also frequently featured by the Press and Media. Visit the Newsroom to read the reports.
Tembusu College’s motto The Home of Possibilities, means we value the development of each individual according to her or his own path through life. At the same time we are a learning community, which seeks to give students an intense experience in a nurturing environment. The college administers (and awards certificates for) the prestigious University Town College Programme (UTCP), which augments students’ regular degree programmes by emphasising breadth, critical thinking, and exposure to inter-disciplinary thinking. Our curriculum includes both seminars and out-of-classroom learning experiences.
The college is not themed. Diversity is an important part of our ethos, and we offer learning opportunities across a broad spectrum of interests. We do, however, have particular areas of strength, which are reflected in the backgrounds of our faculty.
As a Residential College, residents of Tembusu College live and learn together with their peers under the same roof. Integral to the learning is the University Town College Programme (UTCP) where residents read four Seminar-style Courses over their two year residency. Find out more About the Programme or browse available modules on the left.
Concerned about the workload? Find out How UTCP Fits with your faculty-based degree programme at NUS.
Living and learning together at Tembusu happens as part of our 'Out-of-Classroom Teaching' programme.
Keen to continue residing at the college after completing the UTCP? Find out what lies ahead in the Senior Learning Experience.
A home away from home, the Tembusu College community is 21 storeys of collegiate spirit known for its friendly and welcoming culture.
Wake up or wind down through casual conversations with your Fellows and peers over meals at the Dining Hall. Sweat it out over sports at the Multi Purpose Hall. Huddle with like-minded individuals at one of the many Student-run Interest Groups & Student-Initiated Projects or start your own. Let loose or let your creativity flow in the well furnished Student Spaces. Be our Student Partners and contribute to the College community.
Need career advice? Stressed? Need help on personal issues? Or simply want catch up with friendly members of our Residential Team? We're here for you.
Tembusu College is much more than a home; it's a Home of Possibilities.
Sail to the Anambas Islands (Tembusu STEER Sailing Voyage)
Stressed by school? Need something to look forward to after exams? We suggest a boat trip. Inspired by the lonely island, Shamraz Anver and A/P Martin Henz are collaborating to co-lead a Tembusu STEER sailing voyage. It's a pretty unique opportunity - you'll be out at sea for 10 days sailing to and around the remote Indonesian Anambas islands. You will learn about their nature, economy, and culture, while kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking. You'll also experience the beauty of wind propulsion.
You can find pictures and videos from previous voyages here that will give you a sense of what your trip will be like:
This trip will cost about $885 for most of you. The full price is ~$2185 but most students can get $1300 in subsidies*: $500 for NUS undergrads and an extra $800 for Singaporeans and PRs not in their final semester, meaning you only pay 40% of the cost.
Dates are 21st May to 2nd June. If you are interested, drop Shamraz an email asap via shamraz@nus.edu.sg
*Subsidies are subject to eligibility.
Learning Objectives: The voyage offers unique learning opportunities and insights into communities that live in relative geographical isolation. You will learn how island geography affects the economies, social life and politics of their inhabitants. Degrees of remoteness and connectedness and the effect of technologies such as wireless communication and high-speed ferries can be studied using examples ranging from the regional capital Tanjungpinang to isolated island communities. Using the vast archipelago of the Anambas Islands as an example, you will study the opportunities and obstacles for tourism in the Natuna Sea. You will experience the unique ecology of coral reefs, and mangrove forests via snorkelling, kayak excursions and amphibious landings on islands, and gain insights into the challenges to conservation of vulnerable and endangered species such as sea turtles. On the Northernmost island of the Anambas Islands, Pulau Matak, you will see first hand the impact of natural gas exploration in the region.
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.
