Sharing Research on Wellbeing with Local Communities
Sharing Research on Wellbeing with Local Communities
On Saturday 4th April, 2026, Tembusu College students reading the course Happiness by Design held an exhibition showcasing their research on the wellbeing of young people in Singapore.
How can we design spaces and networks that support the happiness and wellbeing of young people in Singapore? This is the question that students from Happiness by Design asked themselves over the course of the past semester (AY25/26 Semester 2).
This semester, the course partnered for the third time with Growthbeans, a social enterprise focusing on collective wellbeing through self-awareness, inclusivity, relational skills, and employability. In the first half of the semester, through seminars on happiness and wellbeing from ancient philosophy to contemporary sociology and psychology, students learned about what can improve wellbeing and happiness in societies around the world and in Singapore in particular. In the second half, students conducted semi-structured interviews, reviewed literature, and developed interactive exhibitions that educated a public audience on the latest research as well as the challenges faced by youths today.
The exhibition was held at the opening ceremony of the Mountbatten Community Club and Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs, Edwin Tong, stopped by, in his capacity as Deputy Chair of the People’s Association, to engage with the students and their exhibits.
Four groups of students created four exhibits:
- “Under One Roof” by Lam Hui Xing Elysia, Estelle Loo En, and Shawn Lim Le Yang
This exhibit invited participants to become interior designers and design “third spaces” that would improve their wellbeing. Third spaces are spaces outside of home and work or education. Research shows such environments are vital for fostering social connection, one of the key factors influencing happiness.
- “Drop the Weights” by Nguyen Kim Gia Han Sophia, Tan Pei Xuan, and Zhang Xiyuan
This exhibit sought to demonstrate the heaviness of loneliness, a common experience among youths in Singapore today, by making participants carry heavy weights symbolising different factors that research shows can create feelings of loneliness. Other components invited participants to share, without judgment, what can make them feel lonely, what can help, and the physical toll that loneliness can have on our bodies.
- “Echoes and Connections” by Lee Jia En, Li Zihan Harry, Benjamin Lua Kai Xin, and Olivia Ong Yu Xuan
This exhibit took the form of a board game where players made key life decisions that revealed how, according to wellbeing research, the choices we make influence our happiness.
- “The Connection Trail” by Brandon Ho Teng Wei, Ho Zheng Cong, Cymon, and K Divyash
This exhibit took participants on a “choose your own adventure” style scavenger hunt from Mountbatten Community Club to the Dakota Breeze RN. The adventure featured a variety of scenarios which will be familiar to youths in Singapore (from studying in the library to meeting friends) and educated participants as to what the research says about each scenario and its impact on wellbeing.
This semester’s focus on people aged 18-35 was initially proposed by the course’s community partner, Growthbeans, who have identified youth wellbeing as a key strategic focus. Reflecting on the semester, Shane Yan, co-founder of Growthbeans, said, “Working with Prof Eric and the students from Tembusu College has been a joy. Their ideas, curiosity and their openness to learn brings inspiration and a lot of intellectual stimulation. Growthbeans is glad to be a community partner to provide projects and challenge statements that help them to learn and discover more about themselves and others, while creating an impact in community.”
TEMBUSU COLLEGE OPEN HOUSE 2026 
will be there to answer your questions and show you around!
Closest RC to UTown bus stop 
— super convenient!
