Second-year SMU student Alice Nguyen from Vietnam said that when she was in secondary school, her friends had commented that foreign students were especially good at mathematics and sciences. She thought that these were mere observations, rather than an expression of grievance. Fourth-year SMU student Lim Yan Pin, who is Chairman of SMU International Connections, felt that integrating foreign students would require them to make the effort, while local students need to also do their part in accepting and accommodating them. He said that he was heartened that the number of SMU students who place emphasis on international exchanges and student integration was growing. Third-year SMU student Li Jing Yi from China said that she learned how to speak Singlish by joining four clubs on campus. She felt that to integrate, she wanted to make the first move, rather than wait for someone to guide her. SMU Dean of Students Professor Ong Siow Heng said that the majority should accept and accommodate the minority. This is the best way to overcome racism, discrimination and biases.
(First row, second from the right: Alice Nguyen)