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From Singapore to Finland: Students discover new perspectives on sustainability at Aalto University
In March 2026, Aalto University Summer School had the privilege of hosting a group of bright and ambitious students from Ngee Ann Polytechnic in Singapore for a two-week program on social sustainability and creativity.
We met with Vikki Lee and Richard Lim to talk about their first time in Finland and how the program challenged them to think about the global good from new perspectives.
Vikki is a second-year tourism and resort management student with a passion for traveling. Before joining the program at Aalto Finland, she had recently returned from a trip to Southern Europe, where she visited Switzerland, France and Italy, so heading towards Northern Europe didn't feel like such a big stretch for her.
Richard is currently studying banking and finance in his second year. He balances his numbers and data-driven studies with relaxing hobbies such as cooking and reading.
What kind of expectations did you have before coming to Aalto and joining the program?
Richard: I researched Aalto extensively before arriving, and it truly lived up to my expectations as a center for innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainability. I’m someone who wants to push myself beyond my own limitations, and the collaborative, interdisciplinary environment has challenged me to expand my ways of thinking and learn in new directions.
Vikki: For me, gaining a closer look at student life, the cultural exchange and insights into local student experiences was extremely valuable, especially as a tourism student.
Why is it important for students to go abroad for short-term programs like this?
Vikki: When I first heard about this overseas program, my dad encouraged me to apply by sharing a Chinese quote with me: “Travelling 10 000 miles is better than reading 10 000 books”. Essentially, real experiences where you are able to smell, taste, and feel are the ones that will teach you the most.
Richard: The academic program content was beautifully mixed with the cultural experience – not everything can be replicated in lecture halls.
Why do you think the combination of sustainability and creativity is essential in today’s society?
Richard: Problem-solving according to textbook methods can only take us so far – it is the creativity that gets us to the next level. Looking at challenges from completely new angles is the key to an open mind, which is also something that was highlighted a lot during the lectures in the program. Without creativity, sustainability is just a concept, but when you bring them together, they are the engines of the future.
Vikki: We all share responsibility for the planet we live on. Sustainability is how we give back to the environment, while creativity enables us to develop better ways of living and improving the world, whether it is economically, socially, and environmentally.
During the program, I was challenged to think critically and approach creativity with fresh, meaningful solutions, while considering how my ideas can contribute positively to the world.
How did you experience the learning methods at Aalto?
Richard: The learning approach was collaborative and group-oriented. The lecturers don’t just hand you the answers, they really want you to think and come up with the solution yourself, highlighting that there is no right or wrong so we would be as bold as possible in our thinking. The open learning environment taught me to see things from different perspectives.
Finland – full of surprises and a forest in every corner
Richard noted that the stereotype of the quiet Finn who avoids small talk is not accurate, as everyone they met was remarkably friendly and eager to help. He also noted that a bustling metropolitan city like Singapore contrasts greatly with the calm atmosphere of Helsinki and Espoo. Additionally, a Summer School staff member shared a local saying that in Finland, if you walk for ten minutes from almost anywhere, you will find yourself in a forest (which is true).
Vikki sensed a strong feeling of trust and appreciation for small things among the people, which may help explain why Finns are often considered among the happiest in the world. Apart from connecting with new people, the local gastronomy also plays an important role for Vikki when traveling to new places.
‘The Finnish rye bread paired with the the traditional salmon soup was the absolute best,’ says Vikki.
Learn more about custom programs and Aalto University Summer School
Custom Programs
Experience Finland’s Cutting-Edge Education with Short-term Programs at Aalto University.
Aalto University Summer School
Aalto University Summer School offers high-quality academic summer courses and programs at Aalto University during the winter and the summer.
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