Finding New Meaning in Education: My Journey as a C J Koh Scholar at the NIE

When I first stepped onto the campus of the National Institute of Education in Singapore, I immediately felt a sense of belonging. The peaceful environment, the diversity of people I met, and the openness of discussion in every class broadened my perspective and reminded me why I love learning.

As an education student, I have always been curious about how different countries approach teaching and learning. I decided to join the Semester@NIE programme because I wanted to experience how Singapore’s education system nurtures both academic excellence and character development. I was excited to learn in an environment that values collaboration, reflection and innovation.

Throughout the months, I discovered that learning at the NIE is not only about understanding theories but also about questioning, experimenting and reflecting on what it means to be a good educator. Courses that explored learner diversity, reflective practice and digital pedagogy challenged me to think about how learning can be more inclusive and meaningful. I learned that effective teaching is not just about delivering lessons but about creating a space where students feel heard, respected and inspired to think critically.

One of the most memorable parts of my experience has been the interaction with lecturers and classmates from diverse backgrounds. The lecturers are not only knowledgeable but also approachable and genuinely invested in students’ growth. During one class discussion, a professor shared a thought that deeply resonated with me: “Education is about lighting the flame, not filling the vessel”. That idea reminded me that the true goal of education is to spark curiosity and lifelong learning, rather than simply transferring information.

Receiving the C J Koh Scholarship has been a great privilege and a source of motivation. It gave me the chance to fully engage in academic and cultural experiences at the NIE without worrying about financial limitations. More importantly, it made me feel trusted and supported to represent Indonesia and contribute to the global learning community. The scholarship encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone, participate actively in class and embrace every learning opportunity.

When I return to Indonesia, I plan to apply what I have learned in simple but meaningful ways. I hope to share my experiences with fellow students and lecturers at my university, particularly about how reflective learning and collaboration can make education more engaging. I also want to organise small sharing sessions with student teachers to exchange ideas on how we can adapt innovative and student-centred teaching approaches in our local context.

This journey has truly transformed how I see education and myself as a learner. It taught me that being a good educator starts with being an active learner — someone who listens, reflects and grows with others. I am deeply thankful to the NIE and to the C J Koh Scholarship for giving me this opportunity to learn, connect and find new meaning in what it means to teach and learn.

About Semester@NIE Programmes