# Encounters and insights in Singapore - Savonia AMK

> Experiences of a short exchange in Singapore.

## About the GOSH Project
This article is part of a blog series related to the Global and Sustainable Health (GOSH) project, funded by the Finnish National Agency for Education (TFK). The project has involved collaboration between four universities of applied sciences: 
* Turku UAS
* JAMK
* Singapore Institute of Technology: University of Applied Sciences
* Savonia UAS

Together, they have developed a 5-credit study module titled Global and Sustainable Health. The course explores its main themes from the perspective of rehabilitation. It included an intensive week, which in autumn 2025 was held in Singapore. The blog articles describe students’ learning experiences, perspectives, and reflections during the intensive week.

## Observations from St Andrew’s Senior Care
In October, we had the unique opportunity to participate as a student and teacher in a study trip to Singapore as part of the GOSH project. A visit to St Andrew’s Senior Care unit was particularly memorable.

The facility was designed for daytime activities for the elderly—bright, warm, and full of life. The customers were involved in a wide range of activities, and the presence of the staff was strong and caring. There was a strong sense of community: if someone hesitated to participate, the staff could pick them up from home, and doctors encouraged participation. 

While the care was excellent, the unit lacked digital appointment booking or monitoring systems. In contrast, the wellbeing services county of North Ostrobothnia is currently testing an ERP system application for daytime activities that directs customers, monitors flow, books periods, and compiles statistics to assist in planning services.

## Cultural and Environmental Reflections
Nature was strongly present in Singapore, with greenery integrated into the structures, windows, and roofs of buildings. Visits to Sungei Buloh National Park and the Bukit Timah Summit offered a respite from the bustling city. 

Culturally, Singapore differs from Finland in several ways:
* **Housing:** Detached houses are rare; most people live in high-rise apartment buildings.
* **Family:** Family communities are strong, and the elderly often live under the same roof for a long time.
* **Social Norms:** There is a strong rule culture—vaping is prohibited under threat of a fine, smoking and snuff are rare, littering is low, and behavior is respectful and friendly.
* **Physical Activity:** The physical activity of children and young people is supported by rewarding performance and offering exercise programmes to those who find exercise challenging.

## Lessons for Future Development
The trip provided new perspectives on supporting well-being:
* **From Singapore to Finland:** We could incorporate more nature experiences and emphasize the strong role of rehabilitation in supporting well-being and health.
* **From Finland to Singapore:** We could introduce health technology and digital solutions to support professionals in decision-making, improve the customer experience, and enable proactive well-being monitoring.

## Educational Impact
The project offers students an excellent opportunity for internationalization as a short-term exchange. Implementing a one-week program in a new environment, such as at SIT University, makes international studies tangible. It allows for a better understanding of issues from a different perspective, even though Singapore and Finland face similar challenges, such as population aging. From a teacher’s perspective, the students were active, worked well in group assignments, and gained deeper insights into the theme of global and sustainable health.

## Authors
* **Saija Manninen**, Rehabilitation Counsellor, Master’s Degree Student in Social Services; Wellbeing Coordinator specialization, Savonia University of Applied Sciences
* **Marja Äijö PT, PhD**, Principal lecturer of Gerontology and Rehabilitation, Savonia University of Applied Sciences