Date: 17 August 2026
Duration: 1 day
Level: Intermediate
Venue: Singapore University of Social Sciences
Synopsis
This course delves into the concepts of community building and identity formation, inviting participants to engage with complex issues such as culture, religion, social inclusivity, inequality, and national identity. Through an interdisciplinary lens, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how communities are shaped and identities are formed in both local and global contexts. Examples and case studies from Singapore and the region will highlight different dimensions to challenges faced, fostering meaningful discussions on project outcomes and sustainability. The course integrates theoretical insights with a practice-oriented approach, emphasising the interconnected importance of knowledge, action, and impactful outcomes.
Who Should Attend
Grassroots Advisor, Community Engagement Manager, Volunteer Management Officer, Corporate Communications Executive
Topics
- Aspects & Interplay of Community, Community Building/Development, Identity Formation
- Community Capital Types
- Challenges of Nation Building, Urbanization, & Growth Issues
- Impact Measurement & Management Basics
Objectives
- Examine the interconnectedness of community, community building, and identity formation.
- Understand the various types of community capital and their role in fostering sustainable development.
- Explore practical approaches to addressing challenges and measuring the impact of community initiatives.
A. Knowledge and Understanding (Theory Component)
By the end of this course, participants should be able to:
- Describe the aspects and interplay of community, community building, and identity formation. (Bloom’s Level 2: Understand)
- Explain the types of community capital and their importance in fostering sustainable development. (Bloom's Level 2: Understand)
- Identify the challenges of building communities and the role of impact measurement in addressing community issues. (Bloom's Level 2: Understand)
B. Key Skills (Practical Component)
By the end of this course, you should be able to:
- Relate social scientific knowledge to practical situations for community building (Bloom's Level 2: Understand)
- Explain how different types of community capital contribute to community building and sustainability. (Bloom's Level 2: Understand)
- Demonstrate basic methods for measuring the impact of community initiatives (Bloom's Level 3: Apply)
Schedule
| Time | Agenda |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | |
| 09:00 - 09:30 | Course Overview & Introductions |
| 09:30 - 10:30 | Community Building & Development |
| 10:30 - 10:45 | Break |
| 10:45 - 12:00 | Identity Formation & Community Capital Types |
| 12:00 - 13:00 | Lunch |
| 13:00 - 15:30 | Challenges to Community Building
|
| 15:30 - 15:45 | Break |
| 15:45 - 17:00 | Impact Measurement and Management |
| 17:00 - 17:30 | Assessment |
Assessments
- Short Answer Questions
- Multiple Choice Questions
Requirements
- Participants must be conversant in English
About the Trainers
Nick Foong
Nick Foong isn’t your typical social impact champion. He started his career scaling marketing heights in the consumer goods and telecommunications industries. But after 13 years, he made a dynamic shift, dedicating the next 12 years to the non-profit sector where he worked for a leading charity foundation in Malaysia involved in closing the education gap for under-served children and families.
A seasoned trainer, Nick has designed and curated learning journeys for clients looking to amplify their impact for the greater good. Besides being an adjunct lecturer with SUSS on Community Building and Forging Identities, he is also the Co-Founder of GoVolcanno Pte. Ltd, an independent consultancy providing training and coaching for clients looking to grow their social impact. His unique strength is bridging corporate strategy with social impact through a people-centered approach, ensuring that designed learning experiences are practical, engaging, and deeply purpose-driven.
He holds an M.B.A in Marketing from The University of Iowa and a B.Sc. (Hons) in Botany from the National University of Singapore.
Application Procedures
Please submit the following documents to [email protected]:
- Coloured copy (back and front) of NRIC for Singaporeans and PRs, or "Employment"/"S"
Pass for foreign applicant
- Application form
Course Fee
1 Mid-Career Enhanced Subsidy:
Singaporeans aged 40 and above may enjoy subsidies up to 90% of the course
fees.
2 Enhanced Training Support
for SMEs: SME-sponsored employees (Singaporean Citizens and PRs) aged 21
and above may enjoy subsidies up to 90% of the course fees.
- Participants are required to achieve at least 75% attendance and pass any prescribed examinations/assessments or submit any course/project work (if any) under the course requirement.
- Participants are required to complete all surveys and feedbacks related to the course.
- The course fees are reviewed annually and may be revised. The University reserves the right to adjust the course fees without prior notice.
- Singapore University of Social Sciences reserves the right to amend and/or revise the above schedule without prior notice.
For the various payment modes, please refer here.
Course Withdrawal and Refund
Request for withdrawal from a course must be submitted to SUSS Academy formally in writing.
- Course Withdrawal before Application Close Date: No charges.
- Course Withdrawal after course confirmation: 50% of the full course fee with an administration fee imposed.
- Course Withdrawal after the course commences: Full course fee applies.
For clarification, please contact the SUSS Academy via the following:
Telephone: +65 6248 0263
Email: [email protected]