LEAD Camp 2026: Aligning Student Leaders for a Year of Impact

Date: 4 Jan 2026

News Type:Event Highlights

School/Department: Office of Student Life

 

The Leaders- Student Life (STL) Staff and Steering Committee of the Stewards Leadership Pathway- at Lead Camp 2026
The Leaders, Student Life (STL) Staff and Steering Committee of the Stewards Leadership Pathway, at Lead Camp 2026.

From 2 to 4 January 2026, 115 SUSS student leaders gathered at Holiday Inn Batam Resort for LEAD Camp 2026, a three-day leadership retreat designed to prepare them for a purposeful year of student life programming. Organised by the Student Success Centre and Student Life (STL), and co-led by a dynamic student steering committee from the Stewards Leadership Pathway, this marked the first time the camp was designed and run by students, for students. The camp offered a platform for student leaders to connect, reflect, and grow together.

 

A student leader sharing her experience with her groupA student leader shares her experience with her group 

Anchored on three pillars, “Empower, Enrich, and Engage”, the camp guided participants to explore how they could better support their Competition Groups (CGs), Interest Groups (IGs), and Advocacy Groups (AGs) in the coming year. Through facilitated workplan sessions and a structured year-plan charting exercise, participants mapped out key initiatives, identified potential collaborations, and considered resource needs to support their goals. These conversations culminated in a shared Student Life Master Calendar that laid the groundwork for more potent synergy across the student community in 2026.

Beyond planning, participants strengthened their leadership capabilities through themed masterclasses, including StrengthsFinder 2.0: Leveraging Your Leadership Edge, Active Listening & Conflict Resolution, and Facilitating High Performance in Teams. Each session combined reflection with experiential activities, allowing student leaders to translate abstract concepts into practical action, refine their communication, and gain clarity in their personal leadership journeys.

 

Leaders all smiles before Day 2 kicks off!Leaders all smiles before Day 2 kicks off!

The second day of LEAD Camp 2026 saw student leaders come together for an Amazing Race filled with creative challenges, coordination tasks, and surprise missions designed to strengthen teamwork and quick thinking. The day also featured a domino challenge, in which teams had to rely on patience, precision, and collective planning guided by SUSS Raise Value (Respect, Adaptability, Integrity, Service, Empathy). Together, these activities encouraged participants to collaborate under pressure, celebrate diverse strengths, and approach problem-solving with agility. 
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The evening culminated in a vibrant campfire session that showcased hidden talents as student leaders stepped forward with confidence, humour, and creativity. 

Student leaders raising the energy at Lead Camp 2026 during Camp Fire segment

Student leaders raising the energy at Lead Camp 2026 during Camp Fire segment 🔥

The atmosphere grew even more electric as more leaders joined in, including an entire group delivering a full sing-and-dance performance, transforming the night into a memorable celebration of expression, camaraderie, and SUSS spirit. Through these experiences, participants not only displayed leadership in action but also built meaningful friendships and networks that would last beyond the camp.Throughout the three-day camp, many participants emphasised how the experience deepened their understanding of leadership at SUSS, particularly within its diverse student body of part-time and CET learners.

Irdina Shrmani, Vice-Chairperson of 1SUSS, reflected, “LEAD Camp 2026 was a meaningful eye-opener that deepened my understanding of our school’s unique makeup. While SUSS’s diversity is sometimes seen as a limitation, this camp showed how it is, in fact, our strength. Through discussions and shared experiences, we saw how individuals from varied backgrounds can come together, contribute meaningfully, and collaborate toward common goals.”

For many participants, the camp clarified what leadership meant in a community of peers. Adam, Marketing Head of the Production Interest Group (PDIG), shared, "This leader’s camp marked my first real step into ExCo and university leadership. Being surrounded by so many capable peers helped me recognise that leadership is not just a challenge, but also a privilege that carries real responsibility. The workshops, particularly the active listening session, reminded me that good leadership is rooted in empathy, collaboration, and trust.”

In the spirit of collaboration, representatives from different Advocacy Groups (AGs), Competition Groups (CGs), and Interest Groups (IGs) discussed future partnerships. 

Isaiah Shafiq Imran Chang, Chairperson of SEALS, noted, “LEAD Camp 2026 was a rare opportunity for student leaders from various groups to connect and explore possible collaborations. It bridged the gap between AGs, CGs, and IGs, helping us better understand each other’s perspectives while equipping us with new skills to serve our communities more effectively.”

Luismika Lim Chieng Hee, a Year 1 SUSS Squash CG Vice-Captain, reflected, “I’m grateful to have been part of LEAD Camp 2026. The workshops and challenges, such as the Amazing Race and Domino Challenge, helped me grow as a leader and team player, and I also built meaningful friendships. I’d like to thank STL and the Stewards planning committee for making this experience possible.”

As the new academic year begins, the lessons, friendships, and networks forged at LEAD Camp 2026 will continue to inspire student leaders to lead with empathy, confidence, and purpose, embodying the RAISE values of Respect, Accountability, Integrity, Service, and Excellence as they champion initiatives that strengthen the SUSS student community.