Was kind of free today so surfed the web a little and stumbled into SNU's website. Alright, it is not a typo error....but SNU is Seoul National University (was watching Amazing Race yesterday) and not the NUS we are familiar with. Saw their promotional video and realised that its focus is more or less similar to NUS. They mentioned about being world-leading or world class, research based, oldest and most comprehensive, with lots of new-edge technology and institutes, most importantly churning out talents and leaders for both their home country and the international community. What is missing between the two video is something called culture. In the SNU's one, it mentioned about its campus having a cultural institute which house the Korean culture all the way from the Chosun Dynasty. That they are also looking forward to inculcate cultural appreciation and exchange to all their students and hopefully allow the international community understand more about the Korean culture or vice versa. In the whole of the other video, all is prominent about culture was just a minute or two of a scene showing a group of people dancing and playing music. However, the emphasis of culture in the SNU's one is obviously much greater.
I have always believed that most great universities in the world do not only emphasise in being innovative, creative, entrepeurnal (pardon me if it is spelled wrongly), or advance technology. Their development of culture in the university and also bringing across homeland cultural practices and ideas are part of their drive to become a great university. Even their architecture is something to talk and research about. I guess, for a young nation and a young university, this is something that is really lacking. Is not that we do not have a culture of our own, is not that we do not have a history of our own, but is just that the focus has always been on economic development that most of this cultural factors is really diminished. Improvement is seen recently with the building of some really nice spiky halls and ideas of turning an entire street to become a culture hub. Culture connects one's soul and emotions. I guess for a university to be really world class, and really nurture talents and leaders for tomorrow, culture should play a very important part in the university.
To end,
We are not a cultural desert but a cultural oasis that is yet to be uncovered by a thirsty fellow.
