SMU ICON | International Connections

⚡️ICONic Insights: Know More About Us⚡️
Watch “ICONic Insights” to understand more about us!!


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Introducing the election candidates for 19th ICON Executive Committee! ⭐

Follow us ✨ ✨ to receive more updates on the election!

The veting period will start next week from Monday, 12th September to Friday, 16th September. ⏰

The voting link will be sent to your email so please keep a look out for it!!😁

With just three more weeks left in this semester, energize your day by trying out this new recipe with ICON Cook!!
This week's dish from Myanmar is a nourishing and comforting bowl of Ohn No Khao Swee 🍜

Swipe to find out how you can make your own bowl of Coconut Milk Noodles 🤩

The SMU Myanmar Community is a welcoming community that acts as the representative body of Burmese students in SMU.

With an aim of promoting the cultural identity of Myanmar here at SMU, it is the go-to place for students to find out more about Myanmar, ranging from its culture, tourism to even business opportunities there. You can find out exactly how they do that by following their Instagram !

As the international borders reopen and we dream of our vacation plans… Why not travel with ICON to the breathtaking Chin State in Myanmar!✈️ Amidst the Indochinese, Indian and Palearctic zoogeographic subregions, lies Chin State. A land enriched with untouched beauty of the nature, rare animals and flowers, traditional festivals and the humble hospitality of the local people along with their unique customs and cultures. And here you can see the highest mountain in the State, Mount Victoria, standing at 10,016 ft. It is also the third highest peak in the whole country!

ICON Letters 💌

Hey there! Our ICON ExCo has written some letters of encouragement to get you through this period. We hope this gives you some motivation to tackle any challenges that lie ahead of you.

Tag your friend who needs to see this!! 👫

ICON Fest 2022 ✨[LETTER💌]

Extending on our ICONic friendship week, here are some heartwarming messages that some of the ICON family members have for one another. As we all brave through the midterms this week and enter recess week, do not forget to show appreciation to the people that are close to you!

Tag your besties and show them some ICONic love this February 💛❤️

ICON Fest 2022 ✨[LETTER 💌]

Extending on our ICONic friendship week, here are some heartwarming messages that some of the ICON family members have for one another. As we all brave through the midterms this week and enter recess week, do not forget to show appreciation to the people that are close to you!

Tag your besties and show them some ICONic love this February 💛❤️

ICON Fest 2022 ✨[WRAP UP]

That's a warp on ICON Fest's 2022 workshop series and here are some of the best moments captured by the participants. Hope all of you had an ICONic Friendship week while making these amazing gifts with and for your friends!! ❤️

ICON Fest 2022 ✨[WRAP UP]

That's a wrap on ICON Fest's 2022 workshop series and here are some of the best moments captured by the participants. Hope all of you had an ICONic Friendship week while making these amazing gifts with and for your friends!! ❤️

ICON Fest 2022 ✨[COUNTDOWN]

Stay tuned for ICON Fest that will be happening in just TWO DAYS 🎊!!!
Surrounding the theme of ‘Friendship’, this year’s ICON Fest gives you plenty of opportunities to forge closer bonds with your friends of different nationalities by participating in a series of fun-filled workshops. While you’re at it, do snap a photo and tag us on your Instagram story! 🥰

Mark your calendars 🗓:
• Fancy Soap Carving Workshop
📌 10 February, 5-6pm, Physical
• Terrarium Workshop
📌 11 February, 5-6pm, Physical
• Zentangle Card Design Workshop
📌 14 February, 7.30-9.30pm, Zoom

See you soon! 🤩

The long awaited ICON Fest 2022 is here!!

This year's ICON Fest brings you and your buddies on an activities spree from terrarium making to soap and even card making workshops. Join us to create amazing gifts for your friends and show appreciation to them during Friendships day!

Stay tuned to hear more from our international friends on how they have forged strong bonds with one another over the week

I-CON COOK is back to share with you how to make Pad Thai!

Ingredients
• 125 g / 4oz Chang’s Pad Thai dried rice sticks (Note 1)
SAUCE:
• 1 1/2 tbsp tamarind puree (Note 2)
• 3 tbsp (packed) brown sugar
• 2 tbsp fish sauce (Note 3)
• 1 1/2 tbsp oyster sauce (Note 4)
STIR FRY:
• 2 – 3 tbsp vegetable or canola oil
• 1/2 onion , sliced (brown, yellow)
• 2 garlic cloves , finely chopped
• 150 g/5oz chicken breast (or thigh) , thinly sliced
• 2 eggs , lightly whisked
• 1 1/2 cups of beansprouts
• 1/2 cup firm tofu, cut into 3cm / 1 1/4″ batons (see photo)
• 1/4 cup garlic chives , cut into 3cm / 1 1/4″ pieces
• 1/4 cup finely chopped peanuts
FOR SERVING:
• Lime wedges (essential)
• Ground chilli or cayenne pepper (optional)
• More beansprouts

Travel with ICON as we visit Thailand!

Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Temple) is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. The complex consists of a number of buildings within the precincts of the Grand Palace in the historical centre of Bangkok.

It houses the statue of the Emerald Buddha, which is venerated as the country's palladium.

Let's meet SMU Yimsiam!

SMU Yimsiam, The Club of Smiles, is is a Thai cultural club with a mission to share the Thai culture and lifestyle with the SMU community.

We aim to promote a deeper understanding and appreciation for the Thai culture while weaving in the concept of smile in every event.

Head over to their instagram to find out more information about Yimsiam!

SMU Connect China is a Chinese cultural club dedicated to build the connection between students and the vibrant Chinese culture and values. With our mission to foster a cultural community on campus, we provide opportunities for SMU students from diverse backgrounds to engage in conversation and activities.

Check out there instagram for exclusive updates of their fun events!

Travel with ICON as we embark on a journey to the mesmerising places in China!

Xi’an has the longest history as China’s capital spanning 1,000 years and about 10 dynasties, including Qin, Western Han, Sui, and Tang dynasties, etc.

With a history of more than 3000 years, Xi’an is one of the four major ancient capitals, together with Rome, Athens and Cairo.Xi'an is the eastern end of the Silk Road and is also the first Chinese city to open up its doors to the ancient world. One of the most famous places of interest in Xi'an is the Terracotta Army(the eighth wonder of the world), which is a collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China.

I-CON cook is here to share how to make flavored eggplant!

Ingredients:
- Long eggplant
- Dried chili
- Pepper grains
- Three spoons of sugar
- Three spoons of vinegar
- Half a spoon of salt
- Starch
- Garlic slices

Step 1: cut eggplant strips, soak in water for five minutes

Step 2: control the water, evenly sprinkle starch, eggplant surface with a thin layer of starch

Step 3: pour oil into the pot, when the oil temperature to slightly hot, fry the eggplant, wait for the eggplant to set, slow fry for three minutes on low heat and remove, the eggplant stuck together separate again under high heat and re-fry for 20 seconds.

Step 4: Reserve the oil in the pot, add garlic, chili pepper and pepper to stir fry, then add three spoons of sugar, three spoons of vinegar and half a spoon of salt to make a sweet and sour sauce and pour it into the pot.

Please note: Best eaten right out of the pot! Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside with rice is perfect!!

Lot cha is a Cambodian-style stir-fried short rice noodles or rice pin noodles. I-CON COOK is here to show you how to make them!

Ingredients:
• 800 gr rice pin noodles (banh bot loc) or known as rice pin noodles

SEASONINGS TO TOSS WITH NOODLES:
• 1/2 Tbsp soy sauce
• 1/2 Tbsp dark soy sauce

OTHER INGREDIENTS:
• 8 oz pork tenderloin thinly sliced
• 2/3 cups hot water divided
• 2 large eggs
• 3 Tbsp cooking oil

MARINATE FOR MEAT:
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 Tbsp fish sauce

AROMATICS:
• 2 cloves garlic finely minced
• 4 stalks green onion separate the white and green part

VEGETABLES (YOU CAN USE WHATEVER YOU LIKE):
• 2 cups sliced cabbage
• 2 cups fresh bean sprouts

SEASONINGS:
• 2 Tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 Tbsp dark soy sauce
• 1 Tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tsp sugar

Apsara Cambodia is one of the cultural clubs in SMU ICON. They hope to improve the awareness and knowledge about Cambodia through fun events and games!

Head over to their instagram for exclusive updates to their fun events!

Travel with ICON as we explore the beautiful Cambodia!

Angkor Wat is the largest religious structure in the form of a temple complex in the world by land area, measuring 162.6 hectares.

As the best-preserved temple at the site, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious centre since its foundation. The temple is at the top of the high classical style of Khmer architecture. It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists in Cambodia and around the world. It has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its national flag, and it is the country's main tourist attraction!

We are on our last day of ICON Care!
Here are some de-stressing tips from our ExCo!

Looking for some fun? Brighten your day with some of our movie recommendations from our Welfare Director, Yiguo!

Mr. Bean's Holiday
Soul
Spirited Away

Miss travelling? Save our travel recommendations from our lovely HGS, Catherine, for you to visit when the situation gets better :)

Spend your purr-fect weekend chilling in Neko no Niwa, a cat’s cafe located at 54A Boat Quay.

Itching for a morning exercise? Visit MacRitchie Reservoir Park and hike to your heart's content or cycle in the East Coast Park while you enjoy the beauty of nature.

Take a break from your busy city life and enjoy the sunset at Sentosa Beach or bring your friends along for a picnic in the Botanic Gardens!

We hope these help you take care of yourself during these times!

With Love, SMU ICON 💛

*Disclaimer: We do not own any of these photos

We are on our Day 5 on our ICON Care!

And what better way to take care of yourself than taking care of your tummy with some good food!

Here are some of the comfort food of our ExCos! A classic french toast from our lovely president, Rhea, and an apple risotto from our cute marcomms deputy, Angela!

*Disclaimer: we do not own any of the images

Comment below your favorite comfort food!

We're on Day 4 of ICON Care!

Here are some ways to de-stress from our very own 17th ICON ExCo!

First off, some Song Recommendations from Jaclyn, our lovely Events Deputy Director!
- “We'll stay inside when it rains” by Rook1e & ihaveaface
- “Put your records on” by Ritt Momney
- “High Hopes” by Panic! At The Disco

Secondly, we have Book Recommendations from our amazing Honorary Finance Secretary, Chi!
- Becoming
- Ikigai : The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life
- The Alchemist
- The Little Prince
- Rich Dad Poor Dad

Comment below what's your favorite song/book to destress!

We are on our Day 3 of ICON Care!

As projects and deadlines are keeping you busy, it is normal to experience burnouts. Here are some tips to motivate yourself and others during these tough times!

1. Write down your goals!
Writing down your goals and putting them into mini goals as a step towards it will really help

2. Positive self-talk
Encouragement and reassurance is always important to keep you going

3. Self-reward
Remember to celebrate the small wins and give yourself or others a pat on the back every once in a while!

Remember to motivate yourself and those around you! 💛