TEACHING AND LEARNING
INNOVATION REPORT 2024–2025
BUILDING ENTERPRISES
THAT IMPACT THE PLANET,
PEOPLE AND PROFITABILITY
Launched in October 2024, the Socially Sustainable Enterprise
Program (SSEP) offered 90+ UWCSEA students, from both
East and Dover, a hands-on opportunity to design, pitch, and
prepare to launch their own sustainable or socially impactful
businesses. Rooted in the “3Ps” framework—People, Planet,
and Profit—students were challenged to create ventures that
addressed real-world issues while balancing environmental,
social, and economic sustainability.
They formed teams, conducted market research, developed
business proposals, and planned their business launches.
Participants received guidance from mentors representing the
UWCSEA parent and alumni community, as well as industry
partners. Along their journey with the programme, students
attended expert workshops on topics like finance, marketing,
and business planning, and presented their progress to
industry professionals during pitch night. This hands-on
experience helped students apply theoretical knowledge to
real-world situations and hone their entrepreneurial skills.
A collaboration between Innovation@EAST and the
Dover IDEAS Hub, the initiative successfully blended
entrepreneurship with values-driven education, empowering
students to become change-makers through enterprise.
The programme culminated in a high-energy pitch night in
February 2025.
Luke Milburn, Head of Innovation on Dover Campus,
introduced the pitch evening and shared that the presenting
student groups would be judged on criteria including
connection to the theme of Wellness, demonstration of
a viable market need, and positive impact on society and
the environment.
At first we all had our own ideas that were
very different from each other. Through
the guidance of our mentor, we learnt to
work together and I am so proud that we
made the product decisions ourselves. The
process of decision making with a team is
the most valuable for me. I was also given
the opportunity to step out of my comfort
zone and speak out in public.”
We are excited for even more teams and mentors to join this
initiative next year, and we are confident the programme will
continue to ignite students’ passion for creating and launching
enterprises. Extending an enormous thank you to our parents
and alumni who mentored our students, sharing their time and
expertise to make the programme work. And to the generous
UWCSEA families whose donations and dedication made it all
possible, we are so grateful for your support!
Innovation in teaching and learning takes many forms at UWCSEA. We are pleased to share the following highlights from
the 2024/2025 academic year–opportunities and experiences made possible with the support of our generous UWCSEA
donor community. Thank you to everyone who contributed to helping our students develop the skills, qualities and
agency to create a better world.
Yixuan ‘26, Grade 11 student from UWCSEA Dover was part of
the team that won first prize. She reflects on her experience:
TEXTILES AND DESIGN BRING THE GENERATIONS TOGETHER
Supported by the Google Data Center grants programme, Innovation@EAST delivered a year-long wearable technology outreach
programme for seniors aged 65+ from Lion Befrienders care centres. Lion Befrienders is a long-time UWCSEA service partner that
focuses on multi-generational care and engagement with Singapore’s aging population.
Taking place twice a week on the UWCSEA East Campus, the initiative brought adult learners into the Design and Technology
labs, where they worked alongside high school students and facilitators to co-create personalised “Self Expression Cushions.”
These soft textile pieces combined colour, embroidery, and sewn-in electronics using the LilyPad system, allowing seniors to
incorporate lights and personalised messages. Students applied user-centred design thinking to adapt the existing Design Textiles
curriculum into a meaningful, accessible experience for adult learners from diverse cultural backgrounds.
The programme supported the development of fine motor skills, digital literacy, and emotional expression through hands-
on STEM learning. Seniors learned to use Bernina embroidery machines and soft circuits, while students gained real-world
experience in teaching, design thinking, and intergenerational collaboration. With sustainability in mind, the team is developing
an “In-the-Box” version of the programme to allow care centres to continue independently, with UWCSEA students providing
future mentorship. This initiative exemplifies how innovation, service, and technology can come together to create inclusive and
lasting community impact.
NEW IB SYSTEMS TRANSFORMATION COURSE SUCCESSFULLY PILOTED
UWCSEA is on the map again for innovation, this time as one of only four schools in the world invited to pilot the new
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma course, Systems Transformation.
IB Systems Transformation: Leadership for Change is a 300-hour project-based course co-developed by the IB and UWCSEA.
It seeks to equip students with the skills and mindsets needed to take initiative, build community and lead change. Launched
in August 2024 at UWCSEA, 50 students joined this innovative course which replaces two Standard Level IB subjects with an
extended, concept-based curriculum focusing on systems thinking, changemaker mindsets, design thinking, leadership, and
change management.
On 17 March 2025, the Director General of the IB, Olli-Pekka Heinonen, and the IBO Executive team visited East Campus.
UWCSEA course designers and IBDP Coordinators shared the vision and learning approach underpinning our pilot course. During
round-table sessions, students shared their experiences and how they are learning to champion change.
Hearing these stories—and witnessing the
commitment and drive behind them—was
truly inspiring. This is the kind of education
we need—one that doesn’t just teach
students about the world but equips them
to transform it.” – Mr Heinonen
Community funds supported professional learning for staff
involved in the course pilot, including project-based learning
training with The Buck Institute. Learn more about how the
course is redefining learning here.
FOSTERING INCLUSION AND COLLABORATION THROUGH ARTS
AND SERVICE
Our Primary School students at UWCSEA East explored the power of inclusivity through the Arts and Dance, immersing
themselves in workshops that brought the passions of Epic Arts to life. Epic Arts is a longstanding UWCSEA service partner, with
a mission to “transform the lives of people with disabilities (PwD) so they can thrive.”
Our students had a fantastic time participating in dance workshops and collaborating on creative art activities, from designing
T-shirts to crafting cards, all while learning about Khmer culture as well as a bit of sign language. They practised and performed
the choreography they learnt from Epic Arts during a special performance for their families, followed by an interactive workshop
that got everyone involved!
This visit truly was something special, highlighting our commitment to unity, diversity, and cultural understanding. We’re thrilled
about the unforgettable experience Epic Arts brought to our community, and we look forward to continuing to engage our
students in this meaningful partnership for years to come
INNOVATION SPACES INSPIRING STUDENTS TO BRING IDEAS TO LIFE
FUND-2425
Thank you for making a difference in 2024/2025
For more information about UWCSEA’s Innovation in Teaching and Learning Programme, or to renew your support today,
please contact: UWCSEA Foundation | +65 6419 9353 | foundation@uwcsea.edu.sg | www.uwcesa.edu.sg/supportus
Whether they’re building intricate LEGO structures, coding robotics, engineering go-karts, or using
Internet of Things (IoT) technology to cultivate herbs in a robotic farm, this space is meant to inspire
a culture of play and experimentation.” – Matthew Weaver, Head of Innovation, East Campus
Made possible by the generous support of individual East Campus family donors, the Parents’ Association East, and other
partners, the Innovation@East Centre opened in August 2024 and has become a central hub for turning student-led ideas into a
reality. Here students can step beyond the classroom to explore and nurture an innovator’s mindset, all while staying rooted in
the UWC Mission. Equipped with the tools and confidence to create meaningful products, services and systems, students learn to
tackle real world challenges, pursue their passions, and connect with industry leaders at the centre.
Similarly the Ideas Hub space on Dover campus continued to see much usage and success this year. Students continued to
advance projects and ideas in the areas of robotics, engineering, textiles, entrepreneurship and other areas where they take
ownership and agency in their innovation journeys. With support from philanthropic donations, we have recently purchased
some new Vex Robotics hardware and new equipment to bring our MateROV underwater robotics programme to the next level.
We also have acquired new sewing machines for student use and service activities, and we have refreshed our hand held power
tools to support student learning and creativity as we head into the new school year ahead.
These are some of the many examples of Innovation in action at UWCSEA over the 2024/2025 school year. Thank
you for your support, and we look forward to sharing what’s ahead as we continue to develop our students with the
innovator mindsets the world needs.