Navigating diversity through cultural intelligence workshops

The Growing Importance of Cultural Intelligence (CQ)

Did you know that Cultural Intelligence (CQ) is quickly becoming the key to success in our globalised world? While Intelligence Quotient (IQ) measures cognitive abilities and Emotional Quotient (EQ) assesses emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills, CQ focuses on the ability to navigate and adapt to different cultural settings.

As our interactions with diverse groups of people grow, CQ is essential for effective communication, building strong relationships, and fostering inclusivity.

Recognising the growing importance of CQ, the CQ Workshops were first conducted in 2021 to equip our student leaders in the Community Engagement Network to navigate cultural differences, inspire diverse teams, and make decisions that are informed by a deep understanding of various cultural perspectives.

The positive reviews garnered led us to expand the reach of our CQ Workshops to international students and Peer Connectors, student volunteers, helping to ease the transition of new international students into the NUS community.

International students often encounter significant cultural differences that can impact their academic and social experiences. That is why the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) integrates CQ workshops part of the You've Got a Friend in Me international orientation programme each August, as a crucial support tool for them to understand and appreciate the cultural norms and values of their own cultures and those of their peers.

Participants were encouraged to share about their own cultural backgrounds during the workshop.

Enhancing integration through cultural intelligence

“The workshop has helped me adjust and integrate better into the NUS community as NUS is a diverse community of people from different cultural backgrounds. The workshop has enabled me to better understand the situations and to act appropriately according to them,” said Lalit Mohan, a Year 3 PhD student at Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, who is a Peer Connector.

“Cultural intelligence goes beyond merely understanding diversity; it is about embracing and harnessing it to create truly inclusive environments. Through our CQ workshops, we are grateful for the opportunity to work with participants, equipping them with the skills needed to navigate and thrive in an increasingly interconnected world, fostering respect, empathy, and collaboration across cultures and experiences,” explained Dawn Soh, Head of Community Engagement at OSA.

The CQ Workshops encourage these international students to step out of their comfort zones and challenge their assumptions, as they form meaningful connections and friendships. With their newfound friends and enhanced cultural intelligence, these international students are off to a great start navigating life in NUS and Singapore more effectively.

“I found it informative and fun! I really appreciated the handouts and discussing the different sides of the cultural spectrum. It helped me learn more about myself and increase my cultural awareness about other people I will meet and work with,” said Alyssa Indrajaya, a Year 1 PhD student from College of Humanities and Sciences Psychology. She was one of 138 new international students at both the undergraduate and graduate level who attended the recent CQ workshops.

138 new undergraduate and graduate international students attended the four runs of CQ workshops this year, held as part of their orientation programmme.

Building friendships and overcoming differences through collaboration

The workshops begin with participants completing a detailed questionnaire to gauge their current cultural intelligence levels. Following this, interactive activities guide them through their results, helping them understand their cultural clusters and working preferences. Through group exercises and discussions, participants explore the diversity of preferences both individually and in comparison, with peers from similar cultural backgrounds. These activities are crafted to help students make new friends, recognise and appreciate differences, and work towards common goals despite these differences. The workshop emphasises the importance of adaptability in multi-cultural settings and provides actionable steps to build confidence and proficiency.

“NUS, with its richly diverse campus, provides an excellent foundation for learning about diversity. The workshop participants shared personal narratives of their experiences, culture, and heritage, which enriched our discussions. Hearing these stories challenged our unconscious biases and perceptions, deepening our understanding of the world and the people around us,” added Dawn.

Law Yen Kay, a Year 2 student at the School of Business agreed. She said, “This workshop not only helped me integrate better into the NUS community but also helped me be an effective leader entering year 2 as I knew better how to work with diverse groups of people. Moving forward, I believe this knowledge will continue to give me a competitive edge in my Student Exchange Programme experience and eventually the workforce.”