Student’s Voice
Last November, I had the chance to be part of our Student-Led Conference, Nursing Beyond Borders – Caring for a Changing World, and it is one of those days that stayed with me even after everything ended. Being involved in a conference that was organised by students, supported by faculty, and attended by both students and early-career nurses made it feel genuinely meaningful. It wasn’t just a “school event”, it felt like a real professional space where we could talk about nursing in a global context which helps broaden our perspective.
What I appreciated most was how the programme made “global nursing” feel real instead of distant or theoretical. The keynotes and discussions connected the theme to everyday practice, such as caring for people from different backgrounds, working in multicultural teams, and navigating differences in resources and support, all while touching on areas like palliative and end-of-life care, advanced practice nursing, and staying ethical and resilient during crises. The moderated Q&A kept it interactive and reflective, and my favourite part was the mid-day segment where the energy stayed high through the booth and poster walkabouts and casual conversations. The posters especially made it feel like ours, because it was inspiring to see peers confidently share research ideas, quality improvement work, and practice reflections, reminding me that students can contribute meaningfully, not just observe.
Behind the scenes, the conference also taught me a lot about teamwork and execution. There were so many small things that mattered, such as planning the flow, setting up the space, managing registration and attendance, making sure speakers were supported (especially for hybrid segments), and keeping the day moving smoothly. It made me realise that leadership isn’t only about speaking on stage; it’s also about doing the unseen work well, so other people can have a good experience.
By the end of the conference, I felt tired but proud. More than anything, I left feeling that “beyond borders” isn’t just a theme, it is a mindset we can carry into practice: staying curious, being culturally sensitive, speaking up for better care, and learning from people with different experiences. I’m grateful I got to be part of it, and I hope future editions keep building this kind of space where students grow into confident, globally aware nurses.
Matilda Koh
Student Representative
Bachelor of Science in Nursing with Honours (Top-up)
Click here to look back on this day!
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