Beyond the Brew: Where Coffee Meets Emotional Intelligence
What can a cup of coffee teach us about ourselves and the people around us? On 15 August 2026, 60 SIT alumni came together for Beyond The Brew, a first-of-its-kind collaboration between the Alumni Leisure and Career Networks that explored emotional intelligence through coffee appreciation.
In partnership with Bettr Academy, the session invited participants to discover the journey of coffee from bean to cup. Alumni learnt how coffee origins and growing regions influence flavour profiles, explored different aromas and tasting notes, and gained a deeper appreciation of the craftsmanship behind each cup. They also put their learning into practice through hands-on coffee brewing and latte art activities.
Beyond the brewing techniques, the session introduced foundational concepts of emotional intelligence through guided sharing and discussions. Participants had opportunities to reflect on their own emotions, exchange perspectives and explore how greater self-awareness can shape the way they relate to others. Discussions also touched on the social impact and sustainability of the coffee industry, adding another dimension to the experience.
Learning More About Ourselves, One Cup at a Time
For Cher Siew Hwee (Class of 2014), attending the workshop offered a new opportunity for both learning and personal reflection:
“It was my first time attending an alumni event. The workshop was engaging and allowed me to be more self-aware of my own emotions.”
By bringing together coffee appreciation and emotional intelligence, Beyond The Brew offered alumni a different way to learn, reflect and connect beyond their professional lives. The collaboration also demonstrated how shared interests can open up conversations about personal growth, creating opportunities for SITizens to build meaningful connections while discovering something new
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