NUS Brochure

21 Lower Kent Ridge Road Singapore 119077 Tel: (65) 6516 6666 nus.edu.sg

vision

Towards a Global Knowledge Enterprise A leading global university centred in Asia, influencing the future mission

To transform the way people think and do things through education, research and service

vision

Towards a Global Knowledge Enterprise A leading global university centred in Asia, influencing the future mission

To transform the way people think and do things through education, research and service

“Our goal is to nurture graduates who are critical thinkers, creative and globally effective.

We must strive to provide a top-rate global education which challenges our students to reach beyond what they thought possible.�

Prof Tan Chorh Chuan President, National University of Singapore

At the National University of Singapore (NUS), we believe that the objective of education goes beyond earning a degree.

at heightening the undergraduate and graduate experience through close relationships with a core group of top Chinese and Indian universities.

An NUS education is multi-faceted, designed to meet student aspirations and passions while addressing future challenges. We strive to provide an all-encompassing, holistic educational experience that will transform students into wellrounded individuals who will become global citizens and leaders of society.

Creating flexible academic pathways

This approach to education is distinctively NUS. A Global-Asian thrust

Recognising the opportunities associated with a rising Asia, we have positioned NUS as a global university centred in Asia, offering quality education and research with unique Asian expertise and perspectives.

We strive to serve as a thought leader on Asian matters, thereby enhancing our global-Asian edge. Our new China and India strategies are aimed

Opportunities abound for students to shape their own university experience. From the wide selection of multidisciplinary initiatives, students are given the flexibility to tailor their own courses and even embark on overseas stints through double degree and joint degree programmes with some of the world's leading universities.

Outside of their specialised degrees, students who wish to excel further, explore other academic avenues and develop their leadership abilities can enrol in the University Scholars Programme. It is an interdisciplinary academic honours programme designed to produce graduates with the intellectual rigour, initiative and innovational spirit to make significant contributions to society.

Global & Asian

5

“Our goal is to nurture graduates who are critical thinkers, creative and globally effective.

We must strive to provide a top-rate global education which challenges our students to reach beyond what they thought possible.�

Prof Tan Chorh Chuan President, National University of Singapore

At the National University of Singapore (NUS), we believe that the objective of education goes beyond earning a degree.

at heightening the undergraduate and graduate experience through close relationships with a core group of top Chinese and Indian universities.

An NUS education is multi-faceted, designed to meet student aspirations and passions while addressing future challenges. We strive to provide an all-encompassing, holistic educational experience that will transform students into wellrounded individuals who will become global citizens and leaders of society.

Creating flexible academic pathways

This approach to education is distinctively NUS. A Global-Asian thrust

Recognising the opportunities associated with a rising Asia, we have positioned NUS as a global university centred in Asia, offering quality education and research with unique Asian expertise and perspectives.

We strive to serve as a thought leader on Asian matters, thereby enhancing our global-Asian edge. Our new China and India strategies are aimed

Opportunities abound for students to shape their own university experience. From the wide selection of multidisciplinary initiatives, students are given the flexibility to tailor their own courses and even embark on overseas stints through double degree and joint degree programmes with some of the world's leading universities.

Outside of their specialised degrees, students who wish to excel further, explore other academic avenues and develop their leadership abilities can enrol in the University Scholars Programme. It is an interdisciplinary academic honours programme designed to produce graduates with the intellectual rigour, initiative and innovational spirit to make significant contributions to society.

Global & Asian

5

1 The Student Exchange Programme has grown tremendously over the past decade, from 280 students in Academic Year 2000/2001 to a total of 1,267 outbound and 1,288 inbound participating students in Academic Year 2008/2009.

Ensuring teaching excellence

Recognising that the stature of a university also rests on a strong pool of teaching talent, we constantly seek to attract outstanding faculty to promote academic excellence.

To reinforce our commitment to quality teaching, the NUS Teaching Academy was established in April 2009 to foster a culture of excellence by driving innovative educational thinking and initiatives that are aligned with the University’s vision and mission.

The Teaching Academy enables the University’s exemplary educators to share their expertise and innovative teaching methods, thereby elevating the impact of an NUS education.

6

A Leading Global University Centred In Asia

Increasing global accessibility

At NUS, we understand the value of an overseas living and learning experience. We constantly look for opportunities for students to experience student life in a foreign country, pick up a new language, learn about a different culture, make new friends and broaden perspectives.

The University’s principal programme, the Student Exchange Programme, enables one in five NUS students to gain overseas exposure. Students participating in this programme spend a semester or two at a leading overseas partner university while earning credits towards their NUS degree. Other international initiatives include summer programmes, internships and research attachment programmes.

2 The student community is highly diverse, with international students making up 20% and 60% of the undergraduate and graduate student populations respectively.

With a strong international network across the globe, students participating in the Student Exchange Programme can choose from 180 partner universities in 30 countries.

Some of these universities include: • Australian National University • Cornell University • ETH Zurich • Imperial College London • Kyoto University • McGill University • Northwestern University • Peking University • Sciences Po • Technical University of Munich • University of British Columbia • University of California, Berkeley • University of Hong Kong • University of Melbourne

The University's global reach is strengthened through alliances with leading universities worldwide, creating opportunities for crossinstitutional learning and joint research collaborations.

Our membership in prominent networks includes:

association of pacific rim universities (apru)

The group comprises 42 leading research universities in the Pacific Rim, including the Australian National University, Stanford University, California Institute of Technology and Fudan University. NUS is a member of the Steering Committee of APRU. universitas 21 (u21)

international alliance of research universities (iaru)

A select group of 10 of the world’s leading research universities from eight countries. Members include Australian National University; ETH Zurich; Peking University; University of California, Berkeley; University of Cambridge; University of Copenhagen; University of Oxford; The University of Tokyo and Yale University. NUS President Prof Tan Chorh Chuan has been elected as Chair from 2009 to 2011.

An international group of 21 leading research universities from 13 countries which provides a strong quality assurance framework to the network’s activities. asean university network (aun)

A regional group comprising top Southeast Asian universities aimed at strengthening ties and enhancing the quality of education within the network.

Global & Asian

7

1 The Student Exchange Programme has grown tremendously over the past decade, from 280 students in Academic Year 2000/2001 to a total of 1,267 outbound and 1,288 inbound participating students in Academic Year 2008/2009.

Ensuring teaching excellence

Recognising that the stature of a university also rests on a strong pool of teaching talent, we constantly seek to attract outstanding faculty to promote academic excellence.

To reinforce our commitment to quality teaching, the NUS Teaching Academy was established in April 2009 to foster a culture of excellence by driving innovative educational thinking and initiatives that are aligned with the University’s vision and mission.

The Teaching Academy enables the University’s exemplary educators to share their expertise and innovative teaching methods, thereby elevating the impact of an NUS education.

6

A Leading Global University Centred In Asia

Increasing global accessibility

At NUS, we understand the value of an overseas living and learning experience. We constantly look for opportunities for students to experience student life in a foreign country, pick up a new language, learn about a different culture, make new friends and broaden perspectives.

The University’s principal programme, the Student Exchange Programme, enables one in five NUS students to gain overseas exposure. Students participating in this programme spend a semester or two at a leading overseas partner university while earning credits towards their NUS degree. Other international initiatives include summer programmes, internships and research attachment programmes.

2 The student community is highly diverse, with international students making up 20% and 60% of the undergraduate and graduate student populations respectively.

With a strong international network across the globe, students participating in the Student Exchange Programme can choose from 180 partner universities in 30 countries.

Some of these universities include: • Australian National University • Cornell University • ETH Zurich • Imperial College London • Kyoto University • McGill University • Northwestern University • Peking University • Sciences Po • Technical University of Munich • University of British Columbia • University of California, Berkeley • University of Hong Kong • University of Melbourne

The University's global reach is strengthened through alliances with leading universities worldwide, creating opportunities for crossinstitutional learning and joint research collaborations.

Our membership in prominent networks includes:

association of pacific rim universities (apru)

The group comprises 42 leading research universities in the Pacific Rim, including the Australian National University, Stanford University, California Institute of Technology and Fudan University. NUS is a member of the Steering Committee of APRU. universitas 21 (u21)

international alliance of research universities (iaru)

A select group of 10 of the world’s leading research universities from eight countries. Members include Australian National University; ETH Zurich; Peking University; University of California, Berkeley; University of Cambridge; University of Copenhagen; University of Oxford; The University of Tokyo and Yale University. NUS President Prof Tan Chorh Chuan has been elected as Chair from 2009 to 2011.

An international group of 21 leading research universities from 13 countries which provides a strong quality assurance framework to the network’s activities. asean university network (aun)

A regional group comprising top Southeast Asian universities aimed at strengthening ties and enhancing the quality of education within the network.

Global & Asian

7

3

There are

6 NUS

Overseas Colleges located in China, India, Sweden and the United States.

4

The NUS Overseas College alumni have founded

45

start-up companies.

5

At least

60

start-ups have successfully spun off over the past decade from the StartUp@Singapore Business Plan Competition, an NUS initiative.

Expanding entrepreneurship opportunities

We take a keen interest in nurturing budding entrepreneurs.

Students gain not only academic and technical know-how, but also valuable experience and networking opportunities that provide them with an entrepreneurial edge, equipping them to be future business leaders.

Our entrepreneurship drive is in line with the national objective to create innovative individuals capable of steering the future economy.

Four key thrusts which support the University’s entrepreneurship initiative are:

experiential education

Through the NUS Overseas College programme, students are immersed for a year in overseas entrepreneurial hubs at Silicon Valley, Philadelphia, Shanghai, Stockholm, Beijing and India, while working in innovative start-ups and studying at renowned partner universities. For students interested in the local entrepreneurship scene, the innovative Local Enterprise Achiever Development (iLEAD) programme provides internship opportunities with high-tech ventures in Singapore and includes a two-week overseas study mission. industry engagement & partnerships

Leveraging on our strong research and development culture, we actively seek industry collaborations, facilitating the translation of new discoveries and inventions by our researchers into useful products and services with commercial impact.

entrepreneurship support

Students and faculty who wish to pursue entrepreneurial ventures are provided with the appropriate infrastructure which includes the provision of physical incubation space, mentoring, seed-funding and investormatching as well as entrepreneurial learning activities such as the Start-Up@ Singapore business plan competition. entrepreneurship / innovation research & thought leadership

Cutting-edge research on key issues of technology entrepreneurship and innovation in Asia is being carried out.

This includes research on academic entrepreneurship (how universities contribute to the economy); innovation and intellectual property creation in the Asia Pacific; and the trends, challenges, processes and success factors of startup enterprises.

Global & Asian

9

3

There are

6 NUS

Overseas Colleges located in China, India, Sweden and the United States.

4

The NUS Overseas College alumni have founded

45

start-up companies.

5

At least

60

start-ups have successfully spun off over the past decade from the StartUp@Singapore Business Plan Competition, an NUS initiative.

Expanding entrepreneurship opportunities

We take a keen interest in nurturing budding entrepreneurs.

Students gain not only academic and technical know-how, but also valuable experience and networking opportunities that provide them with an entrepreneurial edge, equipping them to be future business leaders.

Our entrepreneurship drive is in line with the national objective to create innovative individuals capable of steering the future economy.

Four key thrusts which support the University’s entrepreneurship initiative are:

experiential education

Through the NUS Overseas College programme, students are immersed for a year in overseas entrepreneurial hubs at Silicon Valley, Philadelphia, Shanghai, Stockholm, Beijing and India, while working in innovative start-ups and studying at renowned partner universities. For students interested in the local entrepreneurship scene, the innovative Local Enterprise Achiever Development (iLEAD) programme provides internship opportunities with high-tech ventures in Singapore and includes a two-week overseas study mission. industry engagement & partnerships

Leveraging on our strong research and development culture, we actively seek industry collaborations, facilitating the translation of new discoveries and inventions by our researchers into useful products and services with commercial impact.

entrepreneurship support

Students and faculty who wish to pursue entrepreneurial ventures are provided with the appropriate infrastructure which includes the provision of physical incubation space, mentoring, seed-funding and investormatching as well as entrepreneurial learning activities such as the Start-Up@ Singapore business plan competition. entrepreneurship / innovation research & thought leadership

Cutting-edge research on key issues of technology entrepreneurship and innovation in Asia is being carried out.

This includes research on academic entrepreneurship (how universities contribute to the economy); innovation and intellectual property creation in the Asia Pacific; and the trends, challenges, processes and success factors of startup enterprises.

Global & Asian

9

“Being in NUS is like having a gateway to the rest of the world – a whole new world of opportunities will be presented to you and the value-add is immense.”

Prof Tan Eng Chye NUS Deputy President (Academic Affairs) and Provost

Breaking new grounds with University Town

The upcoming University Town, home to NUS’ first residential colleges, promises to introduce an innovative dimension to university education in Singapore.

Embracing a diverse community, University Town will open new doors for exchanges of ideas as it enables bonding among students, faculty and researchers in a highly collegial and engaging environment. It offers a well-designed and integrated physical, social and intellectual setting, thus enhancing student experience at the University.

Graduate Residence Public Plaza

10

Three key educational initiatives – a Writing Programme, Freshmen Seminars and a multi-disciplinary module which will be injected with a global element and an Asian emphasis – will be launched, complementing informal learning in the colleges. Classes will be highly

interactive, multi-cultural and cross-disciplinary.

Also located in University Town is the Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), funded by Singapore’s National Research Foundation. A collaboration bridging institutions, continents and disciplines, CREATE will bring together top researchers from some of the world’s best universities to work alongside NUS and other Singapore researchers in areas that are aligned to Singapore's strategic interests.

University Town will accommodate more than 4,000 students when completed. The residential colleges for undergraduate students, graduate student residences, an Educational Resource Centre and an EduSports complex will be developed by 2013, with the first phase scheduled for completion in 2011.

A Leading Global University Centred In Asia Artist's impression of the Residential College

“Being in NUS is like having a gateway to the rest of the world – a whole new world of opportunities will be presented to you and the value-add is immense.”

Prof Tan Eng Chye NUS Deputy President (Academic Affairs) and Provost

Breaking new grounds with University Town

The upcoming University Town, home to NUS’ first residential colleges, promises to introduce an innovative dimension to university education in Singapore.

Embracing a diverse community, University Town will open new doors for exchanges of ideas as it enables bonding among students, faculty and researchers in a highly collegial and engaging environment. It offers a well-designed and integrated physical, social and intellectual setting, thus enhancing student experience at the University.

Graduate Residence Public Plaza

10

Three key educational initiatives – a Writing Programme, Freshmen Seminars and a multi-disciplinary module which will be injected with a global element and an Asian emphasis – will be launched, complementing informal learning in the colleges. Classes will be highly

interactive, multi-cultural and cross-disciplinary.

Also located in University Town is the Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), funded by Singapore’s National Research Foundation. A collaboration bridging institutions, continents and disciplines, CREATE will bring together top researchers from some of the world’s best universities to work alongside NUS and other Singapore researchers in areas that are aligned to Singapore's strategic interests.

University Town will accommodate more than 4,000 students when completed. The residential colleges for undergraduate students, graduate student residences, an Educational Resource Centre and an EduSports complex will be developed by 2013, with the first phase scheduled for completion in 2011.

A Leading Global University Centred In Asia Artist's impression of the Residential College

“NUS fosters a supportive environment and vibrant research culture, enabling its faculty to engage in research of the highest impact and scale peaks of research excellence.”

Prof Barry Halliwell Tan Chin Tuan Centennial Professor and NUS Deputy President (Research & Technology)

Advancing the frontiers of knowledge is an NUS hallmark which has earned the institution a place amongst the top universities in the world.

Prominent faculty, excellent facilities and infrastructure, a supportive environment and a vibrant research culture fuel a relentless drive to continually refine and hone the University’s research edge.

In the last three years, we have been awarded three Research Centres of Excellence: Centre for Quantum Technologies (2007), Cancer Science Institute of Singapore (2008) and the Research Centre of Excellence in Mechanobiology (2009).

Singapore’s fifth RCE, the Singapore Centre on Environmental Life Sciences Engineering was announced in February 2010 and will operate as a National University of SingaporeNanyang Technological University collaboration. This latest RCE aims to be a world leader in microbial biofilm research and control.

These RCEs join 22 University-level research institutes which engage in a broad spectrum of areas, from Asian studies, environmental sustainability, biomedical sciences and translational medicine to financial risk management and nanomaterials.

Global & Asian

15

“NUS fosters a supportive environment and vibrant research culture, enabling its faculty to engage in research of the highest impact and scale peaks of research excellence.”

Prof Barry Halliwell Tan Chin Tuan Centennial Professor and NUS Deputy President (Research & Technology)

Advancing the frontiers of knowledge is an NUS hallmark which has earned the institution a place amongst the top universities in the world.

Prominent faculty, excellent facilities and infrastructure, a supportive environment and a vibrant research culture fuel a relentless drive to continually refine and hone the University’s research edge.

In the last three years, we have been awarded three Research Centres of Excellence: Centre for Quantum Technologies (2007), Cancer Science Institute of Singapore (2008) and the Research Centre of Excellence in Mechanobiology (2009).

Singapore’s fifth RCE, the Singapore Centre on Environmental Life Sciences Engineering was announced in February 2010 and will operate as a National University of SingaporeNanyang Technological University collaboration. This latest RCE aims to be a world leader in microbial biofilm research and control.

These RCEs join 22 University-level research institutes which engage in a broad spectrum of areas, from Asian studies, environmental sustainability, biomedical sciences and translational medicine to financial risk management and nanomaterials.

Global & Asian

15

The NUS research cluster, which resides in close proximity with Singapore’s key science and technology hubs – Biopolis, Fusionopolis, Singapore Science Park, National University Hospital and onenorth, further enhances collaborative research.

Building on core strengths

We have embarked on strategic research initiatives which can be broadly categorised as follows: biomedical & life sciences

The recent establishment of the National University Health System, Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, Centre for Translational Medicine and the Clinical Imaging Research Centre (a joint A*STAR-NUS effort) are key to strengthening Singapore’s position as a biomedical hub.

Physical science, engineering, nanoscience & nanotechnology

Harnessing new developments in the various branches of physical sciences and engineering has propelled the University's standing in these areas of research. interactive & digital media

The University’s Interactive and Digital Media Institute breaks new ground as Singapore’s first interdisciplinary research institute delving into the emerging field of interactive and digital media.

16

quantum information

Singapore’s first Research Centre of Excellence on quantum technology focuses on conducting interdisciplinary theoretical and experimental research into the fundamental limits to information processing.

Energy, environment & water technology

Addressing the increasing global awareness of environmental matters, the University set up the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore and the Energy Studies Institute. We also partnered Dutch water specialist Delft Hydraulics to form the SingaporeDelft Water Alliance, which looks into developing innovative water technologies to serve the need for clean and sustainable water resources.

Maritime research and transportation, logistics & supply chain management

Capitalising on global trade trends in Singapore and the world, the Centre for Maritime Studies looks into maritime policies and undertakes research activities to support transportation

A Leading Global University Centred In Asia

and logistics issues. Also offering education and research programmes in global logistics is The Logistics InstituteAsia Pacific, a collaboration between NUS and the Georgia Institute of Technology in the United States. defence-related research

We have always been committed to strengthening research capabilities in defence science and technology. In this aspect, we partnered Singapore's Ministry of Defence to set up Temasek Laboratories, which explores the potential of science and technology to enhance the security of the nation. humanities & social sciences

Research in the areas of humanities and social sciences is highly diversified and interdisciplinary. Exploring the social issues of Asia, it covers transnational education, migration, the family, ageing and urbanisation, among other areas.

The NUS research cluster, which resides in close proximity with Singapore’s key science and technology hubs – Biopolis, Fusionopolis, Singapore Science Park, National University Hospital and onenorth, further enhances collaborative research.

Building on core strengths

We have embarked on strategic research initiatives which can be broadly categorised as follows: biomedical & life sciences

The recent establishment of the National University Health System, Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, Centre for Translational Medicine and the Clinical Imaging Research Centre (a joint A*STAR-NUS effort) are key to strengthening Singapore’s position as a biomedical hub.

Physical science, engineering, nanoscience & nanotechnology

Harnessing new developments in the various branches of physical sciences and engineering has propelled the University's standing in these areas of research. interactive & digital media

The University’s Interactive and Digital Media Institute breaks new ground as Singapore’s first interdisciplinary research institute delving into the emerging field of interactive and digital media.

16

quantum information

Singapore’s first Research Centre of Excellence on quantum technology focuses on conducting interdisciplinary theoretical and experimental research into the fundamental limits to information processing.

Energy, environment & water technology

Addressing the increasing global awareness of environmental matters, the University set up the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore and the Energy Studies Institute. We also partnered Dutch water specialist Delft Hydraulics to form the SingaporeDelft Water Alliance, which looks into developing innovative water technologies to serve the need for clean and sustainable water resources.

Maritime research and transportation, logistics & supply chain management

Capitalising on global trade trends in Singapore and the world, the Centre for Maritime Studies looks into maritime policies and undertakes research activities to support transportation

A Leading Global University Centred In Asia

and logistics issues. Also offering education and research programmes in global logistics is The Logistics InstituteAsia Pacific, a collaboration between NUS and the Georgia Institute of Technology in the United States. defence-related research

We have always been committed to strengthening research capabilities in defence science and technology. In this aspect, we partnered Singapore's Ministry of Defence to set up Temasek Laboratories, which explores the potential of science and technology to enhance the security of the nation. humanities & social sciences

Research in the areas of humanities and social sciences is highly diversified and interdisciplinary. Exploring the social issues of Asia, it covers transnational education, migration, the family, ageing and urbanisation, among other areas.

1

A total of

4,967

papers was published in internationally refereed journals in 2009.1

Staying at the forefront

What sets us apart from other global universities is our Asian edge as we take the lead to establish the University as a pre-eminent resource hub in Asia and globally.

To address the many critical and interconnected challenges facing not just Asia but the surrounding regions, we are currently building up five integrative research clusters in Finance and Risk Management; Biomedical Sciences and Translational

Research; Ageing; Integrative Sustainability Solutions; and Asian Studies.

The recently-launched Global Asia Institute aims to “cluster the clusters” to enable the best minds to work creatively on large-scale issues that will impact Asia and the world.

Initial research themes, which centre on critical issues for Asian cities in a globalising world, include managing resources for livable Asian cities and the future of urban society in Asia.

The clusters and GAI provide a novel and dynamic structure which brings together experts in related fields to promote integrative research among them. The community at large would reap much benefit from the highly collaborative environment as the University offers a holistic understanding of critical issues for Asia and the rest of the world.

2

A Leading Global University Centred In Asia

NUS received close to

$376 million research funding from various agencies in Financial Year 2008.2

Extracted from Scopus online database as at 23 Feb 2010.

Financial Year 2008 refers to period Apr 2008–Mar 2009.

3 Financial Year 2009 refers to period Apr 2009–Mar 2010. The number of new research projects given is correct as at 20 Feb 2010.

1

18

2

3

897

new research projects were started in Financial Year 2009.3

1

A total of

4,967

papers was published in internationally refereed journals in 2009.1

Staying at the forefront

What sets us apart from other global universities is our Asian edge as we take the lead to establish the University as a pre-eminent resource hub in Asia and globally.

To address the many critical and interconnected challenges facing not just Asia but the surrounding regions, we are currently building up five integrative research clusters in Finance and Risk Management; Biomedical Sciences and Translational

Research; Ageing; Integrative Sustainability Solutions; and Asian Studies.

The recently-launched Global Asia Institute aims to “cluster the clusters” to enable the best minds to work creatively on large-scale issues that will impact Asia and the world.

Initial research themes, which centre on critical issues for Asian cities in a globalising world, include managing resources for livable Asian cities and the future of urban society in Asia.

The clusters and GAI provide a novel and dynamic structure which brings together experts in related fields to promote integrative research among them. The community at large would reap much benefit from the highly collaborative environment as the University offers a holistic understanding of critical issues for Asia and the rest of the world.

2

A Leading Global University Centred In Asia

NUS received close to

$376 million research funding from various agencies in Financial Year 2008.2

Extracted from Scopus online database as at 23 Feb 2010.

Financial Year 2008 refers to period Apr 2008–Mar 2009.

3 Financial Year 2009 refers to period Apr 2009–Mar 2010. The number of new research projects given is correct as at 20 Feb 2010.

1

18

2

3

897

new research projects were started in Financial Year 2009.3

1

Over

100

community projects are organised by NUS students every year.

2

An estimated

$2.85 million

has been raised over the last five years for local and international charitable causes by NUS students.

3

The NUSSU Volunteer Action Committee was conferred the Medal of

Commendation

for sustained commitment and excellence in community service locally and globally.1

“The One Coin One Brick project was a refreshing break from my academic commitments, and it enriched my fourth semester in NUS with new friendships, new memories and a new found motivation to embark on future community projects.”

Nguyen Bao Khanh Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Year 2 student, 2009

At NUS, we believe that education goes beyond classroom learning.

By contributing to the community at large, we endeavour to develop a sense of community spirit and inculcate values which will prepare students to be constructive leaders of society.

Each year, there is an increasing number of students who fan across the country and beyond embarking on community service projects. A survey conducted among some 3,000 students in 2009 on volunteerism at NUS indicated that one in three undergraduate respondents is involved in some form of community work. This ranges from freshmen’s fund-raising efforts, charity car-washes, fund-raising bazaars, charity concerts and drama productions to overseas community service projects.

One distinctive and notable event is our annual Rag and Flag Day, a unique long-standing NUS tradition involving float-building by some 3,000 freshmen as a gesture of gratitude to the public for their generous contributions that will benefit the underprivileged. In 2008, the event raised a record sum of $505,536 for 20 beneficiaries under the umbrella of the Community Chest, the fund-raising arm of Singapore’s National Council of Social Service.

All 10 faculty clubs – Arts and Social Sciences, Business, Computing, Dentistry, Design and Environment, Engineering, Law, Medicine, Science and the University Scholars Programme – and the University’s six Halls of Residence – Eusoff, Temasek, Raffles, Kent Ridge, King Edward VII and Sheares – organise local and international community service activities.

At the Singapore Youth Award 2009 presentation ceremony

1

Global & Asian

23

1

Over

100

community projects are organised by NUS students every year.

2

An estimated

$2.85 million

has been raised over the last five years for local and international charitable causes by NUS students.

3

The NUSSU Volunteer Action Committee was conferred the Medal of

Commendation

for sustained commitment and excellence in community service locally and globally.1

“The One Coin One Brick project was a refreshing break from my academic commitments, and it enriched my fourth semester in NUS with new friendships, new memories and a new found motivation to embark on future community projects.”

Nguyen Bao Khanh Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Year 2 student, 2009

At NUS, we believe that education goes beyond classroom learning.

By contributing to the community at large, we endeavour to develop a sense of community spirit and inculcate values which will prepare students to be constructive leaders of society.

Each year, there is an increasing number of students who fan across the country and beyond embarking on community service projects. A survey conducted among some 3,000 students in 2009 on volunteerism at NUS indicated that one in three undergraduate respondents is involved in some form of community work. This ranges from freshmen’s fund-raising efforts, charity car-washes, fund-raising bazaars, charity concerts and drama productions to overseas community service projects.

One distinctive and notable event is our annual Rag and Flag Day, a unique long-standing NUS tradition involving float-building by some 3,000 freshmen as a gesture of gratitude to the public for their generous contributions that will benefit the underprivileged. In 2008, the event raised a record sum of $505,536 for 20 beneficiaries under the umbrella of the Community Chest, the fund-raising arm of Singapore’s National Council of Social Service.

All 10 faculty clubs – Arts and Social Sciences, Business, Computing, Dentistry, Design and Environment, Engineering, Law, Medicine, Science and the University Scholars Programme – and the University’s six Halls of Residence – Eusoff, Temasek, Raffles, Kent Ridge, King Edward VII and Sheares – organise local and international community service activities.

At the Singapore Youth Award 2009 presentation ceremony

1

Global & Asian

23

strength in solidarity

The NUS Volunteer Network – comprising the NUS Students’ Community Service Club, NUS Students’ Volunteer Action Committee, NUS Rotaract Club and the Red Cross Humanitarian Network – was formed in 2008 to foster a stronger spirit of volunteerism and streamline volunteering efforts at the University.

The NUS Volunteer Network provides three different avenues of community service for students: local ad hoc projects

One of the longest running projects designed to reach out to youths to promote volunteerism, the Charity Fiesta, initiated by the NUS Students’ Union Volunteer Action Committee, has successfully raised more than $400,000 for local charities since its inception in 1992.

regular volunteer programmes

Weekly visits to homes such as the Moral Welfare Home, a refuge for destitute adults with multiple disabilities, are conducted by the NUS Students’ Union Volunteer Action Committee. Volunteers engage the residents with karaoke singing, art and craft sessions, and assist in their rehabilitation by helping with simple occupational therapy and games.

The NUS Rotaract Club also makes regular visits to the homes of the elderly who reside alone. overseas projects

The NUS Students’ Union Volunteer Action Committee has sent as many as nine volunteer teams to villages and orphanages in Myanmar to conduct educational activities under the Project Pinnya Tazaung (Light of Education) since 2003. More than just community service, this project aspires to build friendship between youths of Singapore and Myanmar through cultural and educational exchange.

Similarly, students from the NUS Students’ Community Service Club make annual trips to Cambodia to carry out refurbishment work and educational activities for village communities.

Workshops that encourage family bonding are also organised for the villagers.

We strongly support student participation in community service projects as the experience will leave an indelible mark in their educational journey. It teaches students about social responsibility and encourages them to play a more meaningful role in society.

“Educating graduates who help advance the world we live in is one of the most important contributions which universities can make. To a large extent, the impact of its graduates defines the great universities of the world.”

Prof Tan Chorh Chuan President,

National University of Singapore

april 2010

24

A Leading Global University Centred In Asia

an epigram design & production

21 Lower Kent Ridge Road Singapore 119077 Tel: (65) 6516 6666 nus.edu.sg