The AlumNUS Jul-Sep 2012

ALUMNUS ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF THE NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE

JUL–SEP 2012 // ISSUE 90

The

UTown

arts ISSN: 0129-3583

AHOY!

Celebrating the contributions of alumni to Singapore’s artistic blossoming

First Word Among the many pleasures of studying at NUS, one of the

most exhilarating must surely be the opportunity it gives to stretch your potential and develop your creative talents.

In this issue, you will get a glimpse of the creative spirit at NUS – the same quality that drives teaching, research and innovation across the university.

In our main feature ‘Creative Impulse’, we highlight several of our many alumni who have made significant contributions to the arts scene in Singapore. They demonstrate the impact of NUS in encouraging daring, exploration and imagination.

We also extend our warmest wishes to the newest members of our alumni family, the graduating Class of 2012. Congratulations! As you step into a world of even greater promise, rewards and challenges and focus, no doubt, on pursuits that are aligned to your values, passions and purposes, I encourage you to keep the NUS spirit alive, as so many generations before you have done.

Cultivating minds, developing talents, ennobling aspirations – these are what top universities stand for.

May the NUS spirit inspire us all to dream and build a better world!

I encourage you to keep the NUS spirit alive, as so many generations before you have done.

Science and art come together in this fractal structure by Ms Chan Min Yun, a member of NUS’ Class of 2012. “From coastline structures to the graphs of the stock exchange, our lives are governed by fractal geometry,” she says. “I want to explore its use in everyday objects across different scales.”

Assoc Prof Lim Meng Kin Director, NUS Office of Alumni Relations

For more explorations by the Class of 2012, turn to page 18.

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In The News

Setting the Standard Honouring the achievements and contributions of the NUS community.

Excellence in education, research and service – these were the virtues celebrated at the NUS University Awards Ceremony 2012. Held on 4 May at the University Cultural Centre, the event saw members of the NUS community come together to honour nine educators, researchers and senior administrators for their outstanding commitment to education, research and service.

First given out in 1997, the NUS University Awards recognise those who have made an impact through their passion and enthusiasm. It is given out in four categories: • The Outstanding Service Award recognises sustained meritorious service rendered to NUS, Singapore and the global community • The Outstanding Educator Award honours faculty members who have excelled in engaging and inspiring students in their discovery of knowledge • The Outstanding Researcher Award recognises established researchers for their strong track record and overall impact in research • The Young Researcher Award honours researchers below 40 years of age for their achievements and promise in research Among the guests at the awards ceremony were senior faculty members as well as representatives of the different pillars of the university community – alumni, staff and students.

In his opening address to the assembly, NUS President Prof Tan Chorh Chuan noted how this year’s honorees exemplified the multifaceted nature of excellence. “We are inspired by the enduring impact that all our award recipients have made on our community, nation and society,” he said. “We celebrate their accomplishments as individuals, but beyond that, we honour their sense of teamwork and collegiality, which enables us to collectively pursue true excellence as a university.”

NUS President Prof Tan Chorh Chuan (right) with Mr Wong Ngit Liong, Chairman of the NUS Board of Trustees (left), and Mr Goh Yew Lin

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NUS University

Awards 2012

Outstanding Service Award Mr Goh Yew Lin Member, NUS Board of Trustees Chairman, Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music

“I have been very fortunate to have had the opportunity to balance a profession in finance and investment with my passion for music, and to be able to contribute to the continuing development of the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, the Singapore Symphony Orchestra and NUS.”

Outstanding Researcher Award Prof Barry Halliwell Department of Biochemistry Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine

“I was lucky to start work in the free radical/ antioxidant field when few people were interested in it. Now, everybody is; redox biology is a fundamental driver of evolution, life, health, disease and death.”

Outstanding Educator Award Assoc Prof Hooi Shing Chuan Department of Physiology Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine

“It was Aristotle who said, ‘Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all’. This is especially true for the medical profession, which has as its core mission, service to humanity. As an educator, I aspire to integrate the education of the mind and heart, to nurture future doctors who will ‘treat the patient who has the disease’, rather than merely ‘treating the disease’.”

Outstanding Educator Award Dr Lo Mun Hou University Scholars Programme

“There is sometimes a perception that to analyse something is to sap the joy out of it, or even that such a critical attitude destroys beauty.

I would like to help students experience how analysis and critical thinking can bring their own pleasures.”

Young Researcher Award Dr Rahul Jain Department of Computer Science School of Computing

“A researcher has to keenly and patiently endeavour to discover the answers provided by nature to its own beautiful mysteries.”

Outstanding Educator Award Assoc Prof Joseph Ooi Thian Leong Department of Real Estate School of Design and Environment

“We remember teachers who taught us from the heart… those who inspired us with their passion for excellence, had confidence in us and cared for both our intellectual and character development.”

Outstanding Researcher Award Prof Loh Kian Ping Department of Chemistry Faculty of Science

“It is deeply satisfying to prove that it is possible to do something and create value within the constraints of the system, because possibilities and opportunities are just round the corner if we are willing to engage them.”

Young Researcher Award Dr Wu Jishan Department of Chemistry Faculty of Science

Young Researcher Award Dr Yan Shuicheng Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty of Engineering

“Being able to link theory to application well offers me double satisfaction.”

“Research to me is a joyful journey as I get to know more and more about the intrinsic nature of matter. As a chemist, I like to construct new molecules, but the more important thing is to understand the molecules. The outcomes are fresh knowledge for our scientific community and useful materials for our daily life.”

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In The News

Leading Yale-NUS Meet the inaugural President and leadership team.

Prof Tan Chorh Chuan receiving the BCA Green Mark Champion Award from Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam, President of Singapore.

Green Scene

Towards a more eco-friendly campus.

NUS has clinched the prestigious BCA Green Mark Champion Award, becoming the first educational institution in Singapore to attain the honour.

Conferred by the Building and Construction Authority in May, the award recognises NUS’ achievements in environmental sustainability and its commitment to corporate social responsibility.

Key eco-friendly considerations at NUS include balancing integrative design and the efficient use of space; optimising architectural

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designs for daytime lighting while minimising solar heat; and using natural ventilation for circulation at communal spaces.

“It is crucial for NUS to play an active leadership role in environmental sustainability and stewardship,” said Prof Tan Chorh Chuan, NUS President. “Our goal is to make our campus more and more environmentally friendly, and to incorporate the concept of sustainable development into our activities so as to reduce our environmental impact.”

Eco-Architects //

For professionals the world over, few principles have become as important to their work as sustainability, with “green” the new watchword. Three alumni from NUS’ School of Design and Environment also won accolades from Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority for advancing “green” technologies in architecture.

Mr Eugene Seah (‘06) Deputy Chairman, Davis Langdon & Seah; Director, Davis Langdon & Seah Project Management Green Advocate of the Year

Mr Tan Phay Ping (‘01, ‘04) Managing Director, Building System and Diagnostics Green Advocate of the Year

Mr Tang Kok Thye (‘91, ‘94, ‘06) Associate Partner, ADDP Architects Green Architect of the Year

On 30 May, the Governing Board of YaleNUS College announced Yale University’s Prof Pericles Lewis as the inaugural President of the college, with Prof Lai Choy Heng of NUS the Executive Vice President (Academic Affairs). Mrs Doris Sohmen-Pao, who was appointed the Executive Vice President (Administration) earlier this year, rounds out the leadership team.

Prof Lewis joined Yale in 1998 where he served as a faculty member in the English and Comparative Literature departments. A distinguished scholar of British and European literature, he has held a number of senior appointments at Yale where he was instrumental in conceptualising and establishing academic programmes.

A New Peak // NUS has

secured the number two spot in the latest 2012 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) University Rankings (Asia), one place up from last year. This is the university’s best performance on the survey since it was introduced in 2009.

The annual QS University Rankings (Asia) surveys the region’s top 300 universities based on criteria such as academic reputation, employer reputation, student/faculty ratio, papers per faculty, citations per paper, internationalisation and student exchange programmes.

Announced in May, the results showed NUS excelling across a range of indicators.

The university placed first for employer reputation and international faculty while placing second for academic

“Prof Lewis has demonstrated remarkable leadership in helping to launch the new college this past year,” said Madam Kay Kuok, Chair of Yale-NUS’ Governing Board. “We were all very impressed by his enormous passion for the new college, and his exceptional ability to identify the most important issues and motivate and work with others to address them.”

A theoretical physicist, Prof Lai has been NUS’ Vice Provost (Academic Personnel) since 2003. He joined the

reputation. NUS also enhanced its rankings in three faculties: Arts and Humanities (first); Engineering and Technology (second); and Natural Sciences (second). NUS maintains the top position for Social Sciences and Management.

TALKING POLITICS //

Taking the measure of political change in Singapore and the region – over the decades, NUS’ Department of Political Science has, without doubt, has had a rich area of study. On 30 March, the department celebrated its landmark 50th anniversary with a coming together of faculty members, staff, alumni and students.

Among the 250 guests was Prof Chan Heng Chee, Ambassador of Singapore to the United States. In 1961, she

From left: Prof Lai Choy Heng, Prof Pericles Lewis and Mrs Doris Sohmen-Pao

university in 1980 and has held many senior appointments. Since 2007, Prof Lai has also been the Deputy Director of the Centre for Quantum Technologies, a Research Centre of Excellence at NUS. Mrs Sohmen-Pao was most recently the Director of Human Capital for Bain & Company (Southeast Asia), and before that, served as Director of INSEAD’s MBA Programme.

Methods in Social and Political was among the first intake of Science (in collaboration with Political Science students at the the International Political University of Malaya. Following Science Association); increased her graduate studies at Cornell collaboration with institutions University, she returned to such as the Lee Kuan Yew NUS and later headed the School of Public Policy; and department from 1985 to a joint PhD degree with 1987. Her numerous accolades King’s College London. include the NUS Distinguished For more on the anniversary, Alumni Service Award (2007) turn to page 39. and the Singapore Government’s Distinguished Service Order (2011).

With a growing international reputation and research profile, the Department of Political Science looks set to reach new heights. Upcoming highlights include At the 50th anniversary celebration were Prof Terry Nardin (right), Head of NUS’ Department a Major in Global of Political Science; Assoc Prof Hussin Mutalib Studies; a Summer (left), also of the department; and Ambassador School on Research Chan Heng Chee.

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In The News

AN ANNUAL Sea Show

Med Frontiers // Award-winning NUS researcher

Prof Lim Chwee Teck has scored another first – in April, he received a collaborative research grant from the International Human Frontier Science Program Organization (HFSPO).

Prof Lim’s team was one of 25 (out of over 700 submissions worldwide) to garner an HFSPO grant for cutting-edge projects that study complex mechanisms of living organisms.

A member of the Departments of Bioengineering and Mechanical Engineering, as well as the NUS Mechanobiology Institute, Prof Lim is studying issues related to “Probing mechano-transduction by cell-cell junctions at the nano- and micro-scales”. He is the only Singaporean researcher to receive the three-year grant, which entitles each recipient to up to US$125,000 (almost S$150,000) annually.

Since 2002, NUS researchers have taken to local waters to study the spawning behaviour of coral. By Karenne Tun (Science ’94)

This is a succinct description of the annual synchronous mass spawning that occurs on coral reefs the world over.

Taking place only once a year, this event sees millions of coral larvae released to the mercy of the waves.

Over the past 10 years, researchers from NUS and our partners – the National Parks Board and the National Institute of Education – have been documenting the coral spawning off Pulau Satumu, an island about 14 kilometres south of Singapore (and home to Raffles Lighthouse). Here, coral spawning occurs either before or after the Easter full moon, in late March or April.

This year, we set off on 10 April and over three nights, entered the waters to observe this spectacular phenomenon.

When this study was first initiated by Dr James Guest in 2002, we knew little about coral spawning patterns on Singapore’s reefs. Now, a clearer picture has emerged.

Species participation at the Pulau Satumu site varies annually, with certain species skipping a year. Some corals also display population-wide participation, while for others, only a sub-set of the population was observed to spawn.

Spawning times have varied over the years, ranging from dusk (7.20pm) to around 9.30pm. It should be said that we are often not the only ones who are interested in the spawning; reef inhabitants such as fusiliers, soldierfish

and shrimp also take the opportunity for some dinner.

Meanwhile, we are frantically swimming from coral to coral documenting the event.

The data collected is part of a global effort to better understand the processes behind this phenomenon.

Though we are now fairly confident about coral spawning patterns here, even after 10 years, we continue to make new discoveries. During our 2012 survey, we recorded three new spawning corals, bringing the total number of recorded spawning species to almost

73 (about 30% of Singapore’s coral species).

Coral larvae are particularly important for Singapore’s reefs as studies show that many of them will settle in local waters.

This reflects the need to protect our reefs, for the sustainability of our natural habitat.

Ms Karenne Tun is a PhD candidate at the Reef Ecology Laboratory of NUS’ Department of Biological Sciences. She has been studying the coral spawning off Pulau Satumu since 2002.

Webmaster // At the

Global INET conference in Geneva, Switzerland, in April, Assoc Prof Tan Tin Wee of NUS’ Department of Biochemistry was inducted into the Internet Society’s inaugural Internet Hall of Fame. The accolade recognises Assoc Prof Tan’s leading role in applying web-based technologies in the field of computational biology as well as in developing the multilingual Internet domain name system. Among the other leading lights to be honoured this year were Internet pioneers Vint Cerf, Tim Berners-Lee and former United States Vice President Al Gore.

“Sea Show” photos by Karenne Tun

Astra inclinant, non necessitant.

(The stars incline; they do not determine.)

Leading-edge Life Sciences //

Taking the honours at this year’s NUS Innovation and Enterprise Awards were Prof Ding Jeak Ling of NUS’ Department of Biological Sciences and Assoc Prof Ho Bow from the Department of Microbiology of the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. Known for their conservation work with horseshoe crabs, the researchers won the Outstanding NUS Innovator Award.

The Promising NUS Start-up Award went to BioMers and Clearbridge BioMedics, two start-ups with NUS roots.

“The judges were impressed with the fact that BioMers and Clearbridge BioMedics have translated technologies from NUS laboratories into fully-commercialised products,” said Prof Wong Poh Kam, Director of the NUS Entrepreneurship Centre and Co-chair of the Innovation and Enterprise Awards Organising Committee.

In May, Clearbridge BioMedics also beat 17 Asian start-ups to receive the First Prize of the 2012 Asian Entrepreneurship Award in Kashiwanoha, Japan. Judges were particularly taken by the company’s ClearCell System, a diagnostic kit to retrieve viable tumour cells from blood.

BETTER VISION // Clearing the Air // The United

A paper published in The Lancet in May has attributed the high occurrence of child myopia in East Asian cities to educational pressures and lifestyle changes. Prof Saw Seang Mei, report coauthor and Vice-Dean (Research) at NUS’ Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, noted that Singapore has one of the highest myopia rates in the world, with shortsightedness affecting 28% of children as young as seven years. This rises to 83% when they reach 18.

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Nations initiative REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) seeks to mitigate the effects of climate change by better managing our forest stocks. In a paper published in the online journal Nature Climate Change in May, two members of NUS’ Environmental Biology Group – PhD student Mr Jacob Phelps and Assoc Prof Edward Webb – have put forward five distinct ways to understand the relationship between carbon emissions and biodiversity conservation. Working with Prof Bill Adams of the University of Cambridge, the researchers hope that their findings can help policymakers make better decisions during REDD+ negotiations.

“Increased clarity is essential because

REDD+ policies are shaping contemporary forest management, and we need to anticipate the ways in which carbon policies are going to affect biodiversity,” says Mr Phelps. “It is difficult to have a productive debate when the policy options have yet to be clearly articulated.”

Heart Risk //

A study by the National University Heart Centre, Singapore (NUHCS), on heart disease has showed that there are significant differences in symptoms and risk factors for coronary heart disease between the sexes. In the April study, researchers looked at data on 15,151 heart attack patients (4,196 of whom were women) between January 2000 and

”Better Vision” photo by The Straits Times © Singapore Press Holdings Ltd, “Flower Switch” photo by Yu Hao

Research Snapshot December 2005. The data was collated by the Singapore Cardiac Data Bank on Singaporean patients with acute coronary syndrome who were admitted into public hospitals and institutions.

Two New Centres // Established in June, the Micro and Nano-Fabrication Facility at NUS’ Graphene Research Centre seeks to pioneer new uses for graphene, a carbon allotrope with many potential high-tech applications.

“I’m certain the facility will become a major site for graphene research and application for the region and the world,” said NUS President Prof Tan Chorh Chuan at the launch of the S$15-million lab. Joining the Kent Ridge research cluster in April was the

Zeiss Microscopy Lab; the first facility of its kind in Asia, the S$6-million centre houses state-of-the-art microscopes to further research in biological and materials sciences.

Cancer Clues // An international

team led by researchers at Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School and the National Cancer Centre Singapore has identified hundreds of mutant genes in stomach cancer. The findings were published online in Nature Genetics in April. The second deadliest cancer globally, stomach cancer causes more than 700,000 deaths each year and is especially prevalent in East Asia. The findings

offer hope of customised treatments according to the genetic composition of a patient’s gastric tumour.

Flower Switch //

Researchers from NUS’ Department of Biological Sciences and the Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory have provided new insight into what triggers flowering in plants. Over a period of five years, Assoc Prof Yu Hao and his team scanned some three million plant samples for proteins, identifying one known as FT-Interacting Protein 1 (FTIP1) that is essential for plants to produce flowers under normal light conditions. The findings were published in the April issue of the online journal PLoS Biology. The team is now studying other factors that can control flowering (and other key processes) in plants.

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In The News

Lighting the Spark

World-Beaters

Grooming engineers for the future.

A unique programme based on the Faculty of Engineering’s Design-Centric Curriculum (DCC) gives young minds a fantastic introduction to the rewards and rigours of engineering. Under the guidance of faculty members from the Engineering Design and Innovation Centre, 19 students of the NUS High School of Math and Science are learning how to conceptualise, design and implement practical solutions in healthcare, energy and transportation.

One of the five student teams is studying ways to help the elderly become more mobile. Another is building a modular handheld device that can be plugged onto mobile devices (such as laptops) to increase their energy efficiency. “What I find most exciting is that I’m trying to come out with solutions for current problems,” says student Lee Tze How. Response to the new programme has been encouraging. Students who wish to pursue their instinct for engineering and who meet NUS’ entry requirements will be offered a place in the DCC programme.

A storied Tournament Cup returns to NUS. Golfers from NUS and the University of Malaya (UM) came together in June to celebrate their ties at the UM-NUS Inter-University Tunku Chancellor Golf Tournament. An annual tradition for over four decades, this year’s contest was further distinguished by the fact that it was the first time that Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam, Singapore President and NUS Chancellor, was taking part. Representing UM was His Royal Highness Sultan Azlan Shah, Chancellor of UM. “We are truly honoured to have both Dr Tony Tan and Sultan Azlan Shah

NUS President Prof Tan Chorh Chuan (right) and NUS Golf Captain Mr Lim Kin Choo lift the Tournament Cup.

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grace this occasion,” noted Prof Tan Chorh Chuan, President of NUS. “Their presence underscores the strong bonds of friendship that are treasured by both universities.”

The inaugural UM-NUS tournament was held in 1968 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, as an expression of the ties between senior leaders of both universities. Hosted alternately by UM and NUS, this year’s edition saw over 130 faculty members, staff and alumni taking part. Among the leading lights in NUS team colours were Mr Edward D’Silva, member of the NUS Board of Trustees; Mr Ngiam Tong Dow, former senior civil servant; Mr Yatiman Yusof, Singapore’s High Commissioner to Kenya and Rwanda; and Mr Zainul Abdul Rasheed, Singapore’s Ambassador to Kuwait.

Over two days of friendly competition, golfers took to the fairways of the Tanah Merah Country Club and the Sentosa Golf Club for an affirmation of longstanding bonds. At day’s end, it was the NUS contingent that won the Cup for 2012.

Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam (right), Singapore President and NUS Chancellor, and His Royal Highness Sultan Azlan Shah (centre), Chancellor of UM, with their respective contingents at the Shaw Foundation Alumni House.

Dr Tony Tan presenting Sultan Azlan Shah with a gift at the official dinner at the Shangri-La Hotel Singapore.

Friendship on the greens.

“Lighting the Spark” photo by The Straits Times © Singapore Press Holdings Ltd

Green Ties

From left: Vu Duy Anh, Ky Anh Phuong and Kshitij Jhunjhunwala

Aces Go Places // Three students

NUS High School students Lee Tze How (seated on floor) and Tan Boon Xin (right) are among the 19 NUS High School students participating in the DCC pilot programme. With them are (left) Dr Hang Kim Hoo, NUS High School Principal; and Prof Tham Ming Po, Director of NUS’ Engineering Design and Innovation Centre (which is providing guidance to the students).

Touch of Warmth

– Kshitij Jhunjhunwala of NUS’ Department of Mechanical Engineering, and Vu Duy Anh and Ky Anh Phuong of the NUS Business School – took on the world and walked away champions. The intrepid trio beat 14,205 contestants from 145 countries (including Master’s and post-doctoral students from leading business schools) at the fourth global Ace Manager competition.

Organised by BNP Paribas, the online contest challenges students to solve 14 complex banking cases. After four weeks, the top five teams from around the world came together in Paris, France, to present case studies on the themes “Mergers and Acquisitions” and “Bank of Tomorrow”. The NUS finallists came out tops after impressing judges with their business model – a “green” bank that subsidises interest rates for loans towards eco-friendly causes.

Need to use your touchscreen phone or iPad at temperatures of -10°C? The ISGlove allows you to do just that.

A winter stint on the NUS Overseas College’s Stockholm programme inspired Charmain Tan, a student at NUS’ Faculty of Science, to come up with the idea for the touchscreen gloves. Three friends lent their expertise to bring the product from drawing board to the market – Fitzkhoon

Liang (an alumnus of the NOC Stockholm programme) and Tan Yan Liang (an alumnus of the NOC Shanghai programme), both of the School of Engineering; and Cia Zhi Yun of the School of Design and Environment. With the support of NUS Enterprise, the ISGlove is available at www.fiett.com.

As the only double-layered touchscreen handwear product on the market, the gloves

feature an outer layer woven from eco-friendly materials and inner ones that are knitted from antibacterial, hypo-allergenic and sweat-absorbent polyester. Best of all, the ISGlove boasts conductive and touch-sensitive functionalities.

The ISGlove has already picked up a host of design awards and the team is looking to retail it globally this year.

For more leading-edge design projects from NUS, turn to page 18.

Loh Kin Kit (right) and Phoaw Yen Shan

Write Stuff //

Also doing NUS proud were Loh Kin Kit and Phoaw Yen Shan of the School of Design and Environment, joint winners of the Berkeley Prize Essay Competition. Organised by the Berkeley College of Environmental Design at the University of California, the contest seeks to promote architecture as a social art and, this year, saw 174 student entries from 31 countries. The winning duo’s award-winning prize essay was entitled “The Greatest Public Good is Public Space” and featured Singapore’s Marina Barrage (which, besides functioning as a dam, also serves as a social space). Asst Prof Chang Jiat Hwee of the Department of Architecture advised the students on their winning entry.

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Cover Story

t e rea iv C impul se

How NUS alumni have contributed to Singapore’s rich and multifaceted arts scene.

Illustration by Alvin Mark Tan

By Theresa Tan

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uTown

The 1980s was an exciting, exploratory time for Singapore. The economy began its ascent with growth in manufacturing, trade and business, turning Singapore into a prosperous nation with a busy port, a per capita GDP higher than many countries in Western Europe and a strong education system.

It was also during this period that the creative spirit of the nation began to blossom.

In theatre, especially, Singapore began to see the emergence of works like Beauty World (1988), which attracted an audience of close to 10,000.

The late Kuo Pao Kun, already a leading figure in Chinese theatre by the 1970s, won a new Englishspeaking audience when his play The Coffin is Too Big for the Hole was performed in the 1980s.

An even greater change came in 1989 when the Advisory Council on Culture and the Arts (ACCA) was set up. Helmed by the late Mr Ong Teng Cheong, this high-level committee was tasked with transforming arts and culture in Singapore.

The Report that Started it All A shot in the arm for the local arts scene, the ACCA Report recommended changes in infrastructure, organisational structures and the education system. This led directly to the formation of the National Arts Council (NAC) in 1991. Its mission was to develop Singapore into a vibrant global city for the arts.

Other reforms soon followed; the National Heritage Board (NHB) was launched in 1993 to spearhead the promotion of Singapore’s artistic, cultural and historical heritage. To improve the quality of arts education in schools, the Arts Education Programme was also established that same year.

To look at Singapore’s arts and culture landscape today is to see many of the fruits of that 1989 ACCA Report. It led to the recognition of the fundamental role of the arts in our lives, broadening our cultural understanding and strengthening our social bonds.

“I think Singapore has undergone a paradigm shift since the publication of Mr Ong Teng Cheong’s report of 1989,” Prof Tommy Koh (Law ’61), the Founding Chairman of the NAC from 1991 to 1996, tells AlumNUS. “We were once described by our critics as a ‘cultural desert’; no one would say the same thing today.

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Three Milestones Prof Koh, 75, spoke in May at an NUS Senior Alumni Tea and Chat session.

As one of the architects for change during this period, he shared his views on three achievements over recent decades.

“First, the arts have blossomed in Singapore. Singaporeans and visitors are spoilt for choice,” he told his audience. “Second, we have produced a new generation of culture-loving young Singaporeans. Our investment in arts education has paid off, and it is very encouraging to see so many young people at our exhibitions and performances. Third, we have produced cultural and artistic institutions, such as the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, the Singapore Dance Theatre, TheatreWorks, W!ld Rice, The Necessary Stage (TNS) and the Singapore Repertory Theatre.

These have earned the admiration and respect of Singaporeans and of friends around the world.”

As practitioners, administrators and supporters, many NUS alumni have played a leading role in helping the arts take root in Singapore.

“NUS alumni have made many contributions,” Prof Koh affirms.

“They include playwrights, directors, actors, dancers, choreographers, painters, singers, songwriters, curators and filmmakers.”

contribution throughout the process – and the final production itself – was celebrated over and over.”

Fertile Ground

Like many of his peers, Mr Tan was intent on pursuing a career in the arts. Government support was critical during those early years for groups such as TNS; in 1992, it was given a space at the Cairnhill Arts Centre, under the NAC’s Arts Housing Scheme.

Another grant from the NAC allowed TNS to put operations on a firmer footing, while other programmes encouraged them to stretch their creative wings. “The Theatre-in-Residence scheme helped us because any group staging two local plays out of four productions a year would have its theatre rental waived,” says Mr Tan. “The staging of these original, local works attracted media attention and audiences,” he recalls. “We began to create more homegrown works, and soon enough, the attitude towards local content started to improve.

Alvin Tan (Arts and Social Sciences ’88), the Artistic Director of TNS, recalls NUS in the late 1980s as being fertile ground for the arts.

“There was a lot of excitement; it was very dynamic at the university,” he recalls. “There was a hunger. People wanted to create and explore on their own accord.”

Among Mr Tan’s peers during this period were Haresh Sharma (Arts and Social Sciences ’90), co-founder of TNS; Ong Keng Sen (Law ’88) of TheatreWorks; Ivan Heng (Law ’88), who heads W!ld Rice; actresses Karen Tan (Arts and Social Sciences ’90) and Neo Swee Lin (Law ’86); and playwrights Desmond Sim (Arts and Social Sciences ’86) and Ovidia Yu (Arts and Social Sciences ’86).

Mr Tan, 49, read English Literature and Sociology. He remembers the spirit of that era. “The idea of creating a work as a group was very appealing,” he says. “We would create the works, handle the administration and publicity, then sit in the corridors selling tickets. It was also easy to secure volunteers by asking people you met when walking from one lecture to another. The sense of communal

Taking the Stage

NUS’ arts calendar provides a steady stream of new and original works to satisfy your cultural cravings. Clockwise from top: Hereafter; The Boy Inside; Godeatgod.

Classical Notes, Young Talents

Ms Emily Koh Founded in 2001, the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music has brought the elegance, grace and rigour of classical music to the Kent Ridge campus. Under the guidance of world-class

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faculty members, students may pursue a Bachelor of Music (Honours) degree and major in either Performance or Composition. They are also encouraged to pursue a range of humanities courses and electives.

It’s a winning formula that has given a headstart to our young musical talents. Among them is Mr Wong Kah Chun (’11).

In June, he became the first musician to receive the Lee Kuan Yew Scholarship. Mr Wong, 25, will now pursue a Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting at

one of Europe’s leading conservatories, the Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler Berlin in Germany.

Also doing NUS proud is Ms Emily Koh (‘09). Now working on her doctoral studies at Brandeis University, Massachusetts, the 26-year-old composer scored two wins this year.

Not only did she receive the ASCAP Morton Gould Young Composers Award 2012, she was one of 10 winners of the 2012 Parma Student Composer Competition.

For more information, visit www.nus.edu.sg/music/.

Photos of Hereafter & godeatgod by Jootze See (Back Alley Creations)

In fact, Singapore has a growing reputation in the world as a vibrant, cultural city.”

This scheme helped us by creating an environment in which homegrown plays could more easily be birthed, nurtured and developed. Our vision was timely and our mission was valued.”

Literally Speaking If the experiences of Mr Tan and his peers marked a new beginning for the arts in Singapore, it is one that draws inspiration from the foundational efforts of authors, poets and playwrights before them. This body of work continues to grow; Singapore’s de facto poet laureate, Prof Edwin Thumboo (Arts and Social Sciences ’57, ’70), Emeritus Professor at NUS’ Department of English Language and Literature, has just completed a collection of 130 of his poems, works that span 60 years.

As a student, Prof Thumboo, 79, chose poetry because of his “interest in words, their verbal contours, how they generated meaning, the way they explore and reveal and encapsulate.

Poetry encourages an intense, layered treatment of subject and theme.”

“the arts have blossomed in Singapore... Our investment in arts education has paid off.”

Prof Tommy Koh, Founding Chairman of the NAC (1991–1996) Like many of his contemporaries, Prof Thumboo found within the university a supportive environment in which to explore questions of identity and place. “We had to create our own literature as part of our aspirations to be a nation,” he says.

“The university played a leading role in early discussions about a postindependence culture.”

Among Prof Thumboo’s fellow writers were Mr Ee Tiang Hong (’55, ’56), Mr Wong Phui Nam (’59), Dr Oliver Seet (’60, ’87) and Dr Lloyd Fernando (’58). “Our feeling for the coming nation was our main, overarching drive,” says Prof Thumboo, “and our subsequent work helped contribute to the establishment of a Singaporean/ Malaysian literature in English.”

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Cover Story Nurturing the Arts According to Prof Thumboo, the years following Independence [from Malaysia in 1965] were difficult ones for writers and other arts practitioners. “The general arts atmosphere was patchy,” he recalls.

Upon joining the university as a lecturer, Prof Thumboo resolved to do his part because he “saw the promotion of our literature as one of my missions”.

This he accomplished in many ways; during his tenure as Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (from 1980 to 1991), Prof Thumboo introduced Theatre Studies into the curriculum, a move that helped nurture a new generation of theatrical talents.

Prof Thumboo was also a member of the seminal 1989 Advisory Council.

“The Ong Teng Cheong report was a milestone in at least four ways,” he says. “It looked at the arts holistically, appreciated its importance in the life of a nation, suggested a programme of action, and led to action.”

Two decades after the ACCA Report, Prof Thumboo, the inaugural recipient of Singapore’s Cultural Medallion for Literature in 1979, is pleased with current measures to support homegrown writers.

“There are now more grants to support writers and publishers,” he says. “The NAC has done much; it has developed to the point where I believe it should now provide critical

and creative expertise but without weakening its present range of essential activities.”

we wanted a Singaporean theatre, we had to do it ourselves. Everyone who went to the theatre – the actors, the director, the audience – had a commitment to the show; it was valuable to us.”

Mr Ong believes there is much to gain from this independent stance.

“If I could turn back time, I’d ask that the government be more noninterventionist,” he says. “Instead, look at the root of what’s restricting expression – why are people not creative, have no initiative? I would have preferred the government to allow total freedom for practitioners to invest in and commit themselves.”

New Challenges

Beyond 2015

The 1989 ACCA Report was followed by three Renaissance City Plans, the most recent of which envisions Singapore becoming a “global city for the arts by 2015”. This transformation will likely be accelerated by the country’s next drive for creative renewal – in January this year, the Arts and Culture Strategic Review (ACSR) Committee presented its recommendations, taking into account the growth of Singapore’s art scene over the years and proposing an even more ambitious roadmap for the next decade.

Tellingly, the report also addresses issues related to a more mature arts environment. For Mr Ong Keng Sen, the Artistic Director of TheatreWorks since 1988, one pressing challenge

In this regard, Mr Ong might well be prescient. The ASCR Report calls for the government to “move towards being an enabler, playing a facilitative rather than a top-down role, by providing funding, facilities and frameworks to create a nurturing environment where artistic creation and participation can thrive”.

Prof Koh, too, has his own set of wishes, one borne from his many years in nurturing the arts scene. The first is that the arts be made accessible to Singaporeans of different social strata. His second wish is that more will be done to support homegrown writers, performers and musicians.

“There is insufficient pride in and support for the artistic and cultural achievements of fellow Singaporeans,” he says.

is the fact that many aspects of our theatre-going experience have “fallen completely into the entertainment spectrum”.

The recipient of the 2003 Cultural Medallion for Theatre, Mr Ong staged Lear Dreaming at the 2012 Singapore Festival of Arts in March. “Everything has been streamlined into being institution-based, and institutions are very top-down,” he says. “Even though there seems to be more freedom in Singapore, it has become even more top-down because of funding.

The whole machinery is pegged to funding, and that decides what you should see and hear.”

Cultural Medallion Honorees

As Singapore’s highest arts accolade, the Cultural Medallion is conferred on those who have achieved excellence in dance, theatre, literature, music, photography, art and film. Among the alumni who have received this honour are: • Literature (1979) Emeritus Professor Edwin Thumboo (Arts and Social Sciences ’57, ’70) • Theatre (1981) Ms Joanna Wong (Science ’63) • Literature (1983) Dr Arthur Yap (Arts and Social Sciences ’65, ’84) • Literature (1985) Dr Lee Tzu Pheng (Arts and Social Sciences ’68, ’73) • Dance (1986) Mr Goh Choo San (Science ’70) • Art (1987) Mr Tan Swie Hian (’68) • Art (2000) Prof Tan Siah Kwee (’72) • Theatre (2003) Mr Ong Keng Sen (Law ’88) • Literary Arts (2009) Ms Tham Yew Chin (’73) • Visual Arts (2009) Mr Ang Ah Tee (’73) • Music (2010) Dr Liang Wern Fook (Arts and Social Sciences ’89, ’92) • Literary Arts (2010) Mr Suratman Markasan (’71) 14

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“We had to create our own literature as part of our aspirations to be a nation.”

Campus Buzz

NUS’ Centre for the Arts (CFA) is a multifaceted organisation that nurtures the performing, visual and literary arts on campus and beyond. CFA Director Ms Christine Khor talks about NUS’ arts buzz.

When and why was the CFA set up? The late Mr Paul Abisheganaden set up the Centre for Musical Activities (CMA) in 1979 to better involve students in arts activities. More than half of the 23 student groups currently with CFA were formed during his tenure. Led by Prof Edwin Thumboo from 1993 to 2005, the CFA also took under its wing student groups such as NUS Dance Blast!, NUS Stage, NUS Chinese Drama and nuSTUDIOS Film Productions. In 2005, I assumed Directorship of the centre.

What’s the vision of the CFA? Our vision is for the NUS community to be informed participants in global society by engaging with the arts. We also want to enhance the NUS learning experience through the arts.

Tell us about the alumni involvement in CFA activities. We often see alumni returning to perform alongside their undergraduate counterparts. Perhaps the strongest affirmation comes when alumni step forward to form their own version of CFA groups. These include Exposé, which comprises alumni of the NUS Guitar Ensemble; the Graduate Singers, formed by alumni of the NUSCHoir; and Kent Ridge Harmonica, formed by alumni of the NUS Harmonica Orchestra.

Over the years, our students and alumni have also brought honour to NUS and Singapore at international events. One example is the NUS Chinese Orchestra, which took home the Grand Prix from Poland’s XXXII Bydgoszcz Musical Impressions in 2009.

For more information, visit www.nus.edu.sg/cfa/.

Emeritus Professor Edwin Thumboo

With offerings that range from classical to leading-edge, NUS’ arts scene demonstrates the university’s continuing role in nurturing creativity. From top: The NUS Chinese Orchestra; the NUS Dance Ensemble performing Samsara; and alumni talents Mr Andrew Putra (Arts and Social Sciences ’10) on guitar with Mr Chan Yi Yang (Business ’12) on keyboard.

Mr Ong, 49, fondly recalls his university years for their sense of artistic discovery and independence.

“At NUS, we were finding ourselves at the age of 18, 22. The country was finding itself, there was a lot of work to discover what Singapore was – we had to do this ourselves; it was not given to us,” he says. “At that time, if

Fittingly, Prof Koh reserves his final wish for the written word.

“I want to make a special plea for literature,” he says. “We should do more to promote the literary arts in Singapore. What is lacking is an appreciation of literature as a means of understanding the human heart and as a window into society.”

The University Cultural Centre is managed by the CFA and serves as an arts hub for the campus community.

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MY WORD

Why is it important to reach out to alumni, then and now?

Keeping the spirit Alive

The support and contributions of our alumni – which can come in various forms – ensures that future generations of students can continue to have excellent learning opportunities. I see it as a blessing to have been given the opportunity to shape alumni matters from the very beginning; I’m a true believer in the capacity of our alumni to change peoples’ lives.

Alumni will always remain a pillar of the university community. Mr Peter Lim, one of NUS’ pioneer administrators, explains why.

Tell us about your family and where you live now.

By Zalina Gazali

You’ve taken on many senior administrative roles during your years with NUS. Tell us about some of them.

I joined the university in 1965 as Development Officer. I later worked in Student Affairs, and there was a season when I was in charge of Public Relations. I also served as Deputy Registrar for a period before spending three years in New York recruiting What were you doing before faculty members. you joined NUS, and how did you After returning come to join to Singapore and the university? serving as Acting I taught at Anglo“I’m a true I felt that Chinese School believer in the Registrar, it was important (ACS) during the capacity of for NUS to have a 1950s and was our alumni concerted approach also active in the to change towards alumni local Methodist community; in peoples’ lives.” engagement, so I started the Alumni fact, I was the Affairs Office in 1989. founding pastor Mr Peter Lim, one of NUS’ This was renamed of two Methodist pioneering administrators the Alumni Affairs churches (Fairfield and Development in 1946 and Barker Office in 1991 and I oversaw its efRoad in 1956). From 1961 to 1965, forts until I retired in 1996.

I served as the Principal of ACS and pastor of Wesley Church in Seremban, Malaysia.

What were some of the And then NUS – or rather, the highlights of your time as University of Singapore – pulled a senior administrator? me in. At the time, I was actively As a Student Liaison Officer in the involved in fundraising for the late 1960s, my focus was very much YMCA and other organisations. The on helping students. One of the 16

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I have a son and daughter, both in their 60s. I also have four grandchildren in their 20s and 30s, and three great-grandchildren aged four to six years. My wife, Flora, passed away in 2010. Since 1978, I’ve been with my family in Edmonton, Canada, where I serve as Minister Emeritus at the Highlands United Church.

university needed someone with experience in this area, so they said, “Come and join us.” And that was how I got “caught!”

What’s your secret to a long and fulfilling life?

I don’t like to sit still and do nothing; I need to exercise my mind. So I read a lot and prepare sermons, and am happiest when there’s work to be done. I also value the experience of being a friend and mentor, and of making a difference to others. I hope I’ve been able to do this.

challenges they faced was the cost of textbooks. That’s why we decided to set up the University of Singapore Co-op Bookstore in 1969. We were able to repay our initial S$20,000 loan within six months and the NUS Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society is still doing its part for students and faculty. I was also involved in the construction of the original Institute of Molecular Cell Biology Building at Kent Ridge. This was completed in 1987, on schedule and within budget.

A Friend and More Mr David Ho (Arts and Social Sciences ’72) recalls his early friendship with Mr Peter Lim.

What were some of the challenges you faced in engaging alumni?

NUS has many predecessorinstitutions and all their graduates are considered alumni. I myself am an alumnus of two of these institutions, Raffles College and the University of Malaya. Both had many alumni in Malaysia. So one of our first tasks was the painstaking compilation of alumni records – updating names and addresses, for example. This was a tremendous amount of work!

Photo by Stan Ngo

“To help others and impact their lives positively” has always been the mantra for Mr Peter Lim, one of NUS’ founding champions of alumni relations.

Fondly remembered by students and peers for his warmth and commitment to service, Mr Lim, 89, brought to NUS a sense of empathy honed during his years as a teacher and pastor. During a visit in early 2012, Mr Lim (who now resides with his family in Edmonton, Canada) shared his story with AlumNUS.

In the late 1960s, I served a term as the Honorary General Secretary of the Students’ Union.

We would meet with Peter (who worked in Student Affairs) once a week, after which we’d bring our issues up to the Vice-Chancellor, Dr Toh Chin Chye.

My first impression of Peter was that he was very witty; he never came across as stern

or authoritarian. Even so, to us he was “the Establishment”. We often gave him a hard time about issues involving bus fares and so on!

But Peter never took this to heart. Instead, he always tried to see things from our angle. He was also very supportive; rather than kill our youthful, fiery idealism, he sought to nurture it into something even more positive.

In my final year of studies, Peter was the first person to recommend me for a job, so that I got an offer even

before graduation. And when I expressed a wish to continue my studies, he was very supportive as well. Simply put, Peter’s commitment towards positive change has been instrumental to how I live my life.

Mr David Ho is the Managing Director of Windmill International, a commodities trading and logistics firm.

In 2002, Mr Ho established the Peter ST Lim Bursary at NUS in honour of his longtime friend and mentor.

Mr Ho was appointed the President of the NUS Society in June 2012.

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F e at u r e

Panton Suit

by Kenny Lee A reinterpretation of Verner Panton’s single-moulded classic from 1960, Panton Suit retains the original’s striking curves but uses an elastane fabric cover to allow for a quick switch of looks.

Finallist, Space Nurtures 2012

Laputa

by Darren Yeo Laputa finds its inspiration in cloud formations, a central motif of disciplines ranging from geology and computing to religion and art.

Grand Winner, Mapletree Business City “Design in the City” Outdoor Furniture Competition

Mr Lee is currently pursuing his own projects and doing freelance graphic design.

Fine Form AlumNUS takes a peek at final-year projects that blend art, science and technology.

In June, Mr Yeo completed on internship with the renowned designer Toshiyuki Kita in Osaka, Japan. He is now pursuing his own projects.

Drawing on Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels as well as manga artist and director Hayao Miyazaki’s more contemporary take on this airborne island, the award-winning Laputa exudes serenity.

by Clement Zheng Cycle draws from cyclical patterns and forms of the natural environment.

Finallist, Mapletree Business City “Design in the City” Outdoor Furniture Competition

LUXURY IS FEELING BLESSED IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY

by CHAN MIN YUN For those with an inordinate fear of taking medicine, this project has the cure. It offers medication in packaging that slowly “blooms” in water, a process that offers emotional relief and a moment to reflect on (and count) our blessings.

Cycle

Surrounded by office buildings, Cycle serves as a place of repose for busy workers.

In July, Mr Zheng will be travelling to Taiwan to facilitate a multidisciplinary design workshop. After this, he will be working as a teaching assistant at NUS.

Ms Chan is currently working on her own projects.

Talk to any NUS student and you’ll get the distinct impression that interdisciplinarity – long a watchword in academic circles – seems not a necessary state of affairs but, rather, just the natural way of doing things.

In exploring issues related to art, learning, tradition and technology, these works by graduating students of the Division of Industrial Design take inspiration from a variety of disciplines.

Full of warmth, surprise and wit, they also prove the adage that the best solution to a problem is often the most elegant.

Bringing to mind a cocktail dress, the Valentino Red cover lends a dash of sensuality.

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Kiip Fresh

by Lim Si Ru “Freshness” is a quality that can be hard to quantify.

Enter Kiip Fresh, an innovative app that allows shoppers to access data related to freshness anytime, anywhere. Not only can shoppers share and sync their grocery data with others, they can also access content such as recipes, alerts and tips to reduce wastage.

Ms Lim is currently pursuing her own projects.

Educational Toys for Children with Autism

The entire puzzle set includes a steel board with eight simple themes such as clothing, food and sports.

by Ma Xiaodan Children with autism often learn better when their senses are engaged simultaneously. Designed as a puzzle with eight themes comprising everyday objects, this learning tool encourages children to touch, see and learn.

In July, Ms Ma will be interning with Origins, Estée Lauder, in Arizona, USA.

The visual character of these bronze paperweights comes from their patina as they age.

The orchid patterns become more apparent over time, and serve as a visual analogue to the passing of the years.

Luxury is Ageing Beautifully

by Kenneth Tan The Japanese word shutaku means “polish by hand” and is used for things that are improved the more they are used and touched. Made of bronze, these paperweights use its ability to oxidise and change colour, so that their flower patterns – protected by clear lacquer – reveal themselves as the years go by.

Mr Tan is currently in the early stages of starting his own industrial design firm.

To see more work by graduates of the Division of Industrial Design, visit www.nusindustrialdesign.com.

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O n c e u p o n a M e mo r y

Paths

Many Coming Together The medical community is somewhat close; our training is very much like an apprenticeship. Our teachers and professors, many of whom we respected very much, worked closely with us and guided us.

There were about 100 of us in our graduating class, which I believe was one of the smallest medical classes. That’s another reason why we are close.

It’s been interesting to see the paths we’ve taken after graduation.

Most of us got married, had children, and now even grandchildren. Some of us have gone overseas to work, and we now have classmates in Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Among the graduates of the Class of ’74, some

1984

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Photo of Dr Ho Ting Fei by Wilson Pang; other photos courtesy of Dr Ho Ting Fei

The special joys of a class reunion. are now prominent names in our respective fields.

Several classmates are now involved in healthcare administration, the most outstanding of whom is Prof Kandiah Satkunanantham, the Director of Medical Services at the Ministry of Health, Singapore.

Some have gone into the field of academic medicine and have risen through the ranks to become professors at NUS and other institutions.

Many of us still see one another professionally, especially if we work in the same hospital.

Almost 10 years after graduation, we initiated the first class reunion in 1984. Henceforth, we met every five years. Most who attend our class reunions continue to do so regularly.

1989

We’ve lost a few classmates in recent years.

So the sentiment is that, “We’re all getting old; better meet a bit more often”. That is why we now meet every two or three years.

One difficulty in organising class reunions is to find a day and time that suits We sometime invite our former everyone. For example, many general professors or teachers to join us practitioners still at our reunions. work three shifts dear friend “Often we work Another a day till about whom we have as a team to eight or nine in invited is Mr Wong organise reunions, Ngiap Leng. Mr the evening. and it’s very As for those Wong is famous for who are overseas, enjoyable to meet his Ah Leng canteen we try to fit their together for such which was a humble schedules by little wood and brick purposes.” organising reunplace that served ions during their simple snacks, nooDr Ho Ting Fei (Medicine ’74) summer holidles, rice, coffee, tea days. At our reunion in 2009, several and toast at very affordable prices for classmates managed to join us from students at the Faculty of Medicine overseas and it was very heartening Building at Sepoy Lines. Looking to see old friends. back, it was our classmates, dedicated

1999 1994

2004

Medicine, Class of 1974

teachers and folks like Ah Leng who made life as medical students so memorable and special.

It doesn’t take a huge effort to get friends together for a reunion. Often, we work as a team to organise reunions, and it’s very enjoyable to meet together for such purposes. It’s very gratifying to send out an email to old friends and to receive a reply saying, “Yes, I’ll be there.”

Dr Ho Ting Fei served as an Associate Professor at NUS’ Department of Physiology until her retirement in 2009.

Currently a physician in private practice, she’s already making plans for the next reunion for the Class of ’74.

2009 2012

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Alumni Scene

Win-Win With the support of NUS Enterprise and Grameen Creative Lab@NUS, two new alumni- and studentled projects marry profit with the greater good.

By Theresa Tan

One of the most important business trends of recent years is the rise of social enterprises – companies that seek to bring value to the disadvantaged while pursuing sustainable (and profitable) business models.

At NUS, a two-year-old initiative led by Prof Wong Poh Kam, Director of the NUS Entrepreneurship Centre, has been helping social businesses leverage on the global resources and networks of the Grameen Creative Lab (GCL). Founded by Prof Muhammad Yunus, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006, GCL@ NUS seeks to boost scaleable, sustainable and socially impactful projects in emerging markets.

heart. Founded in early 2011, Saught (www.saught.com.sg) is the brainchild of Law alumni Ms Ng Sook Zhen (’11) and Ms Pamela Yeo (’11), together with their friend Ms Adeline Heng.

Taking scrap metal from landmines and unexploded ordnance from countries like Cambodia and Laos, Saught turns them into jewellery pieces. Designed by Temasek Polytechnic Design School students and crafted by partner non-government organisations, these works are both beautiful and meaningful.

Ms Ng, 23, was inspired to start Saught when she was on a community service trip in Laos, while Ms Yeo, 23, has previously served as an intern with a human rights group. “Prof Wong and his team really helped us in many ways,” says Ms Yeo. “With War into Art their support, we were able to get Two recent alumni- and student-led a S$9,000 start-up grant in January projects demonstrate the promise 2011, and this allowed us to conceive of pursuing business ventures with our plans, launch our website and produce our first batch of inventory.”

In November 2011, Ms Yeo and her partners also had the opportunity to attend the Global Social Business Summit in Vienna, Austria, with GCL@ NUS. Since launching its online store in February 2012, Saught’s unique collection has found a following among members of the public. The team has also been awarded a grant by SPRING Prof Muhammad Yunus (right) Singapore to boost and Prof Wong Poh Kam its plans.

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Saught

Start Now

Championing Volunteers GCL@NUS also supports students with great social business ideas.

Initiated by Mr Keith Tan, a firstyear student at NUS’ School of Design and Environment, Start Now (www.startnow.sg) offers online services and products that help companies find and better manage volunteers.

Currently on a one-year break to work on Start Now, Mr Tan has seen his team grow to five. Among the organisations that have benefited from the company’s innovative platforms are the Home Nursing Foundation, the Institute of Mental Health, the Singapore Environment Council and the National Kidney Foundation.

“GCL@NUS’ support during the incubation process has been critical,” says Mr Tan. “Not only has it helped us with hardware, office space and marketing plans, with its assistance, we managed to get S$50,000 to kickstart our venture.”

Mr Tan also credits GCL@NUS with lending guidance to their social business. “It put us in touch with social entrepreneurs such as Mr Jack Sim, Founder of the World Toilet Organisation,” says Mr Tan. “This helped us to steer our company in a better direction. It’s been a very fruitful incubation!”

Spotlight

through the indicative grade profile.

This provides applicants with a sense of the grades of the 10th and 90th percentile of successful applicants in the previous academic year.

The indicative grade profiles point to most NUS courses admitting students with at least a B grade for A-level applicants and a Grade Point Average of 3.6/3.7 for polytechnic applicants (the grade profiles of IB and NUS High School students are not revealed due to the small number of applicants from this pool).

Mr R Rajaram, Director of the Office of Admissions, explains: “The indicative grade profile helps applicants make a more informed decision since they now know the courses for which their grades fall short, as well as the courses for which they stand a better chance of getting into.”

A Question of Size

Stepping Up There are many reasons why students pick NUS as their university of choice.

From studying in their desired programme and the chance to do research to global learning opportunities and a vibrant campus life, the list goes on for the thousands of hopeful young applicants. AlumNUS pays a visit to the Office of Admissions at NUS for a better understanding of applicants’ profiles, the selection process, as well as the lesser-known discretionary admissions framework.

Students applying for a place in NUS include A-Level students, polytechnic graduates and International Baccalaureate (IB) students, as well as those with NUS High School diplomas. The Office of Admissions helps A-Level and polytechnic students better understand their options

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Photo by Ealbert Ho; Illustration: Corbis

As NUS welcomes freshmen for the 2012 Academic Year, Mr R Rajaram, Director of the Office of Admissions, explains the admissions process. By Yeo Zhi Qi

To better understand if applicants are suited for certain programmes, courses such as Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Law, Architecture and Industrial Design also have interviews or portfolio submissions as part of their admission process. Applicants selected for the Medicine interview have to go through two panels of interviewers (who aren’t given the academic results of the interviewees) and complete an essay.

As applicants know, the class size varies depending on the programme. For example, last year, 280 students matriculated in Medicine, 48 in Dentistry and 239 in Law, while some faculties (such as Arts and Social Sciences; Engineering; and Science) took in around 1,200 to 1,500 students.

Talents and More But grades aren’t the only thing when it comes to admissions. Mr Rajaram explains that, “there is also a non-academic component that the university looks at in determining whether an applicant meets the mark.

This is under the discretionary admissions framework, where up to 10% of students can be offered admission

“Studying at NUS has been a fantastic opportunity. I’ve had the privilege to meet inspirational educators and have made friends who will stay with me for years to come.”

Ms Nadine Koh, third-year student in Geography based on criteria other than their academic grades.”

Introduced in 2004, the non-academic component typically includes special talents, leadership skills or an outstanding record of co-curricular activities. Applicants may include medal winners of International Olympiads or National Science competitions and those who have represented Singapore in the arts and/or sports.

Participants in community service and volunteer programmes, as well as those with relevant work experience and who hold leadership positions in community organisations, will also be considered.

Learning Opportunities

discretionary admission in 2009 based on her leadership and community service in junior college. At NUS, Ms Koh has seized the learning opportunities available to her. From departmental tea sessions to international field-trips, the 22-year-old undergraduate also leads an active student life, serving the welfare and aspirations of Geography majors.

Currently on a student exchange programme at the University of California, Berkeley, Ms Koh says, “Studying at NUS has been a fantastic opportunity. I’ve had the privilege to meet inspirational educators here and have made friends who will stay with me for years to come.”

Once students have stepped into NUS, they can expect a rich and diverse learning journey.

Among the highlights are an active campus and hall life as well as attachments with NUS Overseas Colleges and exchange programmes with more than 100 partner universities. The ultimate goal? To produce innovative, well-rounded leaders who are ready for global challenges of the future.

One such student is Ms Nadine Koh, President of the NUS Geographical Society.

She was considered for Mr R Rajaram, Director of the Office of Admissions

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Changemaker

A Foothold on change

the others, because their feet didn’t fit or because we had run out of slippers.”

Ms Chew found herself in tears on the way back from the village.

“I wished we could have done more,” she recalls. “So I turned to Grace and said, ‘Let’s start something for these children.’”

It wasn’t until 2008 that they were able to turn their plan, Project Happy Feet (PHF), into reality. By then, Ms Chew had co-founded her own business – she’s the Operations Director of Emergenetics Caelan & Sage, a consultancy that offers psychometric profiling services.

Today, PHF does much more than give out slippers; it funds a range of educational and training programmes to empower children and youth in rural Asia. PHF now works with three organisations in Cambodia – This Life Cambodia, the Trailblazer Foundation and the Shinta Mani Foundation.

It also works with three others in Vietnam – Know One Teach One, Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation and Humanitarian Services for Children.

Singaporeans probably know PHF for their November 2011 fundraiser, the Slipper Race – no shoes were allowed in this 3.5km-long event, the goal of which was to create empathy for children in Cambodia and

Ms Deborah Chew (Arts and Social Sciences ’97) seeks to “make footprints of change” through her non-profit organisation, Project Happy Feet.

By Theresa Tan

Photo by Steve Zhu

When Deborah Chew went on a holiday to Siem Reap, Cambodia, with her friend Grace Goh in 2007, she never expected to return to Singapore with a new mission.

“Grace had heard about Shinta Mani, a boutique hotel that was run as a social enterprise, and we decided to stay there to support them,” says Ms Chew, 36. “We found out that Shinta Mani also organised tours to local schools. We wrote to ask what we could bring for the students and they requested slippers and school supplies.”

The two travellers packed 20 pairs of slippers and turned up in Siem Reap, only to be shocked at the run-down state of the village school. When it came time to distribute the slippers, they found themselves faced with 50 children. “The one whose feet fit into a pair of slippers first got to keep it,” recalls Ms Chew.

“It broke my heart knowing that I had to turn away

2009 and, a few days later, we received Vietnam who have to travel long a cheque for S$10,000 in the mail,” distances to school. The Slipper Race says Ms Chew. “I rubbed my eyes and garnered much media coverage and counted the zeros a few times to make attracted over 1,800 participants. sure I didn’t get it wrong. The donor Despite its successes, PHF has was an elderly lady who had heard faced its fair share of trials. “In me on radio. All she said was, ‘Use the keeping with Singapore’s Charities money well’.”

Act, only 20% of the funds we raise Besides receiving more support can be channelled overseas,” says Ms from the public, PHF has also been apChew. “This means that if our partner proached by corporations and governbeneficiaries overseas need S$20,000, we have to raise S$100,000. This is one ment agencies for collaborations. “Our goal is to create change, and that’s of our biggest challenges.” why our slogan is ‘Making footprints PHF’s philosophy that all of for change’,” says the donations it Ms Chew, one of receives must go to three achievers beneficiaries means “Two things to be nominated that it has limited keep me going for MediaCorp’s operational funds.

– my teamSingapore Woman Finding time to mates, and the Award in 2011. “It do good has also can be change in been difficult for children.” the economic situthe team.

Ms Deborah Chew, Co-founder of ation of our benefiHas Ms Chew Project Happy Feet ciaries; change in ever thought of the organisational giving up? The development of our Sociology and overseas partners; change to the poliEnglish Literature graduate admits cies governing fundraising for foreign that dealing with various governing purposes in Singapore or even change bodies nearly drove her to walk away, in the way we look at fundraising but “two things keep me going – my and volunteering. I hope PHF can be team-mates, and the children.” a champion for all of these different Her perseverance is paying off. types of change!”

“Once I spoke about PHF on radio in

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PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE

Ms Malathi Das (Law ’92), the first woman President of LawAsia, gives as good to her volunteer work as she does her job. By Theresa Tan

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Advocacy has been another lifelong passion for this single woman – “I’m married to my causes!” she insists. As a teenager, Ms Das was a member of the Leo Club and also gave free tuition to neighbourhood children. Inspired by Aware and its work on behalf of vulnerable women, she lent her services to its legal clinic for almost two decades.

Gender issues are a topic close to Ms Das’ heart, as evidenced by her role as the Chair of Public Affairs at the Zonta Club of Singapore. “My Zonta work combines two areas I’m passionate about: the empowerment of women, and education,” she explains.

Ms Das has also served three terms as President of the Council of the Law Society of Singapore, having started as a member of its Law Awareness Committee in 1996. She

Photo by Kelvin Chia

Married to Her Causes

By day, Malathi Das is a lawyer with the boutique firm Joyce A Tan & Partners, where she heads the litigation and dispute resolution department.

Outside of her job, Ms Das serves as the President of LawAsia, a regional organisation of lawyers, judges, legal academics and lawyers’ associations. She’s the first Singaporean and the first woman to hold the position since LawAsia was founded in 1966.

Ms Das, who is in her early 40s, is also a stalwart of the volunteer community. The Vice-President of the Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations, she was until this year a longtime volunteer with Aware (the Association of Women for Action and Research). Ms Das is also an active member of the Zonta Club of Singapore, which promotes education for women and girls.

Even before she had reached her teens, Ms Das had already fancied herself being a lawyer. “Apparently, I wrote down my ambition to be a lawyer as early as Primary Six!” she reveals.

As a child, she learnt the value of a good education. “I was fortunate to have parents who believed in investing in their children’s education, regardless of gender and despite the financial challenges involved,” says Ms Das. “I also had teachers who helped me in my unconventional choices; I studied Chinese as a second language and I credit my mastery of it to my teachers for their inclusive and nurturing ways.”

A Science student at Tanjong Katong Girls’ Secondary School, Ms Das switched to Arts when she entered Temasek Junior College on a Humanities scholarship. “I was a school prefect and, at Temasek, was President of the Student’s Council,” she recalls. “I guess that’s where I got much of my leadership ‘training’.

I also enjoyed storytelling and drama, so that could be where my ease with public speaking comes from!”

She was hired straight after graduating from NUS by the late Mr R Palakrishnan, Senior Counsel and one of Singapore’s foremost criminal lawyers. Since 2003, Ms Das has only been with two other firms, both of which she was attracted to because she was, as she says, working with people with whom she shared a similar philosophy of life.

“I’m careful about who I work with, but once I’ve made a commitment, I almost become part of the furniture,” she adds.

“Excellence is about seeing the good in people and bringing out their best qualities.”

Ms Malathi Das, first woman President of LawAsia still serves on the society’s Pro Bono Management Committee.

But it is Ms Das’ role as President of LawAsia that’s probably her most significant as a volunteer. “When I was first elected and someone highlighted to me that I was the first woman in the position, I honestly didn’t feel its significance,” she says. “Then women lawyers came

up to tell me how happy and proud they are about it. I’ve become more sensitive to this and now make it a point to highlight areas in which we can improve gender equity.”

Lest you think she’s all about work, Ms Das has set herself the challenge of completing a vertical marathon within the next five years.

“It won’t be easy, but neither is it impossible, so it’s worth working towards,” she says, voicing a sentiment that echoes her approach to life.

“I think it’s important to embrace excellence in a wider sense, beyond material success,” says Ms Das. “Excellence is about seeing the good in people and bringing out their best qualities. Excellence connotes a sense of honour and virtue that transcends material achievements. To me, it’s about living consciously, with a conscience.”

U@live

One speaker. 10 minutes.

Boundless inspiration.

Prof Leo Tan (Science ’69, ’74)

Time and Tide

U@live is a monthly guest speaker series that showcases NUS alumni with a passion for making a difference. Hosted by Alumni Advisory Board member and veteran TV presenter Mr Viswa Sadasivan at the Shaw Foundation Alumni House, the one-hour session is also streamed live on the U@live website.

Conserving Singapore’s natural treasures.

Jolovan Wham (Arts and Social Sciences ’04)

The Good Fight

Mr Sadasivan and Mr Wham discussed a range of hot-button issues with the audience.

Championing the cause of workers’ rights.

Though it might seem that the path chosen by Mr Jolovan Wham is both difficult and thankless, one thing’s for sure: he enjoys something not all of us can claim – a satisfaction that comes from fighting the good fight.

Mr Wham, 32, is the Executive Director of Home (Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics), a non-governmental group that champions the rights of migrant and domestic workers.

His passion for such a calling was sparked at an early age; as a child, Mr Wham recalls being puzzled by those who were against giving a day off to domestic workers since he himself “[would] not want to attend school every day”.

Attracted to the ideals and values of social work, Mr Wham dove straight into the profession after graduating in 2004. The injustices he saw on the job appalled him. “I was shocked that employers had the unilateral right to dismiss workers without any avenue of redress 32

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when, oftentimes, these dismissals were unfair,” he shared with audience members. “I was shocked that domestic workers could be indebted to recruitment agencies and not receive any salary for as long as 10 months in a year, and that migrant workers pay up to S$9,000 for the opportunity to work in Singapore.”

Mr Wham explained to the audience that his job involves providing humanitarian assistance to work-

and the emotional demands of the job. Asked what keeps him soldiering on, Mr Wham replied, “Anger. It is not enough to be kind, compassionate and caring. Actions for peace, justice and social change usually come about when we find out about something that outrages and angers us. The task for us is to channel this rage into effective action that makes a difference.”

Named Social Worker of the Year in January by the Internet commentary

“Actions for peace, justice and social change usually come about when we find out about something that outrages and angers us. The task for us is to channel this rage into effective action that makes a difference.” ers; collaborating with government agencies and community partners on welfare issues; and even resolving conflicts between workers, employers and agents.

Among the challenges faced by Home are a lack of public awareness about the struggles of migrant and domestic workers; poor enforcement of laws that protect them from abuse;

site The Online Citizen, Mr Wham has received more than his share of criticism – some have even labelled him a “traitor” for his efforts on behalf of non-citizens.

Mr Wham’s only defence is, simply, that he cares for these individuals in need. And he doesn’t hold a romanticised view of migrant workers either, revealing that they also make

unwarranted complaints, with these referred to Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower for further investigation.

Towards the end of the session, forum moderator Mr Viswa Sadasivan asked about Singapore’s record in comparison to other countries. In Hong Kong, domestic workers have a weekly day off; off-days on public holidays; maternity and annual leave; and a minimum wage, among other rights, said Mr Wham.

That then begged the question: what is holding Singapore back from doing the same? “We treat migrant workers as commodities to help us prop up the economy, and not as individuals, with dignity,” was Mr Wham’s reply.

Among his closing thoughts for the evening was a call for greater empathy on the part of the public. “It’s one thing to be against our immigration and social policies, but another to be xenophobic and discriminatory against migrant workers,” said Mr Wham. “We have to separate the policies from the individual and see them as human beings who deserve dignity and rights. This is what I’m trying to do.” By Yong Yung Shin Mr Wham spoke on 21 March.

Long before it was cool to be labelled an environmentalist, Prof Leo Tan was a “greenie”.

Prof Tan grew up in an era when snakes and monitor lizards were common – though uninvited – guests in the house. As a child, he often accompanied his mother for picnics at Labrador Beach where he found much to excite a sense of wonder.

“What was interesting about it was that it had a diversity of life,” Prof Tan, one of Singapore’s pioneering eco-champions, recalled. “Almost any example you can think of from the different groups of animals and plants could be found on that shore.”

Seeking to better understand Singapore’s coastal ecosystem, Prof Tan completed his PhD in Marine Biology in 1974. But the pressures of development were intense during those years and he watched as, one by one, his research “playgrounds” were destroyed.

His beloved Labrador Beach was reduced to just 300 metres when large parts of it were filled in for what is now Tanjong Berlayar.

But that was just the beginning. “One of my favourite hunting grounds, which my professors brought me to regularly, at

Tuas and Tanjong Gul, disappeared completely to the sea-port,” he said.

The last straw came in the 1980s when Prof Tan’s coastal research site at Tanah Merah was turned into Changi International Airport’s Runway 2. Faced with these losses, he resolved to do more for Singapore’s remaining natural treasures.

U@live

Louis Ng (Science ’02)

“We owe our future generations the right to treasure and enjoy a salubrious environment [in which to] live, love, play and work.”

Over the past 30 years, Prof Tan has held leading appointments at the Singapore Science Centre, the National Institute for Education and the National Parks Board. Many of his initiatives have helped to define our reputation as a Garden City.

In his many roles, he has been careful to balance environmental concerns with the need for national development. Take the Gardens by the Bay project, for instance. Prof Tan believes that the striking, 101-hectare garden in the heart of Marina Bay serves both nature and economics. “Why would anyone invest in or come to Singapore if there are no recreational spaces or greenery here, no quality of life?” he reasoned.

A respected voice on green issues, Prof Tan, 68, has received numerous accolades for his work. These include the Public Administration Medal (Gold), the Public Service Medal, the Public Service Star and the NUS Distinguished Science Alumni Award.

A VOICE FOR THE VOICELESS Compelled to make a difference for all animals.

As part of his U@live session, Prof Tan and his team brought along an Edmontosaurus legbone and a Triceratops foot. Both were on loan to NUS as part of an outreach programme for the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, slated to open in 2014 and featuring Singapore’s first permanent dinosaur exhibit.

In addition to being the President of the Singapore National Academy of Science, Prof Tan has, since 2008, served as Director of Special Projects at NUS’ Faculty of Science. His latest passions include Project Semakau, a three-year coastal research and outreach programme with the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research.

At the end of his talk, Prof Tan reiterated the driving force behind his efforts: “We owe our future generations the right to treasure and enjoy a salubrious environment in which they can live, love, play and work.” By Yong Yung Shin Prof Leo Tan spoke on 25 April.

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Mr Ng’s conviction has deep roots.

As the Founder and A volunteer with various animal Executive Director support groups as a teenager, he took of the Singaporeto Biology at NUS with a passion. The based rights group turning point came in 1999 when he Acres (Animal encountered a captive chimpanzee Concerns, Research named Ramba. Following a successful and Education campaign to reunite Ramba with her Society), Mr Louis Ng has waged a mother, Mr Ng committed himself to decade-long campaign against animal the animal welfare cause. Together exploitation. Taking the stage in May for his U@live session, the 34-year-old with a group of likeminded friends, he formed Acres in 2001. spoke forcefully for a After completing fundamental change “We’ll take his Master’s in Primate in how we treat all every step Conservation at Oxford animals, and of the necessary Brookes University in need for action. to make the the United Kingdom, “Acres lives by difference for Mr Ng worked on a very simple saying, animals, and to environmental enrichwhich is that nothing is impossible,” be their voice.” ment programmes for captive gibbons he explained. “We’ll in Thailand. There he met his future take every step necessary to make wife; the manager of a wildlife rescue the difference for animals, and to be centre, her devotion to animals their voice.” matched his own.

Both are now part of a 16-strong team at Acres.

Funded by public donations, it runs public education campaigns, undercover investigations and a rescue programme. How has it been able to

beat the odds? “I’m as stubborn as a housefly,” said Mr Ng. Increasingly, his campaign has also struck a chord with youths. “The key thing now is getting them to take action – and take action they have,” said Mr Ng. “Last year, we helped 67 groups of students with their projects on animal protection.”

Acres is also expanding its efforts into Malaysia, Thailand and beyond. Indeed, its Director in Laos, Mr Ong Say Lin, has much in common with Mr Ng – a member of NUS’ Class of 2012, he’s also a Biology graduate.

As the session drew to a close, Mr Ng noted that Acres would be marking its 11th anniversary the following day. He took a moment to reflect on what had driven him – the abuse suffered by countless animals, both named and unknown, as well as the promise of change.

“If there’s one thing that ACRES has shown over the past decade,” said Mr Ng, “It is that miracles can indeed happen in Singapore.”

Mr Ng spoke on 23 May.

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A l u m n i Ha p p e n i n g s | Giving

“I Received, So Now I Give” Paying tribute to Mr Lim Joo Hock (Arts and Social Sciences ’46, ’52).

Throughout his life, Mr Lim Joo Hock was committed to two ideals – excellence in his professional work and giving students the same opportunities he had enjoyed.

An alumnus of NUS (Raffles College ’46, University of Malaya ’52), he took on many senior positions in the Public Service such as serving as the Chairman of the Central Provident Fund Board. He retired from the Public Service as Acting Permanent Secretary of Labour, having made an invaluable contribution to Singapore in its early years as a nation.

But his remarkable career was by no means over. After pursuing his law studies in London, Mr Lim returned to Singapore and set up his own practice in 1977. He retired in 1998.

“You Don’t Have to be a Doctor to Save Lives” So says law alumna Mrs Jennifer Yeo (’81), Director of the Viva Foundation for Children with Cancer. up the rate at which discoveries go from the lab to patients – and the development of infrastructure to enhance a child’s chances of survival.”

NUS plays a vital role in this endeavour. “We cannot do this without NUS as this is where the learning and expertise are concentrated,” Mrs Yeo explains. “The university has an international network and a track record in translational research. Viva and NUS make natural partners as we complement each other and champion this cause together.”

Mrs Yeo believes the task is an urgent one. “When fundraising, I meet people who feel that this is the government’s job, but the whole idea of private initiative is to make a difference now and not wait for someone to do it later,” she says. “And, as I tell donors, you don’t have to be a doctor to save lives.”

The Chairperson of law firm Yeo-Leong & Peh LLC, Mrs Yeo credits NUS for having helped her to build a successful career. “The university opened my mind,” she says.

And 30 years after she graduated,

“The measure of a university is in its alumni – in how we contribute to the community and make a difference.”

Mrs Jennifer Yeo, Director of the Viva Foundation for Children with Cancer

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Mr Lim Joo Hock (foreground) with Mrs Lim (second from right) and their son, Dr Charles Lim (at back). With the Lim family are Ms Chen Xi and Ms Chang Yi Ting, students at NUS’ School of Computing and beneficiaries of the Lim Hong Chin Memorial Scholarship.

had only two years of formal education, but he acquired knowledge by reading the Chinese language newspapers every day,” said Mr Lim. “He strongly believed in learning and the value of education.”

A Father’s Legacy In 2008, Mr Lim made a gift of S$250,000 to support the Lim

Hong Chin Memorial Scholarship at NUS’ School of Computing. “I received, so now I give,” said Mr Lim. Besides this scholarship, Mr Lim and his family also established the Lim Joo Hock Bursary and the Yap Kim Kiaw Bursary to support students.

Mrs Jennifer Yeo with patients of the VivaUniversity Children’s Cancer Centre at NUH.

Mrs Yeo’s relationship with her alma mater has only deepened, as partners in a shared cause. “The measure of a university is in its alumni – in how we contribute to the community and make a difference,” she says. “If you wish to do good, have faith and look out for likeminded people who support your cause and will journey with you.”

For information on making a gift to NUS, please call 1800-DEVELOP (1800-338-3567) or email askdvo@nus.edu.sg

The VIVA-NUS Partnership

Cancer research is one of NUS’ flagship research programmes. In 2009, the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine established the Viva-Goh Foundation Professorship in Paediatric Oncology and embarked on research programmes for Bone Marrow Transplant, Childhood Leukaemia, Bone Cancer and After Completion Therapy (with the support of a S$12 million gift from the Goh Foundation). Housed at NUH, the Viva-University Children’s Cancer Centre is a one-stop cancer centre for children. The foundation will soon be adding a 5,000-sq-ft diagnostic lab at the Novena medical cluster, thanks to support from the Far East Organization.

Mr Lim passed away in May 2011. To learn more about the man and his legacy, go to alumnet.nus.edu.sg/tribute/limjoohock.

BRIGHT DAYS Ahead A member of the Class of 2012 gets a step up with the support of the Saw Swee Hock Bursary.

Photo by Lionel Lai/Singapore Tatler; illustration by Sarah Tang

It was out of Mrs Jennifer Yeo’s personal misfortune that hope came for hundreds of children suffering from cancer.

Mrs Yeo first began envisioning the Viva Foundation in 2003, from the sickbed of her son Frederick. Then 10 years old, he was undergoing a bone marrow transplant at St Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, USA. “Frederick got better but I knew that wouldn’t be the case for many other children,” says Mrs Yeo. “Their parents would suffer a lot more than I did and I wanted to help them.”

Now, Viva is offering hope to young cancer patients. Through its partnership with NUS, the National University Hospital (NUH) and St Jude, Viva aims to bring St Jude’s 94% cure rate for childhood leukaemia to Singapore and the region (the average cure rate in Singapore is 80% while regionally, it is five to 55%).

Viva’s focus is on supporting the hard science to beat the odds. “You need the latest and most effective treatment methods, medication and intense nursing,” says Mrs Yeo. “We support translational research – to speed

In a 2008 interview, Mr Lim noted the profound influence of his father in shaping his life. Mr Lim’s father first came to Malaya from Hainan, China in the 1890s. A penniless young man, he was able, through perseverance and hard work, to eventually have his own business.

In 1939, Mr Lim’s father sent him to Raffles College in Singapore, where he was the recipient of a scholarship. Mr Lim went on to pursue his love for history at the University of Malaya. From the late 1950s onwards, he embarked on what were to be distinguished careers in the Public Service and the legal profession.

Mr Lim never forgot his father’s neversay-die spirit. “My father told me that he

He was drawn to NUS by its vibrant Open House, but Muhd Khair Saini’s results during his first semester left him far from high-spirited. “I was giving tuition to make ends meet and this took a toll on my results as I didn’t have enough time to study,” says the Mechanical Engineering major.

Khair’s father is the sole breadwinner for their family of five. His younger brother is serving National Service and his 14-year-old sister is in secondary school. Trying to finance his university education put Khair in a tight spot.

But things changed for Khair in the 2011/2012 Academic Year when he became one of 12 students to receive the Saw Swee Hock Bursary. This helped him tremendously

by taking care of various expenses. His grades also improved dramatically. With a major specialisation in Offshore, Oil and Gas Technology, Khair, 24, has been offered a position with Sembcorp Marine even before graduating. He intends to study for an MBA degree in the future.

“All this wouldn’t have been possible without the bursary and I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to Prof Saw Swee Hock,” he says. “I have a strong belief that one good turn deserves another and I’m definitely inspired to contribute back to society.”

For information on making a gift to NUS, please call 1800-DEVELOP (1800-338-3567) or email askdvo@nus.edu.sg

Whole-hearted Support

An illustrious alumnus and member of the NUS Board of Trustees, Prof Saw Swee Hock (Arts and Social Sciences ’57) has supported the university unstintingly with his time, experience and gifts. In honour of his many contributions and longstanding service to NUS, the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health was named after him in 2011. Other initiatives that bear his name include the Saw Centre for Financial Studies, the Saw Swee Hock Professorship of Statistics and the Saw Swee Hock Gold Medal Award.

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A l u m n i Ha p p e n i n g s | Events Future Tech Held on 4 April, the “Future of Technology and its Impact on Innovation and Productivity” Lunch Forum was organised by MBA Alumni-NUS and the NUS Entrepreneurship Centre, with the support of the NUS Business School and the Singapore Business Federation. Speaking at the event were Dr Michael Jackson, Chairman of Shaping Tomorrow; Mr Victor Tay, CEO of the Singapore Business Federation; and Prof Wong Poh Kam, Director of the NUS Entrepreneurship Centre.

For more information, visit www.nusmbaalumni.org.

Dr Michael Jackson (centre), Mr Victor Tay (second from right) and Prof Wong Poh Kam (right).

Hot Wheels

Members of the NUS Business School Alumni Association (NUSBSA) got a taste of speed at the NUSBSA-Wearnes Infiniti Night. Held on 5 April, the innovative networking event saw almost 100 alumni and guests come together to meet their peers and test-drive the latest models in the Infiniti range of luxury cars. Also

in attendance were members of the Singapore-China Business Association, the first time that they had joined their NUSBSA counterparts following the signing of an MOU between them.

For more information, visit www.nusbsa.org.

Speed Networks

The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) continues to draw on the talents of its alumni by means of the inaugural FASS Alumni-Student Speed Mentoring Session.

Held at the Shaw Foundation Alumni House on 30 March, the session saw some 100 FASS students and alumni sharing about careers in the public and private sectors. Among the alumni speakers were Mr Yap Boh Tiong, Ms Germaine Lim, Mr A Narayanan, Mr Goh Kong Aik, Mr Peter Ong and Mr Ravi Sivalingam.

Political Epoch Established in 1961, the Department of Political Science celebrated 50 years with three events: a 50th anniversary dinner, the Singapore Forum on Politics and the Singapore Model Parliament.

The Singapore Forum on Politics Panel Discussion saw a frank and open discussion between Dr Intan Azura, Mr Yee Jenn Jong and Mrs Lina Chiam as well as Ms Tan Su Shan and academic Dr Kevin Tan. The panel discussed issues related to General Election 2011, a watershed moment in Singapore politics.

From left: Ms Stacy Tan, Director of Development and External Relations for the National University Hospital, Singapore; Mr Wilson Ong; Mr Koe Khoon Poh, Chairman of the Medical Alumni Association; Ms Chen Xiang Luan; and Ms Gn Soon Lay, Deputy Director (Faculty Liaison), NUS Development Office.

Honouring Dr Chee Phui Hung On 12 April, the Medical Alumni Association came together to celebrate the contributions of the late Dr Chee Phui Hung, a stalwart of the medical community who is fondly remembered for his enthusiasm and dedication. In honour of Dr Chee, the association launched the Dr Chee Phui Hung NUS Bursary Fund. The inaugural recipients

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are Ms Chen Xiang Luan (Dentistry), Mr Wilson Ong (Medicine) and Ms Wee Hui Ling (Pharmacy). The association is also seeking to raise S$400,000 for the fund; with government matching funds, the bursary will be worth S$1 million. Donations are tax-exempt.

For more information, visit http://medicalalumni.org.sg.

Mr Yap Boh Tiong

Food & Flicks 2012 The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) had a special evening of food, film and bonding for 200 FASS alumni, student leaders and friends on 11 April. It was a great opportunity to mark the end of Semester 2 for students. Alumna Fang Mei Chin (‘04) had this to say of the event: “My family and I had a great time at the screening. The food was delicious too!

Besides the family bonding, the occasion also served as a platform to meet other alumni and students!”

Prof Chan Heng Chee

Mr Peter Ong

Over 250 guests – including faculty members, students and alumni – came together at the Orchid Country Club to honour the achievements of the department.

Ambassador Chan Heng Chee returned to Singapore from Washington, DC, to share her experiences as a student, faculty member and Head of the department.

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A l u m n i Ha p p e n i n g s | Events

A l u m n i Ha p p e n i n g s | REUNIONS

Chemical Bonds

Singapore-China Ties

On 19 May, 45 alumni of the Department of Chemical Engineering (Class of ’87) held their 25th anniversary homecoming reunion at University Hall. At their 10th anniversary gathering in 1997, the class had established the Chemical Engineering Class of ’87 Prize through an endowment of S$21,300, which has benefited many deserving students. This year, the class affirmed its commitment to this worthy cause.

An MOU was signed between Prof Phua Kok Khoo, President of Singapore-China Business Association (SCBA) and Mr Benny F H Lee, President of the NUS Business School Alumni Association (NUSBSA) on 14 March. The SCBA-NUSBSA agreement was the first of its kind between the SCBA and the alumni association of a Singaporean business school. Among the joint initiatives to be embarked on are extending networks; promoting trade missions between Singapore and China; and growing the Chinese networks of Singaporean entrepreneurs.

For more information, visit www.nusbsa.org.

Geo Gathering

Sealing the agreement were Mr Benny F H Lee (second from right) and Prof Phua Kok Khoo (second from left).

The Geography Honours Class of ‘92 held a mini-reunion on 27 April at the University Club of the Shaw Foundation Alumni House. Fond memories were the order of the day.

Joining the class was their former tutor, Prof Lily Kong, now NUS’ Vice-President (University and Global Relations).

20 Years On 29 March, the Department of Psychology (together with the Psychology Student Society) held its 25th anniversary dinner with over 180 faculty members, staff, alumni and students coming together for a spirited celebration.

40 Years Our warmest congratulations to Dentistry’s Class of ’72! In

10th in the World The NUS ECE (Electrical and Computer Engineering) Alumni committee organised and sponsored its first Alumni Cocktail Reception on 24 February. Held at the Shaw Foundation Alumni House, it celebrated the department being named the 10th Best School of Electrical Engineering on the 2011 QS World University Rankings. Over 100 ECE faculty members, staff, alumni and students attended the reception, among them Dr Jimmy Chen, the founding Head of the department (1970–1979). For more information, visit http://www.ece.nus.edu.sg/alumni/.

Mandarin Milestone

From left: Forum moderator Assoc Prof Brian Hwarng of the NUS Business School with Mr Thomas Chua, Mr Alim Markus and Mr Ku Chung-Chiang.

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Dr Loh Hong Sai shares his memories of Dentistry’s Class of ’72 on page 47.

The NUS Business School Mandarin Alumni celebrated its 20th anniversary on 10 March with a gala dinner for 220 guests. Among those who gathered for the occasion were faculty members, staff, NUS Business School Alumni Association members, MBA Alumni-NUS members and alumni. The guest-of-honour was Ms Grace Fu, Senior Minister of State at the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts, and the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources. A total of S$100,000

was raised by the association towards the NUS Business School’s Undergraduate Bursary Fund. A 20th anniversary commemorative book was also launched at the ceremony. Held the day before at the Shaw Foundation Alumni House was the 9th Mandarin Management Forum. Among the speakers on this special occasion were Dr Alim Markus, Mr Thomas Chua and Mr Ku Chung-Chiang.

From left: Ms Irene Lim, Mr Patrick Lau, Ms Rosemary Pang, Mr Ng Chee Choong, Ms Wendy Lim, Prof Lily Kong, Ms Kwek Mei Lin and Mr Roy Phua.

Tokyo Ties

NUS’ Alumni Chapter in Tokyo held its second gathering in April. Among those who came were alumni from Singapore and India, and the diversity of academic backgrounds and professional experiences made for a cheerful exchange of ideas.

April, members celebrated their 40th anniversary with a three-day reunion at the NUS Visitors’ Lodge. On the programme were a series of talks, functions and school visits. In keeping with the spirit of the occasion, several alumni had made special arrangements to return from overseas.

You Care, We Connect The latest community-centred programme from the NUS Society, Transport Connect allows you to help the needy, the elderly and the chronically by volunteering as a driver and/or caregiver.

Your support will help an initial group of 80 beneficiaries make key medical appointments. To volunteer your services and time, scan the QR code below or visit www.nusstransportconnect.sg.

For more information, visit http://bschool.nus.edu/alumni/ mandarin/.

Jul–Sep 2012

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Culture The Sufi and the Bearded Man: Re-membering a Keramat in Contemporary Singapore

Starry, starry nights

Speak, memory

Here is NUS’ stellar line-up of performances for August and September.

The role of memory in our national and personal lives – this is one of the critical issues to be explored and savoured at the following exhibits from the NUS Museum.

Other arts highlights this quarter include a fantastic selection of musical, theatrical and dance performances. Need your arts fix? There’s no better place to get it than at NUS.

Tautology of Memory 23 April to 28 December 2012 NUS Museum A work by the artist Rupal Shah, Tautology of Memory presents an archaeological site in Ajanta, India, and studies the ironies and paradoxes that have become a part of its identity. The installation comprises three separate works of text and video.

The Sufi and the Bearded Man: Re-membering a Keramat in Contemporary Singapore Until July 2012 NUS Museum A keramat (shrine) for a 19th-century Sufi traveller to the region comes alive at this exhibition, the culmination of a two-yearlong documentary project. Featuring photographs, material artefacts and personal histories, it puts forward new ways to consider our shared heritage.

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Capturing the Straits: Painting and Postcard Views from the 19th and Early 20th Centuries Until 31 July 2012 NUS Baba House This exhibition features paintings of the Straits Settlements by Charles Dyce, a resident of Singapore in the 1840s, together with postcard views of Malacca dating to the early 20th century. The images open a window into urban transformations within the region.

ExxonMobil Campus Concerts Opening Show 6pm, 17 August (Friday) UCC Theatre, Foyer and Courtyard Celebrating 27 years of ExxonMobil Campus Concerts, the Opening Show promises awesome bands that will bring the house down.

Camping and Tramping Through the Colonial Archive: The Museum in Malaya Until December 2012 NUS Museum Inspired by a 19th-century document by a colonial British officer, this exhibition studies the institution of the museum in Malaya. It features writings and artefacts from NUS’ Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, the Asian Civilisations Museum, the National Museum of Singapore, the National Library Board, Singapore Press Holdings, the Singapore National Archives, the NUS Museum and the Ivan Polunin and Mohammad Din Mohammad collections.

NUS Museum University Cultural Centre 50 Kent Ridge Crescent National University of Singapore Singapore 119279 Tel: (65) 6516-8817 Email: museum@nus.edu.sg Website: www.nus.edu.sg/museum Opening hours are from 10am to 7.30pm (Tuesdays to Saturdays) and 10am to 6pm (Sundays). Admission is free.

NUS Baba House 157 Neil Road Singapore 088883 Tel: (65) 6227-5731 Email: babahouse@nus.edu.sg Website: http://nus.edu.sg/museum/baba Visits by appointment only. Visitors are required to sign up in advance for tours (offered on Mondays at 2pm, Tuesdays at 6.30pm, Thursdays at 10am and Saturdays at 11am). Admission is free.

Everyone Must Listen with NUS Electronic Music Lab 5pm, 25 August (Saturday) library@esplanade Homegrown talents push the boundaries with experimental electronica and new age remixes.

Bon Voyage by ShowDanz 8pm, 22 August (Wednesday) UCC Theatre Enjoy a Latin-flavoured dance performance that includes the sensuality of Argentina’s tango bars, the elegance of the grand ballroom and the glamour of the cabaret.

Happily Ever After with Rani Singam 8pm, 29 August (Wednesday) UCC Theatre NUS alumna and jazz songbird Rani Singam performs a selection of original works and well-loved standards, with the accompaniment of Tan Weixiang (on piano), Christy Smith (on bass) and Soh Wen Ming (on drums). Turn to the next page to learn more about Ms Singam.

Unplugged Sessions

Scenes from Yesteryear by the NUS Symphony Orchestra 6pm, 29 September (Saturday) The Plaza, National Library Building Classic tunes from Singapore’s past come alive in this musical nod to the National Library Board’s Singapore Memory Project.

Standing room only.

Unplugged Sessions with Jessica Irawan 7pm, 7 September (Friday) Starbucks @ Yusof Ishak House, NUS What better way to spend a Friday evening on campus than listening to the vocal stylings of Jessica Irawan? No tickets required, but seating is limited.

New Immigrants and Their Singapore Dream by NUS Chinese Drama 8pm, 26 September (Wednesday) UCC Dance Studio NUS Chinese Drama presents a short play on immigrants pursuing the Singaporean dream, with audience members encouraged to share ideas via a unique forum presentation.

Scenes from Yesteryear

• •

Admission to all performances is free.

Unless stated otherwise, tickets are available at the door (on a first-come, first-served basis) one hour before showtime.

• The audience capacity for the University Cultural Centre (UCC) Theatre is 400; each person in line may only collect two tickets.

Jul–Sep 2012

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Note Perfect

Former deputy public prosecutor and state counsel, now fulltime mum and jazz chanteuse, Rani Singam (Law ’94) shares her thoughts on hostel living, contentment and listening to your inner voice.

What abiding memories do you have of your days as a student?

I had a great time as an undergraduate.

I made some of my best friends in law school. Apart from these special relationships, I cherish many memories from my uni days. I sang and performed numerous times on campus; our graduating class was the first to stage an original musical at the Jubilee Hall in Raffles Hotel.

I recall the Law foyer where we’d often hang out. The “graveyard section” at the Law Library was my favourite spot for its freezing temperatures and deathly silence. I stayed in Eusoff Hall for one year; it was awesome. I recall the many late-night nasi lemak suppers at Fong Seng. The hilly campus grounds with the many steps and inclines made walking to the Faculty of Law from Pasir Panjang Road more challenging, especially if I was running late for a lecture!

Tell us about your latest album, Contentment (2011).

This is my second album, which I self-produced. It was recorded, mixed and mastered at the acclaimed Bennett Studios in New Jersey by Dae Bennett himself. My co-producer was Kerong Chok (Law ’08). We wrote seven of the eight original compositions

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together. Contentment is a milestone for me as it is the largest representation of my work as a lyricist and producer. The title track ‘Contentment’ is about empowerment and living a life beyond contentment, one driven by our dreams and passion, without fear or doubt. It’s very close to my heart because I gave up my legal career 10 years ago to become a jazz singer, in pursuit of a lifelong dream.

Since making the switch to music, you’ve returned several times to NUS to perform. What can audience members look forward to at your upcoming shows on campus?

If you missed the launch concerts in November 2011 for Contentment, you’ll get to watch a live performance of some of the songs from the album, as well as several jazz standards. I’ve also invited Tan Weixiang to play the piano, with Christy Smith on double bass and Soh Wenming on drums. By the way, Weixiang is also a law alumnus (’04)!

Something in the water, you think?

I think almost everyone has multiple talents. At any given point in time, one dominant talent will manifest itself and, depending on our personal circumstances, we end up doing that one thing. NUS encourages the arts very actively so, yes, you could say the “water” and the environment have played a part!

This issue of AlumNUS will be read by members of the Class of 2012.

What do you recall of your own commencement and what words of advice do you have for our graduating class?

I remember feeling a little lost when I was graduating. I wasn’t sure which path in law to take but the choice that seemed most compelling to me turned out to be the one that I was most comfortable with – the legal service. I’ve never regretted making that decision or my seven years there.

Listen to your inner voice; it’s waiting to be heard!

Movie Music The Conservatory Orchestra at the Movies 7pm, 15 September (Saturday) The Republic Cultural Centre Theatre, Republic Polytechnic The Yong Siew Toh Conservatory Orchestra will perform a selection of film music favourites in September. Audiences can look forward to works from Star Wars, Cinema Paradiso and the Harry Potter series, among many others. Leading the orchestra will be its Principal Conductor, Assoc Prof Jason Lai. Tickets are S$15 and can be purchased from SISTIC.

Assoc Prof Jason Lai

ss l a C Notes

An Enduring Bond On the 40th anniversary of his graduation, Dr Loh Hong Sai, a stalwart of NUS’ Faculty of Dentistry and champion for alumni relations shares with AlumNUS the qualities that have sustained his graduating class.

Share with us what’s been happening in your lives since graduation!

2010s Chan Ubol (Engineering ’10) “Right after graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, I experienced a surreal feeling – I actually missed the hectic life of being a student and felt lost for a good two months!” says Ms Chan. “Thereafter, I started spinning around (figuratively speaking). I spent many months catching up with my social life.” Travelling and photography have become Ms Chan’s passions, and the “most satisfying thing” she has done recently is to switch jobs. “After close to nine years in engineering, I chose to go into the field of research and development, which was alien to me. Luckily, NUS prepared me well!”

2000s Gabriel Yeo (Arts and Social Sciences ’04) has a degree in Sociology and is currently a Senior Manager with Singapore’s Defence Finance Organisation. He says his years at NUS have helped him to focus more thoughtfully on the human side of organisational excellence, allowing him to “apply well-founded principles of sociology and behavioural science to system designs, as well as to better understand what motivates people.”

Ling Pei Shan (Arts and Social Sciences ’09) is a graduate of the Department of Political Science and works at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

She recently embarked on a three-year posting to Singapore’s ConsulateGeneral in Shanghai, China.

Her role as Vice-Consul (Political) involves studying political and economic developments. Ms Ling enjoys engaging with people from all walks of life and hopes to travel extensively in China.

Tu Wenting (Engineering ’09) says that since she completed her Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering, she has been pursuing a PhD at NUS. “My research interests include membrane separation technologies and subjects related to water quality. Being a postgraduate student is challenging but I really enjoy the process of discovery!”

1990s Mohideen Bin Abdul Khader (Arts and Social Sciences ’95) “I chose to do Sociology and Southeast Asian Studies at NUS because of the breadth that these subjects offered.

After completing my degree, I worked with a magazine publisher for four years before joining MediaCorp.

About five years ago, I took the plunge and started my own multimedia production company, Media Reel. What I’ve learnt at NUS has helped me to make a difference in both my professional career and personal life!”

1980s Dr Andre Lam (Dentistry ’83) served as a dental surgeon in the Singapore Armed Forces before going into private practice. For the last 28 years, he has also been a regular contributor to motoring publications in Singapore and the region.

Dr Jack Sin (Arts and Social Sciences ’87) “After graduating with a degree in Economics, I worked for five years in the field of human resources. I went on to complete my doctoral studies in pastoral theology in 2005. I’ve been the pastor of Maranatha Bible Presbyterian Church for almost two decades and am also a lecturer for the Emmanuel Reformed Bible Lectures series where I teach church history and theology.”

I have fond memories of my days as a Dentistry student.

There were only 35 or so of us in our class and we spent our first year at the Bukit Timah Campus before moving to the Singapore General Hospital.

Because of the nature of our programme and our cohort size, we quickly became close. Back then, the teaching was more vigorous; conditions harder.

Out of those adverse circumstances, we forged an enduring bond.

The years following our graduation were tumultuous ones. Dentistry’s contributions to society and total health weren’t as well-recognised or respected by the community. Employment was another major issue; Singapore’s healthcare system hadn’t developed in such a manner that it could absorb all of us, so several of us left for distant lands to practise our profession. I myself answered the call of teaching and became an educator, a commitment I pursued until my retirement in 2011.

In April this year, our class celebrated its 40th anniversary with 24 of us gathering for a reunion at the Visitors’ Lodge of Kent Ridge. Among us were classmates who’d travelled from Malaysia, Hong Kong, Australia and the United Kingdom.

Needless to say, it was very moving to speak to those we hadn’t seen in four decades.

We also invited

our teachers as well; four were able to join us for the reunion. The three-day programme was refreshing and we’re making plans to meet again.

Why did we have this reunion?

Because of a common sense of spirit, purpose and fellowship.

As NUS’ Class of 2012 prepares to take on new and bigger challenges, I encourage our graduates to reflect on and cherish the bonds they’ve forged with their fellow students and the university. These have an incalculable value.

I’d also like to encourage our Dentistry graduates to carry on the fine traditions of our faculty, which has roots that go back to 1929. You have a bright future ahead of you and I wish you all the very best!

Dr Loh graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree in 1972. He served as the Head of NUS’ Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery from 1980 to 1998, and was the Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry from 1986 to 1995. He retired from teaching in 2011 and is now a consultant in private practice.

Submit a Class Note on your career, adventures, awards and achievements, or make announcements on marriages and births! Drop an email to classnoteseditor@nus.edu.sg with your Class Note of not more than 50 words. Do state your name, faculty and year of graduation.

Class Notes may be edited for brevity and clarity.

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Jul–Sep 2012

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L a s t WORD

Some universities teach.

Other universities educate.

Great universities nurture.

Great and holistic, such nurturing requires

custodial creativity and kungfu tai-chi; AND

driven by a vision combining deep awareness of national, regional and global realities.

This in turn needs the different but complementary forces of The former is more familiar, the latter, less visible and quantifiable.

It is engendered by culture, ranging from painting to literature.

hard soft power.

Over the years,

NUS has contributed to their growth

and

exciting creativity of NUS’ Class 2012

gradually making it into a centre of

consolidation

in Singapore, by tapping its rich, multi-ethnic inheritance.

must surely include those who will

but the texture of Singapore’s achievement in and challenge also define refine this increasingly complex universal flow.

Here journeys

continue start. and

Where they end depends on you, as individuals, as teams.

Emeritus Professor

Edwin Thumboo

Alumnus (Arts and Social Sciences ’57, ’70) and recipient of the inaugural Cultural Medallion for Literature in 1979

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