“That degree is a strong foundation. But in 10 or 15 years, much of that knowledge might become obsolete. So you always have to stay on your toes.”
PROFESSOR BERNARD C Y TAN, SENIOR VICE PROVOST (UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION), NUS
TALKING ABOUT TOMORROW
MEMBERS OF THE GRADUATING CLASS OF ’24 SHARE THEIR HOPES AND FEARS
MR T RAJA SEGAR (SCIENCE ’88)
HOW NUS IS PREPARING ITS UNDERGRADUATES AND ALUMNI TO MEET PRESENT AND FUTURE CHALLENGES AT THE WORKPLACE
It is July and once again, we welcome more than 15,000 graduates into our growing NUS alumni family.
Despite a university experience tempered by the COVID-19 pandemic, our newest alumni graduate as a tight-knit community with a sense of optimism and joy for their future. In this Commencement Edition of The AlumNUS, they share their hopes and fears as they enter the next chapter of their lives.
We also spotlight how NUS continually evolves to prepare students and alumni for the future of work — from instituting interdisciplinary approaches to emphasising global experiences and adult learning. As NUS retains its position as the top university in Asia and 8th in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2025, these initiatives exemplify how the University and its alumni continue to shape the future.
Within the NUS alumni family, we welcomed new members to the Alumni Advisory Board (AAB), while extending our deepest appreciation to departing members. Find out how the AAB — which provides strategic advice on all NUS alumni-related matters — has evolved over the years, and learn about its priorities for the years ahead.
On the ground, we have been busy engaging alumni in Singapore (read more about our very interesting Tea Appreciation event!) while also focusing on engaging global alumni in our 22 overseas networks.
One of our highlights was the launch of our new NUS Innovation Forum,
which took place in Manila in May and the San Francisco Bay Area in June. Read more about the inaugural event in the Philippines, and the exchange of ideas and opinions from participating academics, thought leaders and alumni.
Other alumni featured in this issue include Mr T Raja Segar, the new editor of Singapore’s Tamil-language newspaper Tamil Murasu; start-up founder Mr Zaid Ahmed Khan; mind therapy coach Dr Charmaine Lim; and Mr David Lye, NUS Alumni Ambassador in Qingdao, China.
Follow us online so that we can continue to keep you updated on our latest news, events and initiatives. As always, we welcome your feedback at alumnihelpdesk@nus.edu.sg
STAY CONNECTED WITH US AT: NUS Alumni @nus_alumni alumni.nus.edu.sg uNivUS app
Ovidia Lim-Rajaram (Arts & Social Sciences ’89 ) Chief Alumni Officer
This marquee alumni event offers something for everyone, from family activities to cutting-edge exhibits.
Calling all National University of Singapore (NUS) alumni and friends, mark your calendars for the year’s most anticipated event —NUS Homecoming 2024! Prepare to be swept away on a journey of nostalgia, discovery and celebration as we gather once again at the vibrant heart of NUS.
Step into the lively atmosphere of University Town at Kent Ridge and experience the rich tapestry of memories that define our alma mater. From laughter-filled corridors to cuttingedge research labs, experience the energy of innovation and camaraderie.
Engaging Activities for All NUS Homecoming 2024 offers an array of activities designed to captivate and inspire alumni across all age groups. Explore cutting-edge innovations and ground-breaking research at the College of Design and Engineering booth. From showcasing innovative projects including a formula-style race car to engaging in robot battles (both involving talented undergraduates from the NUS Innovation and Design Programme), there is no shortage of excitement. Embark on a tour of the Satellite Technology and Research Centre, and witness first-hand the marvels of nanosatellite technology. And as part of Residential College 4’s 10th anniversary, experience the college’s vibrant community spirit — where academic excellence meets holistic development — through a guided tour of their spaces co-created by their faculty, staff and students. Alumni can also look forward to a range of carnival activities at the event, from movie screenings to food booths.
A highlight of this year’s NUS Homecoming is a panel discussion on Singapore’s journey as it approaches its 60th year of independence. It will feature esteemed NUS alumni including Mr Kishore Mahbubani (Arts & Social Sciences ’71) and Emeritus Professor Tan Tai Yong (Arts & Social Sciences ’86), and will be moderated by Mr Soh Yi Da (Arts & Social Sciences + USP ’14). Participants will gain perspectives on Singapore’s growth, the challenges it faces and strategic pivots for future success. They will also discover how Singapore has navigated the crossroads of tradition and transformation to emerge as a global powerhouse.
Reconnect with old friends, forge new connections and immerse ourselves in the festive atmosphere of NUS Homecoming 2024!
Date: Saturday, 21 September Time: 10am-2pm
Location: University Town, National University of Singapore 2 College Ave West, Stephen Riady Centre, Singapore 138607
Keep an eye on our webpage for the latest updates and registration details.
19 NUS programmes placed in the global top 10 in QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024.
NINETEEN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE (NUS) PROGRAMMES ARE IN THE GLOBAL TOP 10, according to the latest Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings (QS WUR) by Subject 2024 released on 10 April. Four of them have been ranked top five in the world. The programmes include courses in the fields of Business, Computing, Engineering and Science, as well as Humanities and Social Sciences — underscoring NUS’ excellent performance across broad faculty and subject fields.
“We are delighted that NUS has achieved top 10 rankings globally for 19 subjects this year,” said Professor Aaron Thean, NUS Deputy President (Academic Affairs) and Provost. “Notably, this marks the highest number of subjects placing in the global top 10 for NUS in the past five years. We are grateful for the recognition of the exceptional calibre of our international faculty, students and alumni. It attests to the University’s commitment to academic excellence and serves as an encouragement for our dedication to interdisciplinary education, equipping our students for the challenges and opportunities of the future.”
The QS WUR by Subject is an independent comparative analysis on the performance of nearly
16,000 university programmes. These programmes are taken by students at 1,561 universities in 149 locations across the world and sit across 55 academic disciplines which, for the rankings, are then grouped into five broad subject areas.
“Singapore’s universities have consistently performed well in global assessments,” said Mr Ben Sowter, Senior Vice President at QS. “This prestigious position offers unique opportunities for growth.”
Acknowledging the nation’s commitment to strategic investments and planning for the tertiary education sector, Mr Sowter added that Singapore stands to gain from these geopolitical shifts, attracting a growing share of international talent. “As a recognised
hub of academic excellence, Singapore also faces heightened competition from regional players, including emerging economies looking to replicate its successful model,” he said.
Preparing our graduates to be globally competitive has always been an integral part of NUS’ education. NUS’ unique education experience emphasises a flexible interdisciplinary approach and innovative pedagogy with opportunities for multiple pathways and specialisations, enabling students and alumni to be agile and adaptable in today’s volatile and complex economy. Armed with a broad range of market-
[The QS WUR rankings attest] to the University’s commitment to academic excellence and serves as an encouragement for our dedication to interdisciplinary education, equipping our students for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
Professor Aaron Thean, Deputy President (Academic Affairs) and Provost, NUS
relevant competencies, NUS graduates can confidently pivot to diverse sectors and areas of work, regardless of their major or specialisation.
NUS commits S$20 million to supercharge deep tech innovations and venture creations.
THE NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE (NUS) LAUNCHED TWO INITIATIVES AT THE NUS DEEP TECH VENTURE SHOWCASE ON 18 MARCH 2024, to propel deep tech innovation and enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem at the University. The initiatives include the S$10 million Innovation Fellowship and Venture Creation Awards to boost the translation of cutting-edge research and innovation by NUS faculty and researchers into impactful solutions; and the enhanced Graduate Research Innovation Programme (GRIP 2.0), where the University has committed S$10 million to provide more pre-seed funding to successful teams.
In his welcome remarks, NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye (Science ’85) emphasised the University’s strong commitment to actively addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges — from climate change to urbanisation pressures — and the critical need for clean water and sustainable energy solutions, through impactful education, research and enterprise. “This new funding commitment of S$20 million will serve as an impetus for our researchers to be bolder and quicker in exploring and realising the translational potential of their research,” he said.
Speaking at the event, Guest-ofHonour Mr Heng Swee Keat, Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies, stressed the significance of deep tech in tackling today’s global challenges, as well as the importance of mobilising different players, and adopting an intentional and proactive approach to venture-building.
Sharing how the new initiatives will build on the innovation and entrepreneurship momentum and align with Singapore’s current Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship 2025 plan, NUS Deputy President (Innovation and Enterprise), Professor Chen Tsuhan said, “Research, Innovation and Enterprise is an integral part of our mission to foster a dynamic, lifelong learning environment within NUS. We nurture curiosity and the entrepreneurial spirit while providing the support to bring ambitious impactful ideas to life. Through these efforts, we shape the future and contribute to Singapore’s strong position as a leading GlobalAsia node for technology, innovation and enterprise.”
Encouraging deep tech entrepreneurship with the Innovation Fellowship and Venture Creation Awards
The Innovation Fellowship and Venture Creation Awards will spur NUS faculty and researchers to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset as they pursue their research. The awards recognise and incentivise these innovators — who are at varying stages of their academic careers — to bring their research to market as practical solutions.
Awardees will receive a two-year grant and guidance from NUS Enterprise to support them in their research commercialisation journeys. This initiative aims to enrich the pipeline for new venture creation from Singapore’s deep tech innovations. Successful awardees could be further supported via GRIP in the next phase of their deep tech venture journey.
GRIP 2.0: Accelerating deep tech innovation through enhanced funding and support
Over the past five years, GRIP has nurtured and provided funding support
to more than 430 aspiring founders. Building on the programme’s success, NUS has set aside S$10 million for GRIP 2.0, providing successful teams up to S$250,000 in funding, which is 2.5 times more funding than the initial S$100,000.
As part of GRIP 2.0, NUS Enterprise has also formed strategic partnerships with three leading venture capital firms: Legend Capital, SOSV Investments LLC and Vertex Holdings. Collectively, these firms manage an asset portfolio of more than US$10 billion. The collaboration with the venture capital firms extends beyond financial support to include coaching for GRIP startups and support in increasing their investment readiness, specialised market access and deep industry expertise. Through direct engagement facilitated by GRIP, these venture capital firms will offer practical expertise and networking opportunities, equipping start-ups with tailored guidance to propel them forward in their venture creation journeys.
“At NUS Enterprise, we are uniquely placed to have access to the latest frontier research and breakthroughs at one of the top universities in the region, while providing access to a global start-up ecosystem,” noted then-NUS Associate Vice President (NUS Enterprise) Associate Professor Benjamin Tee, in summing up the benefits and value the newly-introduced initiatives bring to NUS start-ups, faculty, researchers and alumni.
Assoc Prof Tee, who was appointed to the newly-created role of Vice President (Ecosystem Building) at NUS from 1 April, added that the new Innovation Fellowship and Venture Creation Awards and GRIP 2.0 are concerted, complementary efforts to accelerate deep tech innovation and venture creation for maximum impact. “These initiatives will provide academics, researchers and NUS alumni access to a supportive ecosystem for the greatest chance at success,” he said.
At the NUS Deep Tech Venture Showcase, eight deep tech innovations — ranging from autonomous cleaning robots and membrane technology to edible fruit coatings that extend the shelf-life of tropical fruit — also took the spotlight.
The showcase was attended by over 160 guests including NUS start-ups, venture capitalists, government officials, and NUS faculty and researchers who had the opportunity to network and interact with the start-ups exhibiting their deep tech ventures.
The event’s keynote speaker, Dr Wen Hsieh, Founding Managing Partner, Matter Venture Partners, shared his insights into the intricacies of creating a deep tech start-up ecosystem. He began by defining deep tech and highlighting its distinctive features and possibilities. Dr Wen
also elaborated on the importance of leveraging deep tech.
The keynote address was followed by a fireside chat with GRIP alumni and NUS start-up founders on the topic of “Labs to Lives: Pushing the Boundaries, Shaping our Future with Deep Tech Innovations”. The panel, moderated by Mr Sam Tsui, Venture Architect, GRIP, featured Dr Viknish Krishnan-Kutty (Engineering ’12), CEO and Founder of Cellivate Technologies; Mr Rishab Patwari (Engineering ’23), CEO and Co-Founder of Hivebotics; and Mr Wan Chunfeng (Engineering ’12), CEO of Solv8. They shared their entrepreneurial journeys, illustrating how their deep tech innovations progressed from prototypes to the creation of real-world practical solutions, making significant impact across various industries and addressing critical societal challenges to enhance lives. The chat concluded with the founders sharing their plans and highlighting their next entrepreneurial endeavours.
For more on how alumni can benefit from NUS support for their start-up aspirations, turn to page 12.
Outgoing NUS Alumni Advisory Board Co-Chairperson Mr Johnny Tan Khoon Hui (Science ’82) and new Co-Chairperson Mr Seah Cheng San (Engineering ’82, MBA ’92) reflect on why a united alumni community matters, how they have worked to strengthen it, and what lies ahead.
TEXT BY KOH YUEN LIN
THE NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE (NUS) ALUMNI ADVISORY BOARD (AAB) was established in 2006, and provides strategic guidance and counsel on all alumni-related matters, including collaborating with NUS senior management to build and enhance relationships with alumni and friends of the University. The AlumNUS speaks to two individuals — Mr Johnny Tan and Mr Seah Cheng San — who have played pivotal roles in fostering alumni bonds, as the baton of AAB leadership is handed over from one to the other.
Mr Johnny Tan
Member of the NUS Alumni Advisory Board since July 2009
Mr Johnny Tan — who stepped down as AAB Co-Chairperson on 30 June 2024 — is the longest-serving advisory board member. In fact, it was the length of his service that inspired him to support the change of the AAB constitution as there was no specific term limit then for AAB members.
“After my eighth year in AAB back in 2017, we thought we should institutionalise a renewal process,” he said.
The AAB constitution was updated in 2018, allowing for a board member to serve for a maximum of three 2-year terms. While the NUS President is the Chair of the AAB, the update included a new Co-Chair position which would be nominated by the AAB members. The term of the Co-Chair was also upped to a maximum of three 2-year terms.
The opportunity to contribute to my alma mater has been an honour and privilege, but it is people and friendships that first got me involved and gets me going. It has been a very meaningful journey for me. Mr Johnny Tan
Mr Tan was made the Co-Chair in 2018 and led the AAB selection committee to kickstart the design of a new selection process involving an open nomination that would bring three nominated members onto the board of 15 every two years. “Our aim was to bring in as many younger members as possible, and to achieve a better balance in terms of representation,” he shared.
A series of briefing sessions held with various alumni groups within NUS garnered a positive response. Through this nomination process, which started in 2019, seven relatively younger members have joined AAB, shared Mr Tan. “Bringing younger alumni on board has given me the greatest satisfaction. They bring different expertise and fresh perspectives.”
His emphasis on attracting new blood is rooted in his belief that AAB needs to update itself to better reflect the NUS population in order to perform its role of supporting the University’s vision and the alumni community. These span from improving the University’s cross-border connections to building a caring environment and promoting lifelong learning.
In 2023, as AAB Co-Chair, Mr Tan worked with Mr Ow Tai Zhi (Business ’11) — a younger AAB member — to launch the Plant-it-Forward Challenge, which aims to promote environmental sustainability and support the NUS Enhanced Financial Aid Scheme.
Mr Tan was also the founding Chairman of the Alumni Student Advancement Committee (ASAC), aimed at uplifting the social mobility of needy NUS students, cultivating the spirit of giving among the community and broadening the alumni support base. The Committee was set up in 2013 by then-NUS President Professor Tan Chorh Chuan (Medicine ’83).
While his AAB work might have taken up much of his time — which he could have otherwise used to explore his other passions after stepping out of the corporate world — Mr Tan had this to say, “Some have said to me: ‘Johnny, don’t you have anything better to do?’ But I have benefitted from the process, learned a lot, and made many new friends. The opportunity to contribute to my alma mater has been an honour and privilege, but it is people and friendships that first got me involved and gets me going. It has been a very meaningful journey for me.”
Mr Seah Cheng San Member of the NUS Alumni Advisory Board since July 2018 While financial contributions are a cornerstone of alumni giving, there is a whole spectrum of ways through which alumni can make a profound impact on their alma
mater. Mr Seah’s volunteering with NUS started when he and his wife, Ms Chong Siak Ching (Real Estate ’81), donated a bursary to the Business school. Now, as the AAB Co-Chair, his focus lies on strengthening connections with NUS alumni because he understands the immense value alumni networks and expertise can bring to the entire NUS community.
“My volunteering with NUS started around 2008 when my wife and I donated a bursary to the Business school, and we saw that there was a need for more bursaries. Over the years, we got good support from friends and classmates to set up funds to support
By sharing their time and networks, alumni can make a real difference in shaping the lives of current students and the alumni community.
Mr Seah Cheng San
more students. I became Chair of ASAC in 2018, taking over from Johnny, and it was ultimately my fundraising activities that led me to becoming a member of the AAB in 2018.
It is an honour and privilege to serve as AAB Co-Chair. While I had intended to spend more time travelling with my wife this year as she had recently retired, a few fellow AAB members put my name up in the nomination process for AAB Co-Chair. I put some thought into it and agreed since the members have confidence in me.
My priority going forward is for the AAB to be the link that connects with, and gathers feedback from alumni. Clearly, alumni are at the centre of what we do, and my hope is that the AAB can become much closer to the different alumni communities. We
want to find out what they want, and what we can do for them. We want to maintain a very good relationship with alumni and have as many touchpoints as possible to engage them. Another is getting alumni involved in community service. While we started with one day called the NUS Day of Service — where the entire NUS community came together to give back to society — we now feel that community service is ongoing. That now falls under NUS Cares, a university-wide movement encouraging the NUS community to volunteer in initiatives that give back to society.
AAB’s succession system is a good thing that I will try to build upon. We will continue to try to engage alumni, especially the younger ones, and bring them in to serve. We also want to give more people the opportunity to serve.
CHAIRPERSON
Professor Tan Eng Chye, Science ’85, NUS President
CO-CHAIRPERSON:
Mr Seah Cheng San, Engineering ’82, Business ’92
MEMBERS:
Ms Irene Chong, Business ’94, Public Policy ’20
Mr Chua Hung Meng, Business ’81*
(ASAC Chairman Designate)
Ms Renita Sophia Crasta, Law ’06, Public Policy ’20
Ms Goh Yiping, Design and Environment ’05
Dr He Xiuqin, Business ’17*
Mr Ho Jun Yi, Law & Public Policy ’11
Mr Ow Tai Zhi, Business ’11
Mr Harry Pham Van Anh, Public Policy ’17 *
Mr Soh Yi Da, Arts and Social Sciences + USP ’14
Mr Edward Stanley Tay Wey Kok, Law ’92, Business ’97
Mr Tong Hsien-Hui, Engineering ’98*
(NUS Society President)
Mr Veerappan Swaminathan, Engineering + USP ’11*
Mr Alan Yau Wai Hoo, Design and Environment ’11
* new member, effective 1 July 2024
Giving back to the University doesn’t have to be in terms of donations. Alumni can also give back in terms of mentorship and career coaching, offering guidance to current students or recent graduates as they navigate career paths. They can also share their experiences as guest speakers, volunteer with NUS Cares, or use their networks to connect people in the NUS community.
In previous events, I witnessed how experienced alumni mingle with, and give advice to current NUS students over a dinner, for instance. This is a learning experience for the student. Ultimately, there is a lot that alumni can offer, and every interaction counts. By sharing their time and networks, alumni can make a real difference in shaping the lives of current students and the alumni community.”
The University wishes to place on record its deep appreciation to outgoing members for their dedication and contributions.
OUTGOING MEMBERS:
Mr Johnny Tan Khoon Hui (Co-Chairperson), Science ’82 July 2009-June 2024
Mr Edward D’Silva, Architecture ’75
May 2014-June 2024
Dr James Geng Jing, Public Policy ’11
July 2018-June 2024
Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar, Science ’98, Public Policy ’08
July 2018-June 2024
Mr Benjamin Tan Keng Sing, Business ’00
July 2018-June 2024
A traditional Chinese tea appreciation event with alumni proved to be a veritable a treat for the senses.
TEXT ASHOK SOMAN PHOTOS MARK LEE
as over 60 National University of Singapore (NUS) alumni discovered at a Chinese tea appreciation session organised in May at Tea Chapter, a Chinese tea house located in the heart of Chinatown. Led by Tea Chapter’s Executive Director Mr Fund Lee, the two-hour session kicked off with a brief history of Chinese tea before moving on to the different types of tea (red, green, black, white, etc.) and their distinctive characteristics.
The practical part of the programme began with an explanation of the traditional tea set. Each participant had his or her own set of these tools, although they could (and did) work together. First, Mr Lee demonstrated the traditional steps to brewing a cup of Chinese tea. This included how to achieve the right colour, aroma and taste.
He then showed the group how to properly warm the tea set using hot water and wooden tongs. While Mr Lee explained that there is a great deal of variation between teas, there are some common steps. One such step involved the first brew, which is not for drinking; it is instead to loosen the tea leaves and aid in exposing more surface area for the actual brewing. As for the tasting, it involves three steps. “First, you take a sip, then a slurp, and finally a shot!” said Mr Lee.
The expertise of the instructors and the interactive nature of the session proved appealing to the audience.
Mr Ricky T George (Yale-NUS ’20), said, “I really got into Chinese tea
this year, and then I saw the notification for the event and signed up,” he shared. “Loving the tea; loving the people.”
Besides learning the finer points of Chinese tea culture, attendees also engaged in another activity characteristic of events organised for NUS alumni: meeting new people and reconnecting with former university mates. For Mr Chew Jun Hong (Science ’20), connecting with fellow alumni was the main reason he attended the event. “During my time as an undergraduate, I did not really interact much with people from other faculties,” said Mr Chew. “I also wanted to learn more about Chinese tea because I normally drink Earl Grey tea, with milk.”
Other attendees shared his sentiments. “My partner and I are both interested in tea, and he had been sharing information about events like this with me,” said Ms Lim En Yee (Design and Environment ’20). “We decided on this event because as NUS alumni, it seemed appropriate. We did not know anyone else at our table, but we’ve become friends since the session.”
Stay updated on the latest events for NUS alumni by going to nus.edu.sg/alumnet/events or scan in this QR code.
The NUS Graduate Research Innovation Programme (GRIP), which supports NUS graduate students in launching their deep tech start-ups, now extends its support to NUS alumni.
YOU MAY BE A MID-CAREER PROFESSIONAL WHO HAS DREAMS OF MAKING A BIGGER IMPACT BY STARTING A DEEP TECH BUSINESS. Or you could be an entrepreneur who is seeking new horizons.
If you happen to be an National University of Singapore (NUS) alumnus or alumna with such aspirations, there’s good news for you. The funding and proven deep tech venture creation framework offered by the NUS Graduate Research Innovation Programme (GRIP) has been extended to alumni.
Under GRIP, participating teams benefit from a series of workshops, mentorships, industry linkages and incubation support over one year to develop commercially viable and investible deep tech start-ups. In March 2024, NUS announced that it will boost funding support from S$100,000 to S$250,000 for start-ups that demonstrate high commercial potential, to accelerate their growth.
It is part of a larger S$20 million investment from NUS to turn deep tech research into market solutions, where S$10 million will go towards GRIP while another S$10 million will be used to create the new Innovation Fellowship and Venture Creation Awards.
Then-Associate Vice President (NUS Enterprise) Associate Professor Benjamin Tee, who was appointed to the newly-created role of Vice President (Ecosystem Building) at NUS from 1 April, elaborated on the move to extend GRIP to NUS alumni. “Alumni are a critical part of our innovation and enterprise ecosystem,” he said, adding that NUS has over 350,000 alumni who are based all over the
world. He highlighted that they are an important extension of the university network, and many have significant resources and their own networks to think about entrepreneurship.
“We are really looking at midcareer professionals, who are looking beyond a nine-to-five job and who want the challenge of building something from zero to one,” said Assoc Prof Tee, who is passionate about nurturing potential entrepreneurs.
What these mid-life entrepreneurs bring to the table are years of experience, which translate to an awareness of what comprises a solid business plan, market knowledge and a strong network that can be a game-changer for business growth. Financial stability and self-awareness mean that they are better able to handle various challenges.
Since 2018, more than 500 participants from over 150 teams have benefitted from NUS GRIP, with more than S$55 million raised in external funding.
The breadth of deep tech solutions offered by these start-ups include Autonomous Underwater Vehicles and Autonomous Surface Vessels by BeeX that reduce the costs and risks of underwater inspections; and healthier versions of sweet food with a lower glycaemic index by Aurora Food.
Mr Kit Yong (Science ’18), a GRIP alumnus who founded Forte Biotech, said, “Without GRIP, it would not have been possible to start this company.” His company deploys patented technology to help prawn farmers, mostly in Vietnam, to easily diagnose if their prawns are sick and take quick remedial action to treat them and prevent them from dying.
In addition to receiving mentorship from GRIP mentors, who offered valuable business and technical guidance, he also attributed his success in establishing a presence in Vietnam to the credibility associated with the NUS brand.
“If I had tried to do it myself, it would have been hard,” said Mr Yong, who hails from a family of entrepreneurs. “But the fact that Forte Biotech was a GRIP team enabled
doors to open more easily.” On this note, Assoc Prof Tee emphasised, “Alumni who join us will be leveraging a foundation we have laid over five years.”
Participating alumni do not necessarily have to form a team on their own. Based on their ideas and talents, they could be matched with other participants who may include postgraduate students and professors to “create a diverse team with diverse skill sets”.
“There’s also the idea of engagement,” he added. “Getting involved in GRIP provides another avenue for alumni to socialise and to become mentors, to contribute back to their alma mater.”
Creating or being part of a deep tech start-up could be a life-changing experience for alumni who are seeking greater meaning. “We talk about deep tech because if successful, it has a very long-lasting impact,” said Assoc Prof Tee. “We are solving huge challenging problems in areas like climate change and health. Being able to capture more ideas from our alumni really helps to increase the opportunities for social impact.”
Find out more about how GRIP can enable your start-up dreams at nus.edu.sg/grip or scan in this QR code.
For more information, please email grip@nus.edu.sg.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives are well worth the effort that companies and organisations are putting into them.
TEXT
DIVERSITY. EQUITY. INCLUSION. THESE MAY SOUND LIKE TRENDY TERMS, but DEI concepts have been around long enough for multiple studies to show that organisations that embrace them are better for it in the long run.
Emphasising this point with a range of examples, the four panellists at the NUS Be A-HEAD: “Inspiring Inclusion – Fostering a Culture of Respect and Diversity in the Workplace” event held on 6 March were clear that DEI has to be an integral part of everything that is being done to drive the whole people experience in an organisation, and should not be perceived as
being supplementary or ‘nice-tohave’. The session was moderated by Ms Renita Sophia Crasta, Head of Legal, TGR Real Estate (Law ’06, Public Policy ’20).
Although ensuring DEI seems simple on the surface, it is complex and difficult to achieve in practice. Panellist Dr Yvonne Gao, Principal Investigator, Centre for Quantum Technologies, and Assistant Professor, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore (NUS), noted that the spectrum of humanity includes much more than the eye can see.
“There’s also identity, sexuality, ideology, religion etc., that cannot be seen, that people sometimes don’t wear identifying labels for,” she explained. “Real DEI must take this into account, even if it does not serve the easy optics of making it look like the organisation has embraced diversity and inclusion.”
Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar (Science ’98, Public Policy ’08), Associate Professor (Business, Communication and Design Cluster) and Director of the Community Leadership and Social Innovation Centre at the Singapore Institute of Technology, agreed that DEI must be genuine — and that is why it is such difficult work.
“It must be more than an effort to just do representation; (the idea that) ‘as long we have all groups represented, it’s all good’,” she emphasised. “This is concerning to me because it is nothing more than tokenism. DEI is really about what the person brings to the table, be they male, female, typical or atypical, old or young… we want to have this range of experiences and insights.”
Mr Dane Lim, Executive Director of Group Human Resources at DBS, said that the onus is on organisations to ensure that DEI is a core part of operations. “It must also go deep,
DIVERSITY:
This refers to the range of characteristics of those who make up the workforce. This includes, but is not limited to gender, age, ethnicity, physical ability and neurodiversity. It also represents diversity in thought.
EQUITY:
Fairness for all — regardless of all other factors — in how people are treated. Equity is not equality; equity adjusts for a person’s starting position to ensure that everyone can achieve the best results.
INCLUSION:
How people experience the workplace, and how organisations empower their staff to make the best possible contributions.
DEI is really about what the person brings to the table, be they male, female, typical or atypical, old or young… we want to have this range of experiences and insights.
Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar
in starting conversations about difficult subjects with staff; things that may make people uncomfortable to discuss openly. Is the organisation creating opportunities to have these conversations?”
Mr Lim, who was previously the External Affairs and Marketing Director at the NUS Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, added, “Many senior executives worry about conflict. How we talk about these subjects is important; to ask people what kind of culture they want to see in the workplace, and to accept that there will be disagreements.”
Given that conversations about diversity and inclusiveness could potentially be tough ones, the panellists agreed that the key is in the ‘E’ part of DEI. “We are striving for equitable solutions, not equality,” said Dr Gao. “There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ strategy, and that is what makes it such hard work.”
Dr Intan added, “It is really important to consider what ‘fair’ looks like; it is not that everyone will be treated the same (because) it is often not possible to satisfy everyone at the same time. Individuals in organisations need to work together to understand one another.”
Dr Gao presented a concrete example of when ‘fair’ might be different for different people. “We can look at workplaces — many of which still have more men than women —
We are striving for equitable solutions, not equality. There is no ‘onesize fits all’ strategy, and that is what makes it such hard work.
Dr Yvonne Gao
but have restrooms that are the same size. This seems fair, but women need more space and more time in restrooms, so just having restrooms that are the same size is perhaps not equitable,” she said.
At the end of the day, success comes down to how individuals practise DEI. On a day-to-day basis, the panellists said this comes down to showing kindness and empathy to the people around us, manifested in small actions. For instance, speaking up to support colleagues or being an ally for someone who may feel excluded. Dr Gao shared that in her experience, efforts were made to use colour themes in PowerPoint presentation slides that were discernible to colour-blind colleagues. “It’s a very small thing but it made a big difference,” she said.
Dr Intan agreed. “If we wait for change to happen, change will never happen. Every one of us has to play an active role,” she said.
Safeguards against AI and the challenges of regulating it provided much food for thought during a panel discussion on “The Intersections of Code and Conscience – AI Ethics and Governance”.
TEXT BY ASHOK SOMAN
PHOTOS BY MARK LEE
concerns about bias in AI due to the biases of its creators.
THE MARCH OF GENERATIVE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) HAS BEEN HARD TO IGNORE, with McKinsey dubbing the past year as a breakout period for the nascent technology. Equally apparent is the impact of generative AI on productivity and fears of its toll on job security. To give alumni a nuanced and practical take on these trends, the National University of Singapore’s (NUS) Office of Alumni Relations (OAR) brought together a panel of experts well-versed in the topic to share their views and experiences.
Even if it is not apparent, AI has either been deployed in products or systems that we already use, or it soon will be. Given this ubiquity, a growing number of people — including scientists — have raised
Continuing from a previous discussion organised by OAR as part of its Intellectual Insights series, the most recent session on AI held on 13 March at the Shaw Foundation Alumni House explored “The Intersections of Code and Conscience – AI Ethics and Governance”.
It helps that there is already a governance process for AI in Singapore under the Model AI Governance Framework launched in 2019, and even the world’s first AI governance testing framework, A.I. Verify, which was launched in 2022. Within NUS, to accelerate frontier AI research, the NUS AI Institute was set up to boost real-world impact for public good.
Session moderator Mr Raju Chellam, Editor-in-Chief of the AI Ethics & Governance Body of Knowledge — an initiative by the Singapore Computer Society — lauded such efforts and noted that the International Data Centre (IDC)
There’s a long history in the AI space of overestimating its impact in the short term and underestimating it in the long term.
Professor Simon Chesterman
estimates that ASEAN alone is projected to spend US$46.6 billion on AI solutions by 2026, up from US$20.6 billion in 2022. “Much of this is without ethical oversight and is going to impact all of us in how we work, play and live,” said Mr Raju, who is also Chairman of the Cloud & Data Standards of Singapore, IT Standards Committee.
AI: TOOL OR THREAT?
Responding to a question about whether he was afraid that AI might one day ‘do him in’, Professor Simon Chesterman, David Marshall Professor of Law and Vice Provost (Educational Innovation) at NUS, was unperturbed. “There’s a long history in the AI space of overestimating its impact in the short term and underestimating it in the long term,” explained Prof Chesterman, who is also the Dean of NUS College and Senior Director (AI Governance), AI Singapore.
“I don’t lose any sleep worrying that the machines are going to rise up and kill us. If there is an AI-kind of apocalypse, it won’t be like the Terminator movies.” Instead, he sees it as more akin to the Writers Guild of America strike last year. He said, “It won’t be that you wake up and the machines have taken over. It’s that progressively you realise your jobs are being sort of taken away.”
Ms Brindha Jeyaraman, Principal Architect, AI APAC, at Google (Systems
It’s not just about machines taking over the world, but us being just careless about letting machines run critical systems (unchecked). Ms Lee Wan Sie
Science ’12), likened AI to a knife that may be useful if used in the right way, but potentially dangerous otherwise. “Does the risk really outweigh the benefit? It really depends on how responsible you (the user) are,” she reasoned. “As big companies or product developers, start-ups, or anyone, we must adhere to government compliance checklists… (but) almost every industry has adopted AI at a very rapid pace and even the (government) regulatory compliance teams do not have the time to catch up with the developments.”
This pace of development is certainly an issue, especially with challenges like AI hallucination where an AI will ‘dream up’ facts seemingly without rhyme or reason, or the black box issue where we simply do not know how AI uses all it has learned to come up with results.
To this, Ms Lee Wan Sie, Director (Data-Driven Tech), Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) (Science ’95), reiterated the value of using AI for the public good while putting safeguards in place to protect the public. “It’s not
just about machines taking over the world, but us being just careless about letting machines run critical systems (unchecked). Just because we don’t have (specific) regulations here doesn’t mean we don’t have (relevant laws),” she said, citing the Online Privacy Act, Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act, and various laws governing healthcare and financial services. “The reason we do not regulate (AI specifically) is that we think it is too early. The technology is moving at such a fast pace… and in places such as the US (where most of the AI development is happening) there are no governing regulations,” she added.
However, this lack of regulation benefits innovation, the panellists broadly agreed. Technology firms do not seek approval before building new products and systems; Open AI did not ask for the nod before it released ChatGPT into the wild. Prof Chesterman suggested that such firms don’t seek legal advice because such advice would invariably be “don’t do it”.
Panellist Ms Brindha Jeyaraman weighed the pros and cons of AI.
“The short answer to whether the benefits outweigh the risks is that ‘we don’t know’,” said Prof Chesterman. “We aren’t just beta testers in this new (AI) regime but guinea pigs in a big experiment… there’s a realisation though that we have seen this before with the rise of social media 20 years ago; governments did very little and today we can see the negative consequences.” The difference with the AI situation today, he added, is that governments and firms are at least open to discussing the risks and potential problems now.
The session led to a healthy Q&A with the capacity audience for more than an hour, which Ms Jasmine Liew (Arts and Social Sciences ’00) found very engaging. “There were a lot of robust questions from the audience,” she shared. Her husband, Mr Boon Seng Meng (Engineering ’02), echoed her sentiments, adding that he appreciated the diverse backgrounds of the panellists.
Discover more about the state of AI in Singapore at AI SG. It is a partnership between various bodies, including the National Research Foundation, IMDA, Economic Development Board and SGInnovate. aisingapore.org
For more on AI ethics and governance, check out the Singapore Computer Society’s AI Ethics and Governance Body of Knowledge (AI E&G Bok). scs.org.sg/bok/ai-ethics
Three panel discussions and a networking dinner facilitated the exchange of thoughts and opinions from a broad range of academics, thought leaders and alumni.
TEXT BY ASHOK SOMAN
IN MAY THIS YEAR, THE INAUGURAL NUS INNOVATION FORUM (NIF) kicked off in Manila with the theme “Navigating New Horizons: Charting the Future of Tech, Innovation and International Dynamics”. Organised by the NUS Office of Alumni Relations, NIF aimed to strengthen global connections among NUS alumni, academics and global thought leaders.
The event, hosted by Professor Aaron Thean, NUS Deputy President
University of Virginia competed at a technopreneurship forum over his spring break, where he generated an idea for a new company,” said Prof Thean. “That forum was held at NUS, the company was Reddit and the student was Alexis Ohanian, who has subsequently credited NUS and Singapore for ‘jumpstarting his whole career’. Big ideas — worldchanging ones — can come from small events and chance conversations.
As you listen to today’s speakers and participate in our networking and dinner, I want you to remain open to possibility and connection.”
The main event at the Manila forum took the form of three spirited panel discussions that drew active participation from both alumni and students. The first panel discussion — on the role of the university in fostering innovation — featured Prof Thean and Atty Angelo A. Jimenez (Public Policy ’13), President of the University of the Philippines, and was moderated by (Academic Affairs) and Provost, also celebrated the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and the Philippines. Her Excellency Constance See (Arts & Social Sciences ’97), Singapore’s Ambassador to the Philippines, served as the Guest-of-Honour.
In his speech, Prof Thean told the audience that a one-day event like NIF can have a far-reaching impact. “In 2004, a student from the
Ms Karla Hotchkiss-Rufino (Business ’10), Division Head Market and Liquidity Risk China Bank Philippines. Both Atty Jimenez and Prof Thean took the opportunity offered by Ms Hotchkiss-Rufino to expand the innovation subject into the area of “experiential learning”.
Atty Jimenez described an initiative at the University of the Philippines where students developed empathy by working on the ground with communities in remote locations. Prof Thean added that innovation in learning in today’s context includes making room for education outside the classroom. On the subject of innovation hubs in the university, Atty Jimenez noted that the University of the Philippines was committed to working on fundamental research while partnering with businesses and the government on applied research to deliver market-ready products and services.
Given its broad topic, the first panel discussion did veer into AI. This meant that panellists of the second discussion reacted to some of these points when they took to the stage. The panellists included Ms Lei Motilla, Co-Founder and Innovation Lead at
AI4GOV; Professor Mohan Kankanhalli, Deputy Executive Chairman of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Singapore and Director of the NUS AI Institute; and Professor Arnulfo Azcarraga from De La Salle University. Mr Nestor Precioso (Science ’06), Managing Director, TechMatch Asia Inc, served as moderator.
In response to a comment made earlier, Ms Motilla addressed the question of skills that might be critical to employers in the private sector, in relation to AI. She disagreed with the assertion made during the first panel discussion that people would be motivated to learn based on simple transactional needs. “I believe we can be intentional on being
Big ideas — world-changing ones — can come from small events and chance conversations. As you listen to today’s speakers and participate in our networking and dinner, I want you to remain open to possibility and connection.
Professor
Aaron Thean
transformational from the get-go, if we first reflect (on what we want to accomplish with AI), align our core values, connect it to others (in the wider community) and then (use AI to enrich our skills),” she said. On the
point of enrichment, Prof Kankanhalli related an anecdote about how a novice computer programmer might be able to raise his skill level to mediocre using AI, but a skilled one would be able to exponentially raise his performance.
The subject of the third panel discussion centred on rising geopolitical rivalry, reflecting the dynamic landscape of global politics and economic development. Moderated by Li Ka Shing Professor of Economics Danny Quah, Dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) at NUS, the panellists included Justice Antonio Carpio, Retired Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines; Professor Albert Park, Chief Economist at the Asian Development Bank; and Dr Maria Thaemar C Tana (Arts & Social Sciences ’19), Associate Professor at the University of the Philippines Diliman. Prof Quah set the tone when he noted that ASEAN can help in this “hugely consequential” arena where there is a danger of a ‘might-makes-right’ attitude trumping the rules-based order that has benefitted the region.
Following statements from the panellists, Prof Quah opened the floor for audience questions, which took up
roughly half of the session. In reference to a question on ASEAN, Dr Tana noted that there are several areas that the organisation could make an impact. Prof Quah sounded an optimistic note when he noted that ASEAN has been successful in keeping the peace among its member states.
Supported by the NUS Alumni Overseas Chapter Manila, the halfday forum was attended by more than 100 NUS alumni residing in the Metropolitan Manila area. Other notable attendees included members of the Philippine government and leaders from prominent Philippine universities, such as Dr Arsenio Balisacan, Secretary of the National Economic and Development Authority; and Father Roberto Yap, President of Ateneo de Manila University.
The event concluded with the NUS Alumni & Friends Dinner, where alumni, partners and staff gathered to reconnect. Given a significant number of LKYSPP alumni in the Philippines, the dinner also celebrated the School’s 20th anniversary.
In her welcome remarks, Ms Ovidia Lim-Rajaram (Arts & Social Sciences ’89), NUS Chief Alumni Officer, stated, “Bringing together diverse voices and perspectives often generates the best ideas… something that NUS is uniquely positioned to
do, given the rich diversity and geographic reach of our alumni.”
Acknowledgements were extended to the Embassy of the Republic of Singapore in the Philippines, the NUS alumni network in Manila, and key individuals such as Mr Richard Domingo Tan, Chairperson of the NUS Alumni Overseas Chapter Manila (Public Policy ’13), for their pivotal roles in organising this successful event.
In his own address, Mr Tan caught the audience up on what the Manila chapter had been up to. “From 2022 up to the present, we have managed to initiate more than a dozen networking gatherings and activities with a cumulative participation of at least 350 alumni. Several of these gatherings were through invitations and partnerships with the Singapore Embassy in Manila,” he said.
What does the future of work really hold? At the National University of Singapore (NUS), preparing undergraduates and alumni to take on the challenges of an uncertain world has become a top priority — as the nature of both work and education are being redefined.
HE TERM ‘FUTURE OF WORK’ CAN BE SOMEWHAT MISLEADING.
It suggests that changes to the workplace are a few years — or even decades — away. But in reality, most of us are already experiencing the future workplace in some way or another. Concepts like remote work, automation and lifelong learning are already familiar to some. But even more changes are afoot.
One of the biggest drivers of future change is Artificial intelligence (AI), which has made its way into all our hands through tools like ChatGPT and Copilot. Today, these can be used to generate slide decks, summarise and even analyse reports. These changes have revolutionised the workplace in
just a year or two. Imagine how different things could be by the end of the decade.
On the bright side, for every role that such technologies render obsolete, there are just as many new ones that spring up. A 2023 report from the World Economic Forum illustrates this: it predicts that by 2027, 83 million jobs will be eliminated while 69 million new jobs will be created globally. It is something that can already be seen today. Before the advent of large language models like ChatGPT, few had ever heard of a prompt engineer. Today, it is one of the most in-demand jobs in the tech industry.
It would not be realistic for universities to prepare students for all of these new jobs. What is more pressing is that they prepare students to transition seamlessly between roles and even industries, so that they can make the most of future opportunities. These transitions will be more commonplace in the future, with a McKinsey report projecting that by 2030, up to 14 per cent of the global workforce will experience some change in industry. Key to this is adopting
OUR EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE STAYS TRUE TO OUR BELIEF THAT EXCELLENCE DEFIES CONVENTION, SUCCESS IS MULTIFARIOUS, AND WE BREAK OPEN THE CLASSROOM TO LEARN.
Professor Tan Eng Chye, NUS President
a multidisciplinary approach to learning, which exposes students to, and prepares them to switch between different fields and disciplines.
NUS has swiftly responded to this reality by rethinking its approach to university education, said NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye (Science ’85) in an interview with The AlumNUS. “We do this by broadening the intellectual foundations of our students' learning through double majors, or flexible major-minor specialisation combinations,” he explained. “This approach, coupled with opportunities to apply their knowledge in real-world settings — such as local and global internships, industry attachments, entrepreneurship opportunities and research — helps our students develop competencies to tackle diverse issues transcending domains.”
That explains the major educational transformations in NUS over the past five years, such as the new interdisciplinary College of Humanities and Sciences, College of Design and Engineering, and NUS College. But as many working adults would attest
to, several sectors are seeing a convergence of skills and knowledge required for work.
“Take engineering as an example,” said Professor Bernard C Y Tan, Senior Vice Provost (Undergraduate Education) at NUS. “In the past, the different types of engineers would mostly stick to their own area of work. But with more complex structures coming up, engineers of all disciplines have to work together, whether you’re a civil, mechanical, electrical or environmental engineer. If all the engineers worked like they did in the past, we could never have something that looks like our Jewel at Changi Airport!”
These interdisciplinary trends are visible in programmes run by the NUS Centre for Future-ready Graduates (CFG), which aims to equip students with critical life and employability skills. In the past year, it has introduced Introduction to Decision-making in Business, a credit-
The educational approach has pivoted from a model of providing students with comprehensive knowledge in their major, to one that gives students a strong foundation in their major, and enables them to upskill and reskill through continuing education.
Prof Bernard C Y Tan, Senior Vice Provost (Undergraduate Education), NUS
bearing course that allows students from outside the NUS Business School to pick up essential business management skills. Other programmes are faculty-specific: CommsLab, for instance, is geared towards students from the Faculty of Science, and imparts communications and public speaking skills, which are critical for career advancement in the sciences.
As a result, just having deep knowledge of one particular subject is no longer enough. “The educational approach has pivoted from a model of providing students with comprehensive knowledge in their major, to one that gives students a strong foundation in their major, and enables them to upskill and reskill through continuing education,” said Prof Bernard Tan.
Diversifying the knowledge and skills of NUS graduates also means further diversifying the pool of students who enrol in the University.
Describing the admissions process as holistic, President Tan noted that frameworks are in place to identify students with “diverse talents, aptitudes, passions and pursuits, beyond academic achievements”.
“We are also offering more student life scholarships, such as the Community Impact Scholarship (mid-term), alongside the existing sports, and performing and visual arts scholarships,” he said, noting that such efforts would inject greater diversity into the student population.
Knowing the benefits of an interdisciplinary education raises the question of its reach, since plenty of graduates were born before this shift. Reaching these groups will be yet another task for adult learning courses. Describing these courses, President Tan said, “We closely track the skills that employers are looking for, and design our courses to impart
60 % of alumni surveyed participated in some form of continuing education in the past 2 years
Close to 90 % planned to take up continuing education in the next 12 months
Popular adult learning programmes at NUS SCALE:
Data Analytics
Data Visualisation
Design Thinking
Sustainability
Source: NUS School of Continuing and Lifelong Education
these in-demand skills. Offering courses that meet the needs of adult learners is a priority for us, hence our courses are ‘bite-sized’ and stackable to align with their lifestyle needs.”
This alignment with lifestyles and objectives is key for adult learning to be successful, said Associate Professor Chai Kah Hin, Associate Provost (Masters’ Programmes & Lifelong Education). “A survey conducted by the NUS School of Continuing and Lifelong Education (NUS SCALE) found that even though many of our alumni are very keen to keep learning, they face significant challenges. Younger alumni are more likely to cite work commitments and cost as significant barriers, while older alumni are usually constrained by family commitments.”
Adult learning need not always be about preparing for new industries or jobs. It could also be about deepening one’s knowledge in an existing field. Assoc Prof Chai noted that this is a common motivator for many who return to NUS. “Many Engineering alumni return for a Master of Science in Engineering, in areas such as Industrial and Systems, Electrical Engineering, or Civil Engineering. Medical alumni may pursue a Graduate Diploma in Family Medicine or Master of Public Health, while those from the Science faculty may take a Master of Public Health or a Doctor of Medicine.” Gaining deeper expertise and knowledge is especially
crucial in the age of AI, which will likely automate many low-level tasks, even in the professional services.
Summing up, Prof Bernard Tan stressed that the time when getting a university degree meant that you were 'set for life' is over. “That degree is a strong foundation — it equips graduates with advanced knowledge that will make them immediately employable,” he said. “But in 10 or 15 years, much of that knowledge might become obsolete. So you always have to stay on your toes.”
This ethos of constant evolution applies to the University as well. A forthcoming initiative will further integrate formal classroom learning with student life, campus living and other out-of-classroom experiences. President Tan described it as an exciting new chapter for the University. “Through a combination of activities spanning arts, sports and community engagement, students can develop competencies such as resilience, leadership, empathy and communication skills, among others, which are critical in future-proofing our graduates,” he said.
Preparing for the future workplace is not just about having the necessary subject knowledge. Also crucial are the right crossfunctional skills, which are sometimes referred to as soft skills. These are foundation skills
that are transferable across roles and industries, allowing graduates to enter and adapt to new industries.
Creative thinking and innovation:
One cross-functional skill in high demand is creative thinking and innovation, according to the World Economic Forum. Employees across functions and levels can use creative thinking to enhance organisational value, identify market opportunities, foster innovation, facilitate collaboration, embrace risk and failure for learning, and differentiate the organisation from competitors.
Picking up such skills may be a case of broadening one’s horizons For example, there are many leadership-centric programmes on offer at institutes of higher learning.
Participation in the creative arts can help all leaders take a more holistic and balanced view of situations.
Assoc
But situational leadership skills can even be picked up in the arts, believes Associate Professor Chan Tze Law, Vice Dean of Students at NUS.
“A major skill required of artistic endeavours is the ability to collaborate with others, during which situational leadership skills are often called upon. Performing in ensembles, large and small, can help develop and hone these skills,” he said. “Participation in the creative arts can help all leaders take a more holistic and balanced view of situations.” To this end, all undergraduates at NUS will have the option to take a second major or minor in the performing arts from the forthcoming academic year.
Empathy and communication:
Human-level interpersonal skills are still vital in the workforce, since they remain difficult for machines — at least for now. These can be honed through programmes like NUS College's Impact Experience (IEx). Programme Director Dr Julius Bautista described it as “a capstone service learning and community engagement project that
From the upcoming academic year, all NUS undergraduates will have the option to take a second major or minor in the performing arts to help them develop their collaborative and situational leadership skills.
all NUS College students complete.” Students are partnered with local and regional community organisations, and work together on initiatives to tackle various social, cultural or even environmental problems.
Said Ms Ananya Mathur, a fourth-year NUS College and Arts & Social Sciences student, “Returning from these experiences, I found myself significantly more confident in communicating with new people, exercising empathy and adapting to changing circumstances. These experiences ultimately made me much braver and played a crucial role in making my university experience both heartening and formative.”
REMEMBER, YOU WILL NOT BE COMPETING FOR JOBS OR PROJECTS WITH PEERS AROUND YOU, BUT WITH CANDIDATES FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD. YOU NEED TO THINK HARD HOW TO STAND OUT AND HOW TO DEVELOP A STRONG PERSONAL BRAND.
Ms May Wong
Asking the right questions:
Other traits that will remain in demand are the ability to ask the right questions, according to Professor Simon Chesterman, NUS College Dean, Vice Provost (Education Innovation) and David Marshall Professor of Law, NUS. “As Pablo Picasso once said, computers are useless — all they can give you are answers. Being able to identify new challenges, crossing intellectual and geographical
boundaries — these are skills I hope that our graduates will be up to,” said Prof Chesterman, who is also the Senior Director (AI Governance) at AI Singapore.
A reality of the future workplace is that it will be increasingly global. For a time, this meant understanding cultural nuances of colleagues from the world-over. Programmes like NUS College's Global Pathways, which offer overseas exchanges and cultural immersions, help a great deal on this front. The pathways increasingly offer a deeper understanding of Singapore's immediate neighbours, with five new experiential learning courses across Southeast Asia.
Such efforts will continue in earnest, noted President Tan. “We are constantly looking beyond NUS and Singapore to establish synergies with global partners and collaborators to further amplify the transformative impact of NUS’ initiatives in education, research, innovation and enterprise,” he added.
Experiences like these often become the highlight of many graduates’ university years, including Mr Jeff Chin, a third-year NUS College student who is also at the College of Humanities and Sciences. “Such trips have broadened my cultural awareness and are useful for when I work with foreign counterparts,” he said, referring to opportunities to travel to China, Vietnam and the Netherlands for overseas programmes. “Even if I don’t end up working with foreigners, learning to be aware of different cultures can make me more sensitive to the feelings and needs of teammates.”
Such programmes remain useful even as remote work ushers in a sea change in the way we feel the impact of a globalised workforce. “You could have colleagues whom you physically meet only now and then, or maybe even never,” explained Ms May Wong (Arts & Social Sciences ’90), an HR veteran from the financial services industry. “So it’s likely that organisational structures in future will be less about reporting lines and boxes but about connections and connectivity; who is working on which project with whom.”
Her advice for those looking to make strides in their careers?
“Remember, you will not be competing for jobs or projects with peers around you, but with candidates from all over the world. You need to think hard about how to stand out and how to develop a strong personal brand.”
MyCareersFuture, the Government’s employment assistance portal, defines 'personal branding' as what other people know you for. “For example, you might be known in the office as the social media guru or the business-to-consumer lead generation problem-solver,” Ms Wong added. “Often your colleagues’ impressions of you becomes your brand. The key to success is consciously managing and shaping your personal brand and this requires time, effort and careful planning.”
It is also important to hear from others who have found success and get a perspective of how this can be done. These can be gleaned from the stories of fellow alumni. The Office of Alumni Relations regularly organises
networking sessions and get-togethers, and individual faculties also offer mentorship programmes that pair alumni with junior mentees.
The NUS Faculty of Science’s Alumni-Student Mentorship Programme is supported by mentors like Ms Frances Tho (Science ’07), an example of an alumna who has successfully navigated from a Science graduate to a fintech professional.
“As a Materials Science major, I ventured beyond the comfort zone to navigate barriers and establish a presence in the financial and commodity trading and technology sector,” she said.
Ms Tho, Head of Asia, Commodity Trading Analytics Sales, at an information services company, shares this story with the students she mentors. “Typically, I want to empower my mentees to take and cultivate their own paths to success. I want them to be able to shape their career portfolios at an early stage.” Her efforts have certainly had an impact on students like Ms Chin Sek Yi, an undergraduate majoring in data science. Ms Chin told The AlumNUS, “Her years of experience
Shifts in the nature of work will also affect academia, says Professor Chen Tsuhan, Deputy President (Innovation and Enterprise).
“Deep tech is critical to solving global challenges like climate change, food security, healthcare management and the energy transition. It is about harnessing scientific knowledge — often in a multidisciplinary manner — to achieve breakthroughs and game-changing solutions. This requires significant research depth as well as extensive development, testing and validation before arriving at commercial solutions.
and deep understanding of her work provide useful insights to students who are keen on learning about the fintech pathway.”
It can be unnerving to make sense of how dramatically work as we know it today can change. But Prof Bernard Tan had a few words of encouragement, noting that one’s connection with NUS does not end at graduation. “Indeed, we’re there throughout your career to help. For the longest time, we at NUS have wanted to produce successful graduates who make valuable contributions to society. That ethos will not change.”
However, a gap exists between academic research and industrial application. This disconnect highlights the need for researchers to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset — one that not only values the pursuit of knowledge but emphasises the practical application and commercial viability of their findings.
NUS Enterprise provides students, academics, researchers and alumni with comprehensive innovation and entrepreneurship
support through experiential learning, technology translation and strategic ecosystem development. The new NUS Innovation and Venture Creation Awards, and the enhanced Graduate Research Innovation Programme, will bolster existing technology translation and commercialisation efforts, with a S$20 million commitment from the University for grants and pre-seed funding.”
A one-time gift of S$300 to Mrs Lim Weng Sam (Arts & Social Sciences ’73) when she was a young girl has changed many lives.
WHEN MRS LIM WENG SAM’S HUSBAND PASSED AWAY IN JULY 2023, there were two doctors who turned up at the wake. They were not family members or friends, but beneficiaries of a scholarship that Mrs Lim, 73, set up in 2009, which fully paid for their medical education.
Besides the Gan Guat Ching Medical Scholarship (named using her maiden name), Mrs Lim established two other funds at the National University of Singapore (NUS) — the Gan Eng Teck and Maria Tan Ah Ho Bursary (named after her parents) in 2008, and the Mr and Mrs Lim Weng Sam Medical Scholarship, which was set up more recently in 2023. Mrs Lim’s kindness has benefitted over 150 students and her kindness will continue to live on with her legacy gift to NUS.
The retired public servant and teacher’s motivation to give stems from her parents, who were
I wanted to give children from poor families who are capable of becoming doctors a chance to study medicine in a university.
extremely generous people. But there was also a gift that she never forgot. Mrs Lim was fresh out of St Anthony’s Convent, and her father’s business was not doing well at the time. As a consequence, her parents told her that they could not afford to send her to university.
Hearing of her plight, Father Domingos Lam from St Joseph’s Church, whom she was acquainted with, gave her S$300. When the funds from a PSC Merit Bursary she applied for came in later and she tried to return the gift to Father Lam, he declined. “He moved my heart and I never forgot his kindness,” she said. “I want to return to society the blessings I received.”
Her husband, whom Mrs Lim called “a man of few words with a heart of gold” was also very generous. He, too, chose to leave a legacy via a scholarship.
On why she chose to give to NUS, Mrs Lim, who graduated from the then-University of Singapore with an Economics degree with Honours, explained, “NUS is a very credible institution of higher learning and has a good global ranking and reputation.”
As to why her legacy gift is for medical education, Mrs Lim felt that medical scholarships were few and
far between. “I wanted to give children from poor families who are capable of becoming doctors a chance to study medicine in a university,” she explained. “That has been my goal and I have been able to fulfil that.”
One of her greatest joys is sharing some personal values with the recipients. “I tell them: ‘I don’t want to subject you to a bond’,” she said. “However, do study hard, get a degree and be committed to your job. Also, remember to look after your parents because they brought you up.”
Clearly, paying forward the blessings she has received is Mrs Lim’s inspiration in her lifelong journey of giving. Knowing that education can be a life-changing experience, she believes that by making a gift to the University, it is “a good avenue to lift people out of the vicious cycle of poverty and that you can help generations of students long after you are gone”.
In light of Mr Lim’s recent passing, Mrs Lim’s words are a clarion reminder that generosity is not just a one-time gift, but a legacy with the power to echo through generations.
If you have any questions on how to make a legacy gift to NUS, please call 6516 8000 or email legacygift@nus.edu.sg. You can also scan in this QR code for more information.
A legacy gift is a planned deferred gift usually made through wills, trusts and insurance. In Singapore, it can also be made via your CPF monies.
We all have a purpose in life that underscores our values and drives our passions. If your values include empowering future generations with long-lasting impact, you may consider making a future gift to education.
DID YOU KNOW THAT LEGACY GIVING HAS MUCH ROOM TO GROW IN SINGAPORE?
>50%
of respondents had positive sentiments about legacy giving and the difference it could make to the community and future generations.
DONORS ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT PURPOSE
> 6 in 10 respondents would leave a legacy gift to help others in the community.
About
6 in 10
would do so if the gift could impact the future or set a good example for the next generation.
WAYS OF MAKING A LEGACY GIFT TO NUS
However, only
knew how to make a legacy gift or had considered doing so, 1 in 5
14% and only
had left a legacy gift to charity.
Cash was the most popular way to give,
Make a future gift to the University through financial and estate planning in bequests and wills
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Mr T Raja Segar is a familiar face in the Indian community in Singapore. He took over as editor of the Tamil Murasu newspaper in April 2024, following stints at the Hindu Endowments Board and the Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA).
The new editor of Singapore’s oldest — and only — Tamil newspaper, Mr T Raja Segar (Science ’88) gets candid about his boots-on-the-ground approach and how the media can stay relevant in the digital age.
UST TWO WEEKS INTO HIS STINT as the editor of Tamil Murasu, Mr Raja Segar learnt of a major announcement: that Singapore would see its first leadership change in 20 years. The handover from Mr Lee Hsien Loong to Mr Lawrence Wong was only the third such change in prime ministers since Singapore’s independence in 1965. The news got Mr Segar, 62, thinking. “I wanted to make the story come alive for our readers, especially the younger ones, who might have been born after the last
leadership transition in 2004,” he said. “We in the news business today are blessed with the ability to tell stories like never before, thanks to the power of social media and technology.”
With this in mind, he set a clear goal for his team: to bring Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s inauguration to life for audiences. Judging by the scope of its coverage, they certainly did just that. There were videos that not only captured the formal proceedings at the Istana, but also the groundswell of emotion at Yew Tee, a precinct that PM Wong represents in Parliament.
[The need to adapt to digital trends] has lit a fire under us to stay relevant to younger readers. If you’re not going to connect with them, you might as well send the paper to the gallows, because the time will come when no one will read you!
Mr Segar recalls rushing from the inauguration ceremony to Yew Tee to support his team and hear their views. “With news, you have to be on the ground,” he explained. “I enjoy going out to meet people and be with my team as they tell their stories.” In the month of April 2024, during the annual Tamil Language Month, he attended over 20 of the 48 events to meet supporters.
Mr Segar’s affable nature and fondness for meeting people have earned him many valuable connections over the years. These have proven useful in his quest to tell stories in a unique manner. He began widening his network as a Science student at NUS. “I would hop on the University bus and travel to the Arts faculty twice or thrice a week for an Economics class,” he recalled. “At those classes, I was exposed to students from other faculties, like Business, Arts and even Law. I cherish those friendships till today.” Also useful is the academic foundation he gained from his time at the University. “We were trained to look at issues from multiple angles, which has come in handy throughout my career,” he shared.
These traits are exemplified in Tamil Murasu’s coverage of a recent solar eclipse that was visible in the United States. “We didn’t just want to do a straightforward story,” he explained. “So I got in touch with a teacher friend in Dallas and we had a Zoom interview about the activities she had organised for her class. Readers in Singapore could feel like they were watching the eclipse, even though it was taking place thousands of miles away.”
Like many media outlets, the 88-year-old Tamil Murasu, Singapore’s oldest and only Tamil newspaper, has had to adapt to digital trends to stay relevant to younger readers. This is a source of excitement, rather than apprehension for Mr Segar. “It has lit a fire under us to stay
relevant to younger readers,” he said. “If you’re not going to connect with them, you might as well send the paper to the gallows, because the time will come when no one will read you!”
The paper has done well on this front. Since the start of 2024, the Tamil Murasu app has been downloaded more than 22,000 times and its social media reach has grown steadily through the years.
Indeed, people are at the heart of Mr Segar’s long and varied career. This began right from his University days, when he held office in the NUS Indian Cultural Society and Tamil Language Society. “It’s far from linear,” he said of his career, noting his stints at media outlets, schools, community organisations and even the Ministry of Defence. A common thread that runs through this is service, especially to the Indian community.
While at Mediacorp in the 1990s he was instrumental in the setting up of Vasantham Central and led the team for four years. He has also served as chief executive at two organisations familiar to many Indians: SINDA from 2009 to 2014 and the Hindu Endowments Board from 2017 till earlier this year. His return to media as the editor of Tamil Murasu is the latest chapter.
“I was very honoured to be appointed editor of Tamil Murasu, a paper that is very dear to the Tamil community. Many of us grew up with it on our coffee tables at home; we read it, contributed to it and through this, forged a bond with it,” said Mr Segar, recalling the many poems and articles he had published over the years. “Through our efforts, I hope that Tamil Murasu will remain an important part of the Tamil community, the same way that it has been for many generations before.”
3 facts you may not have known about Tamil, one of Singapore’s four official languages:
Tamil is one of the oldest living languages in the world, with a recorded history that dates back over 2,000 years.
Approximately 85 million speak the language worldwide, with significant communities in India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Canada, Fiji and Mauritius.
Tamil Murasu has its roots in the Tamils Reform Association, an organisation set up in June 1932 to raise the socio-economic status of the Tamil-speaking community.
Sources: National Library Board, WION News, The Juggernaut
Mr Zaid Ahmed Khan (Venture Creation ’21) is the co-founder of M.I. Cloud Tech, which leverages on magnetic interference technology to create solutions for sleep disorders and other issues.
Upon fulfilling his dream to study innovation and entrepreneurship at the National University of Singapore (NUS), Zaid Ahmed Khan has overcome his introverted nature and other challenges to launch a successful tech start-up.
ASMr Zaid Ahmed Khan was an invited tech start-up speaker at the Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH) 2023 (Photo: Wang Tong)
ENTREPRENEUR,
ZAID AHMED KHAN knew he had to find ways to overcome his inherent shyness.
As CEO of M.I. Cloud Tech, how else would he make pitches and presentations to convince clients and investors that the start-up he co-founded was worth its value?
“Either I talk, or I die,” he shared. “When you and your company experience tough times, you focus more on how to survive rather than your own shyness.”
He worked at it. Overcoming his initial shyness, Mr Ahmed Khan developed the ability to navigate different environments and effectively communicate with different groups.
Today, the start-up he co-founded with fellow graduate Ms Paige Yang (Venture Creation ’21) is driving towards commercialisation and applying their food preservation and healthcare solutions in the market.
The entrepreneurial seed in his heart sprouted three years ago in 2021 when Mr Ahmed Khan — whose two siblings are also entrepreneurs — realised his dream of starting his graduate studies at NUS.
Hailing from Pakistan, he was a postgraduate student in the first class of the Master of Science in Venture Creation, which was launched in 2021 with the goal of nurturing entrepreneurial and innovative talents.
Meeting Ms Yang sparked Mr Ahmed Khan’s entrepreneurial spirit as she was passionate about the commercial prospects
of magnetic interference technology. Classroom work swiftly evolved into a business partnership.
The duo took part in the NUS Graduate Research Innovation Programme, which provides handson mentorship and step-by-step guidance for deep tech start-ups to grow. They secured seed capital of S$100,000. In early 2022,they registered the M.I. Cloud business. Within a year, they went from business idea and prototyping, to entering the healthcare sector in Singapore and expanding into the region.
Apart from having to overcome shyness, Mr Ahmed Khan also had to contend with being away from his family. From a comfortable lifestyle in Pakistan where he lived with his parents in a big house with a garden, with a retinue of helpers and drivers, he had to learn to adapt to new environments and cultures, handle accommodation, cooking, travelling and various tasks on his own.
“It was the vibrant entrepreneurial landscape and diverse culture which energised me, and strengthened my confidence and determination to embark on entrepreneurship,” he reflected. “I feel like I became a brand new version of myself.”
Either I talk, or I die. When you and your company experience tough times, you focus more on how to survive rather than your own shyness.
Interestingly, Mr Ahmed Khan shared that the magnetic interference technology was initially utilised for food preservation, to help fishermen keep seafood fresh.
But after a fisherman happened to place the device inside his sleeping bag and noticed that he felt better, the device was tested and found to have effects in improving sleep quality and reducing snoring. The company created a prototype and after-market testing, the patented technology was repurposed to develop an innovative sleep pillow which may help insomniacs to sleep better. This would become one of M.I. Cloud’s flagship products.
Going forward, Mr Ahmed Khan aims to build a robust sales system and launch retail stores in Singapore, with a recent fundraising target set to secure one million Singapore dollars.
For companies in the health technology sector, competition exists not only in the present, but also in the long term. As an entrepreneur, Mr Ahmed Khan finds “being realistic” is a crucial capability for a start-up founder.
“Start-ups are not lacking in innovative ideas and opportunities, and their teams usually have strong problem-solving abilities,” Mr Ahmed Khan highlighted. “However, a crucial precondition is how you face reality and how you understand the current position you are in.”
Mr Ahmed Khan has certainly faced personal and entrepreneurial challenges head on and M.I. Cloud is well-poised to grow and succeed.
Dr Charmaine Lim is a psychologist who is passionate about democratising mental health care. She advocates for accessible mental health services through Talking Therapy, a psychotherapy clinic she started.
Even as she helps the community improve their mental health, Dr Charmaine Lim (Arts & Social Sciences ‘12) is also mindful about safeguarding hers.
WOULD GO HOME AND JUST CRY,” recalled clinical psychologist Dr Charmaine Lim.
“It was so heartbreaking to hear about the abuse and trauma that my clients at Boys’ Town had faced, despite being so young.”
Those early experiences strengthened her resolve to make mental healthcare more accessible, especially to vulnerable communities. That is precisely what she has done with Talking Therapy, the mental health clinic she started with the aim of democratising mental health care. Dr Lim specialises in care for individuals, offering various forms of therapy. She also prides herself on being an LGBTQ-friendly counsellor.
“I got into psychology to help people, so these services are a way of making an impact,” she said, explaining her decision to start Talking Therapy.
But there are days when the 35-year-old needs to trade the psychologist’s chair for the client’s
one. “Most days, I can get by with a cuddle from my dog Pumpkin or spending time with my family and friends, but there are days when I do benefit from the perspective of a psychologist,” she said. “Helping myself helps me help others better too.”
“A common misconception is that you have to have poor mental health to see a psychologist,” she continued. But that’s not always the case: for some, the process of psychotherapy — simply talking to a psychologist — can be a useful and routine way of understanding and managing your emotions.
It is a misconception she tries to correct with the patients she sees. “Some of my clients are guilty about coming for therapy, because they feel that
there are others who are worse off who would benefit from a session,” Dr Lim shared. “But I remind them that you can drown in one inch of water.”
Singaporeans are becoming more aware of this, as evidenced by the findings of the 2022 National Population Health Survey. The survey found that although mental health had worsened, more are willing to seek help. “It’s a welcome trend — because just a few years ago, people were afraid to speak about mental health at the workplace, for fear of ridicule, or worse, losing their job,” Dr Lim observed.
Over her 11 years in the mental health space, Dr Lim has seen it evolve dramatically for the better. “There’s a lot more awareness,
Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, provides support for individuals dealing with mental health, emotional or interpersonal challenges.
ENHANCE SELFUNDERSTANDING From managing persistent feelings of sadness and anxiety to addressing relationship issues and enhancing selfesteem, therapy offers a safe and supportive space for exploration and healing.
It is important to note that psychotherapy isn’t solely for those experiencing severe challenges; anyone seeking self-understanding, behaviour pattern exploration or healthier coping strategies can benefit.
Dr Lim on a volunteer trip to Cambodia.
especially among important stakeholders like corporates.” She has been part of that change, serving as a wellbeing specialist partner for NUS staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this role, she supported lecturers, university administrators and researchers. “Having that avenue for employees to come forward and share their struggles in a safe space is so important,” she explained. “We’ve seen how it improves team morale and overall satisfaction across the organisation.” In 2023, she then served as Associate Director and Lead Clinical Psychologist in the University Counselling Services for students.
Given her affable demeanour, Dr Lim’s chosen career seems like an obvious fit. But this wasn’t always the case. “Before NUS, I completed a diploma in hospitality and tourism,” she explained, adding that she was part of the teams that put together massive events like the Youth Olympic Games and the annual F1 Singapore Grand Prix. “I even took a leave of absence during my time at NUS to work on F1.”
But she decided to give a career in psychology a shot after graduating from NUS. “I was excited by the chance
Having that avenue for employees to come forward and share their struggles in a safe space is so important.
to connect with others,” she recalled, adding that volunteering stints with the Institute of Mental Health and migrant workers’ welfare groups only cemented her decision.
Her first full-time stint as a counsellor at Boys’ Town was an eye-opener. “It was there that I really began to contextualise the theories I had learnt in school,” she said. “My team was great; I remember my supervisor telling me to put aside the theories for the first few sessions and just spend time to connect with the boys. That really made the difference.”
After all these years, Dr Lim still gets immense satisfaction from seeing her clients improve. “There’s something deeply fulfilling about accompanying them through their struggles and triumphs, witnessing their resilience in the face of adversity, and ultimately seeing them emerge stronger and more empowered. The moments when clients recognise their progress and reflect on how far they’ve come is very rewarding.”
Talking Therapy is an AlumPERKS merchant offering NUS alumni a discount on their first individual therapy session.
Check out more AlumPERKS merchants at nus.edu.sg/ alumnet/alumnuscard or scan in this QR code.
The National University of Singapore (NUS) alumni chapter in the Philippines hosted the firstever Cocktails and Connections, a networking event for NUS Business School alumni members, at the La Latina restaurant, Greenbelt 5, Makati City, Metro Manila.
It was the first-ever faculty subgroup gathering in Manila, and had been in the plans since the inception of the chapter. Twenty-one NUS Business School alumni were joined by 22 NUS alumni from other faculties and schools (Arts & Social Sciences, Computing, Design & Environment, Public Policy, Science, Engineering, Medicine and Law) who had actively attended the chapter’s gatherings in 2023. Also present at the event were seven special guests from the Harvard Club of the Philippines.
Registration and cocktails commenced at 6pm, followed by a short programme that started around 7pm. Chapter Chairperson Mr Richard Tan (Public Policy ’13) provided an overview of the chapter’s
25 January 2024
activities for 2024, including the NUS Innovation Forum to be held for the first time in Manila in May. He also thanked the NUS Office of Alumni Relations for their generous sponsorship of the event. The special guest for the event was Mr Pan Jingxuan, Deputy Chief of Mission and Counsellor of the Singapore Embassy to the Philippines. Mr Tan and Chapter Vice-Chairperson Mr Nestor Precioso (Science ’06) organised a toast in his honour and thanked him for the Embassy’s continuous support of the chapter, and wished him well, as he would be moving on to a new post.
Special NUS giveaways were distributed to all NUS alumni present. Guests enjoyed various Latin American dishes for dinner such as milanesa, paella de kubina Chilena, lomo saltado and salmon Tikin Xic. Many attendees stayed well beyond the programme’s official end time, and enjoyed the opportunity to catch up with old friends and expand their personal and professional networks.
Time has flown by since our days at National University of Singapore’s (NUS) East China University of Political Science and Law (ECUPL) programme; we have journeyed together, hand in hand, chasing our dreams. It is amazing to see our fellow alumni thriving in their careers across the globe and excelling in their fields.
With the LLM International Business Law (IBL) programme marking its 20th anniversary milestone this year, a celebration was held at the Changning Campus of ECUPL on 10 March, an initiative of the IBL Alumni Committee.
This event could not have been successfully organised without the generous contributions from a number of law firms where fellow
alumni are currently working. More than 100 alumni took part in this event in person and a few alumni joined virtually. Prof Stephen Phua (Law ’88) and Prof CT Kuan (Law ’14) from NUS, as well as Prof Yang Yanping, Prof Yang Zhongxiao, Prof Shao Jun, Assoc Prof Li Na, Assoc Prof Peng Xu, and Assoc Prof Shi Xiangrui from ECUPL, graced the event.
It is worth highlighting that a presentation on Crossborder Investment by the current batch of IBL students was included at the end of the event to showcase the skills they learned from the programme. Let us look forward to the next 20 years of the IBL programme.
Submitted by Charles Guo (Law ’10)
19 March 2024
Over the span of ten weeks from mid-January to endMarch 2024, a group of ten alumni gathered weekly in a classroom at National University of Singapore College (NUSC).
Guided by Professor Philip Holden and co-facilitator Bianca Tham (Arts and Social Sciences + USP ’17), we embarked on a self-exploratory journey through the Guided Autobiography (GAB) class. GAB is a practice that helps participants reflect on, and
re-story their lives in a supportive environment. Each week, participants delved into themed writing exercises by drawing upon memories or past experiences, and subsequently sharing their stories with the group.
Started in 2022, this was the third run of the GAB class organised by NUSC, which is open to alumni participants from NUSC, the University Scholars Programme (USP) and Yale-NUS.
Initially drawn to GAB with the intention to reflect, process my past and gain perspectives
Listening to the stories shared by the group also provided me a window into their life, fostering a deeper appreciation of the diverse journeys of others. – Yvonne Ng
on my life, I found myself enriched beyond measure by the ten-week class. Themes such as ‘major branching points in life’, ‘family’, ‘life’s work’, ‘health and wellbeing’, ‘gender identity’, ‘navigating differences’ and ‘death and dying’, opened different windows into my past with each passing week. The reading aloud of stories was unexpectedly therapeutic and cathartic. Listening to the stories shared by the group also provided me a window into their lives, fostering a deeper appreciation of our diverse journeys. Often, the class was filled with joy and laughter, sometimes grief and tears, but mostly it was a strong and trusted circle of support, affirmation, appreciation and connectedness.
I am grateful to NUSC and the organising team for getting the class together, and most of all, to Prof Holden and Bianca for volunteering their time; skilfully and thoughtfully bringing the group together; enabling us to review our lives; rediscover our strengths; reaffirm our values and chart a purposeful way forward. Indeed, GAB was a transformative journey for us, in the spirit of continuous learning and growth, no less!
Submitted by Yvonne Ng (Science + USP ’05)
Vibrant energy filled the Cluny, Dalvey & Evans Room of the Kent Ridge Guild House on 22 March as faculty and alumni from the National University of Singapore’s (NUS) Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) faculty’s classes of 2016 and 2017 gathered for a reunion dinner.
The atmosphere buzzed with conversation as attendees
reconnected with former classmates. Laughter echoed through the room as stories of late-night study sessions and fond memories of campus antics were shared.
A welcome speech by Professor Biplab Sikdar (Head of Department, ECE) kicked off the evening, followed by a delicious buffet dinner that
22 March 2024
provided ample opportunities for informal networking and reminiscing.
Many photos were taken throughout the event, capturing the essence of the evening — a celebration of the University’s legacy and the enduring bonds between faculty, alumni and the institution that shaped their lives.
In keeping with the upcoming season of art festivals in Hong Kong, National University of Singapore (NUS) alumni in Hong Kong held an art jam-cum-dinner at Artjamming Studio. It was a balmy evening and we sat outdoors on a patio amid the industrial buildings of Wong Chuk Hang in the south of Hong Kong. We ordered some food from HoHon Eatery. To maximise
our budget, we did the food pick-up ourselves, ordered wine from a wine cellar, and bought chocolates, cheese and pâté from the store. This allowed us to have a sumptuous spread. The art jamming session proved very educational, as the instructor is an architect who is passionate about art and painting, and has a unique way of teaching complete beginners, which she calls “building a pizza”. Everyone had plenty to eat and drink, ended
22 March 2024
up with a piece of art they could take home (most chose to paint a tote bag which they could use), and made some new friends. Overall, it was successful session, given the many ‘thank you’ messages I received after the event!
Submitted by Diana Ng (Arts & Social Sciences
’91)
Alumni, friends, staff and students gathered on 26 April for a “Last Lecture Dinner” to celebrate the 95th anniversary of the Faculty of Science. Mr Alex Tee, who works in the finance industry, shared insights from his personal journey of growth and moments of vulnerability, and how these experiences made him flourish and feel invigorated. He encouraged attendees to embrace meaningful risks and shared some ideas on how to start: Is there a conversation you need to have? Is there a person you need to pursue? Is there a sacrifice you need to make? Is there a project you need to start?
Following the lecture, alumni spanning from the Class of ’78 to recent graduates engaged in a lively game of human Bingo,
fostering camaraderie over good food and wine.
The Pharmacy Alumni Group and Department are delighted by the evening’s success and eagerly anticipate future alumni gatherings.
NUS Overseas Alumni Qingdao Ambassador Mr David Lye (Arts & Social Sciences ’95) takes us behind the veil of Qingdao, one of northern China’s industrial hubs.
As a tourist destination, the northeastern city of Qingdao may not immediately come to mind the way that megacities like Beijing and Shanghai do, but it has its own charm, said NUS alumnus Mr David Lye, who has called the city home for nearly 30 years. “It has a unique culture of its own, thanks to its history as a German outpost,” explained the NUS Overseas Alumni Qingdao Ambassador, who is married to Ms Cynthia Xin, a native of Qingdao.
Since 2004, Mr Lye has run a successful auto export business from the city. In the early 2000s, starting a business
in Qingdao was a no-brainer. However, starting and running a business has become harder in recent years, given the growing tariffs and trade war between the United States and China. Still, this should matter little to travellers visiting the city, whose name loosely translates to ‘green island’. “It blends the best of both worlds,” said Mr Lye, pointing to how the old city has been preserved, with distinctive cobbled streets, colonial German architecture and redroofed villas across the city. Food in Qingdao has been greatly influenced by its location overlooking the Yellow Sea. “I always recommend guests to try the seafood here including scallops, crabs, squid and yellow croaker. They are all fresh and can be cooked in any style you want,” he said.
Sights in Qingdao largely centre on its unique history, a legacy of the city’s German occupation between 1898 and 1914. The Qingdao Beer Museum provides a glimpse back in time through old
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Given its history, the city boasts a
photos and preserved brewery equipment. You can also get to meet the staff behind the iconic beer and sample various brews. “Don’t leave Qingdao without checking out the old city,” said Mr Lye. Noteworthy attractions include St Michael’s Cathedral, a grand edifice built in the 1930s with a blend of Gothic and Romanesque architecture, and the Governor’s House, once residence of the German governor and presently a captivating museum.
The famous Tsingtao Brewery, a quintessential city landmark.
Mr Lye added that travellers would love Qingdao because of its weather. “We have four distinct seasons,” he said. The best time to visit is between April and May, when the cherry trees bloom. The most underrated shopping destination in the city is the Jimo Road market. Home to an assortment of goods and wares all at low prices, a highlight to buy here is jade and pearls.
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The graduating class of 2024 reflects on their time in the University, and share their hopes and fears about the next chapter of their lives.
The newest cohort of National University of Singapore (NUS) graduates is used to uncertainty. After all, their first few years in the University were unlike anything seen in recent memory. Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, their classes, interactions and even orientations were largely online. It was only a few years into their education that they started experiencing a more traditional university education.
This cohort will once again face the unknown as they enter a working world where change is the only constant. But that has not affected their university experience. In fact, it has fostered a spirit of resilience
and community, layering onto the comprehensive education they received at NUS, that gifts them with the unwavering confidence to conquer their dreams. The AlumNUS speaks to this year’s graduates to find out more as they step out from NUS.
How have you grown and evolved since you stepped into NUS?
Hnin Su: We were lucky to have been given the chance to discover new passions and interests while in university, and were able to change track quite easily. I actually joined NUS to pursue computer science, but then realised that I wanted something more creative and not as technical. Through my major in Communications and New Media, I discovered my passion for UX design — and that is what I’m gunning for.
Miguel: I agree. After my first year, I was exposed to design thinking, and that sparked my interest in Innovation and Design, which I took as a minor in my second year. The focus on interdisciplinary learning made us a lot more comfortable with new environments, and it is something that you hold on to. Just look at me: I’m a chemical engineer by training, but will soon be working in customer data management at Singapore Airlines!
Natalie: Going on an overseas exchange was another eyeopener. I went to the UK and during that time, had the opportunity to make short films across Europe. It got me interested in content creation and I combined that with my passion for geography when I returned by joining a research project with NUS Geography on the impact of hydropower dams on dolphins in the Irrawaddy River. I also went to Kenya recently to film and document the conservation scene there. These varied experiences
UNDERGRADUATES
Kunal Khanijau (Design and Engineering ’24)
Miguel Lim (Design and Engineering ’24)
Derek Ong (Science ’24)
Natalie Ong (Arts & Social Sciences ’24)
Farah Bte Abdul Rahim (Medicine ’24)
Khin Hnin Su (Arts & Social Sciences ’24)
Huang Ziwei (Arts & Social Sciences ’24)
President | 45th Executive Committee National University of Singapore Students’ Union (NUSSU) Council
POSTGRADUATES
Suchit Negi (Science ’24)
Dr Hanson Lee (Design and Engineering ’24)
have helped me better understand my interests.
Hanson: I have become a lot more entrepreneurial thanks to my participation in the NUS Graduate Research Innovation Programme (GRIP) and PIER71 (Port Innovation Ecosystem Reimagined @ BLOCK71). These programmes equipped us with the essential knowledge and skill sets needed to translate our research into impactful deep technology start-ups. Through PIER71, I also witnessed firsthand how research can be applied to the maritime industry, particularly in addressing global challenges such as decarbonisation.
Is there a chance that you might move into different fields?
Kunal: My interest is in automotive engineering, which is not really a big industry in Singapore yet. But I am confident that I will be able to navigate my way towards that industry by applying the skills I have learnt. Hopefully I will be able to move from mechanical engineering, apply for jobs in the semiconductor industry and from there, move into the automotive industry.
Farah: It is a bit different for me. Medicine is often seen as a unidirectional discipline, because it is a professional programme. But being active in various interest groups, societies and activities allowed me to pick up basic skills in marketing, sponsorship management and event organisation. These are definitely not deep enough for a career in those fields, but they make me more wellrounded as a professional.
Derek: I am probably going against the grain here, but if anything, I have only deepened my passion for chemistry. Through these four
If these four years have taught me anything, it is to be quite comfortable in the uncertainty. I do not think I’m there yet, but am confident that I will get there. – Natalie Ong
years, I tried out many aspects of chemistry, including research, which I really enjoyed. But I realised that academia can be a competitive environment, which is not really what I want. So I have looked into lab work, where I can apply the concepts I have learnt. I believe it is better suited to me.
What are some of your concerns as you step out into the working world?
Natalie: For the first time, I do not know exactly what I will be doing in six months — and this is quite a scary thought for someone who likes to plan. But if these four years have taught me anything, it is to be comfortable with uncertainty. I do not think I am there yet, but am confident that I will get there.
Derek: Having done so many internships has definitely helped to quell some of the nerves. These offer great opportunities to pick up the softer, transferable skills that you cannot learn in school: how to communicate with your boss, manage various stakeholders, and so on. I believe I speak for all of us when I say that being from NUS has given employers the
confidence to treat us like full-time staff during internships, giving us a great deal of responsibilities and opportunities. I definitely benefitted from that.
Suchit: One thing weighing on all our minds — even as postgraduates — is the world we are graduating into. While I do have concerns, I am currently honing my computational skills and acquiring firsthand research experience as a research assistant. Eventually, I hope to work in computational physics, where I can use my skills and expertise to enact positive change, and eventually pursue a PhD.
One thing that every successive cohort has in common is the sense that you have forged lifelong bonds during your time here. Tell us about that.
Ziwei: Work aside, my biggest takeaway from NUS would be the friends made here. I will miss the times when I stayed in hostel and could just text in the group chat and ask to have supper, and there were bound to be friends to eat with. Then there are the people I met in class who would debate intensely on a topic, and even carry on these discussions over meals afterwards. I will also miss my committee members in the NUS Students’ Union.
Kunal: The first few years of university life were marked by the pandemic, so many of us got very close to people in our residential colleges. In my case, it was Ridge View Residential College, and we would see one another at mealtimes. Those were very important connections, since we had little chance to forge others. But when things started opening
up, we gradually started mixing and had the opportunity to make friends from across NUS.
Hanson: One of the most cherished aspects of my PhD experience was the collaborative environment. Working closely with fellow researchers and mentors — especially my supervisor, Associate Professor Yang Kun-Lin — has been instrumental in shaping my research approach. The exchange of ideas and collective problemsolving fostered a strong sense of camaraderie within our academic community, enhancing both my personal growth and the quality of my research.
Any words for fellow graduands?
Ziwei: Firstly, congratulations on completing the tough but eventful tenure in NUS. Hopefully it was both fruitful and memorable. It is normal to have concerns and doubts about the future, for no one knows what tomorrow holds. However, I believe with the knowledge, skills and experience that NUS has equipped us with, we should be confident of being able to shape our own future, and be the change we want to see. Do not feel demoralised if you are unable to land a job immediately. Have patience and faith, pursue what you are interested in, and the opportunity will present itself.
I believe with the knowledge, skills and experience that NUS has equipped us with, we should be confident of being able to shape our own future, and be the change we want to see. – Huang Ziwei
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