Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy Alumni Commemorative Book 2018 by Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore

THE LKYSPP OUTSTANDING ALUMNI AWARD HONOURABLE MENTION

TODAY’S PREPARATION, TOMORROW’S ACHIEVEMENT

OF SOUND MIND AND POLICY

Despite an impressive list of appointments and awards, Dr Geng Jing (James) remains unfazed as he carries on with his philosophy of lifelong learning and preparation.

Prudence dictates that one takes him seriously—numerous awards, accolades and appointments, academic or otherwise, signal both his success and hunger for learning. Shortly after assuming the position of Vice President at Chang Jiang Pension Insurance Group, James applied for a Master in Public Management at LKYSPP to better prepare himself. On top of widening his technical aptitude in the world of finance, he also learned that differences do not always lead to conflict, but can be opportunities for creativity and progress. Since then, he has maintained strong ties with NUS and LKYSPP, holding appointments including President of the NUS Alumni Shanghai Chapter and Vice President of LKYSPP Alumni Shanghai Chapter. This year, he was appointed a member of the NUS Alumni Advisory Board. As Vice President of LKYSPP Alumni Shanghai Chapter, he launched several events like the annual ceremonies, alumni networking session, alumni nights and the alumni forum. These events strengthened the networking amongst the alumni, and even resulted in business cooperation between members. But despite his achievements and valued standing, he retains his humility—perhaps the very reason he is so distinguished in the first place. He says that one should let go of titles and positions, stay modest and to improve, network and learn from others by drawing on their strengths and practices.

DR GENG JING Master in Public Management, Class of 2010

Books lead to knowledge, while practice leads to understanding.

busy schedule is no excuse, and even as the Board Chair and President of Greenland Financial Holdings Group (a Fortune Global Top 500 Enterprise), James has kept up with his habit of lifelong learning. He reads ardently on rising technologies and believes in two things: 1) we will soon see these technologies applied in the financial sector, and 2) success lies in previous preparations, without which there will be failure. 20

Kim Rithy’s conviction and experience find their purpose in his vision for Cambodia. His work to enrich communities continues in the form of numerous projects, from the local to national level.

MR KIM RITHY Master in Public Management, Class of 2012

“ .

In the next 5 to 10 years, I hope to contribute to a robust public service system to meet the demand of our communities.” As vice-governor for the Kandal province, Rithy oversees the education, health, labour, information and human resource development departments. His efforts include mobilising youths as community volunteers, the Blood Drive project and a project to build daycare centres in disadvantaged communities. However, there is a clear focus on developing educational infrastructures. He explains: “Our education system has to reform faster to produce better human capital for the knowledge economy and to be competitive in the region.” Rithy has been actively involved in various educational reforms, including enforcing against cheating in examinations and the One Computer Project, which raises funds to build computer labs for high schools. He also regularly makes personal visits to many schools. His background in law enforcement, the military and social service have yielded a dogmatic resolve: “I am facing issues daily. Those issues don’t take me down; they excite me when I manage to solve them.” However, his passion has been an impediment at times. “When my organisation fails to meet my high expectations—that's when I feel frustrated," he says. However, LKYSPP has helped with this: "The School helped me

Communicate with your classmates, do bonding activities, build your social capital and be interdependent.

look at organisation reform and set policies with realistic and pragmatic expectations.” Doing the Master in Public Management (MPM) programme at LKYSPP has also complemented his career advancement and further equipped him for public service. “LKYSPP broadened [my] perspective in pursuing justice through various sectors, from better access to education and healthcare to creating employment and developing the community.” While Rithy is no stranger to hard work and action, he also keeps in contact with his classmates, especially the Cambodian Alumni: “I reach out to them from time to time seeking their opinions on complicated issues, or for the sake of good barbeque and great companionship!” 21

THE LKYSPP OUTSTANDING ALUMNI AWARD HONOURABLE MENTION

BRIGHTENING SMILES

SERVE TO LEAD

Samuel Glatman was so fascinated by Myanmar that he moved there. He soon found that widespread use of betel quid was a problem without a remedy. Now, through Ko Shwe Ventures, he endeavours to bring affordable oral care products within reach of millions.

Tan Chuan-Jin is currently the Speaker of the Singapore Parliament. He was previously the Minister for Social and Family Development as well as Minister for Manpower. He believes that building a more caring, compassionate and inclusive society is not just a slogan but something that can actually be done. As Singapore evolves, there is a need to tend to the heart and soul of the nation and he is convinced that there is an innate desire to do good and to build a better society. Volunteering and giving allows Singaporeans to do that.

hen chewed, betel quid stains the teeth of users a dark red colour. “Whilst it’s a traditional habit, upon further study it became clear that it has a host of serious side effects," explains Samuel. These effects range from sensitivity and inflammation to a pre-cancerous condition called oral submucous fibrosis and oral cancer. An estimated 43% of the Myanmar population chew the popular drug. Across Asia, there are a reported 600 million users. But the solution is far from simple. Large portions of the population rely on betel quid for their livelihood, from the more than 10 million farmers who grow the components of betel to over 150,000 shops that sell the product. The solution had to not just improve the oral health of betel users, but also be affordable and not damage the incomes of those relying on its sale. “I naively assumed that it would be easy to develop entirely new oral care products and sell them at prices to compete with some of the world’s largest oral care brands," Samuel reflects. Establishing Ko Shwe Ventures, he then launched two products—a mouthwash to use after chewing betel, and a chewing gum designed to improve gum health. He hopes to build a leading regional business providing oral care solutions to low income customers, an ambition that calls upon skills he developed at LKYSPP. “Core skills include soft (leadership and negotiation) and hard skills (economics, econometrics, research methods, etc.). The LKYSPP education gave me a combination

MR TAN CHUAN-JIN Master in Public Management, Class of 2007

For it is in giving that we receive. As we receive, we change. And as we change, we become more compassionate, caring and inclusive.

MR SAMUEL GLATMAN Master in Public Policy, Class of 2013

Many tasks are so much easier if you have the relevant skills that can be applied across multiple specific scenarios.

of the hard and soft skills to succeed and an understanding of the complex socio-political dynamics of the region.” Moving on, Samuel is spurred by the “600 million people who need our products” and who “drive our team to continue.” 22

t the national level, Chuan-Jin started and co-chairs SG Cares, a movement that rallies corporates, organisations and individuals to start the volunteering journey so that they can collectively begin to build a caring, compassionate and more inclusive Singapore. It is about creating an ecosystem that makes it easier and more effective for people to participate. At the local level, he seeks to cultivate this community spirit of looking out for one another within his Kembangan-Chai Chee ward as their Member of Parliament. He and his volunteers organised themselves to outreach to those who may need the extra help, and to also begin to look at preventive efforts. These efforts range from providing residents with short-term help, assisting to clean flats that are in poor condition, provision of free meals, running reading programmes for children from more challenging background, helping those with mental health concerns etc. Prior to holding public office, Chuan-Jin had spent nearly 24 years in the Singapore Armed Forces. In the aftermath of the

December 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, he was appointed as the Task Force Commander for the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief effort to Aceh, Indonesia. He witnessed the impact created when the team outreached in the midst of this tragic crisis. He was also in charge of organising the National Day Parade in 2009 where they sought to involve the less privileged in society as well as to engage more Singaporeans. In both instances, Chuan-Jin realised that the key to building a better society was through the process of reaching out, giving and caring. Chuan-Jin attended the Master in Public Management at LKYSPP in 2007. “I felt that LKYSPP provided me with a better understanding of public policy and how that could impact the lives of our citizens. The diversity of the class, with students who held relatively important appointments in their respective administrations, facilitated useful learning from each other”. 23

THE LKYSPP OUTSTANDING ALUMNI AWARD HONOURABLE MENTION

BEYOND PHYSICAL WELLBEING

POWERING THE ECONOMY BY EMPOWERING WOMEN From Asia to West Africa, Thynn Thynn Hlaing has led many different programmes. However, her motivation throughout them all is the same: to bring relief where it is needed the most.

Clear and anchored in his values, Dr Tan Lai Yong is no stranger to the nitty and gritty. In fact, it is his defence against complacency.

“

DR TAN LAI YONG Master in Public Administration, Class of 2012

rom playing sepak takraw and cricket with migrant workers to bringing his students to the Jurong Fishery port at 1am, Lai Yong believes in the doing. At the NUS College of Alice & Peter Tan (CAPT), he teaches a module entitled “Hidden Communities in Singapore”. In this course, Lai Yong leads the class on field trips, going to MRT worksites and visiting PUB water engineering teams in the hours past midnight and Geylang’s lorongs to learn about the communities of the back lanes. He also has sessions where students can join ex-offenders who use street dance to keep youths-at-risk away from gangs in low income HDB areas. As Director for Outreach and Community Engagement at CAPT, his inclination towards the fringes of society is an undoubted asset, and possibly what defines him the most. “My mission and personal calling is to work with the poor and marginalised," he explains of his motivation to spend 15 years as a doctor in rural China. While there, he planned surgery camps, found innovative ways to educate the different minority ethnic groups on health and hygiene and even initiated planting walnut trees to raise farm income and reduce soil erosion. In recognition of his efforts and impact, numerous awards from the Chinese authorities were showered upon him.

A quote that encouraged me when I started my work life at NUS; that reminded me of the noble privilege of being an educator… “The end product of a PhD is not a thesis; it is a person.”

While he is grateful to be in Singapore, Lai Yong embraces the need to step out of one’s comfort zone to live, learn and work alongside marginalised communities. Spurred by this desire to "re-tool" and "re-learn", he enrolled at LKYSPP for a Master in Public Administration in 2011. During his time in school, he took up a module in energy systems despite lacking an engineering background. He ended up scoring a C for a paper on energy systems. But the setback did not discourage him. "I learned so much about energy and engineering. If I wanted to score an A, I would have written about something I knew well," he says. "But I didn't come to LKYSPP to do something I already knew." 24

I have a passion for development work, and I am experienced with building effective programmes delivered by staff that are highly motivated and able to work in a responsible and accountable manner," explains Thynn Thynn . Starting her career in Myanmar, she soon branched out into neighbouring countries like Cambodia and Sri Lanka, taking on short-term assignments with Oxfam. She eventually found herself in Sierra Leone, West Africa. There, she had to rise to the occasion: “During the Ebola crisis, I led and successfully implemented Oxfam’s emergency response, which was staffed by 400 employees to fight against the global threat." Her efforts in the region did not go unrecognised, and in 2017, she was selected Best INGO Woman Leader in Sierra Leone by the INGO Watchdog Association in Africa. She is motivated by the challenges she faces, seeing them as boundaries to overcome and grow from in her pursuit to improve the world. She explains: “The male-dominated society in West Africa and rapid contextual changes in developing countries requires one to be innovative in order to bring about sustainable change.” Tangible social change from the perspective of gender and women’s rights is one of her drivers, and she has channelled this to effect in Sierra Leone: “On the women economic empowerment programme, we partnered with women-led community-based organisations to increase potato plantation and production. More than 200 women were employed through our programme and were able to continue by themselves after the programme.”

MS THYNN THYNN HLAING Master in Public Administration, Class of 2008

Working with people from different backgrounds and expertise can create innovation and support for each other.

Thynn Thynn accredits LKYSPP for helping her develop the necessary skillset for her successful work: “LKYSPP taught integrative problem solving; economic, financial management and leadership theories to address real-life problems. I am grateful to LKYSPP for this academic knowledge.” 25

THE LKYSPP OUTSTANDING ALUMNI AWARD HONOURABLE MENTION

CHANGING COURSE ON A GLOBAL LEVEL

MAKING SCIENCE WORK FOR HUMANITY

Despite over 25 years of leading campaigns in the uphill battle for the planet’s future, Von Hernandez knows that the battle is far from done. The good news is that neither is he.

His influence does not end there. After being awarded the Goldman Environmental Prize in 2003, the Nobel Prize for grassroots environmental activists, he has since gone on to bigger stages. From leading campaigns as the executive director of Greenpeace Southeast Asia (GPSEA), he was later appointed the Global Development Director of Greenpeace International. Now, he is the Global Coordinator of the Break Free from Plastic Movement, a collection of over 1,300 groups worldwide since its inception in September 2016. “Industry is set to quadruple the amount of plastics produced globally in the next three decades. This is insane," he warns. His activism journey was ignited when he witnessed firsthand the aftermath of typhoon Thelma on the Philippine city of Ormoc in 1991. “I was not an environmentalist then. The death and devastation I saw and witnessed made an indelible mark on my life. I came to that place as a volunteer. I left as an activist.” It has not been an easy ride. In addition to negotiating demands and positions with campaign adversaries and the expected challenges of managing a growing regional operation like GPSEA, Von has had to deal with physical threats to him and his team. His LKYSPP experience has helped him overcome some of those issues: “My LKYSPP education has provided me with fresh perspectives and new approaches to deal with challenges and improve the design and delivery of our campaign projects and initiatives.” In the future, Von hopes for a binding global treaty to address plastic pollution.

MR VON HERNANDEZ Master in Public Management, Class of 2011

We have to turn off the tap instead of dealing with this problem bucket by bucket. - Von on the global problem of plastic use.

s an environmental campaigner, Von is not just passionate—he is effective as well. In the Philippines alone, his campaigns have led to the approval of landmark laws including the Ecological Waste Management Act, the Clean Air Act and the Renewable Energy Act. In addition, he has spearheaded initiatives to clean up polluted rivers and contaminated sites. 26

MR YANG SHANGBAO

Yang Shangbao believes that a public servant must translate knowledge into practical relevance. He is determined to harness the insights gained from public policy studies to spur greater development of the water industry. .

Master in Public Administration and Management, Class of 2014

We cannot afford to focus only on book-learning and ignore practical relevance.

hangbao was instrumental in establishing the entire desalination industrial system in China and the publishing of many books on water conservation and desalination. He also supported the founding of the National Desalination Industry in China and facilitated China’s entry into the International Desalination Association. For his work, he was awarded the highest level of “Special Achievement Award” by the Membrane Industry Association of China in 2016, and nominated for the list of “10 People who Contributed the Most to China’s Development”. Shangbao’s illustrious career saw him start as a blast furnace worker, moving on to become a university professor and later a policy maker. The multifarious nature of his career reflects his life outside work where he enjoys networking with former schoolmates, giving speeches at alumni events and attending reunions. “I always try to find opportunities to talk and network with alumni when I meet them during business visits and trips,” he remarked. His wealth of experience, theoretical formulation and public policy, coupled with his passion for water resources, aided him in

driving the progress of the water industry in China. Now, he plans to take things to greater heights by harnessing the success of China’s water industry to benefit countries outside China. Despite his remarkable achievements, he is still faced with the conundrum of finding a balance between the “ideal”, which is often embodied in theoretical science, and the “reality” of the practical world. LKYSPP has allowed him to synergise the growth of his IQ, EQ and AQ (Artistic Quotient) as the key to success. His LKYSPP experience has taught him to use science to complement his work in public management, further enhancing his management capabilities. He reflected: “What impressed me most is that we first look at public policy as a science." For his next 10-year lap, he aims to gain more insights from public policy to spur China’s development and human progress, staying true to his heart. “Do your best and leave no regrets!” he says. 27

ONE WORLD MANY LEADERS

2 0 1 8

SPOTLIGHT ON LKYSPP ALUMNI

THE LKYSPP ALUMNI SERVICE AWARD

Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy

With this award, we express our gratitude for the exemplary actions of our nominees and award winner. As they give back to our community, they uphold the values, memories and the heart of LKYSPP.

THE LKYSPP ALUMNI SERVICE AWARD On stage with then President Tony Tan (second from left) at NUS Commencement in 2014

FORGING INTERNATIONAL BONDS OF FRIENDSHIP

新加坡国立大学2014年毕业授位典礼上，王克剑先生上台从时任新加坡总统陈庆炎博士的手中领取证书

A mediator by nature if not by training, Wang Kejian has worked ceaselessly to strengthen the relationship between LKYSPP alumni in Beijing and Singapore.

ang Kejian is no stranger to official roles requiring a certain amount of presence and leadership. As the current chairman of City Construction Press (城市建设杂志社), Kejian naturally stood out from the rest of the field when LKYSPP Alumni Beijing Chapter was searching for a new president in 2016. “I was appointed by the Dean [of LKYSPP] after being recommended by my peers,” he recalls. Since becoming president, Kejian has overseen a remarkable expansion in the Chapter’s membership. “We now have a greater number of active members with increasingly diverse backgrounds and profiles,” he enthuses. “Our younger members have also gradually begun to assume key roles in the Chapter”. This infusion of new blood has been accompanied by a proportionate increase in the range of the Chapter’s activities under Kejian’s stewardship. Activities now range from conferences and summits to cultural exchanges and contributions to academic journals. Kejian is particularly proud of hosting conferences about the Chinese government’s ground-breaking Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This is particularly because discussions were taking place between disparate parties like the Southeast and South Asian Chapters of the European and American Alumni

AWARDEE

MR WANG KEJIAN 王克剑先生 Master in Public Administration and Management, Class of 2014 公共行政管理硕士，2014级

more holistically, be it in aspects of culture, Association and the National University of economics or diplomacy: “Given the reach Singapore’s Beijing Alumni Association. and resources of the BRI, as well as the highHaving lived in both Beijing and Singapore, level agreements between the Chinese and Kejian has brought his knowledge of each Singaporean governments, I think our Chapter city’s inner workings to his role as Chapter should adjust its strategy and grasp the prime president, promoting closer ties between the opportunity that the BRI represents,” he cities’ respective LKYSPP alumni chapters. suggests. Frequent collaborations Kejian’s dedication and and intellectual dialogue passion to expand the ambit constitute the main thrust of of the Beijing Alumni Chapter Kejian’s bilateral approach, My time at LKYSPP is drawn from the support of but he has not neglected cemented my belief the aspect of giving back that cultural exchange his fellow alumni, as well as his sincere gratitude towards to his alma mater either: is still the only way his alma mater. He looks back “We are going to continue to foster a successful on his days at LKYSPP fondly, working hard to perfect the recalling how he used to platform for exchange and partnership between cooperation between us and organise various conferences two countries. with his instructors and courseour Singaporean counterpart,” mates. The subject matters Kejian shares. “Encouraging of those sessions continue to more Chinese students to resonate even today, with his work in media enrol at LKYSPP and boosting the School’s and publishing. international student community is definitely He muses: “I was constantly impressed by on our agenda”. the high academic calibre of my instructors It has not always been smooth-sailing for and the beautiful school campus,” Kejian says. Kejian. Being based in the capital of a country “It also didn’t hurt that Singapore is one of which constantly implements new reforms the most well-governed and well-managed at a breakneck pace has its perks, but also requires adaptability and resilience in order cities in the world." He goes on to add that not to be left behind. Kejian recognises that even after graduation, the LKYSPP faculty the Beijing Alumni Chapter cannot afford continues to support its overseas alumni in to rest on its laurels and needs to evolve multiple ways, citing a conference held in

塑造国际友谊

Beijing that several faculty members visited to share their knowledge and expertise. When asked about his advice for fellow LKYSPP alumni, Kejian grows reflective. “As alumni of LKYSPP, we should preserve the traditional ties between the people of China and Singapore, as well as continue to shine in our various fields so as to bring glory to both our nations and our alma mater."

作为一名极具天分的协调人，王克剑以他不懈的努力持续地巩固着李光耀公共政策学院校友会北京分会和新加坡分会之间的联系。

Outside the HQ of Western Returned Scholars Association (Overseas-educated Scholars Association of China).

摄于欧美同学会· 中国留学人员联谊会总部

NUS Alumni Beijing Chapter President Wang Kejian speaking at the 2017 annual meeting for members of the Southeast Asia and South Asia Association of Western Returned Scholars Association (Overseas-educated Scholars Association of China) and the NUS Alumni Beijing Chapter.

李光耀公共政策学院校友会北京分会会长王克剑先生在欧美同学会（中国留学人员联谊会）东南亚及南亚分会暨新加坡国立大学北京分会2017年新春年会上发表讲话

担任重要的角色和领导性的工作对于王克剑来说并不陌生。作为城市建设杂志社的现任主席，王克剑在2016年LKYSPP校友会北京分会主席的竞选中脱颖而出。他回忆道“在受到同学提名后，我得到了（LKYSPP）院长的任命”。自从任职主席以来，王克剑见证了北京分会显著的成长。“我们目前拥有更多的活跃成员，其背景和履历也更加多元，”他热切地说道。“我们年轻成员也逐渐在分会中更多地扮演主要角色”。在王克剑主席的领导下，分会在注入新鲜血液的同时也扩展了活动的范围。目前分会不但举行校友会议和峰会，还组织文化交流和学术发表等活动。王克剑主席对自己在促进中国政府“一带一路倡议”（BRI）对话交流过程中扮演的角色倍感自豪，特别是这些对话和交流是在欧美同学理事会的东南亚和南亚分会与新加坡国立大学北京校友联合会之间展开的。利用自己在北京和新加坡生活的经验，王克剑将自己对两个城市运作规范的了解应用在对分会工作的领导中，拉近了LKYSPP校友会两个分会之间的纽带。作为分会的领导，王克剑采用了频繁合作和高水准对话的双边策略进行工作。与此同时，他也没有忘记回馈母校：“我们将持续努力工作，强化北京分会与新加坡分会之间交流与合作的平台，” 他讲道。“我们的目标之一是鼓励更多的中国学生

报考LKYSPP，增强学院国际学生群体的发展。” 当然，王克剑的工作也不总是一帆风顺。虽然在首都北京的工作能够享受到快速改革和发展带来的红利，但同时也对适应能力和韧性提出了更高的要求。王克剑认识到，北京分会不能只依靠过往的成果，而需要在文化、经济和外交上展开更加全面的成长。他建议道，“鉴于一带一路倡议的广泛性和丰富性，以及中国政府和新加坡政府之间高级别的合作协议，我认为北京分会应该调整战略，把握一带一路倡议带来的机遇”。王克剑对发展北京分会的付出和热情源自校友们的支持和他对母校的感激之情。回顾他在LKYSPP 的日子，他热切地回忆起自己如何同老师和同学们一起组织各项会议。这些难忘的经历在他当前的媒体出版工作中仍然发挥着作用。他回忆说：“我对学院教授的学术能力倍感钦佩，对学校美丽的环境也印象深刻，”他说道，“ 同时，我也切实地感受到新加坡作为世界上管理最有条的城市之一的优势。”他继续说道，即便是学员毕业之后，LKYSPP的教工们仍然以各种形式帮助海外校友，例如很多教授前往北京参加了当地举办的会议，分享他们的知识和经验。当被问及自己对LKYSPP校友们的建议时，王克剑陷入了沉思。“作为LKYSPP的校友，”他说道，“我们要保持中国和新加坡之间的传统友谊，还要继续在各自所在的行业发光发热，为两国和母校增光添彩。

THE LKYSPP ALUMNI SERVICE AWARD HONOURABLE MENTION

LEARNING BEYOND EDUCATION

THINKER, DOCTOR, SCHOLAR

Combining private sector experience with top public policy education, Abhesh Kumar has the rare benefit of insight. Now a mentor at his alma mater LKYSPP, he shares that insight with current students.

Seeking a non-practitioner’s perspective on healthcare, Dr Allen Lai chose to pursue a master programme at LKYSPP. Enamoured with the school, he went on to do a PhD, contributing numerous esteemed written works and making a generous donation to the school after.

t was on a study trip to Chiang Mai during his time at LKYSPP that Kumar realised the “deep and diverse talent” of whom he was rubbing shoulders with. “Those same classmates are running important portfolios in governments and businesses around the world.” Of course, the best begets the best, and Abhesh is aware that the school’s quality is not just restricted to its students. “Pick any area of governance and you will find multiple experts in their field. Not to mention the level of access we had to world leaders—Kofi Annan, Lee Kuan Yew, Rajiv Gandhi.” Abhesh first entered the school to better understand the influence of government on the private sector. “Not only did I learn that in great detail but I learnt as much about how private sector actions can influence public policy.” In similar fashion, just as his experience at LKYSPP has influenced him, he now influences students at the school. His understanding of the interplay between government, private sector and civil society has proven useful not just in becoming a "more responsible business leader”, but also to the students he mentors. “Helping them (mentees) construct a framework to understand the business and geo-political context so that they can apply what they have learnt is something I have been able to do regularly.” However, true to the “diverse set of viewpoints, culture, professional and academic strengths” of LKYSPP students, sometimes it is the mentor who learns from the mentee. Abhesh shares an experience when he conducted a mock interview for a mentee with a background in the healthcare industry:

MR ABHESH KUMAR Master in Public Administration (MPA), Class of 2013

If we support current and future generations, they are all the more likely to pay it forward and reinforce the virtuous cycle.

“I ended up learning way more than anything I could have possibly taught!” But Abhesh knows that learning is a cycle, and one that he gladly contributes to: “One cannot help but want to give back and support the future generations of leaders.” 34

DR ALLEN LAI Master in Public Administration, Class of 2008 PhD in Public Policy, Class of 2012

“

The conventional approach in public health or medical school would focus more on technical and operational practicality, whereas a policy analysis approach will add on systems thinking.” The benefit of having both micro and macro perspectives is not lost on Allen. Having been a medical doctor for nine years, he wanted to analyse and address healthcare issues from political, economic and societal dimensions. This he did, in LKYSPP’s “enabling, dialectic, but tolerant conversant space." He says that the critical thinking within a diversity of views had impressed him tremendously—so much so that he stayed on to do a Doctorate programme as well. “This approach has helped me to not just take how things appear, but look for social-politicaleconomic attributes within the problem.” Determined to make the most of his time, he “made every effort to participate in policy related competitions”. It yielded a plethora of awards, including first place in the LKYSPP Essay Writing Competition and the the "Promising Young Scholar" award in public administration. Allen continued to excel in academia, publishing papers in peer-reviewed international journals and speaking in numerous international conferences. He was

I have to always adapt to new ideas and be openminded in confrontation and challenges.

eventually made the first academic director of the inaugural Institute of Health Economics and Management (IHEM) at ESSEC Asia Pacific campus. There, he designed and launched Asia’s first Master of Science in Management of Health Industries in 2015. His contribution to the literature is extensive, but it was not the only arena he contributed to. In 2017, Allen and his wife made a generous donation to LKYSPP. To them, giving back has many benefits. “One can contribute for a genuine cause through proper channels and partnership, and also set an example for more LKYSPP alumni to maintain close links to the School.” Now the senior vice-president of a biotechnology company, his LKYSPP experiences enable him to “converse confidently with any kind of professional from a wide range of fields.” 35

THE LKYSPP ALUMNI SERVICE AWARD HONOURABLE MENTION

STRENGTHENING THE SHANGHAI–SINGAPORE BOND

MAINTAINING MEMORIES AND CONNECTIONS

Since founding the LKYSPP Alumni Shanghai Chapter with other alumni in 2011, Chen Haitao (Bill) has fostered a robust alumni community in Shanghai. A man of steely determination, he has strengthened its ties not just with LKYSPP, but to Singapore as well.

Having come to a different part of the world out of curiosity, Johannes Loh ended up staying because of the diversity. As a former president of the LKYSPP Alumni Singapore Chapter, he embodies that diversity.

“

I felt it was necessary, interesting, and beneficial to establish a LKYSPP Alumni Shanghai Chapter," he says. “What’s more important is that there were already some 80 alumni in Shanghai at that time." Further impetus came from the collective desire to continue their networking and friendship, though it was no easy task. “I listened and utilised my experience, time and enthusiasm to unite the other alumni in order to make it happen.” Since then, he has spearheaded the chapter’s many activities—from organising learning and social events like field trips to fostering bilateral understanding, friendship and cooperation with Singapore organisations and companies. Together, the alumni also pool their policy expertise, contributing to local, national and regional development. Before enrolling in the Master in Public Policy programme, Bill had been working at the Shanghai Overseas Returned Scholars Association (SORSA). “Thanks to LKYSPP’s cooperative relationship with the Shanghai Municipality, I was lucky enough to be nominated to study at LKYSPP without having to resign from office, and to be awarded a fullaid scholarship.” He is equally grateful for his time in school. During the first semester, his father unexpectedly passed away. He recalls, “Many fellow classmates gave me hugs to give me strength. One student even gave me her precious jade-ware with a card to show that their hearts were with me. With their kind consideration and encouragement, I felt the warmth, gradually moved out of my low mood, and continued my studies successfully.”

MR CHEN HAITAO Master in Public Policy, Class of 2010

Strive to be excellent. Be outstanding, make more contributions to society and change the world for the better together.

The experience convinced him of how important it was to be compassionate, and to create a shared community, locally and internationally. Even now, he remains as driven as ever. “I hope to make the Chapter a warm home for LKYSPP alumni in Shanghai, to help boost their professional development, and be a bridge linking Shanghai, Singapore and LKYSPP.” 36

The interaction with peers from all over the world with a shared passion for public policy created a wonderful studying environment," says Johannes. What he calls the LKYSPP experience expanded his appreciation of “different solutions to real world problems beyond what was thought feasible or possible.” Although his experience at LKYSPP was enriching, what he took from it after was equally rewarding. He found friends—some even lifelong, and unlocked an unprecedented network through his new connections. Those connections have kept him here longer than was expected. “Nine years later I am still here. That says something," he reflects. Since then those connections have resulted in many memories with fellow alumni. Johannes recalls some of them: Climbing Angkor Wat in Cambodia, sailing a paraw (a traditional fishing boat) in Boracay Philippines, skiing steep slopes in Switzerland, watching the sunset on Marina Barrage and sharing beers and stories at the "improvised Alumni Oktoberfest". His passion for camaraderie and his “deep connection” to LKYSPP made him the perfect candidate to be President of the LKYSPP Alumni Singapore Chapter, a role through which he led by example. He says: “I volunteered for mentoring and coaching and also participated in mock interview sessions for the career office.” Since being nominated, he has thought about “how to strengthen the interaction across multiple batches of LKYSPP alumni.” Notably, he initiated the annual LKYSPP Bintan Alumni Weekend, which did just what he

MR JOHANNES LOH Master in Public Policy (Exchange), Class of 2010

I grew to appreciate that there are many different solutions to a realworld problem.

intended—bring together alumni spanning across various graduation batches. His advice to his fellow LKYSPP alumni? “[Despite your busy schedules,] take a second, close your eyes and remember those joyful moments on campus and then sign up for the next Alumni night or think about offering an internship to our current students.” 37

THE LKYSPP ALUMNI SERVICE AWARD HONOURABLE MENTION

HEART FOR THE COMMUNITY

LKYSPP ALUMNI AWARDS SELECTION COMMITTEE

Graduating from LKYSPP has not curtailed Nguyen Thi Bich’s ties with Singapore or the School. If anything, her bond with them has intensified.

MDM NGUYEN THI BICH

ich’s time at LKYSPP paid immediate dividends. “I was promoted, four months after accomplishing the course, to Director General of the International Cooperation Department, Ministry of Finance”. With her inclination toward strengthening communities, she was a natural choice for the position. Bich places great value on the exchange of knowledge, and ran the LKYSPP Alumni Vietnam chapter based on sharing experiences and building fellowship until she stepped down this year. She said: “I thought the Alumni chapter was a very good forum to share views which add value to participants, including the non-Alumni.” She was impressed by her graduate programme at LKYSPP, describing it as "designed by Singapore, the role model for many developing countries". In particular, she praised the way lessons were conducted, as well as her professors, lecturers and classmates. The experience left an indelible mark, helping her "move confidently" in her own work. Her experience at LKYSPP also provided extra motivation to set up the LKYSPP Alumni Vietnam Chapter. “We wanted to promote the image of LKYSPP to our community, spreading the values and spirit of LKYSPP/Singapore in Vietnam, within both the public and private sector.” As president, she led many initiatives to build up the chapter, including cycling,

DR SCOTT VICTOR VALENTINE (CHAIR) Associate Professor, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, NUS

MS MUI SEAH LEE Deputy Director, Singapore Summit Programme Office, Temasek Foundation Connects

DR ALFRED WU Associate Professor, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, NUS

MR PARAMESWARAN VENKATESH Master in Public Administration Alumnus

MR BERNARD TOH Director, Office of Alumni Relations, NUS

MS TRACY LEE Acting Deputy Director, External Affairs & Marketing, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, NUS

MR JOHN RIADY Executive Director, Lippo Group

Master in Public Management, Class of 2003

We must not forget how privileged we are to study at LKYSPP. Let’s use what we learned to serve the community.

networking activities and policy dialogues. Her heart for fostering collaboration between Singapore and Vietnam as well as bringing aid to disadvantaged areas shows in those initiatives. “We [the Vietnam Chapter] join in with Singaporean Embassy events; support LKYSPP on its working visits to Vietnam, and share information and experiences with students going to Singapore to study.” But the Vietnam Chapter event that perhaps best sums up Bich and her connection with LKYSPP is also one of her favourite memories with the Chapter. “The photo contest ‘LKYSPP in my heart’, which was extended to all LKYSPP alumni, was won by an American alumna. Her photo was about building houses for the poor in Vietnam.” 38

LKYSPP ALUMNI AWARDS SECRETARIAT 1

MS AMBAR WIDIASTUTI

MS NANIEK YULIATI

MS KARTINI RAHMAN

MS WU YE-HER

MR LOUIS LOW

MS WU ZHEN

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