In line with Valentine's Day, the NUS Campus Couples Alumni hosted more than 200 alumni couples and donors at its annual Celebration of Love and Giving Dinner in appreciation of their efforts to support financially-challenged NUS students.

This year, alumni couples raised a total of S$357,665 for the NUS Campus Couples Bursary Fund and other bursaries. Over S$816,000 has been raised since the NUS Campus Couples Bursary’s inception in 2015, benefitting 127 financially disadvantaged NUS students.   

Held at the National University of Singapore Society Kent Ridge Guild House on 10 February 2023, the event brought together a community of campus couples from various generations to celebrate love and generosity. The heart-warming celebration was also a meaningful occasion to acknowledge and thank the donors who help raise funds for underprivileged students in NUS.

Supported by the Alumni Student Advancement Committee, NUS Office of Alumni Relations and NUS Development Office, the event saw a lively turnout as alumni cheerfully reconnected with each other – some for the first time in person in three years.

Guests were treated to a romantic musical performance by the NUS Jazz Band during the dinner. The night continued with a heartfelt recognition of the donors' generosity, concluding with a cheque presentation to NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye (Science ’85).

Ms Khalijah Masud (Science ’92) and Mr Aznan Ghazali (Arts ’92) said they were grateful for the chance to be able to give back to their alma mater. “Reflecting on our blessed life (and) giving back commemorates the remarkable time we had in NUS and specifically in Sheares Hall. At this point in our lives, it's also important for us to leave a legacy and set an example for our children,” said Ms Khalijah.

Ms Jessica Leong (Arts ’85) shared that she and her husband, Mr Wong Jin Kok (Engineering ’85), were keen to contribute as education held a special place in her husband’s heart. 

Their first gifts to NUS were made in honour of their parents, particularly Mr Wong’s father who was a school headmaster and set an example by supporting the education of relatives and close friends in need. The Sheares Hall couple said they understood the financial struggles faced by some undergraduates and hoped to “make it easier for current students in need”.

The NUS Campus Couples Bursary Fund was initiated by Mr Yeo Keng Joon, who met his wife, Madam Kong Yuet Peng (Business ’86), when they were pursuing their MBA degrees at NUS Business School. The pair had established the bursary as a way to give back to the NUS community after receiving financial assistance with their education.

Submitted by Ms Akanksha Batura Pai (Business '14)

Following a few months of planning and organisation, members of the NUS Alumni Melbourne Chapter gathered for a long-awaited lunar new year dinner on 4 February 2023 at Yummy Duck in Melbourne, to welcome the year of Rabbit.

After two years of COVID-disrupted plans, 70 alumni celebrated the biggest event of the year with delicious food, camaraderie, entertainment and lucky draw prizes. It was incredibly heartening to know that the attendees represented so many faculties (Medicine, Dentistry, Engineering, Science, Business, Arts, Law, etc.), with graduates from 1970 to 2017.

The event kickstarted with a joyous and long Yum-Seng session, led by Secretary Cecilia Xiao (Science ’10) that prompted other curious diners in the restaurant to join in. Spirits were high and guests enjoyed drinks with the starter Lo-Hei Yusheng and prosperity wishes from Raymond Wong (Architecture ’81). Chairperson Edna Yeo (Science ’93) introduced our special guest, Professor Teo Choo Soo (Dentistry ’73) – the former Director of NUS Office of Alumni Relations (OAR) 20 years ago, who set up the Melbourne and Sydney Chapters. He kindly brought NUS souvenirs to thank the committee members – 3rd generation Chairperson Edna Yeo, Vice Chair and Treasurer Audrey (Arts and Social Sciences, ’96), Secretary Cecilia Xiao and Senior Adviser Woo Sin Ang (Dentistry ’68) for their contributions to the chapter over the years.

Our dinner continued with Peking Duck rolls, lobster noodles and steamed barramundi, to name a few dishes. Excitement ensued with many lucky draw prizes, including limited edition NUS engraved golf balls for golfers and four hampers that went to lucky attendees – Li Yang (Architecture ’97), Michael Wong (Law ’62), Mr. John Matthew (Alumni Spouse), Alan Kian Ho (Dentistry ’68) and Peter Koh (Science ’87).

The Chapter would like to thank Raymond Wong and Arul Earnest (Arts and Social Sciences ’97) who took over the entertainment segment. Together, they sang familiar karaoke songs, including Peng You and Can’t Help Falling in Love With You, displaying their hidden talent and multilingualism. Special thanks to dear Raymond who loaned us his audio system and to Catherine who had to manage the speakers!

The Chapter is very appreciative for the OAR funding which allowed alumni to catch up with each other at this perennial event after two years of COVID lockdowns and restrictions. Without doubt, our members will be looking forward to more events in the future.

Thanks Edna, Audrey, Cecilia and organising community. Food was great but the company and laughter were simply awesome. Thanks Raymond, Catherine and Arul for the great music and songs. Huat Ah! And thanks to the wonderful NUS family!
- Philip Chan (Engineering ‘92)

Thanks, Edna, and the organising committee, for the lovely evening last night. And to Raymond and Arul, and co, for entertaining.
- Juliette Koh-Romary (Education ’73)

Yes, thanks to Edna, committee and volunteers for the effort in organising a great event 👍😁
- Peter Koh (Science ’87)

Submitted by Dr Edna Yeo (Science '93)