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NUSparkle 2024: A Year-End Celebration to Remember!

The National University of Singapore (NUS) Alumni Network Manila hosted its annual Christmas gathering, NUSparkle 2024, on Saturday, 30 November, at Alba’s Restaurante Español in Estancia Mall, Pasig City, Metro Manila. Held on Bonifacio Day, a public holiday in the Philippines, the event provided the perfect setting for a meaningful celebration.

This year’s NUSparkle saw an impressive turnout of 55 alumni, representing 11 faculties and schools, including Arts & Social Sciences, Business, Computing, Design and Environment, Engineering, Law, Medicine, Public Health, Public Policy, Science, and Yale-NUS.

Doors opened at 11.00am, warmly welcoming early birds with cocktails and opportunities to mingle with fellow alumni. As part of the registration process, attendees demonstrated their generosity and commitment to giving back by contributing to NUS Cares. Each alumnus or alumna donated a minimum token of PhP 500 (approximately SGD 11), with all proceeds directed towards the chapter’s community service initiatives. During the Christmas gathering, PhP 44,000 (SGD 1,000) was successfully raised for NUS Cares.

The programme commenced at noon with a warm welcome from Chapter Vice-Chair Nestor Precioso (Science ’06). The guest of honor, Logaventhan Karuppannan, Deputy Chief of Mission/Counsellor at the Embassy of the Republic of Singapore to the Philippines, delivered an inspiring address. He emphasised the strong ties between Singapore and the Philippines and highlighted the upcoming celebration of Singapore’s 60th year of independence, inviting alumni to continue their engagement with Embassy initiatives. Chapter Chairperson Richard Tan (Public Policy ’13) led a toast in honor of Mr Karuppannan, followed by a "State of the Chapter" address. In his speech, he highlighted the chapter’s 2024 achievements, including four major events—such as the successful NUS Innovation Forum in May—and its active participation in the Singapore Embassy’s National Day celebrations. These milestones demonstrate the chapter’s unwavering commitment to fostering connections and further strengthening the NUS alumni network, particularly among the majority of faculties and schools that remain unorganised. Inspirational messages from alumni, including Marcelino Lizaso Jr. (Arts & Social Sciences ’03), Edsel Mercado Jr (Arts & Social Sciences ’04), and Bernard Afable (Design and Engineering ’18), added a personal touch to the programme.

Attendees indulged in a sumptuous Spanish buffet spread featuring callos, lengua, paella, vaca asada, and creamy baked eggplant, complemented by hot appetisers, desserts, and a choice of soda, juice, beer, or coffee. Although the programme officially ended at 2.00pm, guests stayed on, enjoying the camaraderie and the festive atmosphere. Alumni departed with hearts full of joy and a renewed sense of community.

NUSparkle 2024 was more than just a year-end celebration—it was a powerful testament to the enduring spirit and strength of the NUS alumni network. The Manila chapter now looks forward to another successful year of connection, collaboration, and community impact in 2025.

Prepared by Nestor Precioso (Science ’06)
101st Alumni Reunion of the Medical Alumni Association
The Medical Alumni Association hosted its 101st Alumni Reunion from 15 to 17 November 2024 in Penang, Malaysia. This landmark event marked a special milestone. Seven NUS students from Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, and Pharmacy, representing the Medical Alumni Association (Student Chapter), were invited to join the festivities. Their participation underscored the association's commitment to nurturing future clinicians and fostering their engagement in the regional healthcare community.

The reunion commenced on 15 November with a lively banquet dinner that brought together esteemed healthcare professionals for an evening of culinary indulgence, dazzling performances, and warm camaraderie. The event was graced by the Chief Minister of Penang, YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow. It featured inspiring speeches by luminaries such as Professor Tay Boon Keng (Medicine '73), emeritus consultant of orthopaedics at Singapore General Hospital, and Dr Tai Lee Siang (Medicine '88), a general surgeon at Georgetown Specialist Hospital.

On 16 November, the NUS delegation, along with senior clinicians and retired healthcare leaders, embarked on a cultural tour through the charming streets of Penang. Undeterred by the tropical heat (and generously reapplied sunscreen), participants explored UNESCO heritage stilt jetties, preserved naval forts, and bustling marketplaces, savouring local kuehs, traditional herbal remedies, and unique finds from boutique speciality stores. The immersive experience offered a delightful blend of history, culture, and culinary treasures, leaving everyone well-fed and well-educated.

The Arthur Lim Rotating Professorship Lecture, held in the afternoon was delivered by Datuk Seri Dr Bhupinder Singh, a distinguished forensic pathologist. His insightful talk illuminated the challenges and contributions of Malaysian forensic pathologists, shedding light on their pivotal yet often overlooked role in the medico-legal fraternity. The afternoon ended with the annual Alumni General Meeting, where attendees celebrated milestones and plotted the association’s bright future.

The evening festivities resumed with a glamorous Informal Dinner, where a luxurious international buffet was the prelude to spontaneous karaoke battles. Faculty members proved they could hit high notes as effortlessly as they hit high patient satisfaction scores, showcasing their dedication to both professionalism and good-natured fun. Our students had a fantastic time, bonding over their shared aspirations to serve humanity and taking full advantage of the opportunity to learn from leading healthcare experts. From navigating Penang’s healthcare landscape to debating who sang the best karaoke rendition, they left with not just valuable insights, but also lasting memories and the knowledge that, sometimes, the most important part of medicine is knowing how to have a little fun.

Submitted by Mr Qwek Shao Yi President, Medical Alumni Association (Student Chapter) Year 4, NUS Medicine, Class of 2026
CEE Alumni Reunion Dinner Brings Together Classes of 1984, 1994, 2004, and 2014
The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) hosted a delightful Alumni Reunion Dinner on 15 November 2024 at the Shaw Foundation Alumni House (SFAH). The occasion celebrated the 10th, 20th, 30th, and 40th anniversaries of the graduating classes of 1984, 1994, 2004, and 2014, with over 60 alumni and staff gathering for an evening of nostalgia, lively conversation, and camaraderie.

Professor Richard Liew, Head of Department, opened the evening with a warm welcome, expressing his appreciation for the enduring bonds within the CEE community. Dr Chew Soon Hoe, Deputy Head (External Relations & Development), delivered a captivating presentation on the department’s rich history and key milestones, highlighting its growth and accomplishments over the decades. A particularly memorable segment of the evening was the “Get to Know You Better” session, where alumni shared stories about their career journeys, favourite lecturers, and unforgettable modules. The anecdotes and laughter brought everyone closer, rekindling fond memories of their time at CEE.

Looking ahead to 2025, CEE will be commemorating its 70th anniversary with a series of exciting alumni events. Graduates are encouraged to stay updated via the CEE website and social media and join in the celebrations to reconnect with old friends, forge new connections, and celebrate the legacy of the department.
NUS CDE Alumni Gala Dinner 2024
The NUS College of Design and Engineering (CDE) Alumni Gala Dinner was held on the evening of 24 October 2024 at the Conrad Centennial Singapore. The event brought together CDE faculty, alumni, students and staff to celebrate the exceptional achievements of CDE alumni. This year, 15 individuals and two alumni teams were honored with CDE Alumni Awards in recognition of their outstanding accomplishments and significant contributions.

To find out more about the event, please visit the CDE Alumni Relations website at https://cde.nus.edu.sg/alumni/awards/cde-alumni-gala-dinner-2024/
Celebrating 95 Years of Excellence: NUS Faculty of Dentistry's Anniversary Carnival
On 12 October 2024, the National University of Singapore (NUS) Faculty of Dentistry celebrated its 95th anniversary with a lively carnival, welcoming about 300 attendees, including staff, alumni, students, and their families. Held across the Faculty building's 9th and 10th floors, the event marked a historic milestone, showcasing nearly a century of dedication to dental education and advancement.

Senior Lecturer Dr Chris Quek, who led the carnival’s organising committee, opened the festivities with an address honouring the Faculty’s rich history. Dean Professor Chris Peck followed with a welcome speech, highlighting the Faculty’s commitment to community health and the collaborative efforts with national dental centres, private practices, and industry partners that make these contributions possible.

The event featured a mix of commemorative and interactive elements, beginning with a cake-cutting ceremony led by current and former Deans and Acting-Dean, including Emeritus Prof Chew Chong Lin, Dr Loh Hong Sai, and Assoc Prof Wong Mun Loke. Attendees enjoyed a quiz hosted by Dr Ishreen Kaur, testing attendees’ knowledge of the Faculty’s history, allowing participants to engage with the Faculty’s achievements in a fun, educational way. The carnival continued with various games, refreshments, and performances by students, creating an inviting space for attendees to reconnect, network, and celebrate the Faculty’s legacy.

The event underscored a deep sense of unity among past and present Faculty members, honouring 95 years of excellence in dental education and community impact. The anniversary carnival not only highlighted the Faculty’s achievements but also reinforced its role as a central pillar in Singapore's dental healthcare landscape.
"Dine and Network" with the Ambassador of Singapore to Indonesia @ BLOCK71 Jakarta
On 4 October 2024, NUS Alumni Network (Jakarta) hosted an exclusive “Dine and Network” event with His Excellency Mr Kwok Fook Seng (MPM '04), the Ambassador of Singapore to Indonesia. The event gathered 50 NUS alumni, esteemed guests from the NUS Office of Alumni Relations (OAR), the Ministry of Education, and the Singapore Embassy.

Generously sponsored by NUS OAR, Action Coach, and Pertamina Gas, the evening provided a unique platform for meaningful networking and discussion on diplomatic relations. Ambassador Kwok Fook Seng delivered an insightful address on “Strengthening Bilateral Ties: The Future of Singapore-Indonesia Relations.” He emphasised the enduring relationship between the two nations, touching on collaborative opportunities in education, trade, and sustainable energy. His remarks underscored the importance of continued partnership to drive economic growth and cultural exchange, shaping a prosperous future for both countries. The event reinforced connections among attendees, marking another step forward in fostering a collaborative Singapore-Indonesia alliance.
Jubilee Celebration for Civil Engineering Class of 1974
The Civil Engineering Class of 1974 (CE74) reunited on Monday evening, 30 September 2024, at the Civil Service Club Villa Changi to celebrate their 50-year milestone. Although not all could attend — some being overseas or tied up with other commitments — the event saw a remarkable turnout of around 40, with several travelling down from Malaysia just for the occasion.

Assistant Professor Dr Chew Soon Hoe (CE82), Deputy Head of External Relations & Development, NUS Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, was in attendance. Special invitations were also extended to Professor Cheong Hin Fatt; Professor Paramasivam, P; and Professor Wong Ing Hieng; who, although unable to join, were remembered warmly by everyone.

Dr Chew shared insightful updates about the department, highlighting key challenges encountered in the built environment industry. Civil engineers have made significant contributions to nation-building over the past 50 years, and those gathered look forward to continuing this legacy. Dato Fong Tian Yong shared about traditional bridge and tower construction in China, including heritage buildings and bridges, while Er Teo Jyr Jong and Er Vashdev Khialani exchanged tips on maintaining health and fitness in their golden years.

A surprise came in the form of a special CE74-themed cake, complete with a helmet, ‘50’ topper and mini excavators – a perfect nod to their civil engineering roots. The celebration was further energised by music and singing, with a few classmates entertaining the group with performances. The spirit of CE74 was palpable, as their bond of unity, perseverance, and giving back remained as strong as ever. Their hope – to inspire more alumni to reconnect, contribute, and strengthen their alma mater.

Many classmates have expressed their thanks for this memorable event organised by Er Thia Lee Yong and the committee led by Chairmen Er Lee Yoon Moi and Er Rajan Krishnan. Great CE74 spirit, and great health and happiness to all in CE74.
NUS CDE Women Symposium 2024
The CDE Women Symposium 2024 was a resounding success, bringing together a diverse group of participants to celebrate the achievements of women from the NUS College of Design and Engineering.

The symposium, organised by CDE Office of Alumni Relations, also featured a captivating panel discussion and a series of inspiring sharing, urging participants to transform the motivation, knowledge, and connections gained into meaningful action. Heartfelt gratitude is extended to all attendees for being part of this remarkable event.

The College is immensely proud of our speakers—  Ar. Goy Zhenru (Architecture '09, M Arch '12); graduate Ms Anthea Foong (B.Eng (Biomedical Engineering) '21); Ms Er. Jee Yi Ying (MSc (Civil Engineering '08); and Ms Michelle Tee (MSc (Civil Engineering '08)—  whose insights and experiences left a lasting impact, inspiring participants to reach new heights in their design and engineering journeys.

We deeply appreciate the warm response from the floor, with non-stop questions and even attendees flying in from overseas to join us. You make our work worthwhile, and we hope you have been inspired and gained the courage to make your own mark.

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