On 11 April 2022, NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye (Science ’85) was conferred the NUS Society (NUSS) Honorary Membership, in recognition of his years of distinguished service to the University and the nation. The event was held at Della & Seng Gee Guild Hall in Kent Ridge Guild House. The NUSS Honorary Membership is the highest accolade that the graduate club confers on individuals distinguished in public life, or by service to NUS or NUSS. Prof Tan joins the ranks of his predecessors, Professor Lim Pin (Affiliate Alumnus ‘19), Professor Shih Choon Fong and Professor Tan Chorh Chuan (Medicine ‘83). Other Honorary Members include Singapore’s late Minister Mentor, Mr Lee Kuan Yew (‘41), former President Dr Tony Tan (Science ’62), Singapore’s former President, the late Mr SR Nathan (Arts ’54), former Prime Minister Mr Goh Chok Tong (Arts ’64), and current Prime Minister Mr Lee Hsien Loong.

Prof Tan was appointed as NUS President since January 2018. He is the University’s fifth president, and the 23rd leader to head Singapore’s oldest institute of higher education. He holds a first class Honours degree in Mathematics from NUS, and a PhD from Yale University. A pioneering architect of the current academic system in NUS, Prof Tan is a passionate and award-winning educator who has seeded many initiatives such as the Special Programme in Science, the University Scholars Programme, University Town Residential College Programme, Grade-free Year, and Technology-enhanced Education.

“Prof Tan is a good friend of NUSS, recognising the club as a significant entity within the NUSS alumni family. He has always been supportive of the Society’s events and collaboration such as the annual NUSS Mentorship programmes which is into its eighth run, where we pair NUS undergraduates with NUSS mentors,” said NUSS Vice-President Mr Tong Hsien-Hui (Engineering ’98). “NUSS is proud and privileged to present Prof Tan with the NUSS Honorary Membership, a symbol of our warm friendship, appreciation for his support for NUSS, and in recognition for his inspiring leadership and contributions to the University community and Singapore,” he added.

NUSS also held its Sub-Committee Appreciation Dinner on the same evening, after a three-year hiatus due to COVID-19. In his opening address, NUSS President Mr Edward Tay (Law ’92) highlighted NUSS’ intention to organise a series of fund-raising events, beginning with a Charity Golf Tournament by the NUSS Golf Section to raise funds towards the NUSS Bursary, a new endowed bursary. Mr Tay also thanked the Sub-Committee members for their continued dedication and contribution to NUSS. The night ended with Long Service Awards presented to members who served in Sub-Committees for five years or more, in recognition of their dedication and time spent with NUSS.

Negotiation happens in every aspect of our lives – from the workplace, between businesses and even amongst friends and family. Often, the outcome of a negotiation can affect the relationships between people. Identifying this need from alumni to upgrade their negotiation skills, the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) Alumni Singapore Chapter organised a Masterclass titled Negotiating towards Success, held in the Bukit Timah Campus on 9 April 2022. Associate Professor Francesco Mancini, the School’s Vice Dean (Executive Education) and Associate Professor in Practice conducted the class, which saw participation from 18 alumni. Attendees comprised eight cohorts and five nationalities – learning in a diverse environment that LKYSPP was known for; alumni relished their time back on campus.

Submitted by Ms Sun Peiyi (Public Policy ’22).