In line with the lifting of all COVID-19 restrictions in Victoria, NUS Alumni Melbourne Chapter organised a cosy meet-up with Mr Bernard Toh (Architecture ’84), Director of the Office of Alumni Relations (OAR) at the Yarra Botanica, which is located in the heart of Southbank. Chapter Chairperson Dr Edna Yeo (Science ’93) introduced Mr Toh, welcoming him to the city after more than two years of restricted international travel.

18 alumni attended the meet-up, each sharing personal stories after what could be considered the hardest lockdown in Melbourne. Mr Toh engaged in interesting and thought-provoking conversations with both new and longstanding members of the Chapter. He highlighted the importance of engagement, recounting his experience in the Singapore Air Force where he first met Mr Richard Seet (Engineering ‘86} and Dr Edna Yeo (Science ‘93). He also emphasised the importance of education and literacy to engage people in active debates. Alumni like Mr Philip Chan (Computing ’94) and Ms Leanne Lim (Arts and Social Sciences ‘13), who are also part of the Singapore Global Network, chimed in with their wishes to see positive changes in future generations. Attendees also shared the impact of COVID-19 in the workplace and its impact on families juggling with working from home, while home schooling their children. Ms Pit Li Chew (Design and Engineering ‘89) highlighted her struggle at being unable to commute back regularly to Singapore for work due to border closures. With travel restrictions eased, many looked forward to visiting their loved ones, especially since they were previously limited to video chat calls only.

As the evening progressed amid the beautiful setting of the Yarra River, the lovely conversations transited into feasting on cheese platters, wood-fired pizzas, buffalo wings and hot chips with beverages from the bar. The long-awaited gathering drew many smiles, cheers and laughter from attendees. On behalf of the Chapter, Dr Yeo presented tokens of appreciation to Mr Toh and OAR for the continual support given in sponsoring this event. Lastly, Dr Yeo distributed thoughtful AlumNUS face masks from OAR to members, before the day concluded.

Here are some comments made about the event by alumni who attended: “Lovely to meet everyone!” – Ms Pit LI Chew (Design and Engineering ’89)

“Such a wonderful night and lovely fellowship” – Ms Violet Fan (Business ’89)

“Thanks Edna! Great to meet Bernard and so many alumni for the first time today!” – Mr Kwong Li-Lin (Arts and Social Sciences ‘96)

“Thanks for having me too! Despite only being on vacation. Hope to see you guys more often once I move back to Melbourne permanently!” – Ms Micki Goh (Nursing ’11)

“Thanks Edna for organizing this lovely informal session. Great to meet Bernard and new friends.” – Mr Philip Chan (Computing ’94)

Submitted by Dr Cecilia Xiao (Science ‘10).

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.

Submitted by Ms Teo Kuan Yee (Arts and Social Sciences ’94).