The National University of Singapore (NUS) Alumni MANILA Chapter joined NUS Homecoming 2023 held at the Upper Quadrangle of the NUS Bukit Timah Campus on 1 July 2023. Over 800 NUS alumni joined the event. Representing the chapter at this year’s Homecoming were Chapter Chairperson Mr Richard Tan (Public Policy ’13), Chapter Treasurer Ms. Karla Hotchkiss Rufino (Business ’10), LKYSPP Philippines Chapter President Ms Jamie Duque Daileg (Public Policy ’16), Mr Lyndon Daz (Public Policy’06), Ms Mariliza Villarosa Kalaw (Public Policy ’11), Mr Vladimir Mata (Public Policy ’14), Ms. Cess Celestino Arcilla (Public Policy ’17), Mr Anton Arcilla (Public Policy ’16), Ms. Janet S Cuenca (Public Policy ’20), and Mr. Paul Pagaran (Public Policy ’01).

Before the event proper, NUS alumni in attendance were treated to a variety of insightful seminars and workshops hosted by NUS staff and alumni. In his speech during the event, guest-of-honour NUS President Tan Eng Chye (Science ’85) mentioned how NUS had risen from 11th to 8th place in the most recent QS World University Rankings, and thanked the alumni for representing NUS, its values, and its influence.

The chapter representatives exchanged pleasantries with NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye (Science ’85), NUS Chief Alumni Officer Ms Ovidia Lim-Rajaram (Arts and Social Sciences '89), and the NUS OAR team, and reaffirmed the Manila chapter’s commitment to actively engage NUS alumni in the city through networking and community involvement initiatives. The chapter also thanked Mr Bernard Toh (Architecture '84) for his exceptional contributions in his seven-year directorship of the Office of Alumni Relations. It was during his tenure where the MANILA Alumni Chapter was established in 2019.

“Homecoming is not only an opportunity to make new memories with old friends, but also an opportunity to make new friends from across campuses, faculties, countries, and cohorts,” said Ms Ovidia Lim-Rajaram, NUS Chief Alumni Officer. The MANILA Chapter will continuously promote this major alumni gathering among its members in the years to come.

Submitted by Mr Nestor Precioso (Science ’06).

Following our joyous Lunar New Year dinner event in February, the NUS Alumni Melbourne Chapter organised another successful event on 20 May 2023 celebrating NUS Cares in support of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) Feast for Freedom project. The event was held at Merrywell Bar and Dining, with 32 alumni members and a delegation from NUS led by Mr Bernard Toh, NUS Director, Office of Alumni Relations.

In early March 2023, we embarked on a fundraising campaign to support the ASRC, a non-governmental organisation dedicated to providing practical assistance to refugees and asylum seekers. The ASRC's comprehensive initiatives encompass essential provisions such as food and material aid, crucial support services, healthcare provisions, advocacy efforts, as well as facilitation of education and training opportunities. Additionally, they offer employment programmes designed to empower individuals, equip them with necessary skills, instil confidence, and enable them to navigate the labor market successfully, ultimately helping them re-establish their careers in Australia.

We are thrilled to announce that we successfully accomplished our objective of providing 200 hot meals to asylum seekers, meeting our fundraising goal of $500! This was made possible by the generous donations from our esteemed alumni, whose heartfelt contributions went a long way in supporting this noble cause.

Morning rain cleared just in time to experience the oasis by the skyline at Crown Melbourne. This was indeed the iconic 'four seasons in one day' by the Yarra River accompanied with excellent Australian pub fare food and drinks. Attendees enjoyed a delectable 2-course bottomless lunch with free-flow alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages as they engaged in conversations and laughter socialising amongst the new and old members.

We were joined by the NUS delegation from Singapore consisting of Mr. Bernard Toh, Director, Mr. Gan Eng Khoon, Deputy Director, Ms. Jacqueline Yong, Associate Director, Office of Alumni Relations, Ms. Phoon Wai Mun, Senior Assistant Manager, Alumni Relations, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, and Mr Wong Peng Meng, NUS Alumni (Science ’82). Our Chairperson Dr. Edna Yeo took the opportunity to welcome our newest NUS Alumni Melbourne Chapter Digital Marketeer and Photographer, Mr Peh Guo Qi (Engineering '11). We look forward to his beautiful and artistic contribution at future events.

Amongst the many topics discussed was the concern with rising costs of living and the consequent delay in retirement which troubled many of us, particularly since Australia has always been perceived as a safe haven for retirement and raising family. As the economy heads into recession, it is paramount to show kindness to people around us. A bittersweet moment arrived when we presented our token of appreciation and card to Mr. Toh who will be stepping down as the Director, Office of Alumni Relations. We expressed our gratitude for his unwavering support to the Melbourne Chapter over the years. We look forward to working with his successor, Ms. Ovidia Lim-Rajaram (Arts and Social Sciences '89). Thank you to all the members who have participated and contributed to the ASRC Feast for Freedom fundraising. We look forward to seeing you at the next event.