The National University of Singapore Society (NUSS) celebrated another year of warm friendship with NUS over a Lo Hei dinner held on 21 February at NUSS Kent Ridge Guild House. The event was attended by Mr Hsieh Fu Hua (Business ’74), Chairman of NUS Board of Trustees; Professor Tan Eng Chye (Science ’85), NUS President; and members of NUS Senior Management, as well as NUSS Management Committee.

Guests enjoyed a sumptuous dinner amid a performance by the Ocarina House, who presented Chinese New Year tunes with the ocarina and guzheng . To mark the close working relationship with NUS, as well as to support underprivileged students pursuing an education with the University, NUSS President Mr Eddie Lee (Law ’81) presented a cheque of $250,000 to NUS President Prof Tan at the event – a donation towards the NUS Alumni Bursary Fund (ABF). Since the launch of the Fund in 2013, NUSS has raised $1.25 million towards the ABF through their annual pledge.

A brand-new logo was unveiled at the annual Scholars Programme Alumni Network (SPAN) Get-Together organised by the University Scholars Programme (USP) held on 9 February at the Balmoral Hall at Royal Plaza on Scotts, and attended by about 70 USP alumni, students, faculty and staff.

Alumni received the new USP information booklet that carries the new USP logo and catchy call-toaction, which is to shape independent, adaptable thinkers and doers who will make an impact in the world . The new logo features an icon that symbolises the “inter”-weaving of ideas, perspectives and disciplines, among other qualities.

What is USP to alumni? “USP is like a kampung where ideas, actions and stories get interwoven with the joy of learning.” said Mr Ibnur Rashad (Engineering + USP ’11). Ms Afiqah Suhaiemi (Arts and Social Sciences + USP ’16) thought that “USP is like the sea and you’re the sailor. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.”

In his welcome address, USP Director Associate Professor Kang Hway Chuan said that it has been wonderful to see how our alumni have been staying connected with the programme and contributing towards its growth over the years, making the USP community such a uniquely close-knit one within the wider NUS. Assoc Prof Kang said he hoped to see more alumni contributing to the recruitment of new USP students through sharing sessions, admission interviews as well as participating in panel dialogues about the value of an USP education at various outreach events. USP staff also shared about some projects involving alumni and students, including the newly-founded student-led USP Consulting Club.