Taking the opportunity of Kent Ridge Alumni Family Day, NUS' annual homecoming for alumni to stay connected to the entire NUS community, Raffles Hall Association (RHA) conducted their first Virtual Visit to Raffles Hall (RH) for alumni and residents, which was a great success! The event was sparked after several seniors were curious to find out what the hall looked like today. The RHA EXCO, led by Mr Pang Wei Han (Science ’18), collaborated with Mr Ezra Chiam, Associate Director for Alumni Relations for Raffles Hall and Block 4 Resident Fellow, to organise a captivating and refreshing program which demonstrated the liveliness of the hall in both the real and virtual world.
The day began with an amazing, high-energy dance by the Senior Common Room Committee, which was choreographed by Block 2 Resident Fellow, A/P Mengling ‘Mornin’ Feng, followed by a warm welcome by Hall Master, A/Prof Stella Tan Wei Ling (Science ‘98). A/P Stella expressed deep appreciation to RHA alumni for their continued affiliation and fellowship. Raffles Hall has always been a Home Away From Home, and also a Hall of Opportunities.
Prior to the virtual tour, Wei Han shared that RH won a Double Gold for Rag and Flag 2021, which warmed the hearts of alumni. Interested parties could catch the award ceremony here (2:50:25min). With the happy news in mind, Wei Han took members and residents on a virtual tour with the help of a digital map, navigating between Bukit Timah and Kent Ridge campuses, and shared spaces of RH, such as the communal hall, reading room, gymnasium, dance studio and games room.
This was followed by a presentation by current residents from the RH Tech Crew and RH Green Committee. The Tech Crew plays an important role behind-the-scenes, committing to production work and allowing residents to shine during concerts and even e-sports. On the other hand, the Green Committee takes care of the hall’s Butterfly Garden, Herb Garden, and green initiatives such as recycling, building terrariums and even organising a Vegan Cook-Off for masteRH chefs! Interested parties could take a closer look at the Green Committee’s collaboration for Earth Hour here.
The virtual tour ended with a What’s Buzzing section, which featured RH’s newest facilities and winning photos from the RH Photo competition. Alumni and residents alike were delighted to learn that squirrels could now be found in the RH Gardens.
As the event came to a close, RHA Chairperson, Ms Lim Swee Kim (Computing ’88) complimented and thanked all residents for continuing the progressive heritage which RH alumni identify with. She shared her delight at how RH continue to evolve and progress its residency culture into a world of songs, dances, theatre, sports and even e-sports, amidst a interconnected, interdependent and technologically advanced world. She added that RHA will continue to endeavour growing RH bursaries for present and future generations of residents.
Submitted by Ms Lim Swee Kim (Computing ’88)