The Majors Tea, a key student outreach event in NUS Geography’s calendar, was held on 17 February 2023, where three alumni returned to the department to share their experiences of navigating the job market as recent graduates. The invited guests were Mr Gordon Oh (Arts and Social Sciences ‘21), Nature-based Solution Analyst at Adatos.AI; Ms Kamarunnisa Ismail (Arts and Social Sciences ‘20), Planner in Strategic Research, Urban Redevelopment Authority; and Mr Nadi Chan (Arts and Social Sciences ‘18), Co-Founder and Director of Foreword Coffee Roasters.

Drawing on experiences spanning the public sector, private enterprise and entrepreneurship, the alumni shared about the value of gaining various types of work experience through short-term assignments, the benefits of doing extra-curricular activities, and how a degree in geography has enabled them to synthesise different types of knowledge. Students who attended the event raised questions on how geography has helped alumni to respond to the increased emphasis on sustainability in a variety of sectors, and the type of myths regarding geography graduates in the job market.

The event also included a new component that focused on the significance of doing an Honours’ Thesis and embarking on geographical research, where the alumni also shared their personal experiences related to these aspects. The segment was particularly inspiring since Mr Gordon Oh was the winner of the Tan Huat Neo Best Thesis Prize and Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher Award in 2021.

The Majors Tea was attended by 42 people, and included prize-winning activities such a quiz on the alumni speakers and a lucky draw. Each year since the late 1990s, NUS Geography has invited outstanding alumni to share their experiences with current students. According to Ms Kamarunnisa Ismail, “It’s good to be back at NUS, to share my experiences with the department. I found similar sessions helpful when I was an undergraduate, and hope that the current batch gains a better understanding of the various different options and career paths available to them.”

This year’s Majors Tea was particularly notable as an undergraduate commented, “It was very heart-warming to see everyone interact and spend time together after COVID-19! The event also allowed alumni to provide us greater insights and valuable knowledge about the working world”. A big thank you to the alumni for being so generous with their time and for supporting this event. Many thanks to the Special Projects Committee of the NUS Geographical Society for their help in organising yet another successful Majors Tea.

Submitted by Dr Menusha De Silva (Arts and Social Sciences ’18)

In line with Valentine's Day, the NUS Campus Couples Alumni hosted more than 200 alumni couples and donors at its annual Celebration of Love and Giving Dinner in appreciation of their efforts to support financially-challenged NUS students.

This year, alumni couples raised a total of S$357,665 for the NUS Campus Couples Bursary Fund and other bursaries. Over S$816,000 has been raised since the NUS Campus Couples Bursary’s inception in 2015, benefitting 127 financially disadvantaged NUS students.   

Held at the National University of Singapore Society Kent Ridge Guild House on 10 February 2023, the event brought together a community of campus couples from various generations to celebrate love and generosity. The heart-warming celebration was also a meaningful occasion to acknowledge and thank the donors who help raise funds for underprivileged students in NUS.

Supported by the Alumni Student Advancement Committee, NUS Office of Alumni Relations and NUS Development Office, the event saw a lively turnout as alumni cheerfully reconnected with each other – some for the first time in person in three years.

Guests were treated to a romantic musical performance by the NUS Jazz Band during the dinner. The night continued with a heartfelt recognition of the donors' generosity, concluding with a cheque presentation to NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye (Science ’85).

Ms Khalijah Masud (Science ’92) and Mr Aznan Ghazali (Arts ’92) said they were grateful for the chance to be able to give back to their alma mater. “Reflecting on our blessed life (and) giving back commemorates the remarkable time we had in NUS and specifically in Sheares Hall. At this point in our lives, it's also important for us to leave a legacy and set an example for our children,” said Ms Khalijah.

Ms Jessica Leong (Arts ’85) shared that she and her husband, Mr Wong Jin Kok (Engineering ’85), were keen to contribute as education held a special place in her husband’s heart. 

Their first gifts to NUS were made in honour of their parents, particularly Mr Wong’s father who was a school headmaster and set an example by supporting the education of relatives and close friends in need. The Sheares Hall couple said they understood the financial struggles faced by some undergraduates and hoped to “make it easier for current students in need”.

The NUS Campus Couples Bursary Fund was initiated by Mr Yeo Keng Joon, who met his wife, Madam Kong Yuet Peng (Business ’86), when they were pursuing their MBA degrees at NUS Business School. The pair had established the bursary as a way to give back to the NUS community after receiving financial assistance with their education.

Submitted by Ms Akanksha Batura Pai (Business '14)