The Science Alumni-Student Networking Evening was held on 14 October 2022, after three years of hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions. This year, it was held at the Multi-Purpose Room above the Frontier. More than 150 Science undergraduates, postgraduates and recent alumni participated in this event, organised in collaboration by the Faculty of Science and the NUS Centre for Future-ready Graduates.

A total of 21 alumni mentors from various industries – from civil service to data science, and research to entrepreneurship – and majors were invited, and they shared their career experiences and interacted with the students during the networking session. The event was extremely insightful as the alumni shared about the experiences and challenges they faced in the midst of their studies or career. The event was well-received, garnering positive feedback from both alumni mentors and participants.

Great event. We should have more of them!
- Arul John, mentor

I was able to learn more about the different industries and how my degree could be relevant to those sectors. Overall, the event was very helpful in helping me consider the choices I have and the direction I want to move towards upon graduation.
- Quek Joo Yee, Year 2, Life Sciences

The networking session was really insightful as I was able to engage with inspiring alumni and gain much advice about university and my future career. One piece of advice that I still hold closely from that day was when one mentor shared that life will always lead you to where you are supposed to be eventually, and to always trust the process.
- Kellianne Ng, Year 1, Data Science and Economics

The event was overall extremely helpful as the alumni gave authentic insights about having a future in their industries that cannot be found online, as well as tips about module choices. I do wish that the event was a little longer though as I wanted to talk to a many people but only managed to talk to two!
- Syakirah Jamaludin, Year 1, Life Sciences

Submitted by Ms Lim Jia Jia (Science '14)

NUS Alumni Manila Chapter attended a dinner reception hosted by the Singapore Ambassador to the Philippines, Mr Gerard Ho (Arts and Social Sciences ’97) at the Singapore Embassy in BGC, Taguig City, Metro Manila. Thirty-seven alumni were present in the gathering representing nine faculties and schools, including those from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, School of Business, School of Computing, College of Design and Engineering, School of Public Policy, Faculty of Science, NUS Medicine, and Faculty of Law. The alumni from Public Policy and Business comprised more than sixty percent of the total attendance. The formal event started at 7:00 pm.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Lee Vivas (Business ’13) from the chapter committee reiterated the vision of the Manila chapter to become the most dynamic NUS city chapter by providing exciting opportunities for the active involvement of alumni. This was followed by a report to the membership by Chapter Chairperson, Mr Richard Tan (Public Policy ’13), on the social and community involvement activities of the chapter since its inception. He encouraged members to support future chapter events and to actively participate in its social media pages. After being formally introduced by Atty. Jedrek Ng (Law ’16), Ambassador Ho gave an inspirational speech to the alumni present. He highlighted the importance of NUS alumni acting as mini “ambassadors” in promoting the Singaporean experience and friendship between Singapore and the Philippines, and also expressed his gratitude to alumni present in the reception.

Following a formal toast to Ambassador Ho, Chapter Chairperson Mr Tan and Vice-Chairperson Mr Nestor Precioso (Science ’06) gave a presentation on NUS Cares activities. To end off the evening, Mr Precioso expressed the gratitude of the chapter to Ambassador Ho and the Embassy staff at large for their support and generosity to the activities of NUS alumni based in Manila. A generous buffet spread from the Corniche restaurant of Diamond Hotel in Manila was served after the short program, featuring local Singaporean dishes such as bah kut teh, popiah basah (fresh spring roll) and laksa. Guests were impressed by the dishes served, and enjoyed the evening filled with much networking, camaraderie, and fun.

Submitted by Mr Nestor Precioso (Science ’06).