NUS-FST 20th Anniversary Dinner

08 August

NUS-FST (Food Science Technology) celebrated its 20th anniversary with a gala dinner on 8 August at NUS Society (NUSS) Kent Ridge Guild House. NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye (Science '85) graced the event, which was attended by about 300 guests from the industry as well as staff, students and alumni.

The celebration marked the remarkable achievements for a small programme over 20 years. It was also an opportunity to appreciate corporate partners, collaborators, sponsors and outstanding alumni who have supported FST over the past 20 years.

To commemorate its 20th anniversary, FST and its alumni also took on a challenge to raise at least $250,000 establish a FST Alumni Endowment Fund to support financially challenge students for bursary purposes. The initiative was championed by Mr Daniel Chia ('03), Chairperson of NUS Food Science & Technology Programme Alumni, whose leadership has always been exemplary. A charity golf event and various fundraising activities were organised and completed with great success - raising a total of $450,000.

Prof Tan complimented the Programme on its outstanding performance in education and high quality research output over the years, and highlighted the translation research and some spin-off companies run by staff members, alumni and students. He mentioned the upcoming trend and the strong support on Food Science and Technology, human nutrition, sustainable urban food production, food safety and security which are now under national priority.

Prof Tan also announced the formation of the FST Department, with Professor Zhou Weibiao as the first Head of Department. The surprise announcement was received with loud cheers and applause from the guests. A unique art piece hand-drawn by alumnus Ms Yvonne Loo ('04) using food pigments was presented to Prof Tan. The benzene window reflects science research breakthrough and the star signifies FST progressing towards a bright future.

The dinner also featured a video presentation with highlights of the last 20 years. It was indeed a wonderful dinner and celebration as well as for a big FST family reunion.

A special thanks to the taskforce for organising such a wonderful FST 20th Anniversary Dinner event. Special thanks to Mr Daniel Chia ('03), Ms Lew Wan Peng ('04), Mr Clement Chan ('19), Ms Nicole Kuan ('19), Mr Toh Mingzhan ('12), Ms Josephine Phang ('19), Mr Sean Ou ('18), Mr Leo Jianhui ('14), Miss Yap May Yi ('18), Miss Jolene Chee ('19), Mr Tan Cheng Lin ('19), Ms Jayne Lee ('19), Ms Alvita ('19); staff members Ms Lew Huey Lee and Ms Jiang Xiaohui; and students Mr Yang Xin, Ms Tan Li Ting, Ms Wang Xiang Fang and Miss Sew Shu Wen; and everyone who have contributed to the success of the event and all the guests!

Submitted by Ms Lee Chooi Lan

• Faculty - Science