To celebrate the arrival of 2025, the NUS Xiamen Alumni Chapter successfully organised a memorable Hakka cultural tour in Wuping, a picturesque Hakka county in Western Fujian, from 28-29 December 2024. The event attracted 25 NUS alumni and their family members.

During the visit, participants immersed themselves in the stunning natural beauty of Wuping while gaining valuable insights into Hakka culture and heritage. Thanks to the generous efforts of Vice Chairperson Mr Lan Chunguang (EMBA '10), the group enjoyed a diverse itinerary. Highlights included a visit to Rosin Chemical, a subsidiary of Suntar Group, led by Dr Lan Weiguang (Science PhD '95), a prominent figure in membrane technology and water treatment, and a tour of Wuping No. 1 Middle School, where the Lans once studied and nowadays contributed a lot in returns.

The group also explored historical and cultural landmarks, such as the Wuping Museum and the region's traditional courtyards, which provided a deeper appreciation of the area's rich history. Alongside sightseeing, participants savored authentic Hakka cuisine and local delicacies, adding a flavorful dimension to the experience.

A special mention goes to the Xiamen Association of Singapore Returned Overseas Chinese for co-organising the event and generously sponsoring transportation costs. This collaborative effort not only ensured the trip's success but also fostered stronger bonds and friendships among NUS alumni and their extended community.

The National University of Singapore (NUS) Alumni Network Manila hosted a meaningful Sundowner Thanksgiving gathering, marking the ceremonial turnover of leadership from the outgoing Executive Committee (ExCo) to the incoming ExCo for the 2025-2026 term.

The event was held from 5.00 to 7.00pm at the Straight Up Rooftop Bar in SEDA Hotel BGC, Taguig City. The gathering brought together outgoing and incoming ExCo members, proposed faculty and school representatives, potential special committee heads, and key alumni actively involved in chapter activities.

It served as a reflective moment to honour past achievements and a forward-looking celebration as the chapter embarked on a new journey. This intimate gathering brought together 18 alumni, representing eight faculties and schools, including Business, Computing, Design and Environment, Engineering, Law, Public Health, Public Policy, and Science.

The event commenced at around 5.00pm with warm welcome remarks from outgoing chapter chair Mr Richard Tan (Public Policy ’13). Mr Tan reflected on the chapter’s origins and celebrated its remarkable achievements since its establishment in 2019. Following Mr. Tan’s speech, Dr Venus Oliva Cloma-Rosales (Public Health ’13), the incoming chapter chair, took the stage to outline her vision for the upcoming term. Affectionately known as Doc Ivy, Dr Cloma-Rosales shared her guiding principles to elevate the chapter’s impact and engagement over the next two years. Joining Doc Ivy in the 2025-2026 ExCo are Patricia Villar-Yambing (Business ’15) as Vice Chair, Jonas Estacio (Engineering ’04) as Secretary, and Atty Jose Maria Buenagua (Law ’21) as Treasurer. To ensure continuity and mentorship, Mr Richard Tan (Public Policy ’13) will continue to serve as Chapter Adviser.

The NUS Alumni Network Manila ushers in the new ExCo term with gratitude, enthusiasm, and a shared commitment to increased engagement and community!

Prepared by Nestor Precioso (Science’06)