The National University of Singapore (NUS) Alumni Network Manila participated in the NUS Alumni Homecoming 2024 held at the University Town (UTown) of NUS Kent Ridge Campus.

Representing the Manila chapter were Chapter Chairperson Mr Richard Tan (Public Policy ’13), Euben Paracuelles (Arts & Social Sciences ’13), Zoe Villanueva (Engineering ’03), Simonette Santos (Science ’03), Dennis Capuyan (Business ’09), Jika David (Business ’09), Mariliza Villarosa-Kalaw (Policy’ 11), Christopher Daguimol (Arts & Social Sciences ’11), Zachary Dominguez (Engineering ’20), Jon Sanchez (Design and Environment ’21), Jeanette Aquino (Design and Engineering ’22), Leandro Cuevas (Design and Engineering ’22), Nicholas Canete (Computing ’23), and Steven Chua (Computer Science ’24). Joining them were Public Policy ’25 student volunteers Kenneth Dingal, Arvin Matias, and Carleen Reyes.

One of the key highlights for the Manila chapter was hosting the Manila Alumni & Friends Event. This gathering connected Filipino alumni currently residing in Singapore or alumni from other countries who wish to connect with alumni in the Philippines.

Held at the Stephen Riady Centre in UTown from 11:00 am to 11:45 am, the Filipino NUS alumni were warmly welcomed by Mr Tan, who expressed gratitude for their presence. He provided an overview of the Manila chapter’s formation, activities over the years, and significant engagements, including two visits by NUS Chief Alumni Officer (CAO) Ms Ovidia Lim-Rajaram (Arts & Social Sciences '89) during her first year in the role.

One of these visits was for NUS alumni to meet the University of the Philippines President Atty Angelo Jimenez (Public Policy’13) in August 2023. Another was for the inaugural NUS Innovation Forum (NIF), held in Manila in May 2024. Mr Tan also emphasised the chapter’s ongoing collaboration with the Singapore Embassy in Manila, including the alumni’s involvement in the embassy’s Singapore National Day reception and gatherings with the ambassador.

The highlight of Homecoming 2024 was the Homecoming Lunch, held at the Cinnamon-Tembusu College Dining Hall from 12.00nn to 2.30pm. In his keynote speech, NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye (Science ’85) reminded the alumni that NUS stands on the brink of its 120th year: “We can reflect with pride on our journey. Today, we are a leading global university with a strong reputation for research and education. I encourage all alumni to contribute to our vision of NUS as a leading global university, shaping the future. Consider opportunities for mentorship, volunteering through NUS Cares, creating internship placements, or speaking to prospective and current students”

In her speech, Ms Lim-Rajaram expressed appreciation to Mr Tan for his support and advocacy of NIF Manila, as well as his dedication in organising numerous alumni activities over the years: “Earlier this morning, the Manila Network hosted a gathering for alumni from the Philippines who are currently in Singapore, or who wish to connect with alumni in the Philippines. This is a beautiful example of the connectivity of our community and NUS’ reach beyond geographic boundaries. Thank you, Richard, for making the effort to be here today.”

The Manila chapter is excited about contributing to NUS120 and eagerly anticipates its participation in next year’s celebrations!

The National University of Singapore (NUS) Alumni Network Manila attended a reception hosted by the Singapore Embassy in Manila at the Grand Hyatt Ballroom in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) to celebrate Singapore’s 59th National Day and the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Singapore.

Approximately fifty-five alumni were present at the event, which followed shortly after the state visit of Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam to the Philippines in August 2024. The alumni represented ten faculties and schools, including Arts & Social Sciences, Business, Computing, Design and Environment, Engineering, Public Health, Public Policy, Science, Law, and Yale-NUS.

The short programme commenced at around 6.30pm, with Ambassador Constance See (Arts & Social Sciences ’97) emphasizing the strong, warm relationship between Singapore and the Philippines, and highlighting ongoing areas of cooperation between the two nations. She also expressed her gratitude for the warm welcome she has received since assuming her post last year. Joining her in the toast were Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Most Rev. Charles John Brown, DD, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines.

Around 800 guests, including government officials, members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps, the business community, and Singaporeans in Manila, filled the ballroom to capacity. The NUS Alumni Network Manila Committee officers were present to welcome the NUS alumni who came. They are Chapter Chairperson Mr Richard Tan (Public Policy ’13), Vice-Chair Mr Nestor Precioso (Science ’06), and Chapter Treasurer Ms Karla Hotchkiss-Rufino (Business ’10). At least half of the NUS alumni who attended the reception were first-timers.

The evening’s festivities featured a variety of entertainment and prizes. The University of the Philippines Concert Chorus delivered a stunning performance, setting a celebratory mood. Exciting giveaways, including round trip tickets to Singapore, kept the energy high, while guests enjoyed complimentary treats like Irvin’s Salted Egg snacks and Tiong Bahru Bakery croissants. Throughout the event, free-flowing wine, Tiger beer, and an excellent spread of Singaporean cuisine—including favorites like laksa and crispy pork—further enhanced the celebration.