The AlumNUS

14 Feb 2024

Campus Love Stories: Phyllis & Dan

Phyllis Mok (Design and Environment '02) and Daniel Ng (Design and Environment '04) met before they entered NUS, reconnecting when they ended up in the same faculty. Today, the pair have been married for 16 years and have two lovely children: a 14-year-old daughter and a 9-year-old son. 

Campus Love Stories: Phyllis&Dan


Tell us the story of how you met.

Phyllis: We had common friends between us and went out in a big group before I started studying in NUS, whilst he was serving National Service.  

Dan: [We then] reconnected back in NUS since we were in the same faculty. I reached out to her to borrow lecture notes when I was in Year 2.  

What were your first impressions? 

Phyllis: Nothing much of a first impression, except that he was often in singlets to show off his muscular physique.  

Dan: I was attracted by her easygoing and friendly vibes. But I would be lying if I said I wasn’t attracted to her looks. Her big “puppy eyes” got me at hello.  

Tell us about your first date. 

Phyllis: He asked me out to catch a movie around Valentine’s Day and picked me up from my hostel room in Prince George's Park with a single rose.

Dan: I saw that she had a bouquet of nicer flowers on her desk when I picked her up and felt threatened that there was someone else vying for her affection.  

Love is really a commitment towards loving, serving and caring for one another no matter the circumstances.  

How did you know your partner was the one?  

Phyllis: The “one” is overrated. Love is really a commitment towards loving, serving and caring for one another no matter the circumstances.  

Dan: She has strong loyalty to her family and friends and that was a very attractive quality for me in a spouse. She cares for the people around her and I knew that I would be well cared for if I married her.   

What is your favourite thing about your partner?  

Phyllis: He is a trustworthy man who puts the family first and, above all, loves God.   

Dan: Her loyalty and how she always gives her best to our family is what I have liked about her all these year. Big plus point too on her culinary and baking skills that have added inches to my waistline!

How has your partner made you a better person? Or what you have learned from your partner?  

Phyllis: He has made me so much more patient as a person. We have grown so much as a couple from newly married to juggling through the challenging times of parenting young children to where we are now. I wouldn’t choose to ‘do life’ with anyone else than him.  

Dan: Not only is Phyllis stunningly beautiful both inside and out, but she also possesses a heart of gold. Her unwavering care and compassion for others inspire me to be more empathetic and supportive. Through her example, I've learned the value of kindness, strength, and staying true to my principles. 

Give us your best relationship advice.   

There are different seasons in married life, each with its own challenges. Embracing all seasons and growing together as couple will make your marriage stronger. Stay committed to each other.  

Photos courtesy of the featured couple.