The AlumNUS Apr-Jun 2014

The

ALUM

NUS ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF THE NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE A P R –J U N 2 0 1 4 / I S S U E 9 7

ENGINEERED

e c n e l l e c x E FOR

FROM NATION-BUILDING TO GLOBAL IMPACT, THE NUS FACULTY OF ENGINEERING ALUMNI

HAVE DONE THEIR ALMA MATER PROUD

Contents

First Word

APR-JUN 2014 ISSUE 97

2 IN THE NEWS 10 COVER STORY ENGINEERING A VISION 18 ALUMNI SCENE A PASSION FOR PEOPLE 20 ONCE UPON A MEMORY SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS 22 CHANGEMAKER A HEART FOR PEACE 24 MY WORD TAKE A BOW 26 PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE RISING ABOVE AVERAGE 28 U@LIVE DR NG ENG HEN, MR BERNARD HARRISON 32 ALUMNI HAPPENINGS 43 CULTURE 46 CLASS NOTES NEGOTIATOR EXTRAORDINAIRE 48 LAST WORD

22

THE NEW BREED OF ENGINEER HAD TO BE INNOVATIVE AND ENTERPRISING AND POSSESS GOOD MANAGEMENT SKILLS. THEY WERE TO BE THE ‘BUSINESS ARCHITECTS OF THE ECONOMY’.

28

10 ALUM

NUS ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF THE NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE

ADVISOR Assoc Prof Victor R Savage (Arts and Social Sciences ’72) EDITOR Karin Yeo (Arts and Social Sciences ’97) PUBLISHING CONSULTANT MediaCorp Pte Ltd

The AlumNUS is published quarterly by the NUS Office of Alumni Relations. The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the NUS Office of Alumni Relations or the National University of Singapore. For more information or to read The AlumNUS online, please visit www.nus.edu.sg/alumnet.

The

ALUM

NUS ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF THE NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE A P R –J U N 2 0 1 4 / I S S U E 9 7

Copyright 2014 by the National University of Singapore.

All rights reserved. Printed in Singapore by KHL Printing Co Pte Ltd.

CONTACT US Office of Alumni Relations – National University of Singapore 11 Kent Ridge Drive, Singapore 119244 Tel: (65) 6516-5775 Fax: (65) 6777-2065 Email: oarconnect@nus.edu.sg Website: www.nus.edu.sg/alumnet Facebook: www.facebook.com/nusoar In the Oct-Dec 2013 issue of The AlumNUS, it was stated that Ms Fun Siew Ling co-chairs the PUB’s ABC Waters Review Panel. This was based on information from the URA. The URA has since clarified that Ms Fun has never co-chaired the panel. The URA also wishes to clarify that Mr Richard Hoo did not mention the statistics attributed in his response. The statistics are from the URA website.

O

nce again, I extend warm greetings from the Office of Alumni Relations (OAR). Time flies. Three months have gone by in 2014 and OAR is in full swing with many upcoming events.

If you have not attended any of our events, make an attempt to do so and please inform your alumni friends about our get-togethers and activities. Choose an activity you enjoy most. It might be either of our two mega annual functions – the Bukit Timah Homecoming in July at the Bukit Timah Campus or the Kent Ridge Alumni Family Day at University Town in August.

Or you might be interested in our U@live monthly forum series that showcases varied speakers on pertinent social and political themes. If you enjoy big screen entertainment, register for our monthly Movie on the House or our China Film Festival in October. If you are a young alumnus, keep connected to your peers and your University via our Thirsty Thursdays soirées or the off-campus NUS Alumni Breakfast Dialogues. If you are a senior alumnus, join our monthly tea and chat sessions at the Shaw Foundation Alumni House.

OAR is about serving you. You are the pivot of OAR’s connections and interrelationships. We are here to engage, enrich and entertain you. But more importantly, we would like to know how best we can serve your interests and make alumni activities more meaningful and interesting. Give us your feedback and let us know how best we can engage you. We encourage you to take on a leadership role and lead activities for our alumni. You might have a special interest, a talent or an altruistic cause which you want to pursue, initiate and share. We can help you. Start a meaningful revolution by igniting alumni activities. The buzz can happen on- or off-campus!

This issue, attention is given to alumni from Engineering. This is a Faculty which has done NUS proud given its many academic accolades. The testimony is in its top 10 global rankings for many of its departments. But the Faculty needs alumni to show that its academic scholarship is matched by applied impact, social responsibility and innovative resonance in government and industry. Given that Engineering alumni form the second largest alumni group in NUS after the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, its alumni is manifesting itself in a more vibrant, active and altruistic manner.

As usual, this issue of The AlumNUS presents the many Kodak moments of our Overseas Alumni Chapters’ and Local Alumni Groups’ activities. These reflect not only the colourful connections among alumni but also the spirit of alumni kinship with their alma mater. If you are not in the picture as yet, let us hope you will be framing your engagement in subsequent alumni events.

MR TAN CHIN NAM, THEN-MANAGING DIRECTOR OF EDB

The

DEAR FELLOW ALUMNI AND FRIENDS,

ENGINEERED

e Excellenc FOR

FROM NATION-BUILDING TO GLOBAL IMPACT, THE NUS FACULTY OF ENGINEERING ALUMNI HAVE DONE THEIR ALMA MATER PROUD

ALUMNUS AprJun Cover final.indd 1

COVER CONCEPT: Isabelle Yeoh PHOTO: Getty Images

4/2/14 6:20 PM

ASSOC PROF VICTOR R SAVAGE DIRECTOR, NUS OFFICE OF ALUMNI RELATIONS Arts and Social Sciences ’72 APR–JUN 2014

1

IN THE NEWS

NUS RANKED AMONG WORLD’S TOP 10 ACROSS 11 SUBJECT AREAS AND ASIA’S BEST IN 18 SUBJECTS

A STEADY RISE FOR NUS

T ALUMNUS

THE NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE (NUS) has been ranked among the world’s 10 best universities for key subject areas in engineering and technology, arts and humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences and management, according to the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject.

The University is placed top 10 for a total of 11 subject areas, and is Asia’s best across 18 subjects.

The QS World University Rankings

by Subject is an annual ranking of 200 universities around the world along 30 individual disciplines. The ranking is based on research citations as well as reputational surveys involving over 90,000 academics and employers worldwide.

NUS has been placed among the 10 best universities in the world for the following subject areas:

SUBJECT

HE NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE (NUS) has been placed

21st in the 2014 World Reputation Rankings published by the Times Higher Education (THE), up one spot from 22nd place last year.

The 2014 reputation rankings are based on an invitation-only survey of academic opinion, featuring 10,536 respondents from 133 countries.

NUS President Professor Tan Chorh Chuan said, “We are pleased that NUS has continued its steady rise in the Times Higher Education World Reputation Rankings, moving up to 21st in the world. We believe that this reflects the quality of our faculty and students, the innovations in education which we have pursued, our broad-based research strengths and our extensive collaborations with leading overseas universities, local institutions and industry. We will strive to further differentiate ourselves in education, research and its application, and in thought-leadership as a global university centred in Asia.”

2

Surge in reputation among employers in areas of engineering and technology, and social sciences and management, according to latest QS World University Rankings by Subject.

“We will strive to further differentiate ourselves in education, research and its application, and in thought-leadership as a global university centred in Asia.”

PROFESSOR TAN CHORH CHUAN NUS PRESIDENT

The reputation rankings are a subsidiary of the annual THE World University Rankings, published in the second half of the year. The full results of the 2014 THE World Reputation Rankings are available at: http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/ world-university-rankings/.

WORLD RANKING 2014

Chemical Engineering

5th

Electrical & Electronic Engineering

6th

Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering

6th

Materials Science

6th

Civil & Structural Engineering

7th

Statistics & Operational Research

7th

Computer Science & Information Systems

9th

Geography

9th

Communication & Media Studies

9th

Politics & International Studies

9th

Premium reputation among employers Among the 27 subjects that are applicable to NUS, the University recorded improved overall performances for 17 subjects, with advances in academic reputation in 12 subjects, employer reputation in 18 subjects, and citations per faculty in 18 subjects. They include a rise in academic reputation in Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering; employer reputation in Statistics and Operational Research, and Sociology; and citations per faculty in Linguistics and Biological Sciences.

Employers around the world gave NUS Engineering and NUS Computing resounding votes of confidence by recording scores upwards of 94.5 per cent in the areas of Computer Science and Information

Systems, Chemical Engineering, Civil and Structural Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering.

Employer feedback on the University’s Chemical Engineering graduates registered more than a six-point jump between 2013 and 2014, with a 94.6 per cent performance score. Employers of civil and structural, electrical and mechanical engineers gave NUS a rating of more than 97 per cent.

Professor Tan Eng Chye, NUS Deputy President (Academic Affairs) and Provost, said, “We are happy that NUS continues to be recognised as among the best universities in the world. We are particularly delighted to note that the University is

among the top 10 globally for engineering and technology, and some key subject areas in arts and humanities, natural sciences, as well as social sciences and management.

The latest results of the QS World University Rankings by Subject reflect a strong recognition of NUS’ quality education and cutting-edge research among employers and academics around the world.

We are proud of our faculty and graduates, and will continue The full results of to strive towards the 2014 QS World being a leading University Rankings global university

by Subject are available centred at: http://www.topuniversities. in Asia.” com/subject-rankings/2014

APR–JUN 2014

3

ALL THEY NEEDED TO KNOW As many as 21,250 visitors attended NUS Open Day on 15 March.

THE MOST POPULAR attractions were the 40 faculty and admissions talks as well as 16 exhibition booths covering NUS’ academic programmes.

Prospective students and their families thronged the booths to seek clarification from current students and professors.

Visitors also had the opportunity to learn more about the full range of residential options at NUS through the

4

ALUMNUS

‘Residential Experience’ displays and talks on housing options. Another key highlight was the tours — around campuses and residential colleges — which saw streams of visitors venturing into the living, dining and recreational quarters at University Town (UTown).

Some visitors walked around purposefully, while others wandered about UTown, soaking in the sights and sounds of NUS showcasing its many talents. Many of these talents, whose abilities have been groomed while at NUS, were hall residents. They made Open Day a feast for the senses — visitors enjoyed the crooning of

a capella singers, among other choir performances; a variety of dances, and lively cheerleading and wushu performances.

Quite a number of final-year junior college students turned up to check out NUS course offerings, even though they did not have to make a decision this year. Mr Marcus Chew of Yishun Junior College, for instance, was impressed with the variety of courses and amazing opportunities. He is looking to pursue either History or Philosophy when he goes to university.

“Everything was sophisticated, succinct, clear and precise. The information was very well organised,” he said.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ASSISTANT PROFESSOR WANG HONGYAN FROM DUKE-NUS GRADUATE MEDICAL SCHOOL SINGAPORE

IN THE NEWS

Singapore’s largest neuroscience institute

A neural stem cell lineage of a Drosophila brain is composed of a neural stem cell, a few neural progenitors and a number of neurons.

The lineages are labelled by Deadpan (blue), Asense (red) and CD8-GFP (green).

Specialising in neuroscience research, the NNRIS is a joint venture between Duke-NUS and NNI. LAUNCHED TO IMPROVE treatment and seek cures through research for brain and nervous system disorders such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease and dementia, the National Neuroscience Research Institute Singapore (NNRIS) will be Singapore’s largest institute specialising in neuroscience research, bringing together more than 200 neurologists, neuroscientists and research professionals from the National Neuroscience Institute (NNI) and Duke-NUS to work in collaboration.

A joint venture by Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School Singapore (Duke-NUS) and NNI, NNRIS will consolidate expertise from the two organisations’ neuroscience research programmes and integrate research resources for common use, as well as develop a new research facility for neurobehavioural experiments. These will yield a more targeted, focussed approach to neurological research in Singapore.

With Singapore’s rapidly-ageing population, age-associated diseases like dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and stroke are on the rise. About 28,000 Singaporeans aged 60 and above suffer from dementia now, and this number is projected to increase to 80,000 by 2030. It is expected that the work of the NNRIS will play an integral role in helping to address neurological disease management and treatment.

Professor Lee Wei Ling, Director of NNI said, “NNRIS, which comprises

the single largest entity of neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists and neuroscientists, represents Singapore’s first concerted step in tackling neurological problems and to look for practical solutions for our patients in the face of our ageing population and the rising incidence of neurological diseases.”

Successful collaborations under the NNRIS bring together clinicians in the hospital with neuroscientists.

One example is a study on refining brain imaging techniques to diagnose dementia in its early stages.

Facilitated by the NNRIS, NNI doctors formed a team with Duke-NUS’ neuroimaging and genetics researchers to find a solution. By integrating NNI’s clinical experience with DukeNUS’ strengths in brain imaging studies and capabilities in gene expression in dementia, the team is now exploring the use of a combination of both structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods to detect brain degeneration in patients with early-stage dementia or mild cognitive impairment conditions.

Dr Nagaendran Kandiah, CoPrincipal Investigator of the study and Consultant, Department of Neurology, NNI and the other Co-Principal Investigator of the study, Assistant Professor Helen Juan Zhou from the Neuroscience & Behavioural Disorders Programme at Duke-NUS, plan to study 450 subjects using multimodal neuroimaging methods over a

“The critical mass of talent and resources at the NNRIS makes it fertile ground for scientific discoveries and medical breakthroughs. Doctors and researchers across the neuroscience field can now collaborate easily to turn pertinent clinical observations into research that leads to practical solutions for patients.”

PROFESSOR RANGA KRISHNAN DEAN OF DUKE-NUS

three-year period. To date, 100 participants have already been recruited. In the next phase of their research, the team is looking at a further collaboration with another Duke-NUS collaborator to look at how microstructural changes in blood vessels influence development of dementia.

APR–JUN 2014

5

IN THE NEWS

“Chinese New Year is all about family and I’m really delighted that we’re here to thank and celebrate our alumni, and also to appreciate all our alumni leaders as well as our NUS leadership, faculties, students who had done so much to support our engagement with our alumni.”

SAYING THANK YOU AT CNY

The Office of Alumni Relations welcomed the Year of the Horse with its traditional Chinese New Year Appreciation dinner.

EVERY YEAR, THE OFFICE OF ALUMNI RELATIONS (OAR) hosts its ever-popular Chinese New Year Appreciation dinner as a gesture of thanks to its alumni leaders, partners and volunteers. This year was no different. A splash of festive colours livened up the reception area of the Shaw Foundation Alumni House on 6 February 2014 as guests gathered for cocktails in anticipation of the traditional lion dance.

The ushering in of the Year of the Horse was no quiet affair — after the much-welcomed lion dance performance, guests moved over to the National University of Singapore Society (NUSS) Kent Ridge Guild House for a sumptuous eight-course dinner.

Among the more than 200 guests who attended were distinguished guests like NUS Board of Trustees member Mr Edward D’Silva; NUS President Professor Tan Chorh Chuan; NUS Deputy President (Research and Technology), Professor Barry Halliwell; senior administrators and senior alumni volunteers.

Students, faculty members, corporate partners, sponsors and vendors also came to join in the celebrations.

6

ALUMNUS

Director of OAR, Associate Professor Victor R Savage, gave an impassioned opening speech about the crucial support NUS alumni give to their alma mater, thanking them for a successful 2013 which included the launch of two new Overseas Alumni Chapters in Toronto and Xiamen for NUS. He also shared the highlights of events that lay in store for alumni in the year ahead.

In his welcome address, NUS President Prof Tan, focussed on three important points in alumni relations: Broadening the base of active engagement through a variety of ways, building the core of passionate and committed alumni, and working together for a shared purpose such as building a bursary fund for financiallydisadvantaged students. Prof Tan believes that these three points would help NUS to further reach out, engage and grow the alumni community.

Throughout the evening, alumni were entertained by different musical groups. The NUS High School Chinese Orchestra serenaded the audience with Chinese orchestral music and allmale a cappella group Budak Pantai, comprising two alumni, entertained guests with their clever renditions of popular classics. Noor Quek (Business ’72) and Archie Ong (Arts and Social Sciences ’72), rounded off the evening nicely with a selection of evergreens.

PROFESSOR TAN CHORH CHUAN NUS PRESIDENT

ALUMNI DIALOGUE

A platform for intellectual engagement.

STUDENTS AND YOUNG ALUMNI are the future ambassadors of every university. At NUS, the Office of Alumni Relations (OAR) takes the role of nurturing these future advocates seriously by engaging them early in meaningful initiatives. One such initiative is the relatively new ‘Alumni Dialogue’ session. Launched late last year, the initiative is OAR’s collaboration with the US Embassy and the Fulbright Association, Singapore, in an effort to bring together young professional adults who are NUS students or alumni and/or Singaporean students or alumni of American universities for intellectual engagement and discussions with guest speakers.

The first ‘Alumni Dialogue’ session for 2014 took place on 5 March 2014 at the NUS Shaw Foundation Alumni House. The guest speaker for that evening was Mr Ho Kwon Ping (Arts and Social Sciences ’78), Executive Chairman of Banyan Tree Holdings, who spoke on the topic of ‘Cross-Cultural Management in a Globalised World’ to an audience of

more than 200, among whom included distinguished guests like the Deputy Chief of Mission of the US Embassy in Singapore, Mr Blair Hall.

Acknowledging that part of his whole take on cross-cultural management in a globalised world originates from his own association with Banyan Tree — an organisation comprising 45 hotels, with 30 operating overseas and boasting a staff of 50 nationalities — Mr Ho shared invaluable insights on the necessity and challenges of cross-cultural management in today’s world.

Mr Ho emphasised that while the importance of diversity cannot be underestimated in cross-cultural management, one needs to recognise that with diversity comes a host of issues including tensions, misunderstandings and even racial mistrust.

However, difficult as it may be, it is “absolutely critical that we develop in all our institutions an effective cross-cultural management system”, especially with talent in Singapore being totally mobile.

“When you embark on this task of trying to have a meaningful crosscultural management in your institution, you cannot have a totally idealistic approach to it. You have to recognise that the journey to bring true cross-cultural diversity in your management team and in your institution will bring along with it as many difficulties as the pleasures that you hope to derive from a truly diverse workforce or a truly diverse culture.”

MR HO KWON PING (ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES ’78) EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN OF BANYAN TREE HOLDINGS

Mr Ho Kwon Ping, guest speaker of 2014's first Alumni Dialogue.

APR–JUN 2014

7

IN THE NEWS

LOCAL ALUMNI GROUPS SOCIAL NIGHT

THE CANADIAN FILM FORUM

TO ENSURE THAT all alumni leaders and volunteers get the opportunity to network and interact with one another, the NUS Office of Alumni Relations (OAR) initiated a Local Alumni Groups (LAG) Social Night. The inaugural event aimed to bring together alumni leaders and volunteers from the University’s 57 LAGs for an informal evening of getting-to-know-one-another better and sharing of alumni engagement ideas. Close to 100 alumni turned up for the evening that included ice-breaker games, phototaking and entertainment by the Green Lake band. Held on 14 March 2014 at the newly-renovated National University of Singapore Society (NUSS) Suntec City Guild House, the event was sponsored by the Spa Esprit Group and Bhutan K5 Whiskey.

FOR THE FOURTH YEAR RUNNING, alumni film buffs were treated to an interesting selection of Canadian films at the 4th Canadian Film Forum (CFF). Held at the Shaw Foundation Alumni House from 24 March to 26 March, this year’s CFF featured three films titled ‘The Grand Seduction’ — a Canadian remake of a 2003 French film La Grande Seduction; War Witch (Rebelle) — an Oscar-nominated Best Foreign Language Film about a child soldier in sub-Saharan Africa; and Midnight’s Children — a film by Oscarnominated director Deepa Menta based on the Booker Prize-winning novel by celebrated novelist Salman Rushdie.

The event kicked off with an opening night for invited guests only, with more than 150 film fans showing up for the movie The Grand Seduction. Distinguished guests included the High Commissioner of Canada, Her Excellency Heather Grant, Mr Edward D’Silva and Mr Davinder Singh, members of the NUS Board of Trustees, and invited guests of the Canadian High Commission.

A collaboration between the Canadian High Commission and the NUS Office of Alumni Relations, this year’s CFF received the generous sponsorship of Keppel Corporation and Blackberry. Two Blackberry phones were given out as lucky draw prizes at the movie screenings.

“A close collaboration and bonding that we perpetuate with the Canadian relationship as well as the Canadian citizens working in Singapore.

Another platform for Canadians to interact with Singaporeans – that’s another way of bonding and fostering closer relationships at a different level, not at a political level but an arts and cultural level.”

MR EDWARD D’SILVA (ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING AND REAL ESTATE ’75) NUS BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEMBER

NEW BOOK ON CORNER THE BLOCK NAKED APE, NAKED BOSS

THIRSTY THURSDAYS Popular with NUS alumni who are young working professionals working in the Central Business District area, ‘Thirsty Thursdays’ is the Office of Alumni Relations’ key event for alumni who wish to meet new friends and enhance their networking opportunities. With two successful runs last year, 2014’s first ‘Thirsty Thursdays’ session set off on a good start with more than 130 alumni coming together at Barber Shop by Timbre on 16 January 2014.

“A very good way of reaching out: A synergy between Canadian partners and the Office of Alumni Relations.”

MRS TAN SUAN IMM (ARTS ’61)

NUS ALUMNI ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER 8

ALUMNUS

This book tells the story of Bernard Harrison (Science ’87), the man who shaped Singapore’s most attractive and iconic leisure destinations: the Singapore Zoo and the Night Safari.

How easy was it for this passionate and determined man who could not and would not take “no” for an answer to do what he really and truly wanted? What shaped his own personality? What problems did he encounter in wanting to create a Zoo and a Night Safari Singapore could be — and is — very proud of?

Author Associate Professor Kirpal Singh (Arts and Social Sciences ’72) recounts the story of a man who dared to pursue his dreams in an ethos that did not necessarily value or reward dreaming.

Naked Ape, Naked Boss will be launched on 11 April 2014 and available thereafter at all major bookstores in Singapore.

APR–JUN 2014

9

INTO THE FUTURE

ENGINEERING

AVISION

BY THERESA TAN

WITH A HISTORY THAT HAS AS MANY TURNS AS AN ALFRED HITCHCOCK MOVIE (HITCHCOCK WAS, AFTER ALL, AN ENGINEER), THE NUS FACULTY OF ENGINEERING HAS EVOLVED FROM BEING A SUPPLIER OF ENGINEER-LEADERS FOR THE NATION TO A HOTBED OF INNOVATORS AND ENTREPRENEURS.

PHOTO GETTY IMAGES

HE FACULTY OF ENGINEERING (FoE) in

10

ALUMNUS

the National University of Singapore is the University’s second biggest, after Arts and Social Sciences, with nearly 6,000 undergraduates, 2,400 graduate students and 300 faculty members.

It is also one of the top 10 technological schools in the world.

Its courses in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering have repeatedly been rated within the top 10 globally in the QS World University Rankings.

Looking back on its humble beginnings born out of necessity during the early nation-building years of Singapore – anyone, and not just alumni – would be justifiably proud that what started as a department in the University of Malaya has achieved the status it holds today. However in 2008, when Professor Chan Eng Soon (Civil Engineering ’80) was appointed Dean,

FoE was facing challenging times.

“We had to figure out how we could attract top students into Engineering,” he tells The AlumNUS. “We noted the overall decline in interest at that time. Now it’s more stable, and hopefully it will climb again.”

Top A-Level students routinely opt for faculties like Medicine, Law and Business. New initiatives also have made an impact, Prof Chan says, like the launch of Yale-NUS College. Not only are there greater opportunities for bright students, the remuneration for engineers has not adjusted upwards as quickly as other professions, even as Singaporean engineers face competition from other Asian engineers.

But the good thing about such a challenge, he points out, is that “it got me to reflect on what kind of graduate we are trying to produce.

It also got me to think about their roles, not just in Singapore but in the global economy.”

In Singapore today, the field of engineering has become more competitive than ever. “The engineering schools around Asia – in China

and India – are getting better. The engineering jobs in Singapore today, whether we like it or not, are going to be done by both Singaporeans and overseas engineers,” he says.

“Technology has helped to make this happen. There is no turning back.

“We have a high-quality programme. The results speak for themselves. We’ve produced engineers who have transformed Singapore’s industries in the past few decades. But that is not enough in today’s context.”

A FOCAL POINT

It was 5 October 1955 when the first batch of Engineering students entered the University of Malaya as freshmen. In 1957, the Federation of Malaya was on its way to independence. Singapore was still a crown colony, and the University of Malaya moved the Engineering department to Kuala Lumpur where in 1958 it became a full-fledged faculty and saw its first five Civil Engineering graduates. In 1959, the University of Malaya divided into two autonoAPR–JUN 2014

11

INTO THE FUTURE

With no natural resources, Singapore needed to capitalise on its human resources, particularly in the field of industry. In the ’60s and ’70s, it had progressed to shipbuilding, oil refining and electronics. The government set up the National Science Council (1967), the Ministry of Science and Technology (1968) and the Singapore Institute of Standards and Industrial Research or SISIR (1969).

12

ALUMNUS

TURNING THE TIDE

By the late ’70s, Singapore was faced with a glut of Engineering graduates.

However, what the government discovered was that – as articulated

by Mr Lee Kuan Yew in his National Day speech of 1978 – “Engineering is not as narrow and specialised a discipline as Medicine. Many of our engineers have widened their learning to include management and economics. We are now selecting some of the more promising and versatile of our engineers...to become administrators.”

Professor Liew Mun Leong, now Chairman of Changi Airport, is one such example. He spent 22 years in public service as CEO of SISIR and the National Science and Technology Board before joining the private sector.

THE NEW BREED OF ENGINEER HAD TO BE INNOVATIVE AND ENTERPRISING AND POSSESS GOOD MANAGEMENT SKILLS. THEY WERE TO BE THE ‘BUSINESS ARCHITECTS OF THE ECONOMY’.

DARIUS CHEUNG

(ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING ’05) Mr Cheung, 33, is a hero to many in tech circles, being one of the founders of tenCube which was a bill-splitting app, and sold to global security is now working on a giant McAfee in 2010. property website, 99.co.

He has started a few “Engineering was prestigprojects since, including ious and the ‘right’ choice

MR TAN CHIN NAM, THEN-MANAGING DIRECTOR OF EDB

To cap off the plan, Dr Toh Chin Chye was appointed Vice-Chancellor of the University in 1968. He was also appointed Minister for Science and Technology, and concurrently Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Singapore Polytechnic, reflecting the government’s plan to synergise science, technology and industry.

Dr Toh put into motion the transfer of FoE (and the Architecture and Accountancy faculties) from SP to the University in 1969. “Shipyards and factories are in desperate need of engineers,” he said. Students enrolling in pure Science and Medicine – fields that were oversupplied with graduates – were diverted to Engineering.

The Public Service Commission began offering Engineering

scholarships in 1968. FoE’s enrollment jumped by 140 per cent in 1970/71.

The number of Engineering graduates rose from 66 in 1969/70 to 247 in 1978/79, releasing into Singapore a force that bolstered the rapid development of the nation’s infrastructure and as the years passed, research and development. One early noteworthy project was the discovery

by Dr S Sarkar, then-acting head of Civil Engineering, of new uses for “ferrocement” – a material stronger than wood, steel and fibreglass – such as boat-making, water tanks and roofs.

Another accomplishment was by five Civil Engineering staff engaged in land reclamation work for the construction of Changi Airport’s second runway. The team led by Emeritus Professor Lee Seng Lip (see box story on page 15) invented

FoE continued to expand. In 1978, the University of Singapore (now the National University of Singapore) and the Nanyang Technological Institute (now Nanyang Technological University) established a joint campus.

Engineering students did Year 1 in NUS, and were streamed into either NUS or NTI in Year 2.

The ’80s – a boom period for Singapore – saw the inclusion of a number of new optional subjects, many of which centred on computers and robotics. It was the start of the technology era: the National Computer Board and Singapore Science Park were established. That period also saw Engineering undergrads enjoying industrial attachments that paid well and offered great opportunities.

It became popular among engineers at that time to pursue a second degree and most of them chose a Master’s in Business Administration.

But the 1985 recession hit, and this translated to lower enrollment numbers for Engineering. It was clear by the end of the ’80s

STARTUP ‘HERO’

PHOTO OF KARINA GIN: TAN MENG CHOON

BUILDING A NATION

Fibredrain, an environmentallyfriendly and cost-saving drain to be used in the reclaimed land.

Fibredrain was patented in the UK – the University’s first patent.

PHOTO GETTY IMAGES

mous branches – one in KL, one in Singapore. By 1961, these had become two separate universities: the National University of Malaya and the University of Singapore.

For the sake of nation-building, Singapore found itself in an urgent position to upgrade its human resources. Then-Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew noted in The Straits Times (11 July 1960) that “in the past...the emphasis in all colonial universities has been on English Language, History, Geography and the more innocuous fields of human learning. Singularly lacking were the sciences, the technologies and the professions. ...We should now concentrate on these fields.”

Engineering became one of the focal points in education. Singapore Polytechnic (SP), founded in 1957, became Singapore’s de facto college of technology, offering University of Singapore-sanctioned degrees in Engineering, Architecture and Accountancy in 1965/66.

However, the state of crisis Singapore found itself in in the mid’60s – the failed merger with Malaya followed by Britain’s withdrawal of their military – precipitated the move of Engineering and other professional courses to the University of Singapore. In 1969, the Faculty of Engineering was finally established in the University of Singapore.

FoE expanded so rapidly in 1969/70 that the Faculty of Architecture was moved out of the 10-acre Prince Edward Road campus, and eventually, departments of the polytechnic itself. The completion of the Kent Ridge campus brought much relief to the burgeoning faculty, which moved there in 1977 and today takes up five buildings.

Associate Professor Gin, 48, is a faculty member in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Her research is in the area of water quality, fate and transport of emerging contaminants and ecosystem processes.

WATER WOMAN

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR KARINA GIN (CIVIL ENGINEERING ’91)

“I had quite a bit of exposure to engineering through my civil engineer father. I also like solving problems. Thus, I chose to study Engineering.

Environmental Engineering

that engineers had to prepare themselves for a changing economy.

Said Mr Yeo Teck Seng, then-CEO of the Economic Development Board (EDB) to NUS’ graduating class of 1989, “We must move on to the next level of economic activity, which is knowledge-intensive.”

The new breed of engineer had to be innovative and possess good management skills. They were to be the “business architects of the economy”, said the then managing director of EDB, Mr Tan Chin Nam. Indeed, many engineers began to enter new industries that were exciting both in the challenges they presented as well as the pay, such as banking and finance and law. At the same time, corporations were encouraged to interact with NUS staff and use their libraries, while undergrads were encouraged to pursue cross-faculty learning.

One early success of facultycompany collaborations was in 1987, when Professor Tjung Tjeng Thiang from the department of Electrical Engineering created a method to optimise the number of television

for me. Many engineering courses are tremendously useful as ‘muscle training’ for the brain. An Engineering education is not really about learning the specifics of chip design, or semiconductor physics, but the ability to deconstruct a complex system into its basic parts and basic principles and reassemble it, possibly in a better way. It’s an ability that is useful in life.

In University, I already knew I wanted to do a startup

and it was a tremendous opportunity to be able to go to an NUS Overseas College Experience in Year 3. It was life-changing — it gave me confidence to see these world-changing people like the creators of Yahoo! and Google in the flesh, to see that they are ordinary and no more blessed in any way other than their vision, hard work and determination.

You get a feeling that if they could do it, we could too.”

traditionally focussed on handling wastewater and solid waste. Today, it has expanded into many new areas, including air pollution control and remediation of polluted sites.

My research focusses on studying how contaminants behave in natural waters — how they transform and where they end up.

I am interested in protecting public and ecosystem health. For example, my research team has ways to find sources of pollution from human waste in

catchment areas. We have also developed ways to aid in risk assessment of recreational waters.

My team has also been studying algae blooms in tropical waters, searching for toxins that might be harmful to health, as well as off-flavours that tarnish the quality of drinking water.

I am also trying to understand how pharmaceuticals and personal care products affect our aquatic ecosystems, as many of these chemicals are unregulated.”

APR–JUN 2014

13

INTO THE FUTURE

RETHINKING ENGINEERING

So what can FoE offer its students that would set them apart from their overseas peers, and give them added value beyond engineering?

With this question in mind, plus the fact that top A-Level students opt for other fields, Prof Chan put in motion two new learning pathways in 2009/10 to revitalise the Faculty.

The first of these was the DesignCentric Curriculum (DCC), which sought to bring together “form, function, aesthetics, culture, engineering and lifestyle”. The Design-Centre Programme (DCP) offers Engineering students a chance to participate in three-year multidisciplinary projects that usually solve a social need (aerospace, green ideas, future transport 14

ALUMNUS

PHOTO OF PROFESSOR LEE: WILSON PANG PHOTO OF PROFESSOR LIEW: EALBERT HO

channels that could be transmitted through a single optic fibre. This saved the Telecommunications Authority of Singapore millions of dollars and the trouble of recabling.

Such efforts foreshadowed the FoE of today, even as the ’90s saw rapid developments and adjustments to the faculty to meet the changing national needs. The Distinguished Alumni Engineering Award was introduced, with former national swimmer and CEO of Yeo Hiap Seng, Mr Alex Chan, being the inaugural recipient in 1993.

In 1990, the Postgraduate School of Engineering was set up. By 1994, FoE introduced a modular system, allowing students flexibility in learning. In 1995, a part-time Bachelor of Technology programme was introduced. New courses like Computer Engineering and Environmental Engineering were introduced, while some departments were renamed to reflect Singapore’s pursuit of a knowledge-based economy.

The 2000s saw new collaborations and refinements in the faculty, with new Bioengineering and Biomolecular departments established. The Engineering Faculty also created the NUS Nanotechnology and Nanoscience Initiative (NUSNNI) together with the Science Faculty, resulting in the Nano-engineering Corridor.

systems are just a few). These undergrads, who work in groups of students from different departments, also have opportunities to interact with industry, learn to solve problems and be entrepreneurial.

“Design as a whole is producing engineers that can do it all,” Prof Chan says. “It has to do with the capability to deal with complex problems, to look at a project at system level and to design a system that goes beyond just components.”

“WE NEED TO HAVE STUDENTS KEEN TO TAKE A LESS-ESTABLISHED PATH. WE’RE NOT HERE TO PRESCRIBE BUT TO WORK WITH OUR STUDENTS, TO BE ON THIS JOURNEY WITH THEM.” PROFESSOR CHAN ENG SOON, DEAN OF FOE, NUS CIVIL ENGINEERING ’80

A lot is expected of the DCP graduates: “We expect our grads to be comfortable dealing with complexity and competition.

Their main education here is the environment that they are exposed to. We want to make them feel empowered to exercise creativity.”

How this empowerment works, Deputy Dean Professor Lim Seh Chun explains, is via the Innovative Systems (IS) track. “The intent is to accommodate projects proposed by DCP students. Students in the second semester of their first year undergo the “Design Thinking” module in which they are taught to identify problems of societal importance or other needs which they can solve or meet with technical solutions. Some of them have become so passionate about the problems or needs they have identified, that they appealed to be allowed to make these their threeyear-long DCP projects.

“In order to empower these students and to encourage creativity, DCP students can pursue their passion as long as they can convince us that the proposed projects have sufficient substance and will involve considerable technical challenges to take them through the three-year period.”

Students in this programme who have been empowered to “define their own destiny”, as Prof Lim puts it, have produced superb results. One

of many examples is Project ‘EZmon’, a watch that measures heart rate, body temperature and blood glucose level in a non-invasive manner.

These vital signs are then wirelessly sent to the wearer’s doctor and if abnormalities are detected, the doctor is able to take immediate and appropriate action. The EZmon group has won multiple awards, including Best Team of Young Entrepreneurs at the Intel Global Challenge 2013, held at the University of California at Berkeley in the United States.

“This group is being nurtured by our colleagues in the NUS Entrepreneurship Centre for the possibility of spinning off the technologies they have developed,” says Prof Lim. “We want [students] to be comfortable with uncertainty,” says Prof Chan. In 2008, he led a team to study the lauded Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering in Needham, Massachusetts in the US, to see how other schools have transformed themselves. Olin’s unconventional roots began with Invention 2000, a programme in which faculty members and 30 students experimented with forms of engineering education, explored assessment methods and determined the student culture.

Olin took in its first full class in 2002, and today is highly-respected, CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

PHOTO OF PROFESSOR CHAN: TAN MENG CHOON

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

HIS LIFE-LONG PASSION

EMERITUS PROFESSOR LEE SENG LIP Emeritus Professor Lee, 89, has taught generations of Engineering undergraduates, an achievement he holds dearer than his many accolades.

In the 39 years that he has been in Singapore, Prof Lee has contributed in innumerable ways to the nation. He is most famous for his work on the iconic Changi Airport control tower, and for the solutions he provided to ensure the successful erection of Marina Bay Sands.

In NUS, Prof Lee holds the distinguished position of giving the University its first patent. This was for Fibredrain, which he invented in the late 1970s for the Changi Airport reclamation project.

Fibredrain was a vertical drain pipe made of biodegradable material that “dissolves” into the earth after five years, doing away with the task of removing pipes before construction. “Fibredrain saved a lot of money,” he says.

Born in 1925 in Xiamen, Prof Lee spent his early years in Jakarta and did his bachelor’s degree in the Mapua Institute of Technology in Manila, where he pursued Civil Engineering and Architecture. In 1946, he left for the US

BOWLED OVER

CHERIE TAN

(MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ’12) National bowler Cherie Tan, 26, has significant sporting achievements, including a SEA Games gold medal.

and completed his Master’s degree at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, in nine months. After a year, he went on to pursue his PhD at the University of California, Berkeley, in 1953.

He went to work for Bechtel, the largest engineering firm in the US. In 1955, he was drawn into academics with a position as Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering at Northwestern University in Illinois. It took him just five years to make full Professor.

By 1967, he had married a fellow professor at Northwestern when his mother came to live with him. The older woman couldn’t stand the cold, so Prof Lee joined the Asian Institute of Technology in Bangkok in 1968 as Professor and Head of Division of Structural Engineering and Mechanics, bringing his mother back to the tropics with him.

He joined NUS in 1975. “When I was interviewed by Dr Toh Chin Chye, Chancellor of the University, I told him I didn’t come here for myself; I needed hot weather for my mother. After that, he had no more questions.” Prof Lee served as Head of Department till 1989, and in 1990 was conferred the title of Emeritus Professor. Now he goes to NUS two or three times a week.

Prof Lee gave himself to teaching the generations of undergraduates that passed through FoE. “I taught Civil Engineering for 50, 60 years,” he says.

“By yourself, what you can do is limited; if you have a lot of students then you can do a lot. What I am proudest of is contributing to Singapore and to engineering by having a lot of students!”

The way for any engineer to succeed, he points out, is to find out his true passion. His advice, “Get a job that lets you keep on learning. Don’t worry about the money!”

“Materials Science Engineering is relevant to my passion, bowling. The ball core and coverstock design are elements of Materials Science.

I studied Materials Science so that I might branch into that field after I have stopped competing. My favourite module was forensic science; there were some very entertaining lecturers!

There were times I took time off to concentrate on bowling. My lecturers were very helpful, especially during my final semester.

I am grateful for their help.”

COMING FULL CIRCLE

PROVOST CHAIR PROFESSOR (PRACTICE) LIEW MUN LEONG (CIVIL ENGINEERING ’70) Professor Liew, 67, is Provost Chair Professor (Practice) in the Faculty of Engineering and Business School.

He presently serves as Chairman of Changi Airport Group and Director of the Singapore Stock Exchange.

Previously CEO of two government statutory boards: SISIR and NSTB, Prof Liew spent 20 years in the private sector leading 10 publiclisted companies. He was President and CEO of CapitaLand Group for 13 years, growing it into one of the world’s largest investors in real estate.

“My father was a fitter in a shipyard.

His boss was the foreman, but the biggest guy was the engineer. They called him dai gao, “big dog” in Cantonese.

They looked up to him. I said, one day I want to be a dai gao. My father was very happy when I became an engineer — I practised as one for 20 years.

After graduating, I helped build the first Changi Airport runway. Now, 40 years later as Chairman of Changi Airport Group, I’ve come full circle.

Engineering was intense — if you failed just three subjects you were out.

I am still in touch with Emeritus Professor Lee Seng Lip; he is my mentor. We worked together on the Changi Airport project. I make it a point to see him as I have a lot to gain.

I’m proud FoE is ranked so highly globally, though I’m not a fan of ranking. It is better to ask, what is it good that we have taught our students that is useful for them? Are we producing good engineers or good rankings?

I would like students to remember the good times with friends and come back to campus. There must be that emotional link.”

APR–JUN 2014

15

INTO THE FUTURE

A RACY LIFE

ALUMNUS

Michael had come on board and business picked up and in 2008, Jeff and Kiang Loong came on board too.

At first we created equipment for racecars. We were doing nicely, running an evergreen business selling boring stuff. Then someone from the DSO National Laboratories wanted something unusual built and when they asked around, our old classmates recommended us.

I had a traditional Engineering education at NUS, and that foundation was very strong. Because we were thrown into the deep end on projects, we had the freedom to learn how to learn — there was no spoonfeeding. There was general guidance and that was it, which was nice.

It turns out my FSAE experience was probably one of the highest any undergrad has had in the history of the programme. Later batches had more support, and it struck me that without a team, we would never be anything. The realisation was, one plus one can add up to a number much greater than two.

The number of engineers who exit the field has risen — it’s hard to find a lucrative career.

But hopefully, we are smart enough to create solutions globally, and we’ll find other HOPE Techniks set up.

Hopefully we can create a whole ecosystem — we’re trying to create a Silicon Valley, to create value all over again.”

(MECHANICAL AND PRODUCTION ENGINEERING ’89) Mr Loh, 50, is Bank of America Merrill Lynch AsiaPacific’s Deputy President and Head of Markets. Before that, he spent 17 years at Deutsche Bank. He serves on the board of the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation (GIC) as a non-executive director.

(MECHANICAL ENGINEERING ’92) A faculty member in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Associate Professor Ong is an ambassador for the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programme for the UN Women Singapore Women Committee, and is assisting in the setup of Engineers Without Borders Singapore. Her research is in Augmented Reality as applied to assistive technology and rehabilitation to help the disabled and elderly gain independence in daily living.

“In my view, all degree programmes provide a solid foundation to enter the working world. In Mechanical Engineering, we were exposed to technology, innovation, logic and critical-thinking skills, all of which remain relevant today. We mixed theory with lab work, blending it with practice, which equipped us well for tackling real-world scenarios.

I enjoyed my time at NUS. We had strong faculty members to guide us and some wonderful friendships which remain to this day were forged. Most importantly, I met my wife there.

Although I studied Engineering, I became a banker. It was an accidental start that became a passion. I decided to give the banking sector a shot, thinking I could put my interests in logical thinking, maths and current affairs to work. I joined the Monetary Authority of Singapore as a Central Banking Officer and never looked back.”

“My family lived in a room at the back of a factory for years; I never owned a storybook or a soft toy. From young I took fans and electric kettles apart and put them back together. During school holidays, I took factory jobs. The experience proved pivotal when it was time to choose my university course. Engineering allows us to diagnose problems, solve them and improve our daily lives.

There is no reason why society should be less receptive to women as engineers. There are no challenges peculiar to women, as the era for the demand of physical prowess to carry out engineering functions has long gone. As an advocate of opening doors for women, I realise the value of education and motivation, and encourage girls to be excited by the prospect of a future in these fields.

In 2009, I received the Emerging Leaders Award in Academia by the US Society for Women Engineers. I was the first female engineer from Singapore to receive it, and my award shows that NUStrained engineers are on par with global counterparts. I am most proud of being elected a Fellow of the CIRP International Academy for Production Engineering in August 2012. This is a rare honour as I am the fourth woman in the world to become a Fellow of the Academy in its 62-year history, and the first in Asia.”

PUTTING SINGAPORE FIRST

SEAH MOON MING (ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING ’81)

Mr Seah, 57, is Executive Director and Group CEO of Pavilion Energy and Pavilion Gas. Before that, he spent a good portion of his career at the Singapore Technologies (ST) Group which he joined in 1994. He is Chairman of IE Singapore, Singapore Cooperation Enterprise, Temasek Polytechnic and Trusted Board Ltd. “During NS, I was intrigued by how electro-magnetic waves, electrical circuits and semi-conductors all came together to make radio communications possible. Taking up Electronics Engineering at NUS was thus a natural choice for me.

My Engineering training taught me to identify and frame problems and work out practical solutions systematically. With this good training, I have been able to meet all challenges and dare to take on all adventures in my career and life. With systematic and creative thinking, you can make the impossible possible.

In appreciation of what NUS has done for me, I have served as a member in the NUS ECE Committee for the past 10-plus years.”

PHOTO OF PROFESSOR ONG: TAN MENG CHOON

PHOTO OF PETER HO: WILSON PANG

(MECHANICAL ENGINEERING ’03) Mr Ho, 36, is the founder and the technical manager of engineering company HOPE Technik, which has been making headlines with “high-performance unique solutions” that it creates for its clients in both government and private sectors. HOPE Technik beat out much bigger competitors to win the Astrium (French aerospace giant) space plane project, whose prototype is due for its launch test in May 2014. Mr Ho, who has a degree in Mechanical Engineering, was head engineer for car racing outfit Team Petronas before founding HOPE Technik in 2006.

16

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR PATRICIA ONG SOH KHIM

LOH BOON CHYE

PETER HO

“I took up Engineering because of something I had wanted to do since Primary 1: I wanted to build a Lego sewing machine. I built it, but I couldn’t make it stitch.

HOPE Technik’s General Manager Michael Leong and I met through the Formula SAE (FSAE) racecar programme in NUS. I was the ‘idiot’ who started the programme and was team leader for the first year, 2003.

Michael was team leader in 2004.

Our partners Jeff Tang and Ng Kiang Loong were from FSAE 2006.

In my second or third year, I went on an exchange programme in England to study how they built their FSAE car. I suggested to FoE to bring the programme to Singapore and they said, ‘Let’s do it.’ I couldn’t believe it. I wanted to be a racecar engineer and that was the best way to become one — to build a car.

In 2004, I joined Team Petronas in Europe at the lowest level and — left as Chief Engineer. It was tiring, but I had done it and it was wonderful. I wanted to come back to Singapore and try and find a job that would let me play with more things, make things fly, dive and swim.

I couldn’t find a job with the big firms so Michael and I decided to set up our own company. But he was still building racecars, having replaced me as Chief Engineer at Team Petronas.

So I went ahead and set it up.

By 2007

DEDICATED TO TEACHING

HE BANKED ON IT

“WE ‘RE-ORIENTATE THEIR MINDS’ BY ASKING THEM TO TELL THE MENTORS WHAT THEY SHOULD BE DOING NEXT, INSTEAD OF TAKING INSTRUCTIONS.” PROFESSOR LIM SEH CHUN, VICE-DEAN OF FOE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

with a curriculum built around hands-on engineering. Prof Chan came back deeply inspired.

Contributing to the formation of the DCP was the FoE’s participation in Formula SAE, a global intercollegiate competition to build a racecar. At the suggestion of alumnus Peter Ho, founder of HOPE Technik (see box story on page 16), FoE began taking part in FSAE from2001. Teams involved in FSAE would stick with the project for three years, during which they work intensively with students from other disciplines to solve problems and to innovate.

DCP’s modus operandi runs counter to what most students expect. “The moment they join the Design Thinking module, we ‘re-orientate their minds’ by repeatedly asking them to tell the mentors what they should be doing next, instead of taking instructions,” says Prof Lim. “After about two weeks of ‘shock treatment’, the majority of the students would have been transformed – to different degrees – and many realise that their initial impression of what a university education is about has been turned upside-down.”

Aside from dealing with ambiguity in finding problems for undefined problems, students get real-world business training: they are asked to review and redefine their project roadmap each semester and make necessary adjustments.

Still, there is a safety net in the ecosystem the faculty has built for DCP students. “We have designed the assessment rubric for the DCP projects to be such that the final outcomes comprise a small percentage of the total score. We have created an environment in which the students will feel ready to take risks and not be too worried about the final outcome.”

A number of DCP projects have achieved breakthroughs, but possibly none as publicly visible as

Project ‘NUS Roadster’. The idea was to develop a car that could drive on its own. The team of 24 students delivered a fully-functioning platform which was road-tested and reviewed by The Straits Times.

Prof Chan’s other introduction was the Global Engineering Programme (GEP), a deliberate effort to attract top students by offering them a chance to complete their Bachelor of Engineering degree in three years, and spending their fourth year on graduate studies at a partner overseas university. FoE also works with organisations like A*STAR and Keppel Corp to offer full scholarships to GEP students right through to a PhD degree.

BACK TO THE FUTURE

To Prof Chan, the ingredients for any good institution are good students and good faculty. Over the past 59 years, FoE has grown from three departments to seven plus one (the plus one being Engineering Science in partnership with the Science Faculty).

It is time now to “focus on grand challenges”, he says. “We’re looking at the visions of the industry. We want to produce graduates who are attractive to the industry.” Already the marine and offshore industry is actively working with FoE: Keppel Corporation has a corporate lab on campus, interacting with faculty members in education and research.

Today’s graduates are exposed to an environment where they are deep in one area of Engineering but have the skills and exposure to apply knowledge across a full spectrum of areas. That is what differentiates FoE from other schools, says Prof Chan.

“We are still evolving – this hasn’t been simple. We need colleagues who are comfortable not knowing everything. We need to have students keen to take a less-established path.

We’re not here to prescribe but to work with our students, to be on this journey with them.”

APR–JUN 2014

17

ALUMNI SCENE in Engineering from the University of New South Wales. Mr Yam is also an alumnus of the National University of Singapore Business School (NUSBS).

He started on a part-time Master’s degree in NUSBS in 1987 and graduated in 1991. “I felt an NUS MBA would equip me well for the private sector later in my career, ” he says of his decision.

It may come as a surprise then that this NUS Business School Eminent Business Alumni Award 2012 recipient had an unexpectedly challenging time pursuing his Master’s degree. “I was holding a senior appointment in the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), my wife was also in a senior position at a local bank, and we had to care for two children who were one and two years old. I used to be late for my classes, arriving sometimes at 7pm when classes ran from 5.30 to 9pm,” he recalls.

A PASSION FOR PEOPLE

M

OST OF US WOULD KNOW

of Mr Yam Ah Mee for the overnight sensation he became when he announced Singapore’s 2011 General Election results as Returning Officer. His distinctive delivery so captivated the nation that it was even turned into a music video that went viral.

But behind the ‘robotic’ voice – the result of a childhood operation

18

ALUMNUS

he underwent to remove a fishbone from his larynx – is a man of many interests, and well yes, surprises.

Mr Yam, 56, is one of 10 children of a former taxi driver and housewife. He is married to Mdm Goh Wee Lee, a training consultant and they have three sons, aged 29, 28 and 22. The couple take keyboard lessons at Yamaha and Mr Yam counts brisk-walking, golf and basketball among his hobbies.

He also serves in his church’s Sunday school.

His public image is one of a high-achieving careerist who holds a First Class Honours degree

“Fortunately, I had a group of good student friends in NUS from whom I could borrow notes.

We studied hard and played hard together. We built strong bonds – many have become good friends over the years and quite a number of us still participate actively in the NUS Business School Alumni.”

Recently, these good friends participated in the fourth NUS Business School Charity FundRaising Run to benefit the disadvantaged on 11 January 2014 and raised over S$130,000.

Mr Yam also took a year off the programme to attend a full-time

PHOTOS BY WILSON PANG

HIS FACE AND VOICE ARE ETCHED INTO OUR CONSCIOUSNESS, BUT THERE IS A LOT MORE TO FORMER RETURNING OFFICER YAM AH MEE (BUSINESS (MBA) ‘91) THAN MEETS THE EYE. BY THERESA TAN

Masters in Public Administration at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government in the United States in 1990, under the Mason Fellows Programme. At the same time, his wife pursued her Masters in Management Science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Given all the obstacles he faced during those five years, Mr Yam says, “I think it was an achievement to successfully complete the NUS part-time MBA under such circumstances.”

His career bears testament to his never-say-die attitude to life.

His 37-year career in public service began as the result of a childhood passion. “As a boy, I was intrigued by planes,” he says. “My passion for this led me to a scholarship offered by the Singapore Armed Forces, and subsequently, I transferred to the RSAF. Without that scholarship, my family would not have been able to afford a university education for me.”

Mr Yam served 22 years in the RSAF and in 1998, left the Ministry of Defence as a BrigadierGeneral. He was awarded the Public Administration Medal (Silver) (Military) in 1992 when he was Head of Air Plans in RSAF. “I applied for Public Service after that, as I felt that I could contribute to policy formulation and implementation,” he says. He joined the Administrative Service in March 1998 and was appointed Deputy Secretary (Development) of the Public Service Division in the Prime Minister’s Office.

Between 1999 and 2003, Mr Yam served as CEO and Dean of the Civil Service College (CSC), during which he and his team transformed the CSC from four separate government departments to a single, self-funded statutory board.

Thereafter, he progressed to the Ministry of Transport where he was Deputy Secretary of Air and Sea Transport, involved in negotiating trans-Pacific air rights between Singapore and Australia, and setting up the Regional Co-operation on Anti-terrorism and Piracy organisation to protect the Malacca and Singapore Straits. In 2005, he became CEO of the Land Transport Authority, a post he held till 2010.

“Then, I was asked to join the

People’s Association (PA). I agreed as I believed that building social capital was key to a more resilient nation and community,” he says.

He led in the formulation and implementation of the Community 2015 Master Plan for a more inclusive and united society.

Of his career, Mr Yam says, “I found that being in the midst of the people and in the thick of the action was the most effective way to

innovative design and the specialised construction of key infrastructures and facilities. “Though the roles and organisations differed throughout my career, my passion remains the same – in people.”

What Mr Yam took away from his MBA days in NUS has served him well throughout his career. “The key business insights, organisational leadership and operational management learning points gained from the many case studies in the Master Degree in Business Administration were very useful for me,” he says. “The networking among students, both locally and overseas, and the people skills were also very useful for my career in the RSAF, the public service and now in the private sector.”

His lifelong lessons gained from his time in NUS were “the importance of good time management, people skills, can-do positive attitude, courage, clarity and purposefulness in achieving one’s vision and mission”.

I LEARNED THE IMPORTANCE OF TIME MANAGEMENT, PEOPLE SKILLS, POSITIVE ATTITUDE, COURAGE, CLARITY AND PURPOSEFULNESS IN ACHIEVING ONE’S VISION AND MISSION. lead and to make a difference.”

Some were surprised by his move to the private sector in 2013. He is currently the Managing Director of Sembcorp Design and Construction Pte Ltd, and also the Chairman of both Sembcorp, Architects and Engineers Pte Ltd and Sembcorp, EOSM Pte Ltd. He explains that by the time he joined PA in 2010, he was already considering various career options.

“I decided to experience the private sector and continue to contribute to Singapore in different capacities since I already had many years of service in the public sector, people sector and the community.”

Besides, at Sembcorp, Mr Yam’s mission is to “further enrich lives through the provision of

TWO (MORE) THINGS YOU DID NOT KNOW ABOUT YAM AH MEE “I once led a team of 11 Administrative Service Officers to trek in the Annapurna Ranges in Nepal in 1999. I was 42 years old — the other 10 officers were in their 20s or early 30s. That specific trekking route in the Annapura Ranges in Nepal usually takes about 14 days to complete, but we completed it in 10.”

“I was on the front page of The Canberra Times and Page 3 of The Sydney Morning Herald in early 1977 because I was injured during a ‘ragging’ session in my first year at the Royal Military College in Duntroon, Australia.

I received nine stitches on my forehead to close the wound. Fortunately, the scar is not very obvious.”

APR–JUN 2014

19

ONCE UPON A MEMORY

D

time when I learnt to walk closest to God. University is a time when the world really opens up to you.”

The highlight for every medical student “had to be the final MBBS when the results were released – thankfully the majority made it – and you were recognised for all the sweat and tears you’d put in over the years. And you thought, ‘I made it!’, not realising it was only the start of a long torturous road ahead into 100-hour work weeks!” Dr Lian says, with a laugh.

After graduation, Dr Lian spent her housemanship years (1991 to 1992) at Tan Tock Seng

R LIAN WEE BIN

was not prepared for the rigours of the NUS Medical school when she enrolled in 1986.

“Medical school was a totally new ball game from all my previous years of education,” she says. “It was the hardest course I had ever had to study for, and the worst part was that the output, the result, was not necessarily measured by the input.

“I met brilliant people who just had to flip through pages and could imprint everything onto their brains, while us lesser mortals had to slog for hours and still not be able to remember everything. That was really the greatest challenge: to maintain the passion for medicine in spite of all the hard, nitty-gritty, often unrewarding work.”

However, Dr Lian’s newfound faith pulled her through. “I became a Christian through Campus Crusade in the year I entered NUS. One of my best memories was the morning sessions at the concourse

TOP LEFT: The Faculty of Medicine Shield Night each year was when medical students let loose.

20

ALUMNUS

to be there to eat their words! If one encased oneself totally in academics – not a bad thing – one would have missed out on the many joys and learning experiences of university life. The social life could be as vibrant as one liked. It was about

forging friendships – I had the strongest of friendships developed in medical school – about creating memories, both good and bad, and growing together through experiential learning.

“For me, medical school was a

MAIN PHOTO BY WILSON PANG; OTHER PHOTOS COURTESY OF LIAN WEE BIN

MEDICAL SCHOOL, THOUGH TOUGH, CREATED GREAT FRIENDSHIPS FOR DR LIAN WEE BIN (MEDICINE ’91) AND PREPARED HER FOR A REWARDING CAREER. BY THERESA TAN

Hospital, where she was posted to Orthopedics and Paediatrics, and then Singapore General Hospital (SGH), where she worked in Internal Medicine.

In 1993, she began her specialty training, opting for Paediatrics over Adult Medicine. She also did Neonatology, or Newborn Medicine, as a sub-specialty. “It was only upon clearing my specialty exams in 1995 that this option arose. For this I have to thank Professor Ho Lai Yun and Professor Yeo Cheo Lian, two inspiring role models and the stalwarts of the then-Neonatology Department at SGH. What started as a term of three years turned into a commitment for another 15 years.”

Dr Lian joined the thenNeonatology Department of SGH in 1997, and she also served as a visiting specialist at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. “My

Her dream materialised in 2012. Today, Dr Lian is the director of SpecialKids Child Health and Development Clinic, “a clinic that provides services for both the regular healthy child and the child at-risk for developmental concerns or delay”, she explains.

According to a 2011 The Straits Times report, the number of children being diagnosed with developmental problems has grown steadily, almost doubling in six years. In 2005, the Child Development Programme saw 1,333 new cases of preschoolers found to have conditions such as autism spectrum disorders, speech delays and behavioural problems. In 2010, this number almost doubled to 2,502. About five to six per cent of children born in Singapore have some form of developmental problem.

Parents are usually unprepared for such diagnoses, and struggle to understand the processes involved in transitioning a special needs child from diagnosis to intervention to integration.

“My vision is to build a holistic service that can provide support for the family of a child with special needs, from first touch at pick-up and diagnosis, through assessment and intervention, across the years as the child grows and progresses, all the way into integration of this individual into society,” says Dr Lian. “It is a journey that spans many years.”

Dr Lian and her oncologist husband have three children aged 17, 14 and 10. “My family has had to really ride the tough journey with me,” she says. "When my kids were young, they literally grew up at the hospital – they were there eating, playing, studying and doing homework while I ran my numerous night calls.”

Things have not let up now that she is in private practice either.

“I do make pockets of time for my children, and it’s just as important for me not to miss growing with my spouse, challenging though it can really be at times. I can only thank God for carrying us through all that.”

THE SOCIAL LIFE COULD BE AS VIBRANT AS ONE LIKED. IT WAS ABOUT CREATING MEMORIES, BOTH GOOD AND BAD, AND GROWING TOGETHER THROUGH EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING.

LEFT: In her second year in Medicine, "training" the freshies during orientation.

SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS when we supported each other with songs and prayer. The songs would fill the air. It was lovely,” she recalls.

And there were times of welldeserved relaxation too. “The Faculty of Medicine Shield Night was a high point each year, with all the cohorts pitted against each other in a flurry of talent, acting, songs and action, vying for the best musical or play of the year.

“Whoever said medical students were boring bookworms just needed

research and lab work flourished after I entered Neonatology at SGH, where research is considered one of the pillars in the department,” she says. “With a good mentor in Prof Yeo, I learnt all the research skills that I now hold.”

Dr Lian’s research, which resulted in a number of published studies,

progressed to Developmental Paediatrics. A few of these focussed on the local scenario for special needs children. Her interest in this area grew, and since 1997, she has been in Developmental Paediatrics, seeing children with developmental delay, autism, attention deficit disorders, learning disabilities and a variety of other developmental disorders. Dr Lian also went for specialty training at the Children's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts in 2000 and 2001.

The two disciplines are closely linked “as many of those born premature or with perinatal difficulties would need long-term follow-up as they grow”, she explains. In fact, it was seeing children born with issues and watching them grow up that planted the seed for her own clinic in Dr Lian’s heart.

APR–JUN 2014

21

CHANGEMAKER

A HEART FOR PEACE A POST 9/11 TRIP TO HELP AFGHAN REFUGEES IN PAKISTAN LED DR WEE TECK YOUNG (MEDICINE ’93) TO LIVE AND WORK IN AFGHANISTAN. BY THERESA TAN

T

EN YEARS AGO, Dr Wee Teck Young

22

ALUMNUS

LEFT: Winter duvets sewn

by Afghan women and the seamstresses in Mardomi being distributed to poor families in December 2013.

Afghanistan that lasted nine years from December 1979 to February 1989 began. Dr Wee spent two and a half years in Quetta, organising the distribution of flour, oil and rice and running evening literacy and learning centres for Afghan children (many of whom worked in the daytime), and occasionally seeing and treating sick Afghan refugees.

The refugees called him “Dr Hakim”. “‘Hakim’ in the Dari [Persian] language means ‘learned one’ and ‘local healer’,” he explains, adding that he is more comfortable these days being addressed by that name. Dari Persian is spoken in Afghanistan.

Being in Quetta challenged Dr Wee in what he thought he knew of the world and of life. “I needed to ‘unlearn’ the conventional education and career pathway [I have had] when I began working among Afghan refugees,” he says. It was a boy named Najib that helped him to “wake up”. “He was a 12 year-old Afghan orphan who collected and

sold trash to earn a living. Najib belongs to the ethnic group of Pashtuns who are portrayed by mainstream narratives as fierce fighters and potential ‘terrorists’ forming the ranks of the Taliban,” recounts Dr Wee. “One day, I invited Najib and his elderly grandma to share some juicy, sweet Pakistani mangoes.

After I had scrubbed off ‘layer one’ of his soiled hands, I asked Najib to smile for a photo with me. His grandma got angry and taught me philosophy with her one-liner: ‘Why are you asking Najib to smile? He has no reason to smile at all.’ Its accusation and challenge set the tone for my work in the years ahead.

“I had presumed that Najib or his family or society owned a large share of the responsibility for his impoverished state. My presumption was misplaced. The global elitist socio-economic and political system has brought such gross inequalities that Najib was almost ‘fated’ to suffer, and it challenged me to

TOP: Dr Wee with Najib and the boy’s grandmother, in 2002.

TOP RIGHT: Dr Wee (extreme left) with peace activists Kathy Kelly and Maya Evans accompanied two female Afghan Peace Volunteers to India to learn about Gandhian non-violence.

LEFT: A blue scarf being embroidered by a female Afghan Peace Volunteer.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DR WEE TECK YOUNG

did what very few would even consider thinkable: he relocated to Afghanistan. Up to early 2002, the younger of two sons was on a fairly tried-andtrue career journey as a physician. As he describes himself, “I was a typical Singapore doctor.”

After he graduated from the School of Medicine in 1993, Dr Wee worked at the National University Hospital’s Department of Medicine and at the Singapore General Hospital’s Paediatrics Department for six years.

In 2000, he obtained his Masters in Medicine (Family Medicine) and joined a private general practice clinic the year after. But 2001 was the year the Twin Towers in New York City came down, and Dr Wee went where he thought he could be of some help.

“I began working among Afghan refugees in Quetta, Pakistan in June of 2002, some nine months after the events of September 11,” he says. It wasn’t exactly new territory for the doctor though: between 1994 and 2000, Dr Wee had visited Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and the North West Frontier Province to “catch a sense of what was prevalent”. Then he had been “motivated by curiosity and love to do something about the poverty and corruption that the people of Central Asia were facing”.

Quetta is a city in Pakistan with an ‘official’ number of 1.6 million Afghan refugees. Afghans had been fleeing to Pakistan ever since the Soviet war in

examine if I had been complicit in that system.”

Some time later, Najib came to bid him farewell. Life was too hard in Quetta, and Najib was leaving for Iran in hope of a better future there.

“I regret to this day that I didn’t offer him any alternatives: enroll him in literacy classes, find him work as a carpentry apprentice,” wrote Dr Wee in his blog in January this year. “Worse, I justified to myself that should I have offered help, I may have fallen short of funds to assist him, or that others may have accused me of favouring Najib over the other street kids. Those decisions and non-decisions separated us – I’ve not seen Najib since.”

In late 2004, Dr Wee moved to the Bamiyan Province in central Afghanistan to work as a medical specialist with an international humanitarian and development NGO called Global Partners. There, he was involved in public health education, community development, education as well as peace-building.

Acutely aware that the Afghans have been in a state of war or crisis for the last four decades, and its people have close to no hope, Dr Wee gravitated towards platforms that empower them. “I gradually moved away from aid-based, funds-dependent type of work to helping Afghans build small means of livelihood,” he explains.

“In a country where 36 per cent of working-age males are unemployed, [this is] a typical global picture of poverty among the ordinary masses ruled by a wealthy and powerful elite.”

He founded the Afghan Peace Volunteers (APV) in 2008, following a workshop he conducted at Bamiyan University. Fifty-five

WHAT I HAVE EXPERIENCED LIVING AND WORKING AMONG THE PEOPLE OF AFGHANISTAN IS A SOBER RESILIENCE AND INDOMITABLE SPIRIT AMIDST TOUGH CIRCUMSTANCES.

multi-ethnic students then had concluded that “peace was impossible” in Afghanistan during their lifetimes. Dr Wee challenged them to consider “love” as a central theme for their lives, and invited students to live together for a semester. A group of 16 Pashtuns, Tajiks, Hazaras, Uzbeks, and Turkmen volunteered and the experiment was enough of a success to inspire Dr Wee to gather more young volunteers. The group that began as ‘Our Journey To Smile’ is now known as APV. “I now share the passion and struggle of the APV to build widescale, nonviolent relationships across all borders so as to abolish war, halt global warming and change socio-economic inequalities for the meeting of basic human needs,” he says.

In 2013, Dr Wee helped APV set up Mardomi to develop a tailoring co-operative for Afghan women called Mardomi (The People’s) Clothing Production Company. “My task as Deputy Director is to look into growing this social enterprise for Afghan women, who see work as one of the main ways internationals can assist and support them.”

APV also has a programme called “Help Us Find Najib” – a tribute to Dr Wee’s friend – an effort “to put a smile back on the faces of Afghan street kids”. For his work with APV, Dr Wee received the New York-based ‘Fellowship of Reconciliation’s International Pfeffer Peace Award’ in 2012.

Through the past 12 years, he has not received a salary. “I have been supported by friends mainly from the medical fraternity in Singapore, enabling me to live simply and to provide my wonderful parents with some expenses,” he says. His older brother works in Hong Kong.

His passion to make a difference keeps him in Afghanistan. “What I have experienced living and working among the people of Afghanistan is a sober resilience and indomitable spirit amidst tough circumstances, and what has changed me is the love of my Afghan friends, who have become an indispensable part of my life.”

APR–JUN 2014

23

MY WORD has two branches: Tong Ming Xi Gallery at One Commonwealth and Play Gallery at United Square Shopping Centre on Thomson Road).

Who are your core clientele? Do you have overseas clients as well?

Our clients range from students to professionals. Musicians from the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory, members of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, and my clients from day one, the Rin Collection (Mr Tong is luthier-inresidence for the Rin Collection, which comprises over 300 violins, violas and cellos privately owned by Mr Rin Kin Mei, a businessman and philanthropist who occasionally loans his instruments to professional musicians). We have also gone regional, with clients from Thailand and Indonesia. The Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra is also a client of ours.

TAKE A BOW WAS UNCERTAIN ABOUT MY FUTURE; I chose Engineering because I thought I could manage it the best at that time,” says Mr Tong Ming Xi, now 35, about enrolling in Mechanical Engineering in 1999 at the National University of Singapore (NUS).

He was, as he candidly puts it, not exactly the “studious” type.

“I graduated near the bottom of my class,” he says.

Yet NUS was where Mr Tong blossomed in his core talent, which was playing the violin. He joined the NUS Symphony Orchestra (NUSSO), travelling to countries such as Japan, Australia and Thailand to compete, and became the President of NUSSO in 2000.

Upon graduating, he did as expected: eschewing a career in engineering, he understudied master luthiers and learned how to repair and restore violins. A year after graduating, in 2004, he opened his own luthier business, Tong Ming Xi Gallery. The gallery sells handcrafted violins and offers expert repair and restoration work for violins, violas and cellos.

Now, on the 10th anniversary of the Tong Ming Xi Gallery, Mr Tong shares his story with The AlumNUS.

You graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. What drove you to study Engineering in NUS?

Due to the uncertainty I felt about my future, I chose this course because I thought it would be the most manageable for me at that time.

Of course, as the story goes, I didn’t 24

ALUMNUS

become an engineer as I felt it wasn’t a career meant for me. But the skills learnt in University can be applied in any industry because engineers are problem-solvers. Hence, I am an entrepreneur and a problem-solver.

How does being a problem-solver apply to your career as a luthier?

In Engineering, you are always in situations where you are presented with a problem. You always take the problem apart so that you can see the bigger picture, and fix the small problems that altogether form the big problems. In instrument repair, this process is exactly the same – we solve a series of small problems in order to repair the whole instrument.

What led you to start Tong Ming Xi Gallery?

I had to find a niche for myself. I knew I couldn’t be the best engineer around!

Hence I was more than glad to venture into an area where I can be deemed the best. The violin was the answer.

What did your parents say?

They were fully supportive, 101 per cent. That’s because I offered them a value proposition – I could do it! (laughs) In the Engineering faculty, there are so many studious people; I would be another needle in the haystack.

You sell violins, and repair and restore violins, violas and cellos. How did you “fall in love” with the violin to the point of starting a business?

We’ll go back to when I started playing the violin. I have been a

violinist since I was 10. I watched a cartoon in which bears were playing the violin and I was very inspired. I asked my mother for lessons, she agreed, and the rest is history.

At NUS, I played violin in the NUSSO from 1999 to 2003, and I was President of the orchestra in 2000. Because of all that exposure, I became even more attached to the instrument. But I realised I could not play as well as I wished, so I thought, maybe I can ‘create’ violins as a hobby. So I learnt the craft from a local craftsman; he is no longer in Singapore.

In 2001, I was sent to McMaster University in Canada on an exchange programme for six months. I took the opportunity to immerse myself in the classical music scene there – there were so many things to see! The exposure increased, my knowledge increased.

I DIDN’T BECOME AN ENGINEER AS I FELT IT WASN’T A CAREER MEANT FOR ME. BUT THE SKILLS LEARNT IN UNIVERSITY CAN BE APPLIED IN ANY INDUSTRY BECAUSE ENGINEERS ARE PROBLEM-SOLVERS.

MAIN PHOTO BY WILSON PANG

I

TONG MING XI (ENGINEERING ’03), WHO FOUNDED HIS OWN LUTHIERY, ON WHY HE OPTED FOR THE UNUSUAL CAREER OF RESTORING VIOLINS. BY THERESA TAN

It further consolidated my interest in violins. When I graduated I went to work for a local luthier (who is also no longer in business) and in 2004, Tong Ming Xi Gallery was opened.

No, we’re not the oldest. But we’ve lasted longer than most – many other luthiers who were in the market when we started are no longer here.

Do you still play the violin?

How many instruments do you repair in a week? How many do you sell?

I play ‘violin tutor’ to my twin sons, who are six. I have another son who is two. He’s not learning the violin yet.

Is Tong Ming Xi Gallery the oldest luthier business in Singapore?

Conservatively speaking, we get about two instruments that require repair each week. At our Commonwealth store, we sell at least two violins a week (Mr Tong

During your time at NUS, was there a professor who particularly inspired you?

Two professors left an impact on me: Professor Victor Shim from the Mechanical Engineering department and Professor Lim Seh Chun (Deputy Dean of FoE). They are, in my opinion, visionaries. I sense that they placed a bet on me to be successful. It’s not anything big that they have done but they always seem to put me up for various things, so that I would get exposure.

That has always given me a sense of motivation to do better.

Also, there was Professor Seeram Ramakrishna, who was the Dean when I was in NUS (1999-2008). He sold a great vision of the future of engineering, of how we were going to change the world.

Of all the courses you did during your years in the Faculty, which was the one that you remember best?

Technical Communications. It had nothing to do with engineering.

It was pure talking and writing of reports – skills that we make money with these days.

What’s the best thing about your time in NUS? I met my wife in NUSSO. She was a Science undergrad and she played the flute. Why do you think I stayed in NUSSO for so long? (laughs) APR–JUN 2014

25

PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE

RISING ABOVE AVERAGE

BY THERESA TAN

WAS VERY AVERAGE in my studies,” says Kevin Shepherdson of his university days. “I knew I was good in just two areas: writing and music.”

Entrepreneurship and a spirit of excellence were two qualities Mr Shepherdson had in spades, however, “I had difficulties paying for my university fees so I worked as a part-time editor,” he says. “I [also] started one of Singapore’s first IT magazines. That was the time when I saw the potential of multimedia.

Being good at writing and music, I felt that being a multimedia producer would allow me to leverage my skills.”

Mr Shepherdson is now the CEO of Straits Interactive Pte Ltd, the company that created SpiderGate, a Do-Not-Call (DNC) management system that automatically checks and filters out telephone numbers from a company’s centralised blacklist (or opt-out list) and the DNC Registry. The system works in compliance with the Personal Data Protection Act and DNC guidelines.

It might surprise some then that

26

ALUMNUS

WHAT MANY PEOPLE HAVE TO LEARN IS TO FOCUS ON THEIR STRENGTHS AND MANAGE THEIR WEAKNESSES.

KEVIN SHEPHERDSON (ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES ‘93) BUILT ON WHAT HE WAS GOOD AT.

the 46 year-old did not graduate from the School of Computing but from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) in 1993, majoring in English Language and Political Science. His brother pointed out to him that multimedia was for programmers, but that did not deter Mr Shepherdson.

“I told myself I would master it as there were early authoring tools available to non-programmers.

As it turned out, I mastered the skills and was soon headhunted to join a multimedia start-up.”

That determination kicked off his career. In 1994, a year into his first job, Mr Shepherdson was headhunted to join home-grown

Creative Technology, the firm whose Sound Blaster sound card was among the first dedicated audio processing cards to be made widely available to the general consumer.

“It had always been my dream [then] to work for Sim Wong Hoo [Creative Technology’s founder]

PHOTO BY TAN MENG CHOON

I

to being – as he puts it – “head audio evangelist and co-owner of Creative’s audio strategy”.

In 2001, he was again headhunted and joined Sun Microsystems At Sun, he eventually became head of the Asia-Pacific marketing operations, winning two global awards for marketing excellence and marketing research.

After another seven-year cycle, Mr Shepherdson was on the move again. This time, he joined Oracle Corporation as Asia-Pacific Head of Demand Generation, leading a team of over 100 staff across the region, and again winning a regional award for his achievements. “It was

and I even planned to get spotted by him,” recalls Mr Shepherson.

“At one Asia-Pacific partner event, I demonstrated how the Sound Blaster sound card could generate music by composing a music track that ‘told’ a murder story using just sound effects and music. Before I knew it, my career had taken off.”

Mr Shepherdson spent seven years at Creative Technology.

He ran the company’s online initiatives and experiential marketing team before going on

a pressure cooker environment, but I survived and thrived by creating a customer intelligence infrastructure,” he says.

But just when his career seemed unstoppable, Mr Shepherdson decided to quit the corporate world in 2012. “People said I was nuts leaving a well-paying job at the peak of my career,” he says. “The truth was that I had discovered a tumour in my left rib in 2005.

I had an entire rib removed but thankfully, the tumour was benign”.

“Strangely, when I recovered, my life was suddenly blessed with kids!”

Mr Shepherdson and his wife Lily had been trying for a child for five years prior to his illness, and were preparing to adopt. But, as he was going through his cancer scare, she got pregnant.

“Cheryl, my daughter, was born in 2006, and my son Daryl in 2009,” he says. “I felt that I needed to appreciate God’s gifts to me, so I dropped everything to be with them.” He embarked on a new career as a part-time trainer to have time for his children – his third child Gerald was born in 2013.

Last year too, one of his

clients highlighted a problem with the upcoming Personal Data Protection Act and DNC rules. The entrepreneur in Mr Shepherdson spotted a huge opportunity. As he explains, “I knew that the law would disrupt businesses, and I wondered if I could create a technology that seamlessly checks the DNC registry – the manual alternative of going to the DNC website being unproductive and cumbersome. Yet, all companies doing telemarketing, by law, must check the registry. Failure to do so can mean a financial penalty of up to S$10,000 per offence.

“I thought of a solution and approached one of my ex-bosses from Creative who by then had started a cloud communications company called Hoiio. Together with two other partners, we decided to create and develop SpiderGate.”

Straits Interactive was set up to market this flagship product. The company, says Mr Shepherdson, was profitable within three months of its foundation.

It is a long way from his teenage years. “I was from the first batch of Normal Academic Stream, and I went through five years of secondary school. I hated it,” he reveals. Today, he holds a Master’s degree in Applied Science from Nanyang Technological University; his dissertation was on “the future of the Internet”.

Mr Shepherdson puts his success down to “overcompensation” and admits studying how to become intelligent and successful by reading numerous books on psychology, neuroscience and neuro-linguistic programming.

He also runs a floral business and conducts motivational courses at organisations and schools.

He is also on the NUS mentoring programme for FASS. “I try to help parents and troubled youths,” he says. “What many people have to learn is to focus on their strengths and manage their weaknesses.

“What would you do if your kid comes home with A, B and E – what would you focus on? Many parents would focus on the E. Yet what makes us successful in life is the A or B. No matter what you do with the E, at best you can get is a C.” APR–JUN 2014

27

U@LIVE

ONE SPEAKER. 10 MINUTES. BOUNDLESS INSPIRATION. U@live is our monthly guest speaker series that showcase NUS alumni who have a passion for making a difference. Hosted by Alumni Advisory Board member and veteran TV presenter Mr Viswa Sadasivan (Arts and Social Sciences ‘83) at the Shaw Foundation Alumni House, the one-hour session is also streamed live on the U@live website. To register for future U@live events, visit www.nus.edu.sg/ualive.

DR NG ENG HEN (MBBS ’82 AND M. MED (SURGERY) ’87)

MAINTAINING A STRONG DETERRENT FORCE The Minister for Defence explains the importance of national defence – and the spending to maintain it.

HY DO WE NEED to spend S$12 billion a year on national defence? This was one of the hot-button questions that Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen was asked during January’s U@live forum with some 300 staff, students and NUS alumni.

In response, Dr Ng pointed out that the region was “changing drastically”, with tensions occasionally rising – for example, during the tussle between Japan and China over islands in the East China Sea. It was therefore important for Singapore to build up a strong defence force.

W

28

ALUMNUS

Explaining why the citystate’s military expenditure is also significantly higher than those of our neighbours’ (Malaysia’s defence budget for example stands at the equivalent of S$5.2 billion), Dr Ng said that it is necessary for Singapore to project an appropriate amount against this backdrop.

“There’s a saying that the stronger you are, the less enemies you have, and I think that’s true,” he said. “But I will also tell you that compared to five to eight years ago, I have a less tough job of convincing people that we are vulnerable.”

However, Dr Ng, who is also the Member of Parliament for BishanToa Payoh GRC, emphasised that the government’s priority is to build a strong economy that can support not just defence needs, but also sustain the other pillars of society, including health and education.

He acknowledged that the defence budget forms a large part of Singapore’s spending, but added that the government has also increased expenditure in social areas over the past few years in its attempt to strengthen social safety nets.

Singapore’s fiscal strength, which many other countries have difficulty matching, should not be taken for granted. Dr Ng cautioned, “the day that our economy doesn’t grow, then we are not only talking about how to cut defence, [but also] how to cut health, how to cut education, how to cut housing. That’s exactly what is happening in Europe”.

The fundamentals that got Singapore to where it is are “very precious and rare” and must be delicately balanced, or the nationstate could quickly lose its strong economic standing and end up trapped in the economic crisis that many European countries are now grappling with.

As a society, Singapore has to defend values that are important. Describing

I’M CONCERNED THAT IN OUR DESIRE TO STRENGTHEN THE SOCIAL SAFETY NET, WE’VE INADVERTENTLY SENT A MESSAGE THAT WEAKENS THE FAMILY UNIT.

himself as “a poor boy from Queenstown who ended up in one of the top cancer centres of the world”, Dr Ng said that his ability to break out of the cycle of poverty was possible only because “the system in Singapore has allowed for great social mobility”.

He highlighted five key aspects of the system that has allowed Singapore to prosper: secularism, meritocracy, the family unit, a consensus of the country’s vulnerability and strong national defence and security.

However, one of the problems that this country has to contend with is the rise of dysfunctional families. Recounting his conversations with teachers and volunteers, Dr Ng said that some teachers go the

extra mile by keeping students from latchkey families back in school as long as possible, as they are susceptible to falling into bad company.

He acknowledged that voluntary welfare organisations play a vital role in reaching out to the disadvantaged, but emphasised: “Family must be the first line of defence, not the State”.

The government’s assistance and provision to the needy may have inevitably contributed to the weakening of the traditional family unit. Dr Ng observed, “I’m concerned that in our desire to strengthen the social safety net, we’ve inadvertently sent a message that weakens the family unit [as the first line of defence].”

As to whether the values

Singaporeans hold should be changed, Dr Ng’s opinion is that Singaporeans should treat foreigners the same way that they want to be treated when overseas.

He noted that Singaporeans are very generous in their personal daily interactions with foreigners, but on a national level there appears to be “noise” being made against them. While giving praise to Singapore’s strong fiscal status, Dr Ng also noted Singapore’s vulnerability and called on the audience to create a more tolerant and gracious society.

BY YEO ZHI QI DR NG SPOKE ON 17 JANUARY 2014.

APR–JUN 2014

29

U@LIVE

A GOOD ZOO SHOULD CAUSE ITS VISITOR TO LEAVE WITH A CHANGED ATTITUDE.

MR BERNARD HARRISON (MASTERS IN SCIENCE ’87)

A SOCIETY READY FOR CONSERVATION The former CEO of the Singapore Zoo on managing ourselves to develop respect for our planet, the environment and animals.

W

HY DO WE DO what we

do?” asked Mr Bernard Harrison as he began his talk on why humans, the dominant species on this planet, often behave thoughtlessly towards animals. The answer, declared the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Singapore Zoo is that humans “have not yet learnt how to rule with compassion. In China, bears have been turned into bilemaking machines and all around the world, sharks are de-finned and then thrown back into the ocean”.

“Ninety-five per cent of all zoos should be shut down,” Mr Harrison stated emphatically. Humans often enslave animals for their “

entertainment and many creatures are kept in deplorable conditions, he said. What particularly disgusts him: the hunting of tigers.

Displaying a horrific photograph of a slaughtered tiger to the packed auditorium, he questioned, “What have we reduced these noble hunters to?”

Quoting well-known Senegalese conservationist Baba Dioum, Mr Harrison said, “In the end, we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we have been taught.”

Mr Harrison, who was CEO from 1983 to 2002, is as well-known for his no-holds-barred opinions as he is

Questions came quick and fast for Mr Harrison.

30

ALUMNUS

for his talent in running a good zoo.

A good zoo, he told the audience, should impact its visitor to leave with a changed attitude. Zoos should teach humans why they should conserve, and this is what the Singapore Zoo does. He pointed out that most zoos “have no concept of that and just want to make a bit of money. It’s horrible”.

It was the late Mr Lyn De Alwis, then-director of the Colombo Zoo in Sri Lanka, who helped to design the Singapore Zoo with the concept of respecting animals. And Mr De Alwis was the man who first quoted Baba Dioum to Mr Harrison.

His long locks and facial hair are iconic, and Mr Harrison has a reputation for eschewing the suit-and-tie get-up of a typical CEO. Moderator Mr Viswa Sadasivan took the opportunity to challenge Mr Harrison on his appearance

and the perception that comes with it. In a place like Singapore that values uniformity, asked Mr Sadasivan, what if Mr Harrison got rid of his long hair and facial hair, and put on a suit? Would his views then be taken more seriously?

Mr Sadasivan went so far as to say that people indulged Mr Harrison’s “impractical” views, but maybe did not take him seriously. In turn, Mr Harrison, conceded that if he chose to conform to society’s expectations, then he would certainly be taken seriously – but he would not be heard. He pointed out that his views are now heard because he is authentic as he has not changed since his days at the Singapore Zoo and neither had he “sold out” on his beliefs.

As if to underscore his point about his authenticity, a member

of the audience then posed an intriguing question to Mr Harrison: “In the future, as humans continue urbanising, how would ethical farming look like?”

The founder of ‘Bernard Harrison and Friends’, a zoo consultancy, revealed the breadth and depth of his knowledge and experience with his answer. He said that one should look at how Africa and Latin America, two continents with huge populations, do not seem to be consuming a lot of meat compared to the developed world. He pointed out that to create a sustainable food supply, humans should look at alternative sources of protein. Algae and maggots, Mr Harrison suggested – with a straight face – are two very good sources of protein. He linked the food problem with the larger issue of world population: the other key

was to look at reducing population growth.

Another member of the audience asked how he would recommend spreading the message of conservation, sustainable development and animal protection to the unwilling.

Mr Harrison replied that the Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) called the Active Conservation Awareness Programme (ACAP) is an impressive outfit that has engaged movie stars such as Jackie Chan and Harrison Ford as role models for the green cause. Doing so enables ACAP to create an impact on China with its 1.1 billion people.

Once an uneducated population, the Chinese are now an affluent people, albeit one with a culture for consuming shark’s fin. These role models would help to change that mindset.

When it was pointed out that it was difficult for people with short-term mindsets to care about the environment, Mr Harrison’s view is that it would ultimately come down to conscience and education. People need to teach their children to delay gratification, to take a step back to understand the consequences of their actions.

His parting advice for the evening? “We would first need to learn how to manage ourselves and in turn, our environment and planet. This is vital or we will find it very difficult to repair. We need to be a lot more assertive in environmental issues.”

BY RACHEL TAN SHIYING MR HARRISON SPOKE ON 26 FEBRUARY 2014.

APR–JUN 2014

31

ALUMNI HAPPENINGS GIVING

RUNNING THE COURSE AS A TEAM

PAYING IT FORWARD, HAVING ONCE RECEIVED

For Ms Khalijah Masud (Science ’92) and Mr Aznan Ghazali (Arts and Social Sciences ’92), slow and steady wins the race.

32

ALUMNUS

D

r Ng Chin Siau (Dentistry ’92) is now the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of one of Singapore’s largest dental groups, Q&M Dental Group. His success, however, was no easy feat. The National University of Singapore (NUS) Dentistry graduate learnt very early on in life the value of hard-earned money, and the

are many happy couples who got together during their NUS days.

Giving to this Fund is one of the ways to thank NUS, I suppose, for their love stories!”

And talking about love stories, Ms Khalijah shares hers, “I was never really ‘attracted’ to Aznan, though I always thought he was a nice guy. We hung out a lot together, and we dated others but never each other. I guess you can say that our ‘dating cycles’ never really synced! The first time we had

dinner alone was after my business trip to Manila was cut short. I felt very Are you a campus couple? comfortable around him.

Would you like to support We dated some more and the NUS Campus Couples Bursary Fund? For more the rest is history.” information about the As for Mr Aznan, he NUS Campus Couples says, “The first time we Bursary Fund, or to make a gift, please contact met, I felt that Khalijah kjyeo@alumni.nus.edu.sg was very cold towards me, me with my long hair and rough demeanour. She, on the other hand, was a Faculty beauty pageant finalist. Her kind and caring nature attracted me to her.

“MANY HAPPY COUPLES GOT But more importantly, she TOGETHER DURING THEIR NUS is and always has been a friend to me, to this day.”

DAYS. GIVING TO THIS FUND IS The couple recently ONE OF THE WAYS TO THANK participated in the 2013 NUS FOR THEIR LOVE STORIES!” Ironman Triathlon in MS KHALIJAH MASUD Perth, Australia.

“The experience was humbling. Training as a couple for a whole year helped prepare us for the event. If not for the mutual support we gave each other, the possibility of giving up would have been greater,” says Mr Aznan.

Ms Khalijah adds, “The training regime was gruelling especially in the last few months before the race, so it helped a lot that my husband was with me all the way.

During the race, we looked out for each other and cheered each other on! It was sweet when we finished the race!”

ILLUSTRATION: CORBIS COUPLE PHOTO COURTESY OF EMILIE LANCELOT-JOUNO

n

ational University of Singapore (NUS) campus couple Ms Khalijah Masud (Science ’92) and Mr Aznan Ghazali (Arts and Social Sciences ’92) met when they were studying at NUS and living in Sheares Hall, one of the University’s residential halls. The pair had been good friends for 10 years before their friendship took a romantic turn, thanks to a business trip that was cut short.

The couple, now married, has made a gift towards the NUS Campus Couples Bursary Fund, which is part of the alumni-led NUS Alumni Bursary Fund Campaign.

The Fund encourages couples who met on campus to make a gift to bursaries in support of financially-disadvantaged students.

Ms Khalijah, who firmly believes that education gives opportunities to those from disadvantaged families and is a social leveller, says, “I had a good education at NUS and I would like to ensure that everyone has access to such an education, regardless of their background.

I came from a poor family and can relate to the stress of having to look for money to continue studying.

I received assistance from generous donors during my days in NUS and I am truly grateful.” Khalijah also raises funds for the NUS Business School and Sheares Hall.

On the NUS Campus Couples Bursary Fund, she adds, “I think that the Fund is a good initiative. There

Dr Ng Chin Siau (Dentistry ’92) is grateful for the assistance he received while at NUS.

importance of a good education, when his father fell on hard times during a financial crisis. He attributes much of his current success to the education he received at NUS, having secured a place in Dentistry, and the annual bursaries worth S$1,500 that covered his hostel fees and daily expenses.

His desire to give back to the institution that provided him with a stable and successful life led him to establish the Ng Chin Siau Dental Bursary for NUS Dentistry students in financial need. He says, “I am forever thankful to NUS for giving me a place in Dentistry.

What I have gained today is a result of what I have received, and the financial aid I received throughout my undergraduate years in NUS really enabled me to get the most out of my education.”

The Bursary, which will have a value of S$5,000, will be available to one Dentistry student in financial need per year and will run for the next nine years. Dr Ng is a strong advocate of education being the key to stepping out of poverty.

He says, “Education is so important.

If you want to make your own

“BE HONEST, HAVE INTEGRITY AND BE NICE TO PEOPLE AROUND YOU. COMPASSION FOR OTHERS WILL TAKE YOU FAR IN LIFE.” DR NG CHIN SIAU

success, be able to provide well for your family and, at the same time, contribute to the progress of society, you need a good education and professional skills.”

What advice does Dr Ng have for the beneficiaries of the Ng Chin Siau Dental Bursary? “Beyond excelling in school, make it your priority to be a good person. Be honest, have integrity and be nice to people around you. Compassion for others will take you far in life,” he shares.

Some of his fondest memories at his alma mater include meeting his wife, who was then a Pharmacy student at NUS, and being actively

The Power of Potential highlights NUS’ strategic priorities. Philanthropic support for these key initiatives, whether University Town, Yale-NUS College, professorships or student support, enables the University to develop the potential of its people — students, faculty and alumni.

Their potential realised will, in turn, impact the potential of others in Singapore and beyond, influencing lives and livelihoods in the years and decades ahead.

To find out more about The Power of Potential, visit www.giving.nus.edu.sg/ the-power-of-potential or email thepowerofpotential@nus.edu.sg

involved in sports and Hall activities throughout his four years as an undergraduate. Apart from holding the Sports Secretary position at the Faculty of Dentistry, he was also the volleyball captain and Sports Secretary of the Junior Common Room Committee at King Edward VII Hall, where he helped organise inter-block games and sports activities.

He is proud to be an NUS alumnus and hopes that other alumni will step forward to give back to their alma mater in various ways.

He says, “Many of the University’s alumni have excelled in their careers. When we as alumni do well in society, it reflects well on our University. I hope more alumni will step forward, come back and share their expertise and life’s varied experiences, inspire current students and be inspired to For information on making a support the gift to NUS, please contact 1800-DEVELOP University (1800-338-3567) or email: while reaskdvo@nus.edu.sg membering If you have a story to the good share, please contact old times.” whatsyourstory@nus.edu.sg APR–JUN 2014

33

ALUMNI HAPPENINGS EVENTS

The NUS Spirit of Giving December is the month of giving and a group of young alumni from the NUS Volunteer Network Alumni Association demonstrated this spirit in a most meaningful way.

NO TRIVIAL MATTER

On 13 February 2014, about 50 University Scholars Programme (USP) alumni, staff and students came together for an evening of ‘casual cerebral activity’ at the Earshot Café @ The Arts House. Hosted by SG Tipsy Trivia, this edition of the pub quiz was customised to incorporate USPthemed content. This is the first social networking event co-organised by the USP Alumni Society and University Scholars Club, with the aim of bringing together alumni and students in a casual setting. Everyone made new friends, indulged in interesting conversations, got competitive, picked up random pieces of knowledge and had fun. All in a matter of two hours — no trivial feat!

34

ALUMNUS

Running to Make a Bigger Impact They embarked on a volunteer expedition to Phnom Penh, Cambodia to participate in the construction of toilet infrastructure and to conduct English language and life skills training for children and youth at the Unaccompanied Association (UNACAS) Orphanage. In collaboration with YMCA Singapore, this was the group’s fourth annual expedition.

For four days, volunteers dug trenches and transported bricks and building materials at Svay Village. Every evening, the group conducted lessons on life skills, from English language to financial literacy and even interview techniques, for children and youth at UNACAS. On the final day, with the proceeds from supporters’ sponsorship, the group purchased and distributed bags of daily necessities for needy households in the village. A sports carnival was also organised where the children put up a performance, expressing thanks to the volunteers.

Ms Wynne Yang (Arts and Social Sciences ’12).

More than 1,000 runners came together to raise S$130,000 in donations at the fourth annual ‘NUS Bizad Charity Run’, on 11 January 2014.

The annual event brought the NUS Business School community together to raise funds for student bursaries and two external charities: Camp Vision and the Casa Raudha women’s shelter.

Participants for both the 10K competitive run and the 5K fun run ran round the beautiful Kent Ridge campus, with Mr Henry Kibet finishing first in the 10K race. Guest-of-honour Mr Yam Ah Mee, (MBA ‘91), who is well-known for his role in reading out election results, took part in the 5K run. “It’s really wonderful to come back and participate in a charity event like this…

I strongly encourage all alumni and their friends to participate next year and break even more records, as this is for a very noble cause,” said Mr Yam. Organised by alumni volunteers from the NUS Business School Alumni Association, and students from the Bizad club, this year’s Charity Run embodied the spirit of community bonding and generosity as organisers received donations from people outside of the business school.

“TO DATE, I’VE RUN 97 MARATHONS, BUT THIS RUN IS TOUGHER BECAUSE OF THE UPHILL AND DOWNHILL… [TO FELLOW SENIOR CITIZENS] LIVE A GOOD QUALITY OF LIFE, EAT HEALTHILY, EXERCISE, AND HAVE THE WILLPOWER, DISCIPLINE AND ENDURANCE.” CHAN MENG HUI, 84 YEAR-OLD PARTICIPANT IN THE 10K RACE

“This event provides a good platform for alumni to do their bit for their fellow students and the community. We are proud of our past record and hope to keep this tradition of giving back going and growing,” said Mr Simon Phua, President of the NUS Business School Alumni Association (Business Administration ’75).

At 84 years of age, Mr Chan Meng Hui was the oldest participant in the 10K race, and a source of inspiration. “To date, I’ve run 97 marathons, but this run is tougher

because of the uphill and downhill,” he said. To fellow senior citizens, his advice is to “live a good quality of life, eat healthily, exercise, and have the willpower, discipline and endurance”.

‘NUS Bizad Charity Run’ started out with one simple goal — to raise funds for the needy to give back to the community. Over the years, the event has not only successfully accomplished this goal, but also united and inspired the business school community to make a larger impact every year.

APR–JUN 2014

35

ALUMNI HAPPENINGS REUNIONS

NUS Business School Mandarin Alumni

NUS ECONOMICS ALUMNI ANNUAL CHINESE NEW YEAR LUNCH

The NUS Business School Mandarin Alumni organised their annual Lunar New Year Tuan Bai Luncheon on 8 February 2014. Professors and alumni from Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and China bonded over the traditional Lao Yu Sheng, lively chatter and a session of Chinese cultural games.

42nd ANNIVERSARY REUNION OF DENTISTRY CLASS OF 1972

DUKE-NUS MEDICAL ALUMNI INAUGURAL ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The Duke-NUS Medical Alumni (DNMA) inaugurated their first Annual General Meeting (AGM) and election, on 15 November 2013. The incumbent President, Dr Chia Ghim Song (Medicine ‘11), was re-elected as President of the new committee, and nominations for the other 12 positions in the committee were voted through with good representation from graduates from the Classes of 2011, 2012 and 2013. In accordance with the Constitution, the reins of the DNMA were handed over to the newly-elected office-bearers.

The newly-elected DNMA Committee (from left): Drs Bianca Chan, Chia Ghim Song, Wong Sook Yee, Padmastuti Akella, Karen Nadua, Lim Kheng Choon, Syeda Kashfi Qadri, Lim Jing Wei, Andrew Green and Cecilia Kwok. Committee members not pictured: Drs Kaavya Narasimhalu, Dixon Grant and Charmain Heah.

The NUS Economics Alumni ushered in the Year of the Horse with its annual Chinese New Year Lunch, tossing Yu Sheng with Economics undergraduates as well as with alumni from Economics, Business and Engineering on 8 February 2014.

Mr Daniel Lo, President of the Economics Alumni presented tokens of appreciation to the committee members of the Economics Alumni and undergraduate society. He also presented the winners of the Economics department tennis tournament the challenge trophy. The sumptuous nine-course lunch livened up the afternoon, making it a celebratory and meaningful moment for alumni to reconnect with old friends.

The 42nd anniversary reunion of the Dentistry Class of 1972 was held in Kuching over a three-day celebration from 20 to 23 February 2014. A chartered cruise along the Sarawak River, a visit to the Orang Utan Sanctuary, a city tour, a golf game and a sumptuous dinner at the Sarawak Club were among some of the fun activities that kept alumni engaged and in high spirits. A video and slideshow to recall University days and past reunions brought back a lot of good old memories.

The class also paid tribute to two of their lecturers, Professor Jansen and Professor Francis Lee, who had recently passed away. After an unforgettable journey together, the class looks forward to the next reunion in Sydney, in 2015.

Dr Chong Kai Jung (Dentistry ’72)

GENERATIONS OF Thirsty Thursdays NUS Young Alumni Meetup 15 May 2014 I 6.30pm – 9pm

Venue: Barber Shop by Timbre Register now at: http://alumnet.nus.edu.sg/event/TT1505 First drink is on us

SOUTHEAST ASIAN ART

NUS ALUMNI LIFESTYLE WORKSHOP Calling all art enthusiasts and budding collectors of Asian art

LEE MAN FONG

(Indonesian, 1913 - 1988) Three Horses oil on board 44 x 63 cm. (17 3/8 x 24 3/4 in.)

CHEONG SOO PIENG (Singaporean, 1917 - 1983) Village by the River oil on canvas 81 x 100 cm. (31 7/8 x 39 3/8 in.)

Painted in 1979

© Christie’s Images Limited

36

ALUMNUS

Date : Sunday, 4 May 2014 Venue : Shangri-La Hotel Time : 9:30am – 11:30am Visit http://alumnet.nus.edu.sg/event/LWmay14 for more information APR–JUN 2014

37

ALUMNI HAPPENINGS OVERSEAS ALUMNI CHAPTERS

Hong Kong Overseas Alumni Chapter plays host

MELBOURNE OVERSEAS ALUMNI CHAPTER The NUS Melbourne Overseas Alumni Chapter held a Dinner and Talk on 22 December 2013. Mr Victor Teo, the Secretary of the Chapter, spoke on managing personal branding using social media platforms like Google+, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Following the talk, 19 alumni and spouses bonded over dinner. The gettogether provided new alumni with an opportunity to mingle with the longterm residents, exchanging updates on the University and career matters.

Mr Victor Teo (Business ’85), Secretary, Melbourne Alumni Chapter

Sydney Overseas Alumni ChapterReunion Dinner The NUS Sydney Overseas Alumni Reunion Dinner on 14 December 2013 brought together alumni from different age groups and diverse faculties. The annual event aims to foster and strengthen relationships among alumni.

Mr Francis Tan (Accountancy ’94), Treasurer, Sydney Alumni Chapter

TORONTO OVERSEAS ALUMNI CHAPTER YEAR END DINNER

CHRISTMAS IN VANCOUVER The NUS Students’ Union (NUSSU) Executive Committee began a week-long visit to Hong Kong on 8 January 2014 and the NUS Hong Kong Overseas Alumni Chapter played host to these future alumni. Several of the Chapter’s alumni took time off their busy schedules to meet the NUSSU delegation. The meetup gave the student delegation insights on working overseas and provided alumni an opportunity to learn about the latest developments at the University.

Mr Tang Kin Ching (Computing ’07) Chairperson, Hong Kong Alumni Chapter

“THE MEANINGFUL INTERACTION WITH NUS ALUMNI IN HONG KONG GAVE US INSIGHTS ON WHAT LIFE IS LIKE TO LIVE AND WORK IN HK, AS WELL AS SOME OF THE COUNTRY’S SOCIAL ISSUES. WE LOOK FORWARD TO VISITING THEM AGAIN.”

KOH ZHI XUN (ALUMNI RELATIONS DIRECTOR, “MEETING UP WITH NUSSU EXCO) NUS ALUMNI IN HONG KONG WAS CERTAINLY REFRESHING. THEIR HOSPITALITY AND WILLINGNESS TO SHARE ARE TESTIMONY OF OUR EVER-STRONG NUS CONNECTION AND EVERLASTING NUS SPIRIT.” SOH YI DA (PRESIDENT, NUSSU EXCO)

KUCHING OVERSEAS ALUMNI CHAPTER REUNION DINNER Seventeen senior alumni and their spouses attended the NUS Kuching Overseas Alumni Chapter Reunion Dinner on 7 February 2014. Chairperson Mr Paul Kho (Science ‘91), introduced the Chapter’s 2014 Office Bearers and presented them with their appointment letters, witnessed by alumnus Mr Chew Pok Oi (Law ‘76). Mr Kho also outlined the Chapter’s plans for the year.

Mr Paul Kho (Science ’91), Chairperson, Kuching Alumni Chapter 38

ALUMNUS

NUS alumni in Vancouver came together for a Christmas Dinner on 7 December 2013. Organised by the NUS Vancouver Overseas Alumni Chapter, 30 alumni and their spouses shared memories and enjoyed the warm Christmas spirit over dinner and entertainment.

Mr Arthur Yap (Arts and Social Sciences ’63) Chairperson, Vancouver Alumni Chapter

CHENGDU OVERSEAS ALUMNI CHAPTER The NUS Chengdu Overseas Alumni Chapter held its alumni dinner on 28 December 2013. The intimate group of alumni saw the reunion as another great opportunity for bonding and celebrating the festive season over a spread of mouthwatering Singaporean dishes.

Mr William Gan (Computing ’89) Chairperson, Chengdu Alumni Chapter

10 YEARS OF CONNECTION The NUS Auckland Overseas Alumni Chapter has been helping NUS alumni stay connected to their alma mater for 10 years, since the Chapter’s founding on 20 March 2005. On 22 March this year, the Chapter celebrated 10 years of outreach efforts and welcomed new alumni to the Chapter, including High Commissioner to New Zealand Mr Peter Chan (Arts and Social Sciences ’70) and two 2013 graduates.

Mr Ee Chiong Boon (Arts and Social Sciences ’82) Chairperson, Auckland Alumni Chapter

XIAMEN OVERSEAS ALUMNI CHAPTER, CHINESE NEW YEAR REUNION DINNER About 40 alumni and guests from the NUS Xiamen Overseas Alumni Chapter celebrated their inaugural alumni chapter reunion and Chinese New Year dinner in Xiamen Merlion Restaurant on 18 January 2014.

Guest-of-honour Mr Loh Tuck Keat (Arts and Social Sciences ’94) Singapore Consul-General in Xiamen, graced the event.

Professor Zeng Ling from Xiamen University spoke on overseas Chinese traditional festival cultures while Mr Zhang Shengsheng (Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy ’11), Deputy Director of Economy and Society Division of the Xiamen Municipal Government Office, shared his views on the development paths of China from a broader historical perspective, citing some experiences from Singapore.

Famous Singaporean local dishes like the Hainanese Chicken Rice and Black Pepper Crab were relished by alumni and enhanced an already memorable evening.

Mr Charles Guo Caishun (Law ’10)

The NUS Toronto Overseas Alumni Chapter gathered for the third time in 2013 on 28 December, where more than 40 alumni met at an authentic MalaysianSingaporean restaurant. Vice President of the Chapter Mr Tejas Aivalli (Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy ’11) welcomed everyone and Chairperson of the Chapter Mr Toh See Kiat (Law ’82) spoke about the significance of being part of the Chapter and shared his plans for the Chapter’s growth.

Alumni participated in a karaoke competition and Morgiana Lee (Arts and Social Sciences ’97), Ken Teo (Science ’68) and former NUS Computing staff Brian entertained the audience with outstanding performances.

Ms Kyra Li (Science/Business ’11) and Ms Shana Wang (Arts and Social Sciences ’12)

Tokyo Overseas Alumni Chapter General Assembly The NUS Tokyo Overseas Alumni Chapter welcomed 2014 with a ‘General Assembly’ in late January at Aoyama, Tokyo. Distinguished guest speaker, Mr Saburo Kobayashi, a former Director at Honda Motor Company, spoke to over 20 participants on the essential need for logical thought and analytical marketing tools for successful daily operations in any organisation. The assembly rounded off with alumni networking and renewing of friendships.

APR–JUN 2014

39

ALUMNI HAPPENINGS OVERSEAS ALUMNI CHAPTERS

ALUMNI HAPPENINGS ANNOUNCEMENTS

NUS ENGINEERING CHARITY GOLF 2014

The NUS Engineering Charity Golf 2014 will be held on 20 May 2014 at the Orchid Country Club.

This event will raise funds for the Engineering Bursary Endowed Fund. The income from this Endowed Fund will be used to fund bursaries every year. The aim of these bursaries is to provide financial assistance to needy full-time Engineering undergraduates.

For more information, please Price per Golf Flight: contact Mr Seah Cheng San, S$2,000 and above.

Chairman of the NUS Monetary donations are Engineering Charity Golf 2014 also welcome. All donations Organising Committee, at are entitled to 250 per cent chengsan@singnet.com.sg or tax deduction.

HP: 98159925.

Shanghai Overseas Alumni Chapter Year End Gathering

DENTISTRY GALA DINNER

The NUS Shanghai Overseas Alumni Chapter year-end gathering was held on 14 December 2013 at Hotel Mariott Luwan. This overly-subscribed event was graced by Consul-General of Singapore in Shanghai Mr Ong Siew Gay, and Deputy Consul-General of Singapore in Shanghai, Mr Chi Chiew Sum. An insightful lecture by Professor Jiang Haishan on ‘Social and Economic Development in the Post 3rd Plenum Period’ kicked off the event. Dinner was served in a restaurant with a scenic view of the Huangpu River and the Chairperson of the Shanghai Overseas Alumni Chapter Dr Cheah Kim Fee, gave a presentation on the overall NUS alumni situation in Shanghai.

Dr Cheah Kim Fee (Dentistry ’90) Chairperson, Shanghai Alumni Chapter

In celebration of its 85th anniversary, the Faculty of Dentistry invites all alumni and friends to its Gala Dinner at the Pan Pacific Grand Ballroom on 30 August 2014. Join Guest-of-Honour Mr Heng Swee Keat, Minister for Education, in commemorating the Faculty’s 85 years of achievements. This will be an Book your tickets excellent opportunity for alumni early at: http:// and friends to reminisce the good www.dentistry.nus. old days and rekindle friendship. edu.sg/85/

NUS Alumni-Great Eastern Life

BREAKFAST DIALOGUE DARE TO DREAM MY CORPORATE JOURNEY 15 April 2014 (Tuesday) | 7.30am Marina Mandarin Ballroom (Level 1) Students - S$10 | Alumni - S$20 PROGRAMME 7.30am Breakfast & Networking 8.30am Sharing by Mr Tang Kin Fei Q&A Session 9.45am End

TANG KIN FEI, Group President & CEO, Sembcorp Industries,

Join at the 2nd run of our NUS Alumni-Great Eastern Life Breakfast Dialogue. A new initiative of the NUS Office of Alumni Relations, the Breakfast Dialogue is designed to engage NUS alumni professionals in executive or middle management positions. It seeks to create a platform for an exchange of ideas, led by experts in their respective fields of industry and commerce. Through this event, we aim to provide opportunities for alumni to network and build meaningful relationships.

About the Speaker Mr Tang is Group President & CEO of Sembcorp Industries. With more than 25 years at Sembcorp, he is credited with spearheading its growth into a focussed energy, water and marine group with operations across six continents.

Let's

showing

24 April

(PG)

showing

Admission is FREE Venue: Shaw Foundation Alumni House Time: 7.30pm Register at: www.nus.edu.sg/alumnet 40

For enquiries, please contact Ms Josephine Chow at josephine@nus.edu.sg or 6516 6950.

ALUMNUS

29 may

(PG13)

showing

26 june

(PG)

Chill Out!

Mr Tang is Vice Chairman of the Singapore Business Federation and a council member of the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry. He serves on several China-Singapore, Saudi-Singapore and Abu Dhabi-Singapore business councils and is a director and member of the governing board of the Cambridge Centre for Advanced Research in Energy Efficiency in Singapore, a research centre set up by the University of Cambridge in collaboration with Singapore universities and the National Research Foundation to study carbon assessment and abatement for the petrochemical industry. In addition, Mr Tang is the Council Chairman of Ngee Ann Polytechnic, as well as Vice Chairman and a trustee of the Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital, a charitable hospital which provides care for needy patients.

Mr Tang holds a First Class Honours degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Singapore and completed the Advanced Management Programme at INSEAD.

is the oldest and most established life insurance group in Singapore and Malaysia, with operations also in Indonesia, Vietnam and Brunei, as well as a joint-venture in China and a representative office in Myanmar. Named Life Insurance Company of the Year by Asia Insurance Review in 2011 and 2013, it has been rated “AA-” by Standard and Poor’s since 2010, one of the highest among Asian life insurance companies.

Organised by:

Sponsored by:

Register at: alumnet.nus.edu.sg/event/BDapr14

For enquiries, please contact Ms Lin Shushan at 65166428 or email her at shushan@nus.edu.sg APR–JUN 2014

41

Get your Alum NUS Card at alumnet.nus.edu.sg/alumnuscard

CULTURE

NUS OFFICE OF ALUMNI RELATIONS

Enjoy 15% discount off venue rates for event bookings at the Shaw Foundation Alumni House.

Venue booking: T 6516 7700

E sfahvenues@nus.edu.sg

Participating Merchants FOOD & BEVERAGE The French Cellar

10% discount on ‘Vineyard Gems’ and ‘Tasting Voyage’ subscriptions.

W: www.TheFrenchCellar.sg

Eggs & Berries

15% discount off total bill for minimum S$60 spent.

W: www.foodjunction.com/brands/ restaurant/egg-berries/

EDUCATION & SELF ENRICHMENT The Knowledge Academy

- 50% discount off RRP on PRINCE2 Training.

- 5% discount off selected courses.

W: www.theknowledgeacademy.com/sg

Intune Music School

10% discount off regular course fees, and waiver off registration and materials fees worth S$30 (one-time fee).

W: www.intunemusic.com.sg

HEALTHCARE & WELLNESS PPP Laser Clinic

Indah Puri Golf Resort

Play 1 round of 18 holes game and stay a night at Indah Puri Apartment Deluxe Unit. Promotion rates: - Weekdays (Mondays to Fridays golfing except on Tuesdays) : S$155 per pax.

- Weekends (Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays): S$175 per pax.

W: www.indahpuri.com

Kapap Academy

Free trials worth S$50 for selected programmes.

W: www.kapapsingapore.com or www.cctasia.org

GolfCentral.Asia

10% discount off all products and services.

W: www.GolfCentral.Asia

First Kick Academy

Complimentary 1 session and enjoy S$40 off Registration Fee with new package sign-up.

W: www.fka.sg

RETAIL AND OTHER SERVICES Pedro

10% off on regular-priced items. Plus, receive a Pedro membership with minimum S$160 spend in a single receipt.

W: www.pedroshoes.com

Laser & Light Combination System (LLCS) Medical Facial treatment for 1st time patients at S$50 for 3 sessions and S$500 for 15 sessions.

W: www.ppp.com.sg

Jurliss Flowers

Corporate rates for participating Chiropractor, TCM, Dental Practices, GPs and Specialist.

By appointments only, please call 8670 6733.

W: www.docdoc.sg

DocDoc.sg

- 15% online discount on Hand Bouquets / Table Arrangements.

- Surprise Music Delivery Bundle Package at S$120 (usual at S$160).

W: www.theolive3.com

GNC

Naiise

15% discount off regular priced items.

W: www.gnc.com.sg

15% discount off all packages.

W: www.jurliss.com

The Olive 3

5% discount off all products storewide.

W: www.naiise.com

LIFESTYLE & LEISURE Arnoma Hotel Bangkok

10% discount off Best Available Rates.

W: www.arnoma.com

42

ALUMNUS

Terms and conditions apply. The NUS Office of Alumni Relations and the AlumNUS Card merchants reserve the right to amend the terms and conditions governing the offers at anytime. All information is correct at press time. Visit www.nus.edu.sg/alumnet for the latest privileges and promotions.

MUSIC MATTERS Immerse yourself in these stellar performances.

Cantiamo

Spectrum Series

CONSERVATORY NEW MUSIC ENSEMBLE: PIECES CROISÉES CONSERVATORY NEW MUSIC ENSEMBLE MANUEL NAWRI, conductor JOHANNES SCHÖLLHORN Pieces croisées BYUNG-MOO LEE Anticausal EARLE BROWN Tracer (two versions) YEO CHOW SHERN What is a Tree?

PHANG KOK JUN Droplets

5pm, 13 April 2014 (Sunday), Esplanade Recital Studio, Tickets at S$20/S$15 from SISTIC The Conservatory New Music Ensemble showcases an array of unique and interesting works across the two hemispheres: Pièces Croisées by Johannes Schöllhorn is a set of nine bagatelles for large ensemble; Anticausal by Lee Byung Moo was published in 2011; Tracer by Earle Brown has a quality of endless and unexpected transformability; and two new compositions from Conservatory students Yeo Chow Shern and Phang Kok Jun.

Albert Tiu Jason Lai

Manuel Nawri

Conservatory Orchestra Series

BEETHOVEN’S TRIPLE & MAHLER’S FIFTH THE CONSERVATORY ORCHESTRA

Join the Conservatory for an evening of unique and extraordinary masterworks by contemporary composers.

CANTIAMO 7.30pm, 15 April 2014 (Tuesday), Conservatory Concert Hall In celebration of the 150th anniversary of the birth of Richard Strauss, the Voice Department of the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory presents an evening of Strauss’ songs accompanied by the renowned British collaborative pianist Roger Vignoles. Strauss' songs are recognised for their sweeping melodies and generous phrases and the evening’s programme presents some of his most famous songs including Allerseelen, Ich trage meine Minne, Morgen, Zueignung and others. Join the Conservatory for a truly memorable evening with one of the world’s foremost Lieder accompanists.

JASON LAI, conductor QIAN ZHOU, violin QIN LI-WEI, cello ALBERT TIU, piano BEETHOVEN Concerto for violin, cello, and piano in C major, Op. 56 MAHLER Symphony No. 5

7.30pm, 17 April 2014 (Thursday), Esplanade Concert Hall Tickets at S$15 from SISTIC Led by Principal Conductor Jason Lai, the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory Orchestra will bring the Conservatory’s 10th Anniversary celebrations to a close with this concert. The Orchestra, together with three of the Conservatory’s faculty members, will perform Beethoven’s Triple Concerto for violin, cello and piano. The evening programme also includes an orchestral masterpiece, Mahler’s Symphony No. 5.

Qian Zhou

Qin Li-Wei

All information correct at time of print and is subject to change without prior notice. Please visit www.music.nus.edu.sg for updates.

Your complimentary AlumNUS Card entitles you to a host of benefits and privileges!

CULTURE Lim Mu Hue, Bukit Timah Quarry, 2003, Woodblock print, 66.5 x 52.5cm.

PAINTINGS AND PORTRAITS Of family roots and Singapore art FAMILY PORTRAITS FROM THE STRAITS CHINESE COLLECTION Till 6 July 2014 NUS Museum Inherited & Salvaged: Family Portraits from the Straits Chinese Collection presents over 50 painted and photographed portraits donated to the NUS Museum. Originating from individual and family collections, and others acquired from antique and ‘karung guni’ dealers, the portraits date from the 19th to early 20th centuries and capture some of the earliest visual representations of Peranakan Chinese in Malaya and the Dutch East Indies.

Through this assemblage, the exhibition explores early portrait-making

industry in the region, the social and cultural context sustaining such artistic patronage, and contemporary motivations in collecting and preserving these works.

Recent Gifts

WORKS AND DOCUMENTS OF LIM MU HUE AND JIMMY ONG Till 20 July 2014 NUS Museum The Recent Gifts exhibition presents a modest selection of works acquired from two artists, the estate of the late Lim Mu Hue (1936 – 2008) and Jimmy Ong (b. 1964). While Ong’s Chinatown Suite brings together sketches completed between mid1980s and early-1990s, Lim’s

C

M

Y

Jimmy Ong, Chinatown Suite XXI: 5, “30 Minutes” — Selfportrait, 1985, Ink and charcoal on paper.

Portrait of a Man in Blue Mandarin Robe and Lady in Black Baju Panjang and Yellow-Orange Sarong with Brown Designs, Unsigned, c. 1890, Indonesia, Oil on Canvas, 54 x 39 cm.

CM

All information is correct at time of print.

Please visit www.nus.edu.sg/museum for updates.

Inherited & Salvaged:

MY

CY

CMY

K

body of work presented were completed over a broader period beginning in the late 1950s. These works are accompanied by supporting materials including photographs, personal artifacts, and other documentations. Collectively they form a growing body of resources that facilitate research into the artists and their practices, Singapore art, and their contexts.

NUS MUSEUM

University Cultural Centre 50 Kent Ridge Crescent National University of Singapore Singapore 119279 Tel: [65] 6516 8817 Fax: [65] 6778 3738 Website: www.nus.edu.sg/museum Email: museum@nus.edu.sg Blog: www.nusmuseum.blogspot.com 44

ALUMNUS

MUSEUM OPENING HOURS

10am – 7.30pm (Tuesdays to Saturdays) 10am – 6pm (Sundays) Closed on Mondays and Public Holidays Guided tours are available on request. Charges may be applicable.

Please email museum@nus.edu.sg or call 6516 8817 for enquiries.

APR–JUN 2014

45

CLASS NOTES

Besides NUS, Prof Koh’s list of other alma maters is impressive, but his links with NUS continue. Apart from his many other responsibilities and functions, he also chairs three committees for NUS relating to law, Asia research and environmental management. Prof Koh is also Special Adviser of the Institute of Policy Studies and Chairman of the Centre for International Law at NUS. Dean of the Faculty of Law of the then University of Singapore from 1971 to 1974, Prof Koh continues to be actively involved with undergrads — he is currently Rector of Tembusu College at the University Town.

His time at NUS says Prof Koh, was an important time of his life.

“It was when I transitioned from

PROFESSOR TOMMY KOH (LAW ’61)

NEGOTIATOR EXTRAORDINAIRE ROFESSOR TOMMY KOH’S 11TH BOOK The Tommy Koh Reader: Favourite Essays and Lectures was published last November. It took the publisher, World Scientific Publishing, two years to convince him to embark on the project of collecting and selecting some of his memorable essays and lectures.

“I thought I should include pictures of my wife to make the book more saleable,” he says with a chuckle. The book however is not dedicated to Mrs Koh, but to his personal assistants through the years. “By right, I should dedicate the book to my wife, but I feel that they [personal assistants] are not appreciated enough in Singapore.

It saddens me [that] when personal assistants retire, they are not recognised for their work, because they had been such valuable members of the team.”

If there is anything that he would have loved to have included in the book, it would have to be the Scouts movement. The time spent as a Boy Scout helped groomed him, says Prof Koh, and he encourages young Singaporeans to take part in the Scouts movement.

Prof Koh is also Ambassadorat-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. There are three types of Ambassadors for Singapore, he explains. The first, which is the most common type, are those who would reside in the country that they have been assigned to by the Singapore Government. These are also known as High Commissioners among the Commonwealth nations.

The second type is a Singaporean invention to circumvent the fact that

P

being a teenager to a young man, and NUS was where it happened.”

That young man would go on to attend Harvard University, USA and Cambridge, UK after his time at NUS. In April 2014, the same — but perhaps not that young anymore — man will find himself attending an event honouring him as the recipient of the 2014 Great Negotiator Award by the Program on Negotiation, an inter-university consortium of Harvard, MIT and Tufts.

But award or not, Prof Koh is busy promoting his book, giving speeches, writing, chairing conferences, negotiating with foreign countries and attending meetings with political leaders from around the world — such is the usual day in the office for the professor.

U@live is a monthly speaker series that showcase outstanding members of the NUS community.

Apart from having a live audience, U@live will also be webcasted live through a dedicated website where users can send in real time comments and questions directly specific country, but would be called upon when their expert advice or services are needed. For Prof Koh, it is on matters pertaining to the United Nations, the United States of America, international law, law of the sea, and environmental issues.

He co-chairs Singapore’s bilateral dialogues with China, India and Japan and therefore follows developments in those three countries very closely.

ORIGINAL TEXT: WORLD SCIENTIFIC PUBLISHING

to the speakers. there are not enough Singaporeans (yet) to be posted overseas in all the countries of the world — these are Non-Resident Ambassadors. They would be assigned to a country but would reside in Singapore, travelling to and fro to carry out their missions.

The third are Ambassadors-atLarge, which is the category that Prof Koh is in. These ambassadors may or may not be assigned to a

U@live Speaker Series are moderated by Mr Viswa Sadasivan, Chairman of the U@live Organising Committee and Member of the NUS Alumni Advisory Board.

7:30PM, 23 APRIL 2014 Mr Hsieh Fu Hua

(Business ’74) Chairman, United Overseas Bank Ltd

7:30PM, 28 MAY 2014 Ms Yeo Sze Ling

(Science ’01, ’06) Research Scientist, Cryptography and Security Department, Institute for Infocomm Research

Reserve your seat now!

Attend the forum live at the Shaw Foundation Alumni House Register at www.nus.edu.sg/alumnet

OR

Join us Online!

46

ALUMNUS

IT WAS AT NUS THAT MY TRANSITION FROM BEING A TEENAGER TO A YOUNG MAN HAPPENED.

www.nus.edu.sg/ualive

LAST WORD

NUS FACULTY OF

ENGINEERING

THE FACULTY OF ENGINEERING (FoE) IS THE SECOND-BIGGEST FACULTY IN TERMS OF STUDENT ENROLMENT. IT HAD ALUMNI AS OF , DECEMBER 2013.

49 696

ALUMNI include MR LEE YI SHYAN

(Chemical Engineering ‘86), Senior Minister of State; Ministry of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry and Ministry of National Development; member of East Coast GRC; ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR DR YAACOB IBRAHIM (Civil Engineering ‘80), Minister for Communications and Information; Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs; and member of Moulmein-Kallang GRC; and MR MASAGOS ZULKIFLI BIN MASAGOS MOHAMAD (Electrical Engineering ‘88), Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Foreign Affairs); and member of Tampines GRC.

THE WORD ENGINEER IS DERIVED FROM THE LATIN ROOTS INGENIARE (“TO CONTRIVE, DEVISE”) AND INGENIUM (“CLEVERNESS”)

48

ALUMNUS

IT TURNS 60 IN 2015.

Dates to REMEMBER

Before it moved from the Prince Edward Road campus to the Kent Ridge Campus in 1978, there were only three departments – Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. Now there are 10 departments.

The first convocation for Engineering was held on 25 October 1958 – five graduates received their degree in Civil Engineering. The first graduates in Mechanical Engineering were conferred their degree in June 1962; and the first Electrical Engineering graduates received theirs in June 1963.

The first time that the degree of Bachelor of Engineering was awarded with Honours was in 1962.

DR CHIN KEE KEAN (1969 TO 1972) WAS THE FACULTY'S FIRST ENGINEERING DEAN

APRIL TO JUNE 2014

APRIL

15 APR TUE NUS Alumni-Great Eastern Life Breakfast Dialogue

7.30pm, Marina Mandarin Ballroom, Level 1 Register at alumnet.nus.edu.sg/event/BDapr14 Enquiries: Ms Lin Shushan at shushan@nus.edu.sg

23 APR WED U@LIVE

featuring Mr Hsieh Fu Hua 7.30pm, Shaw Foundation Alumni House Register at www.nus.edu.sg/alumnet Enquiries: Ms Josephine Chow at josephine@nus.edu.sg

All information is correct at time of print and is subject to change without prior notice.

5

things to know about

ALUMNI EVENTS

24 APR THU Senior Alumni Tea and Chat 4pm, Shaw Foundation Alumni House Enquiries: Ms Irene See at irenesee@nus.edu.sg

24 APR THU *MOVIES ON THE HOUSE

Transformers Dark of the Moon (PG)

7.30pm, Shaw Foundation Alumni House Register at www.nus.edu.sg/alumnet Enquiries: Ms Josephine Chow at josephine@nus.edu.sg

MAY

15 MAY THU Thirsty Thursdays

6.30pm, Barber Shop by Timbre Register at http://alumnet.nus.edu.sg/event/TT1505 Enquiries: Ms Josephine Chow at josephine@nus.edu.sg

28 MAY WED U@LIVE

featuring Ms Yeo Sze Ling 7.30pm, Shaw Foundation Alumni House Register at www.nus.edu.sg/alumnet Enquiries: Ms Josephine Chow at josephine@nus.edu.sg

29 MAY THU Senior Alumni Tea and Chat 4pm, Shaw Foundation Alumni House Enquiries: Ms Irene See at irenesee@nus.edu.sg

29 MAY THU *MOVIES ON THE HOUSE Gravity (PG13)

7.30pm, Shaw Foundation Alumni House Register at www.nus.edu.sg/alumnet Enquiries: Ms Josephine Chow at josephine@nus.edu.sg

JUNE

26 JUNE THU Senior Alumni Tea and Chat 4pm, Shaw Foundation Alumni House Enquiries: Ms Irene See at irenesee@nus.edu.sg

26 JUNE THU *MOVIES ON THE HOUSE Man of Steel (PG)

7.30pm, Shaw Foundation Alumni House Register at www.nus.edu.sg/alumnet Enquiries: Ms Josephine Chow at josephine@nus.edu.sg * Formerly known as Feature Flicks

T t imah i k u B

C O E M M IN G O H 2014

5 July, 5.30pm to 9.30pm

Upper Quadrangle, Bukit Timah Campus Programme Highlight ‘All Shook Up’- by William David Singapore’s Elvis Presley

PROGRAMME 5.30pm - Registration & Cocktail Reception 6.00pm - Dinner Reception Performance by Mr William David & ‘The All Stars’ 9.30pm - Home Sweet Home Dress Code: All grooved up in 1960’s attire Register at: alumnet.nus.edu.sg/event/BT14