AlumNUS | January - March 2011
Alumni connections
RECONNECTING The 87th Alumni Association Reunion
87
YEARS ON
On 27 November, alumni and students rose early for a morning tour to Marina Barrage, the Merlion Park, and the Shaw Foundation Alumni House (SFAH). It was nostalgia for the returning graduates who could easily relate their return to their alma mater to the symbolism of the returning salmon at the Waterway. The group had the opportunity to apply for their alumnus cards and relished moments of relaxation on the massage chairs in the Alumni Service Centre before visiting the Benefactors’ Foyer and Donors’ Wall on level two of the SFAH.
Alumni at the Shaw Foundation Alumni House were given a tour of the Waterway.
Later that afternoon, distinguished NUS academic, Associate Professor Paul Tambyah gave a Rotating Professorship Lecture, before the Annual General Meeting took place at the clubhouse in the Singapore General Hospital. The highlight of that day was the grand reunion dinner at the Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre. More than 1200 dignitaries, alumni, friends and students were present – in a highly-charged atmosphere of camaraderie, nostalgic reconnection and acquaintance with new members of this closely-knit community.
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Gracing the evening with his presence was Mr George Yeo, Minister for Foreign Affairs. Representing NUS were ProChancellor Mr Ngiam Dong Tow, Chairman of NUS Board of Trustees, Mr Wong Ngit Liong, and NUS President, Professor Tan Chorh Chuan. Another special guest who has been present at every AA reunion and was present that evening with his wife was former Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Medicine ’53.
Alumni enjoying their Hawaiian-themed night.
The last weekend of November 2010 was a momentous one for the (Medical) Alumni Association (AA), the oldest alumni association of NUS. Formed in 1923 with graduates in medicine, dentistry and pharmacy, AA today has three branches in Singapore and Malaysia, where annual reunions are held in rotation. This year, in commemoration of their 87th year of establishment, a three-day reunion was held from 26 to 28 November in Singapore. The programme began on 26 November at the Singapore Island Country Club, where alumni and students had gathered for a friendly golf competition. The overall champion was Dr Kee Wei Heong, Medicine ’74 (Southern Branch), who walked away with the Alumni Challenge Trophy, donated by Dr Mahmood Merican (Central Branch), who emerged as 2nd runner-up. Dr Tay Eujin, Dentistry ’01 (Southern Branch), took home the Moses Yu challenge trophy, as winner of best Gross. The Peter Tay Challenge Trophy for best Nett went to Dr Jeffrey Seow, Dentistry ’91 (Southern Branch), and the title of best senior golfer went to Dr James Fang, Medicine ’62, (Southern branch), who also won the Lo Hong Ling Challenge Trophy. The Southern Branch emerged overall champion and had the honour of taking with them the ‘Agong Cup’ hence. The fun continued that evening with a Hawaiian-themed Informal Night at the poolside of the clubhouse. Guest-of-Honour, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan and Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports, was present amongst students and alumni who mingled with one another.
Guest-of-Honour Mr George Yeo giving his speech.
Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports and Guest-of-Honour, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan (right), with Dr Dominic Leung, Dentistry ’75 (centre) and Dr Wong Keng Mun, Dentistry ‘97 (left).
A group photo before dinner at the Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre, with VIPs, Guest-of-Honour Mr George Yeo (centre), outgoing President, Datin Dr Chin Gek Liew and incoming President, Professor Arthur Lim of the Alumni Association.
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