In July, the National University of Singapore (NUS) conferred degrees on 17,646 graduates across 35 ceremonies — a milestone that coincides with the University’s 120th anniversary and Singapore’s 60th year of independence.
At the Main Ceremony on 14 July, NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye (Science ’85) highlighted the importance of resilience and purpose in today’s world. He said global and experiential programmes at NUS allowed graduates to explore new perspectives, push boundaries and develop lifelong skills. At the same time, out-of-classroom activities paved the way for them to pursue their passions in the arts, sports or community engagement. “I believe that such holistic development has prepared you well to take on the world, whatever it may bring,” he added.
He reminded graduates that the journey of life is not always linear and predictable. “Life is the messy bits – a journey of discovery and adventure – you don’t need to have a perfect plan in place,” he said, encouraging them to embrace a growth mindset and continuous learning. “Having a strong sense of purpose will help give you the clarity of mind and fortitude to steer through unexpected turns and difficult times.”
Looking ahead, Prof Tan urged students to move forward with courage and optimism. “Even in the face of adversity, there is always room for hope,” he said. “We look forward to your contributions and accomplishments in the next chapter of your life as alumni.”
HONOURING LEGACIES OF LEADERSHIP
The Main Ceremony also saw the conferral of three Honorary Doctor of Letters degrees:
- Ambassador Chan Heng Chee (Arts ’64, MA ’66, PhD ’74), an NUS alumna and former Political Science Head, was honoured for her contributions to diplomacy and scholarship, including her pivotal role as Singapore’s UN Representative and Ambassador to the US. She previously received the Eminent Alumni Award from NUS in 2021.
- Dr Noeleen Heyzer (Arts & Social Sciences ’71, MSocSci ’73), an NUS alumna and global advocate for women’s empowerment, was honoured for her groundbreaking leadership at the United Nations. She currently serves as Rector of Ridge View Residential College at NUS. She previously received the Eminent Alumni Award from NUS in 2011.
- Mr Wong Ngit Liong (Engineering ’65), Executive Chairman of Venture Corporation and former Chairman of the NUS Board of Trustees, was recognised for transforming NUS into
a world-class university and significantly contributing to Singapore’s tech and education landscape. A graduate of the University of Malaya, NUS’ predecessor institution, he previously received the Eminent Alumni Award from NUS in 2017.
A DAY OF JOY, GRATITUDE AND NEW BEGINNINGS
As graduates posed for photos, hugged their classmates and celebrated with their families at the NUS Office of Alumni Relations’ magazine-style photo booth in the foyer, many carried with them not just a scroll, but lasting memories.
One standout story from this year’s Commencement came from Ms Chen Hua Hua, who graduated with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from the NUS Faculty of Law — her third and, as she shared, likely her last degree. “Commencement was already a big day for me,” she said. “This JD degree marks the end of an important chapter. I was excited, nervous, and my full attention was on the ceremony, and taking as many photos as I could with my professors and classmates.”
Then came a surprise proposal from her boyfriend, Nan, an associate professor in international relations based in Beijing, that took place in the photo booth. “He’s an introvert, so I expected a private proposal. I was surprised when he did it in public. It must have taken him a lot of courage,” she shared. Nan had secretly measured her ring size six months prior, while she was asleep, and planned everything without her knowledge. Her parents, who were present at the ceremony, were just as surprised and thrilled.
A former lawyer from China, who also holds degrees from China and the Netherlands, Ms Chen left a successful legal career and moved to Singapore to pursue her passion in international dispute resolution. “I resigned from a top law firm, left my parents and fiancé, and came to a foreign country to chase my dream,” she said. “Not everyone could understand my decision. But my parents and fiancé showed nothing but love and support.”
The two have been in a long-distance relationship for the past two years, with Ms Chen flying back to Beijing every few months. She admitted there were moments of doubt and loneliness. “Many late nights I was awake, missing my family and boyfriend. I would look at my friends’ family photos and question my decision. But I knew I needed to be firm, I needed to work hard, and my future self would thank me for it.”
Ms Chen plans to stay in Singapore to be called to the Bar and practise international arbitration for a few years, while continuing the long-distance relationship. “I feel satisfied and optimistic and look forward to the next chapters of my life,” she said.
BEYOND ACADEMICS: LESSONS THAT LAST A LIFETIME
For many students, university was as much about friendships and personal growth as it was about academics. Ms Joy Yang, 23, who graduated with a degree in Business and Real Estate, said, “My classmates at NUS were very interesting, and it made my project work a lot more fun. We stayed up late to complete [projects] together, so it’s also about teamwork.” Ms Yang, who has found a job in leasing, said the knowledge that she had gathered from NUS helped prepare her for her career.
Her coursemate Mr Eldred Lu, 25, found meaning through his volunteering stints at NUS. “I did a stint at the Civil Service Club where I gave free tuition to secondary school students,” he shared. “This volunteering opportunity has taught me to be more empathetic and helped to improve my interpersonal skills.”
Meanwhile, Ms Karen Leung, 26, from Hong Kong, completed her master’s degree at NUS Business School and described the University as a place of self-discovery. “I got to interact with a very diverse group of people,” she said. She also joined the women’s dragon boat club and encouraged others to “make decisions for yourself and think about where you want to go.”
A NIGHT TO REMEMBER
To cap off the graduation season, the Commencement Dinner was held on 22 July 2025. Taking place at the dining hall of the College of Alice and Peter Tan and Residential College 4, the event brought together 350 guests, including valedictorians, representatives and the honorary graduates from the Class of 2025, as well as NUS leadership, students and alumni.
In his speech, NUS President Prof Tan Eng Chye praised the graduating class for their determination and resilience, urging them to stay grounded in the values that shaped them and to lead with clarity and heart. His message was echoed by Mr Lee Yat Bun (Computing ’25), a Student Senior Advisor of the 46th NUS Students’ Union (NUSSU) Executive Committee and former NUSSU President. “Four years at NUS didn’t just earn us a degree. It gave us something more valuable – character. It taught us how to stay grounded in uncertainty, how to persevere under pressure, and how to lead in times of change.”
The festive night concluded with musical performances by Elton and Friends, led by Mandopop singer-songwriter Elton Lee (Music ’25) and accompanied by a string quartet comprising fellow YST graduates Reina Teo, Tan Xin Jie, Shannon Chan and Saran Charoennit.
The group performed two numbers, including “The Soundtrack of Youth” (谱写的青春), an original graduation song penned by Mr Lee, providing a fitting end to the celebration.
