{"id":8971,"date":"2025-07-28T14:30:11","date_gmt":"2025-07-28T06:30:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alumni.nus.edu.sg\/thealumnus\/?p=8971"},"modified":"2025-07-29T16:43:25","modified_gmt":"2025-07-29T08:43:25","slug":"nus-graduates-embark-on-a-new-chapter-with-grit-and-new-perspectives","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alumni.nus.edu.sg\/thealumnus\/2025\/07\/28\/nus-graduates-embark-on-a-new-chapter-with-grit-and-new-perspectives\/","title":{"rendered":"NUS Graduates Embark on a New Chapter with Grit and New Perspectives"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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In July, the National University of Singapore (NUS) conferred degrees on 17,646 graduates across 35 ceremonies \u2014 a milestone that coincides with the University\u2019s 120th<\/sup> anniversary and Singapore\u2019s 60th<\/sup> year of independence.<\/p>

At the Main Ceremony on 14 July, NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye (Science \u201985) highlighted the importance of resilience and purpose in today\u2019s 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. \u201cI believe that such holistic development has prepared you well to take on the world, whatever it may bring,\u201d he added.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye, speaking at the Main Commencement ceremony <\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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He reminded graduates that the journey of life is not always linear and predictable. \u201cLife is the messy bits \u2013 a journey of discovery and adventure \u2013 you don\u2019t need to have a perfect plan in place,” he said, encouraging them to embrace a growth mindset and continuous learning. \u201cHaving a strong sense of purpose will help give you the clarity of mind and fortitude to steer through unexpected turns and difficult times.\u201d<\/p>

Looking ahead, Prof Tan urged students to move forward with courage and optimism. \u201cEven in the face of adversity, there is always room for hope,\u201d he said. \u201cWe look forward to your contributions and accomplishments in the next chapter of your life as alumni.\u201d<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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\"Ambassador
Ambassador Chan Heng Chee receiving the honorary degree from Mr Desmond Lee, Minister for Education and Minister-in-Charge of Social Services Integration, who presided over the conferment ceremony.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\"Dr
Dr Noeleen Heyzer receiving the honorary degree from Mr Desmond Lee, Minister for Education and Minister-in-Charge of Social Services Integration, who presided over the conferment ceremony.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\"Mr
Mr Wong Ngit Liongreceiving the honorary degree from Mr Desmond Lee, Minister for Education and Minister-in-Charge of Social Services Integration, who presided over the conferment ceremony.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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HONOURING LEGACIES OF LEADERSHIP\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>

The Main Ceremony also saw the conferral of three Honorary Doctor of Letters degrees:<\/p>

  • Ambassador Chan Heng Chee <\/strong>(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\u2019s UN Representative and Ambassador to the US. She previously received the Eminent Alumni Award from NUS in 2021.

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  • Dr Noeleen Heyzer <\/strong>(Arts & Social Sciences \u201971, MSocSci \u201973), an NUS alumna and global advocate for women\u2019s 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.

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  • Mr Wong Ngit Liong <\/strong>(Engineering \u201965), 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\u2019s tech and education landscape. A graduate of the University of Malaya, NUS\u2019 predecessor institution, he previously received the Eminent Alumni Award from NUS in 2017.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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    A DAY OF JOY, GRATITUDE AND NEW BEGINNINGS\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>

    As graduates posed for photos, hugged their classmates and celebrated with their families at the NUS Office of Alumni Relations\u2019 magazine-style photo booth in the foyer, many carried with them not just a scroll, but lasting memories.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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    \"Ms
    Ms Chen receives a proposal<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
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    Ms Chen and her new fiancee<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
    \"Celebrating
    Celebrating an engagement with the family<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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    One standout story from this year\u2019s Commencement came from Ms Chen Hua Hua, who graduated with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from the NUS Faculty of Law \u2014 her third and, as she shared, likely her last degree. \u201cCommencement 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.”<\/p>

    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. \u201cHe\u2019s 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,\u201d 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.

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    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. \u201cI resigned from a top law firm, left my parents and fianc\u00e9, and came to a foreign country to chase my dream,\u201d she said. \u201cNot everyone could understand my decision. But my parents and fianc\u00e9 showed nothing but love and support.\u201d<\/p>

    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.”<\/p>

    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. \u201cI feel satisfied and optimistic and look forward to the next chapters of my life,\u201d she said.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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    BEYOND ACADEMICS: LESSONS THAT LAST A LIFETIME\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>

    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.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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    Her coursemate Mr Eldred Lu, 25, found meaning through his volunteering stints at NUS. \u201cI did a stint at the Civil Service Club where I gave free tuition to secondary school students,\u201d he shared. \u201cThis volunteering opportunity has taught me to be more empathetic and helped to improve my interpersonal skills.\u201d<\/p>

    Meanwhile, Ms Karen Leung, 26, from Hong Kong, completed her master\u2019s degree at NUS Business School and described the University as a place of self-discovery. \u201cI got to interact with a very diverse group of people,\u201d she said. She also joined the women\u2019s dragon boat club and encouraged others to \u201cmake decisions for yourself and think about where you want to go.\u201d<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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    \"Graduates
    Graduates pose with their friends and family in the photo booth provided by the NUS Office of Alumni Relations. <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
    \"Graduates
    Graduates pose with their friends and family in the photo booth provided by the NUS Office of Alumni Relations. <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
    \"Graduates
    Graduates pose with their friends and family in the photo booth provided by the NUS Office of Alumni Relations. <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
    \"Graduates
    Graduates pose with their friends and family in the photo booth provided by the NUS Office of Alumni Relations. <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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    The Commencement Dinner celebrated the close of the graduation season with energetic dance and musical performances.<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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    A NIGHT TO REMEMBER<\/strong><\/p>

    To cap off the graduation season, the Commencement Dinner was held on 22 July 2025. Taking place at the dining hall of the\u00a0College of Alice and Peter Tan\u00a0and\u00a0Residential 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.\u00a0<\/p>

    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 \u201925), a Student Senior Advisor of\u00a0the 46th\u00a0NUS Students\u2019 Union\u00a0(NUSSU) Executive Committee and former NUSSU President. \u201cFour years at NUS didn\u2019t just earn us a degree. It gave us something more valuable \u2013 character. It taught us how to stay grounded in uncertainty, how to persevere under pressure, and how to lead in times of change.\u201d<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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    Mr Lee Yat Bun, Student Senior Advisor of the 46th NUS Students\u2019 Union Executive Committee, encouraged his fellow graduates to carry the NUS spirit forward into the next phase of their lives.<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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    The festive night concluded with musical performances by Elton and Friends, led by Mandopop singer-songwriter Elton Lee (Music \u201925) and accompanied by a string quartet comprising fellow YST graduates Reina Teo, Tan Xin Jie, Shannon Chan and Saran Charoennit.<\/p>

    The group performed two numbers, including \u201cThe Soundtrack of Youth\u201d (\u8c31\u5199\u7684\u9752\u6625), an original graduation song penned by Mr Lee, providing a fitting end to the celebration.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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    <\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    As NUS marks its 120th anniversary, the Class of 2025 celebrated more than just academic milestones. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":8995,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"elementor_theme","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8971","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news-events"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/alumni.nus.edu.sg\/thealumnus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8971","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/alumni.nus.edu.sg\/thealumnus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/alumni.nus.edu.sg\/thealumnus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alumni.nus.edu.sg\/thealumnus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alumni.nus.edu.sg\/thealumnus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8971"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/alumni.nus.edu.sg\/thealumnus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8971\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9243,"href":"https:\/\/alumni.nus.edu.sg\/thealumnus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8971\/revisions\/9243"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alumni.nus.edu.sg\/thealumnus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8995"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/alumni.nus.edu.sg\/thealumnus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8971"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alumni.nus.edu.sg\/thealumnus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8971"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alumni.nus.edu.sg\/thealumnus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8971"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}