Outstanding achievers honoured at NUS University Awards 2009

24 April 2009

UNIVERSITY AWARDS RECIPIENTS: Assoc Prof Ng How Yong, Assoc Prof Mansoor Bin Abdul Jalil, Assoc Prof Goh Say Song, Prof Mohan Balasubramanian on behalf of Prof William Chia, Prof Hew Choy Leong, Prof Liu Thai Ker, Prof Wong Tien Yin, Assoc Prof Kenneth Paul Tan, Assoc Prof Markus Wenk and Assoc Prof Melvyn Sim. NUS honoured 10 outstanding individuals at the University Awards 2009 which was held at the University Cultural Centre. The annual University Awards honours and recognises members of the NUS community who, through their consistently outstanding performance and resolute commitment, exemplify benchmarks of excellence in the University's core competencies of education, research and service.

Said NUS President Prof Tan Chorh Chuan, "The passion, boldness and achievements of the University Award recipients inspire us to reach even higher, propelling NUS to the next level of excellence. In doing so, we can help shape the future through thought-leadership and transformative global education and research."

At this year's University Awards, a new award titled Outstanding Partner in Research Award was introduced to recognise individuals who have made exceptional accomplishments in his or her research field, and achieved highly significant contributions to enhancing the research reputation of NUS.

The establishment of the NUS Teaching Academy was also announced at the Awards. Aimed at being a "think-tank" in education matters, the Teaching Academy will contribute to key educational processes within the University. "The Teaching Academy will draw on the very best teachers in our University to help drive NUS' education to new heights of excellence, and play a critical role in shaping the University's policies and directions in education," Prof Tan said. "One of the first tasks it will undertake is the development of new educational thinking and initiatives in line with NUS' Global-Asia strategy."

The Teaching Academy will comprise winners of the University's Outstanding Educator Award as well as elected faculty who have contributed significantly to education in NUS. Starting with 18 Fellows, it aims to have about 30 Fellows in five years. The Fellows will spearhead efforts in promoting excellence in teaching and learning at NUS, and provide leadership in educational initiatives such as teaching and learning master classes and mentorship schemes among other roles.

NUS Deputy President (Academic Affairs) & Provost Prof Tan Eng Chye said the Academy will boost ongoing efforts in improving the quality of NUS education. "By enabling our exemplary educators to share their expertise and innovative teaching methods with the University community, we hope to enhance the learning environment at NUS," he added.