Congratulations, Class of 2010!

06 July 2010

The NUS Commencement 2010 kicked off on 5 July. Its first ceremony celebrates the academic excellence of graduates of collaborative degree programmes with leading overseas universities. Also recognised for their academic success was the graduating class of selected programmes at NUS' Faculty of Engineering. In all, more than 400 students from disciplines ranging from business, computing, engineering, law, public policy, social science were presented with their degrees at the NUS University Cultural Centre on that day. Presiding over the ceremony was Singapore's President and NUS Chancellor Mr S R Nathan.

Congratulating the graduates, NUS President Prof Tan Chorh Chuan said the day of graduation "does not mark the end of your association with our University, but the commencement of a new phase as our valued alumni." Raising the fine examples set by three highly successful alumni, he gave this advice to the new graduates: "stay curious; pursue your passion; and value our community".

He said: "Curiosity is crucial for life-long learning, which in turn, is essential for us to keep pace with the rapid changes in knowledge and technology." On the pursuit of passion, he said that "most of us are more likely to succeed and to make a difference, if the goals and paths we pursue hold a deep and real significance for us." Finally, he noted that "giving back to the community has been a defining feature of our University over the past century, and we look to you to extend and to build further on this lofty tradition. By valuing our community, we also become an integral part of it, drawing a strong sense of belonging, pride and identity."

Speaking of valuing our community, he pointed to the example of The Honourable the Chief Justice of the Republic of Singapore Mr Chan Sek Keong who stood out for his "deep empathy and concern for the community" and had shown through his work that it was by valuing our society that we could really serve it well.

Chief Justice Chan was conferred an Honorary Doctor of Laws at this first commencement ceremony. He was recognised for his leadership of the Singapore judiciary, his outstanding contribution to the development of Singapore's criminal justice system and constitutional law, distinguished service to the nation, and long-standing and continuing support to the Faculty of Law of NUS.

The Honorary Degree is one of the University's highest forms of recognition for outstanding individuals, including those who have rendered distinguished service that is of significant impact to the University.

Held from 5 to 13 July 2010, the 21 ceremonies of NUS Commencement 2010 will see 9,008 graduates being conferred their degrees. Among this year's graduating class, 6,052 students will be receiving bachelor degrees and 2,956 students receiving higher degrees.