24 February 2006
“Rising Star” Marks NUS’ 100-Year Journey of Excellence
Singaporeans take pride in national university’s contributions to country’s social and economic development at roving exhibition
More than 500 students, alumni and partners of the National University of Singapore gathered at the Raffles City Shopping Centre today to witness a "rising star" in action. The occasion: the official opening of the NUS Centennial Roving Exhibition, a unique collage of the many facets of NUS that will tour the island from the heart of the city right to the heartlands.
The roving exhibition is the university's way of sharing its centenary with the wider local community. As NUS continues its year-long centennial programme, the exhibition will be on display at six locations in Singapore in the next three months. Through the exhibition, members of the public, including potential students and their parents, will have the opportunity to learn about the university's academic programmes, research and enterprise activities, multitude of achievements across different academic fields and vibrant campus life.
Professor S. Jayakumar, Deputy Prime Minister and Co-ordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Law, officiated as guest-of-honour and launched the exhibition by lighting up 100 bulbs each representing a year of NUS’ centennial journey from 1905 to 2005.
Befitting of the Centennial theme, the layout of the exhibition takes the shape of the Centennial logo that incorporates “100” into an infinity sign rising upwards in an ascendant golden star. On top of the display stands are the 100 light bulbs that were lit progressively to achieve the effect of light progressing towards the star, symbolising the university's transformation and progress over the years, and its unrelenting commitment to the quest for excellence in education, research and service.
Highlighting NUS’ dynamic and vibrant education hub status, the exhibition aims to promote awareness of NUS' contributions to Singapore's social and economic development.
"NUS has a unique place in Singapore’s history," said Professor Jayakumar in his opening address. "Over the years, the government, industry and the people have relied on NUS to be responsive to changing economic needs and to provide the highly-educated and well-trained workforce needed to run an increasing complex economy in a globalised world.
"As NUS goes forward to scale even greater heights, we should not lose sight of the enlivening story that brought us this far. As we view the exhibits, it would be useful for us to reflect on the significance of the Centennial and the immense contributions of so many people which have made NUS the outstanding university it is today," he added.
NUS President, Professor Shih Choon Fong, said, "From our modest beginning as a medical school with 23 students in 1905, NUS at the 100-year mark is a university with a dynamic community of more than 30,000 students, 6,000 faculty and staff, and 150,000 alumni.
"This roving exhibition is a documentation of events, activities, passion and commitment that made all the difference in shaping NUS. In showcasing our university’s past, present and future through this exhibition, we want to share our joy and aspirations with the wider community."
At the opening ceremony, guests toured the extensive exhibition which featured the varsity’s educational excellence, high international standing, global alliances, cultural vibrancy, rich heritage, state-of-the-art resources as well as sporting and alumni achievements. The NUS Jazz Band also kept the crowd entertained with a repertoire of its best.
The exhibition will be on display at the Raffles City Shopping Centre from today to February 28, before making its rounds to five other locations in Singapore. Members of the public will be treated to performances by the university's cultural groups, such as the NUS Dance Synergy, NUS Chinese Dance, NUS Symphony Orchestra String Quartet and the School of Design and Environment Dance Group, at selected times at the various exhibition venues (as listed below).
NUS Centennial Roving Exhibition
24 February - 19 May 2006
Date: 24 - 28 February
Exhibition venue: Raffles City Shopping Centre
Opening hours: 10.00am – 10.00pm
Date: 3 - 9 March
Exhibition venue: Jurong Point Shopping Centre
Opening hours: 11.00am – 9.30pm
Date: 10 - 16 March
Exhibition venue: East Point Mall
Opening hours: 11.00am – 9.30pm
Date: 17 - 23 March
Exhibition venue: National Library (Lee Kong Chian Reference Library, Level 7)
Opening hours: 11.00am – 9.00pm
Date: 24 - 30 March
Exhibition venue: Junction 8 Shopping Centre
Opening hours: 11.00am – 9.30pm
Date: 31 March - 19 May
Exhibition venue: Singapore Science Centre*
Opening hours: 11.00am – 6.00pm (Closed on Monday)
* Normal admission fees apply.
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