23 October 2009

NUS Faculty of Science's 80th Anniversary Culminates with a Celebration of Talents and the Spirit of Giving

The National University of Singapore (NUS) Faculty of Science has raised more than $250,000 to fund bursaries and overseas immersion programmes for students, as part of its 80th anniversary celebrations. Bringing the year-long celebrations to a close, the Faculty honoured 17 illustrious alumni who, through their careers and contributions to society, have brought prestige and pride to the University.

Dr Tony Tan, Chairman of the National Research Foundation and an eminent NUS Faculty of Science alumnus, presented awards to outstanding alumni members at the Faculty's 80th anniversary dinner. Held on 24 October 2009, the dinner was a gathering of students, staff, alumni and partners to mark a significant milestone in the Faculty's development.

One of the winners of the Outstanding Science Alumni Award is Mrs Chua-Lim Yen Ching, Founding Principal of Northlight School. Under her pioneering leadership, Northlight School is regarded today as the leading school for students with difficulties handling the academic-oriented mainstream curriculum in the country. Mrs Chua credits her success to the advice and encouragement by her former lecturers in NUS to follow one's heart and to be a blessing to those around. She said, "In whatever we do, we should follow our internal GPS and believe that we will make it happen no matter how difficult it is."

Another recipient of the Outstanding Science Alumni Award is Ms Saw Phaik Hwa, President and CEO of SMRT Corporation Ltd, in recognition of her instrumental role in redefining the way SMRT operates and expanding the company's global footprint with a presence in the Middle East. Of her award, Ms Saw had these words to say: "Be a driver, not a passenger. Define your journey and you will be surprised where life takes you."

Please refer to Annex A for the list of award recipients. Past award winners include Ms Olivia Lum, CEO of Hyflux, Mr Noel Hon, Chairman of NEC Solutions Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, and Dr Chong Yoke Sin, CEO of Integrated Health Information Systems.

The year-long celebration of the Faculty's 80th anniversary comprised exhibitions, lectures, workshops and open house events held from February to October 2009. Collectively, these events achieved the Faculty's objectives of celebrating the achievements and success of the Faculty over eight decades of growth and development; raising awareness of the Faculty as an institution of choice for higher learning and research; fostering closer ties between faculty members, students, alumni and corporate partners; and promoting the study of Science as an interesting discipline.

Annex A