In partnership with the NUS Alumni Student Advancement Committee, benefactors who contributed S$25,000 or more to the Bursary Fund had the opportunity to sub-name their bursaries under the NUS Science 95th Anniversary Bursary Fund. Professors rallied former PhD students and members of their research groups in NUS Science to pool donations, resulting in bursaries sub-named after these groups. Former students, colleagues and friends contributed collectively to honour professors, both past and present, while corporate partners and individual benefactors also made independent contributions to this initiative. The Department of Physics, for example, led efforts to gather contributions from colleagues, alumni and friends to sub-name a bursary in honour of Emeritus Professor Bernard Tan Tiong Gie, the longest serving Dean of Science (1985-1997).
Making the announcement at the Faculty’s 95th Anniversary Gala Dinner on 22 November 2024, Dean of NUS Science Professor Sun Yeneng said, “I am deeply grateful for the support and generosity of our community. Your collective commitment will make a lasting impact on the lives of our students, giving them the opportunity to realise their full potential, regardless of their circumstances.”
95 years of excellence in science education and research
NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye, who was the Guest-of-Honour at the Gala Dinner, commended the Faculty’s progress and achievements. “Science research in Singapore started off small and unknown in the academic research space, but we have since made immense and very visible progress. From fundamental science, such as the development of advanced materials to translational innovations like nature-based climate solutions, the Faculty has been timely and relevant in addressing pressing challenges of the day.”
He added, “We have built up global credibility and repute for our research; this has enabled us to draw top minds from across the world to build their careers and research aspirations here.”
At the Gala Dinner, the Faculty also presented awards to 16 Science alumni from industries such as healthcare, financial services, manufacturing, technology, sustainability-related sectors, data analytics and Artificial Intelligence, to name a few. Prof Tan presented the Distinguished Science Alumni Award to three alumni who have distinguished themselves in national leadership, service, research excellence, or the betterment and promotion of science.
Another 13 alumni received the Outstanding Science Alumni Award (OSA) from Prof Sun. The OSA recognised the recipients’ leadership and contributions to their professions, industries and disciplines, service to the nation or community, entrepreneurship, research, as well as other noteworthy endeavours.
“Our students do not just excel academically – their accomplishments extend beyond the classroom in service of diverse communities. Many of them go on to pursue distinguished careers; some have founded successful enterprises, contributing to society and making meaningful advancements in fields ranging from environmental sustainability to technology and healthcare,” lauded Prof Tan.
Year-long celebration
The Gala Dinner was the culminating event in a series of specially-curated activities celebrating the Faculty of Science’s 95th Anniversary this year. These other events included the Achieving Gender Diversity in STEM conference in March 2024, which highlighted leadership in STEM and insights from our female alumni; a Homecoming for Alumni programme at both Bukit Timah and Kent Ridge Campuses in May 2024; the launch of a mural wall to commemorate the former Deans of Science in September 2024, and the Faculty of Science Symposium in September 2024 where researchers, educators, alumni and entrepreneurs, as well as students, came together to share their experiences in scientific developments, educational advancements, career journeys and student advocacy respectively.
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