Globalising at 100

Even as it takes the high road on a global journey, NUS turns 100 in 2005. The
judiciousness of age coupled with the drive and verve to face new challenges
make for a potent force that will drive the University forward. In the 100 years
that NUS has contributed to tertiary education in Singapore, the University has
established a time-honoured tradition of excellence. As inheritors of this proud
heritage, members of the NUS community have chosen to mark the University’s
centennial by celebrating the very excellence that defines its spirit.

THE CENTENNIAL EVEREST EXPEDITION was an undertaking by a NUS team of staff, students and alumni to scale the world’s highest peak. When NUS researcher, Lindley Zerbe, unfurled the NUS flag and planted it firmly at the summit of Mount Everest, he symbolised the collective spirit of each and every NUS stakeholder in their daily strive towards attaining their own peaks of excellence. Approaching the 8,848-metre ascent from Nepal to face the most gruelling of mental and physical demands, team members Lindley, Stefen Chow, Ee Khong Lean, Ernest Quah and Teo Yen Kai displayed the many qualities that define the hallmarks of NUS education – teamwork, mental agility, stamina, passion and an enterprising spirit. The team returned to NUS to participate in the launch of the centennial celebrations.

THE CENTENNIAL CAR is a made-in-NUS single-seat racer fabricated by the University’s engineering students. Otherwise known as the FSAE 2005, the 600 cc racer which weighs only 250 kg and powers to 100 kph in four seconds boasts features that are found on high-performance models such as a six-speed gearbox and a dry sump lubrication system. Its student-builders entered it for the 2005 intervarsity FSAE (Formula Society of Automotive Engineers) race held in Pontiac, Michigan, US, making it the only entry from South-east Asia and one from a country that does not have an automotive industry. This makes the racer all the more exceptional.

THE CENTENNIAL CHAIRS were set up to mark the University’s milestone birthday. As the most prestigious of NUS endowed professorships, they will attract world-renowned specialists to spearhead educational and research thrusts in their fields of expertise at the University.

THE FACULTY OF MEDICINE MUSEUM is a labour of love by the Faculty to showcase its roots all the way back to 1905 when it started out as The Straits Settlements and Federated Malay States Government Medical School. The 3,200 sq ft museum is a veritable time capsule of NUS’ commitment and contribution to 100 years of medical excellence in Singapore. The exhibits on display are divided into seven zones reflecting the multi-faceted dimensions of the Faculty and its predecessor institutions.

THE GLOBAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP is NUS’ centennial gift to the nation. To be funded mainly by private donations, it will be the University’s most prestigious scholarship. The unique scholarship is targeted at helping outstanding local students who have demonstrated a keen interest to contribute to the community to realise their potential as leaders and entrepreneurs. They will enjoy the best of NUS quality education such as participation in NUS Overseas Colleges, the University Scholars Programme as well as a year’s overseas study or work stint at one of the University’s partner universities.

THE NUS CENTENNIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP AWARDS is a student initiative to celebrate the vitality of NUS as a hotbed of creativity and innovation on turning 100. Organised by the NUS Business Incubation of Global Organisations (NUS BINGO), the awards honour the entrepreneurial achievements of students and alumni at the individual, start-up and international levels.

THE CENTENNIAL NOBEL LAUREATE PUBLIC LECTURES will be held between July 2005 and February 2006 as a definitive salute to excellence. They will be delivered by Professors Steven Chu, 1997 Nobel Laureate in Physics; Carl E Wieman, 2001 Nobel Laureate in Physics; and Roald Hoffmann, 1981 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry.