Calendar of Events

The internationalism of NUS as a global university was evident in the year’s
activities. In substance, tone and spirit, NUS acted truly global, by pushing its
boundaries of excellence and in being outward and forward-looking.

JULY – SEPTEMBER

The NUS Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Initiative (NUSNNI) was launched with high visibility to signal the importance the University attaches to this nascent discipline considered by many to be the next big wave in science. The launch was marked by the convening of the first international Nanoengineering and Nanoscience Congress by the University as well as the inaugural award of the NUSNNI Research Achievement Award. Since 2002, six patents on nanotechnology have been filed by NUS researchers and 22 nano laboratories established on campus.

Singapore night out: U21 summer school students at Clarke Quay

The first summer school and symposium of Universitas 21 (U21), an international network of 17 universities, was held at NUS. The University, which is a founder member of the network, hosted faculty and students from 14 universities at a summer school that defines U21’s continuing effort to encourage global learning. Speakers from the UK, US, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Singapore shared best practices in university technology commercialisation at a two-day symposium that brought the summer school to a close.

Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam at KR Ministerial Forum '04

Education Minister Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam was the year’s keynote speaker at the Kent Ridge Ministerial Forum. The Minister highlighted NUS’ efforts in experiential learning in the global arena and urged students to develop originality of thought and an adversity quotient. The Forum is an annual event organised by the NUS Students’ Political Association for prominent political figures to share their insights with students and staff of Singapore’s tertiary institutions.

Dr Tony Tan with NCSV students

Deputy Prime Minister Dr Tony Tan paid a visit to NUS College in Silicon Valley (NCSV). He took the opportunity to engage the undergraduates on their experiences working as full-time interns in high-tech start-ups at the San Francisco Bay area and studying part-time technopreneurial courses at Stanford, NUS’ partner university in the programme. A pleased Dr Tan said at the end of his visit that he had no doubt the NCSV experience would enrich the students’ education as reports received from attachment companies and students alike have been very positive.

Central Library puts on a new face

The newly-refurbished NUS Central Library welcomed members of the University community to a new library experience that is both aesthetically-pleasing and userfriendly. Decorated in warm hues, the physical revamp added several enhancements such as theatrettes, student discussion rooms and a light refreshment corner. The new-age contemporary look was complemented by a range of state-of-the-art digital resources such as an InfoCommons area, a multimedia room, and a smart classroom.