Embarking on a Journey of Excellence
NUS’ journey of excellence really began with the
establishment of a modest medical school over a
century ago. The foundation for attaining excellence
was already laid then. As the University grew in
strength, it remained steeped in a tradition of excellence, delivering quality education and high impact research of
international calibre.
Throughout the journey, the University has
undergone many phases of transformation, including
corporatisation, to meet increasingly multi-faceted
challenges of a highly competitive higher education
landscape. Through the transformation process, a distinct university has emerged. NUS is now
recognised for its unique role as a university with both
an Asian and international identity, retaining a global
outlook while drawing on the character and resources
of the region.
Thriving on a Culture of Excellence
Once known as an institution dedicated purely to
teaching, NUS has evolved into a research-intensive
university, a major player in the global league of research
universities. International collaborations remain robust,
the pool of international talent continues to grow,
and the quantity and quality of teaching and research
initiatives continue to flourish. Through time we have,
in many aspects, succeeded in inculcating a culture of
excellence within the NUS community. We must ensure
that this culture is not easily uprooted by complacency
and apathy.
Making a Mark of Excellence
The University’s bold aspirations are bearing fruit. NUS
is now recognised as one of the premier universities
— among the Top 5 in Asia and one of the world’s
best (Times Higher Education Supplement-Quacquarelli
Symonds University Rankings 2007). For the second year
running, it received the Reader’s Digest Most Trusted
Brand Platinum Award. Further raising the NUS profile
of excellence are our faculty and students, who have
stood out in local and international circles, carving a
name for themselves and the University.
In Appreciation
The University has been extremely privileged to enjoy a
decade of Prof Shih Choon Fong’s able leadership. His
philosophy of “imagination, openness and courage”,
coupled with visionary foresight and resoluteness have
steered the University towards transformation and onto
the road to global excellence. We wish Choon Fong every
success as he assumes his new position as Founding
President of the King Abdullah University of Science
and Technology.
The stewardship will soon be handed over to
Prof Tan Chorh Chuan, currently Acting President. A
central figure to the formulation of the University’s
vision, strategic goals and plans, Chorh Chuan led the
successful corporatisation of NUS in 2006, and has
worked alongside Choon Fong in taking NUS to its
current global standing. It is with absolute confidence
that I entrust the next leg of NUS’ transformative
journey to Chorh Chuan.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I welcome
on board six new members: Mr Goh Yew Lin,
Mr Han Fook Kwang, Mdm Kay Kuok Oon Kwong,
Dr Edison Liu, Mr Phillip Tan Eng Seong and
Ms Yeoh Chee Yan. They bring to the University
diverse experiences and enriching perspectives that
will undoubtedly serve us well. I also wish to record
my sincere appreciation to Mr Wong Ah Long,
Mr Cheong Yip Seng and Ms Chang Hwee Nee who
stepped down from the Board this year.
As we continue our pursuit of excellence, I would like to
thank the Board of Trustees, benefactors, management,
staff, students and alumni for their dedicated support
which has made NUS what it is today. The search for
excellence may be a noble pursuit, but it is not without
its challenges. With a strong sense of determination
and drive, we can meet these challenges and succeed in
scaling greater heights of excellence.
WONG Ngit Liong
Chairman,
Board of Trustees