NUS - National University of Singapore

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT

Many of us may have read the book “Who Moved My Cheese?” by Spencer Johnson. It is the story of four characters living in a maze which face unexpected change when they discover their cheese has disappeared. It reveals profound truths to organisations dealing with change and the necessity of adapting to change. Despite the financial turmoil, 2009 has been an exciting year for NUS with intense competition in the ever changing higher educational landscape. Change is a challenge and an opportunity that NUS has to embrace to make a quantum leap forward and stand out internationally.

For over a century, the University has undergone many changes and taken steps to become more nimble to respond quickly to the challenges and competition posed by other leading universities. 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. With the rising Asia, being a well-connected knowledge hub with an integrated understanding of critical issues in Asia, the University provides a vibrant node that draws top students, faculty and researchers from around the world. Emphasising on independent and critical thinking which generate thought-leadership, students are better prepared for a fast changing and globalising world.

Over time, NUS has also evolved into a research-intensive university, a major player in the global league of research universities with significant research breakthroughs. Substantial progress has been made in many research areas including biomedical sciences and translational medicine, quantum technology, nanoscience and environmental sustainability. While we have made excellent progress in research, we must ensure that our culture of excellence is not easily uprooted by complacency and we continue to change and reinvent ourselves to make our research really world class.

With globalisation, NUS must keep at the forefront of innovation in global education, research and institutional networks. We need to continuously map our globalisation strategies and leading key initiatives to contribute to a thriving environment for entrepreneurship to flourish, propelling the entrepreneurial spirit within NUS and beyond.

Our success would not have been possible without the contributions of many. I also wish to express my appreciation to my fellow members of the Board of Trustees for their invaluable contributions, guidance and wisdom, particularly, Mr Lee Tzu Yang who has stepped down from the Board this year. He has served unstintingly on the Board over the last five years. He has definitely made an indelible footprint on NUS.

My heartfelt gratitude also goes to the benefactors, management, staff, students and alumni – thank you for your dedicated support in the past year. To rise to the challenge and realise our shared aspiration in these fast changing and challenging times, let us work towards making NUS a leading global university centred in Asia.

WONG Ngit Liong
Chairman, Board of Trustees