Campus Life

Other Campus Life Stories:

A celebration of international diversity

By Veronique Y W Ah Sen

Writer, Office of Corporate Relations


OFFICIAL OPENING

OFFICIAL OPENING: NUS President Prof Tan Chorh Chuan (centre) launching the International Fiesta in the presence of VIP guests. From right: Prof Tan Thiam Soon, Vice Provost (Education); Mr Joseph Mullinix, Deputy President (Administration); Prof Tan; H E Minda Calaguian-Cruz, Ambassador of the Philippines to Singapore and Assoc Prof Tan Teck Koon, Dean of Students.

Namaste, Guten Tag, Chào were some of the greetings heard at the Central Forum (4 Feb 2009). Students were ambassadors of their home countries for the day as they showcased the best of their countries to fellow students. Gracing the occasion was guest-of-honour NUS President Prof Tan Chorh Chuan along with the University's VIPs. Her Excellency, Minda Calaguian-Cruz, Ambassador of the Philippines to Singapore, was also present.

The International Fiesta "In-fusion 2009" is jointly organised by the Office of Student Affairs and NUSSU International Relations Committee. "In-fusion 2009" spans over three-days, celebrating global community and cultural diversity of NUS. Currently, there are students hailing from more than 80 countries at NUS.

A lion dance performance kick-started the event followed by an international flag parade. The fair was an opportunity to showcase the various cultural heritage of student groups -- a silat performance and a Bhangra dance which drew loud cheers from the student crowd.

Second-year Mechanical Engineering student Sanjay was there to soak up the vibrancy of the University. He enjoyed meeting such an international mix of people. Yvonne, from Indonesia and currently studying at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, was also there to enjoy the diversity.

CULTURAL PERFORMANCES CULTURAL PERFORMANCES

CULTURAL PERFORMANCES: Silat and Bhangra dance performances by student groups.

top