Closing Remarks by Professor Shih Choon Fong
President,
National University of Singapore
Dedication Ceremony in Honor of Dr Li Ka-shing
4 September 2007, 11 am,
Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, NUS
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Dr Li Ka-shing
Ministers
Excellencies
Distinguished Guests
Founding Donors of the School
Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen
Eight decades ago, Raffles College, a predecessor institution of the National University of Singapore (NUS), took root at this very site. Benefactors such as Oei Tiong Ham, Sir Manasseh Meyer, and Eu Tong Sen helped lay the foundations of our University.
Today we honor Dr Li Ka-shing, whose magnificent gift to NUS Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy enhances its capacity to nurture future generations of policy-makers and leaders. Dr Li, on behalf of NUS, I would like to express our deep gratitude to you for your philanthropy towards the Lee Kuan Yew School.
Higher education in Singapore has benefited greatly from the support and generosity of visionary philanthropists. Benefactors like Dr Li not only endow us with gifts, with which we build programs. They also invest us with their spirit, by which we shape our aspirations. Dr Li's building a global enterprise from scratch speaks of his pioneering and bold, can-do spirit. His capacity to create and transform inspires us. Therefore, as my colleagues and I strive to transform NUS into a global university with a spirit of enterprise, we take to heart the essence of Dr Li's gift – hope for the future, and faith in the graduates we nurture for leadership and service.
Our University's 100-year heritage is built upon an unwavering mission to serve country and society. Among our eminent alumni is Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, whose name this School bears. Singapore's nation builder and architect as well as world statesman, MM Lee once said: "A small pebble dropped in a pond can cause extensive ripples."
Indeed, Dr Li's gift will keep on growing in every sense of the word. Thanks to Dr Li, the Lee Kuan Yew School has more resources to attract and nurture the best, enabling future leaders and policy-makers to benefit from its premier educational experience. I envisage the scholarships and chair professorships established will help make a lasting impact on the future of the peoples of Asia and beyond.
As NUS strives to distinguish itself in the global arena, I would like to share a bold aspiration which we have set our hearts on. We call it G-10-10 – growing 10 great programs or departments in 10 years. Building on a strong foundation for teaching excellence, G-10-10 is key to transforming NUS from a good and respected university into a great university, distinguished also by global excellence in research. G-10-10 calls for our people to be our best, to help others be their best, and to recruit the best.
In tandem, we are strengthening our residential campus experience by developing University Town@Warren. This is an integrated learning and living environment for up to 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students, 40% coming from around the world. The global community of students, as well as researchers and faculty, will help promote cross-cultural understanding and nurture global citizens. This will enhance our educational experience that transforms and prepares graduates for the global economy.
G-10-10 and University Town@Warren are two initiatives pivotal to our building peaks of global excellence in research and education. Realizing our aspirations will take vital resources. We are grateful to be able to count on supportive benefactors and friends to provide leadership – in giving, as well as in spirit – to help take NUS from good to great, to build an enduring legacy for future generations around the world.
In closing, let me thank Dr Li for coming to Singapore and NUS for this dedication ceremony and for addressing us earlier and sharing his thoughts. I would also like to thank our other distinguished guests for joining us in honoring Dr Li. At this time, let me quote a line from Dr Li's speech – "I believe in the future of this institution and in its mission to be a center of excellence for research and education in the field of public policy and public management."
Dr Li, thank you for your confidence and faith in us. Indeed, your gift enables the Lee Kuan Yew School to strive for new heights of excellence and helps NUS extend its reach and impact as a global university. We deeply appreciate your generous philanthropy
Thank you.
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