Speech by Professor Shih Choon Fong
President,
National University of Singapore
at University Awards 2008, 11 April 2008
University Cultural Centre Theatre
Our Journey: Promise and Perils
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Pro-Chancellors Dr Andrew Chew, Mr Ngiam Tong Dow and Dr Cheong Siew Keong
Chairman, NUS Board of Trustees, Mr Wong Ngit Liong
Members of Board of Trustees
Distinguished Guests
Colleagues, Alumni and Friends
Opening
The University Awards in its present form was inaugurated in 2002. My speech on that occasion was entitled "Our Journey: Learn, Discover and Serve".
Since then, I have often touched on qualities for pursuing excellence, both for the individual and for the University. A recurring theme has been our larger purpose of service to society through research, education and enterprise. A consistent thread has been the vital need to be vigilant and responsive to opportunities and challenges in the competitive global landscape.
In the earlier years, as NUS embarked on a journey to remake itself, there was much for me to share. This being my seventh, and final, University Awards as NUS President, finding something fresh to say has become a more daunting challenge.
I see the University Awards as snapshots of our winners' ever-changing journey of excellence. I also see the University Awards as snapshots of NUS' ever-changing journey of excellence. This journey – for each of us and for the university as a whole – is what I want to reflect on this evening.
So today I shall speak about our achievements, about our promise, and also, the perils that may cross our path.
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