INSPIRxE Mentor Appreciation Evening cum "Last Lecture"

The spirit of mentorship and community was on full display at the CDE Alumni Mentorship Mid-Programme Meetup held on 30 April 2025. Approximately 60 mentors and mentees from Batch 11 took time out of their busy schedules to gather for an evening of meaningful conversation, reflection, and connection.

The event offered a valuable midpoint check-in for participants to catch up with their respective mentor or mentee, discuss their personal and professional growth, and set intentions for the second half of the programme. Beyond individual pairings, the meetup also fostered a broader sense of community as attendees mingled, networked, and shared experiences across mentorship pairs.

The warm, engaging atmosphere reflected the strength of the bonds formed since the programme’s kickoff and reaffirmed the value of alumni-student connections in shaping the next generation of CDE professionals.

To find out more about the CDE Alumni Mentorship Programme, please visit https://cde.nus.edu.sg/alumni/initiatives/alumni-mentorship-programme/

Tembusu College launched its 15th anniversary celebrations with a Gala Dinner held on 12 April 2025, marking a significant milestone in its journey as Singapore's first 21st-century residential college. Established in 2010, Tembusu College was a pioneer of the residential college model in Singapore.

The Gala Dinner commenced with a commemorative video montage featuring the College's founding Rector, Emeritus Professor Tommy Koh (Law '61), alongside current Directors. They reflected on Tembusu's evolution over the years- highlighting key developments in residential life, the University Town College Programme (UTCP), and the College's distinctive interdisciplinary ethos.

Beyond reflecting on its evolution, the College also recognised those who continue to impact the College in meaningful ways. Four alumni were honoured for their dedicated service as mentors in the Tembusu College Alumni-Student Mentorship Programme. Their unwavering commitment to guiding students through university life and career pathways was appreciated as part of the celebration. Three other alumni received special awards for their outstanding contributions to the College, including Dr Ernest Tan (Engineering '16), a former Graduate Fellow who now serves as a Teaching Fellow in the College.

"It is a time to connect with our past journey and to express our gratitude to our former fellows and students who had planted strong and deep foundation roots for the college to reach greater heights as we move forward," remarked Associate Professor Ho Chee Kong, College Master, in his address.

A symbolic highlight was the cheque presentation from recent fundraising efforts to support the inaugural Tembusu College Bursary Endowment Fund, which aims to provide financial assistance to students in need. "....it's important to remember that as wonderful an experience as Tembusu has been for me, that may not always be the case for people who may not be able to access Tembusu because of financial reasons. So, it allows the community to be more diverse," shared Ng Xan Win, a current Arts & Social Sciences student, in a video montage spotlighting students who have benefitted from Residential College Scholarships and Bursaries. Three Year 4 students also shared heartfelt accounts of their unique journeys at Tembusu and how the support they received empowered them to pursue their passions and academic aspirations.

It was a memorable evening that brought together the College's alumni and current Tembusians, featuring a spirited performance by the Shark Band, made up of Year 2 students, a cake-cutting ceremony, group photographs, and an engaging display of student life and educational exhibits curated by the Education Working Group and the Residential Team.

The Gala Dinner sets the tone for an exciting year ahead, with a series of celebratory and fundraising events- including a carnival, a vertical marathon, and alumni networking gatherings- planned to honour 15 years of Tembusu College as a vibrant living and learning community in NUS.

Celebrating Women’s Leadership in Policy and Public Service

To commemorate Women’s Month and champion the value of inclusive governance, the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) Alumni Association – Philippines Chapter, in partnership with the NUS Alumni Network Manila, hosted an intimate dinner and panel conversation on 28 March 2025 at Café Mary Grace, Rockwell Power Plant Mall, Makati.

The event, themed “Empowering Governance: The Synergy of Women’s Leadership and Inclusive Policy-Making,” gathered alumni and professionals from across the National University of Singapore (NUS) community. While spearheaded by LKYSPP, the initiative was supported by representatives and alumni from other NUS schools—including Yale-NUS, Medicine, Public Health, Law, Business, and FASS—highlighting the strength of cross-school collaboration within the NUS community in Manila.

Inspiring Keynote: Purpose, Resilience, and "Mothering a Business"

The evening began with a heartfelt keynote from Ms Mary Grace Dimacali, Founder and CEO of Mary Grace Foods, Inc., who shared her journey from a small home kitchen to a beloved Filipino brand with over 140 branches. She shared: “There’s nothing more humbling than being a mother. Women embody stamina, endurance, service—and the ability to take punches with grace.” Ms Dimacali emphasised the importance of emotional intelligence, spiritual grounding, and slow, deliberate growth—values echoed in her leadership style and her company's philosophy.

The event also featured a compelling panel of three accomplished LKYSPP alumnae, whose careers span the regulatory, corporate, and development sectors: Atty Monalisa Dimalanta (SFPS 2021), Chairperson and CEO, Energy Regulatory Commission; Atty. Maria Anthonette C. Velasco-Allones (MPM '07), CHRO, Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation; and Ms Mary Jean T. Pacheco (SFPS 2021), Undersecretary, Department of Trade and Industry.

They shared personal insights on navigating leadership roles as women in traditionally male-dominated spaces. Atty Allones reflected on the four pillars of governance: stability, rule of law, a professional bureaucracy, and an inclusive civil society. Atty Dimalanta noted how “public sector leadership brings larger consequences,” while Ms Pacheco debunked gendered expectations by affirming “being direct is not a male trait—it’s a leadership trait.”

Lastly, the event also welcomed the newly appointed NUS Alumni Network Manila Executive Committee (2025–2026), now led for the first time by a female Chairperson, Dr Venus Oliva Cloma-Rosales (MPH '13), and Vice-Chairperson, Ms Patricia Villar-Yambing (MBA '15). Their presence exemplified the growing role of women in leadership within the NUS Manila community, and the strong commitment to inclusivity and alumni engagement across all NUS schools. This gathering not only celebrated Women’s Month but also reaffirmed the alumni network’s shared mission of leading with purpose, inspiring change, and building a future grounded in inclusive, ethical leadership.

The inaugural alumni gathering of the National University of Singapore Alumni Network Nanjing chapter, themed "Reuniting in Jinling, Building the Future Together", concluded successfully on 23 March at Xiangshan Lake Park of Nanjing City.

Over 50 alumni families, totalling more than 100 participants, joined the event, fostering a vibrant atmosphere of reconnection and camaraderie. The event commenced at 10.00am with check-in and name-tag distribution, accompanied by upbeat music. Mr. Li Weicheng (Msc (Rsh-Fos) ’08), Head of Event Planning for NUS Alumni Network Nanjing, kicked off the gathering with an energetic welcome speech. Attendees engaged in creative ice-breaking activities, including a lucky red envelope raffle, smile exchanges, and compliment-sharing sessions, which quickly bridged connections among alumni.

During the self-introduction segment, participants showcased their unique experiences through a lighthearted game titled NUS Nanjing’s Most Special Alumni, sparking laughter and applause. Interactive sessions such as Most Memorable Alumni Spotlight further deepened bonds. The event also featured a family-friendly BBQ lunch, spontaneous performances, and group photo sessions, creating a relaxed and joyful ambiance.

Professor Fan Quli (PhD (IMRE/IBN) ’04), President of the NUS Alumni Network Nanjing Chapter and Dean of the School of Materials Science and Engineering at Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, highlighted the mission of NUS Alumni Network Nanjing to serve alumni in Jiangsu and build a collaborative platform in his address. Reflecting on the journey of establishing the NUS Alumni Network Nanjing Chapter, he emphasised that today marks a new beginning. "We aim to become a steadfast support system for alumni in Jiangsu, empowering them to thrive both professionally and personally."

Ms Hu Hanlin, Assistant Director of Alumni Affairs (China) at the NUS Office of Alumni Relations, travelled from Shanghai to extend the university’s warm wishes. She commended the organising team’s efforts and presented commemorative gifts on behalf of NUS. "No matter where life takes you, NUS will always be your spiritual home. We encourage you to revisit Singapore and contribute to our alma mater’s continued growth," she remarked.

The five-hour event concluded with family-friendly activities such as frisbee games and curling challenges, allowing alumni to enjoy a sunny weekend by Xiangshan Lake. NUS Alumni Network Nanjing expressed gratitude to all participants and acknowledged the support from the NUS Office of Alumni Relations. This gathering not only reignited friendships but also laid a robust foundation for expanding the NUS alumni network in Jiangsu. Moving forward, NUS Alumni Network Nanjing plans to host diverse events to foster stronger connections and create more inspiring NUS Nanjing Alumni Stories.

For media inquiries or additional details, please contact: NUS Alumni Network Nanjing Chapter Secretariat Contact Person: Secretary General, Mr. LI Shu Jesse (Arts & Social Sciences ’11 ), Email: lishu@wemax.org, Mobile: +86 182 6008 8998, WeChat: lishujesse.

The NUS Alumni Network Manila partnered with the NUS Centre for Future-ready Graduates to welcome 36 undergraduate students from diverse disciplines to Manila as part of the Global Industry Insights (CFG2002) course. Over 25 guests from various industries came together to connect with students and engage them with deep insights on the landscape in the Philippines.

This experiential elective gives students the opportunity to explore emerging markets, gain industry exposure through company site visits, and scope potential internship opportunities in ASEAN. The students visited key companies across banking, telecommunications, energy, and other industries, engaging with industry leaders and gaining firsthand insights into the dynamic Philippine business landscape.

Dr Venus Oliva Cloma-Rosales (MPH '13), Chairperson of NUS Alumni Network Manila, shared how her NUS education equipped her with both technical and entrepreneurial confidence to establish 101 Health Research, a health research company based in Manila.

"We had deep conversations about career paths, graduate studies, research, and business," Dr Cloma-Rosales said. "It was an enriching exchange, and I hope we provided meaningful insights to our future NUS graduates. Being part of this initiative is more than just alumni duty, it’s an opportunity to understand what current students value."

She also introduced fellow NUS Manila-based alumni, including Richard Tan (MPM '13), Nestor Precioso (Science '06, MOT '13), Ira Puzon, Marco Sardillo (MPP '10), and Guillermo Francisco (MPA '23), who represent various NUS faculties such as the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, Faculty of Science, and Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health.

Reflecting on CFG’s journey, Dr Cloma-Rosales recalled seeing the Centre for Future-ready Graduates’ office under construction a decade ago. "This resonates with me because NUS made me and my fellow alumni ready. Today, the Centre has truly grown in its outlook and programmes; another testament to why NUS remains Asia’s top university!"

For more details about the Global Industry Insights (CFG2002) course, visit: https://nus.edu.sg/cfg/students/career-ready/industry.

The inaugural NUS Geography Career Day was held on 20 February 2025. During this key student outreach event in NUS Geography’s calendar, eight alumni returned to the department to share their experiences of navigating the job market as recent graduates.

The invited guests were: Mr Roy Yuen (Arts & Social Sciences '15), Head of Capacity Building, Singapore Land Authority; Mr Navin Wadhwani (Arts & Social Sciences '16), Executive Planner, Urban Redevelopment Authority; Ms Rachel Koh (Arts & Social Sciences '19), Impact Portfolio Manager, Climate Impact X; Mr Ken Tan (Arts & Social Sciences '21), Transport Planner, Land Transport Authority; Mr Ng Yan Shen (Arts & Social Sciences '21), Manager – Retail Planning, Singtel; Ms Pearlyn Lee (Arts & Social Sciences' 22), Energy Sourcing Specialist, Equinix; Ms Shermaine Sim (Arts & Social Sciences '22), Placemaking Executive, Singapore River One; and Ms Jordyn Ng (Arts & Scoial Sciences '23), Regional Operations Associate, Shopee.

There were two panel discussions, followed by a human library style interaction session. Drawing on experiences spanning the public, non-profit and private sectors, the alumni shared the value of being open to career changes, stereotypes around each of the sectors, the importance of developing soft skills, and how a degree in geography has enabled them to synthesise different types of knowledge.

Students who attended the events raised questions on how geography has helped alumni to respond to the increased emphasis on sustainability in a variety of sectors, and how to navigate challenging workplace relations. The event was attended by 87 undergraduates and 97 junior college students from 11 schools.

Each year since the late 1990s, NUS Geography has invited outstanding alumni to share their experiences with current students. According to Ms Shermaine Sim, “It was great to be back in NUS. I enjoyed interacting with the students, hearing about their concerns and what they like about Geography. I hope they find assurance in knowing that a Geography degree can take them anywhere”.

The inaugural NUS Geography Career Day was particularly notable as Ms Melody Ng, a third-year geography major commented, “The Career Day was a great opportunity to learn more about our alumni's industries and job scopes, while gaining valuable insights into potential career paths after graduation. The networking session was very impactful for me because I learnt how to ace interviews, even without prior experience in a field. Jordyn, an alumnus I chatted with, shared lots of helpful tips with me using her past experiences”.

We thank our alumni for being so generous with their time and for supporting this event. Many thanks to the Majors Welfare Committee of the NUS Geographical Society for their crucial role in organising the highly successful event.

NUS Alumni Network Melbourne celebrated the Lunar New Year in grand style on 7 February 2025 at Secret Kitchen Melbourne. This highly anticipated annual event brought together 68 alumni and friends, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie while ringing in the Year of the Snake with joy, prosperity, and good fortune.

The evening began with a warm welcome from Dr Edna Yeo (Science ‘93), who handed over the reins to Dr Cecilia Xiao (Science ’10) as new Chairperson of NUS Alumni Network Melbourne. Dr Cecilia Xiao thanked the departing committee members, Dr Edna Yeo, Ms Audrey Sim (Arts & Social Sciences ’96) and Dr Woo Sin Ang (Dentistry ’68) for their contributions. Dr Raymond Wong (Architecture, Building and Estate Management ’81) gave well-wishes in fluent Mandarin as attendees were treated to an exquisite Lunar New Year banquet featuring a delectable spread of Cantonese delicacies.

A highlight of the dinner was the traditional "Lo Hei" prosperity toss, exchanging well wishes led by Mr Li Yang (Architecture ’97) for success and abundance in the year ahead. Signature dishes such as lobster noodles, steamed fresh barramundi, and crispy skin chicken added to the festive atmosphere, making the dining experience both meaningful and indulgent.

During the dinner, Dr Choo Soo Teo (Dentistry ’73) shared words of encouragement, inspiring attendees to continue fostering a strong NUS presence in Melbourne. Mr Luke Siah, Senior Assistant Director at the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine delivered a heartfelt address, emphasising the importance of staying connected and engaged with the alumni community. Dr Cecilia Xiao thanked all the guests for coming together from Melbourne, interstate and Singapore.

A celebratory toast was raised, symbolising unity, happiness, and good fortune for the year ahead. Guests were treated to an exhilarating lion dance performance, a symbolic tradition believed to bring good luck. The rhythmic beating of drums and the dynamic movements of the lion dancers captivated the audience, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere to kick off the celebrations. Adding to the excitement of the evening, a lucky draw was held, with generous prizes won by eight lucky winners. These activities further strengthened connections among guests, making the event not only a celebration of tradition but also a platform for building meaningful relationships.

The Lunar New Year Dinner 2025 was a resounding success, bringing the NUS alumni community together for a night of celebration, delicious food, and engaging conversations. Beyond the festivities, the event reinforced the importance of maintaining strong connections despite being miles away from Singapore. As we usher in the Year of the Snake, we look forward to more opportunities to gather, support one another, and continue building a thriving alumni network in Melbourne. A heartfelt thank you goes out to all attendees, sponsors, and organisers who contributed to making this event a memorable and joyous occasion. Wishing everyone a prosperous and fulfilling year ahead!

On 11 January 2025 the Chengdu Alumni Network, in collaboration with SINGCHAM (Singapore Chamber of Commerce), hosted a Chinese New Year celebration at the Shangri-La Hotel in Chengdu.

The evening began with a warm welcome from the Guest of Honour, the Singapore Consulate General for Chengdu. A mesmerising Lion Dance performance delighted attendees, particularly the children. Before the dinner commenced, everyone participated in the traditional Singaporean "Lao Yusheng" ceremony.

This year's celebration was especially meaningful as it marked the 120th Anniversary of NUS. To commemorate this milestone, the alumni came together to record a heartfelt video greeting, which is included alongside photos from the evening. Many alumni also shared pictures and moments from the dinner on social media, showcasing their pride in NUS's 120th Anniversary and celebrating its achievement of being ranked 8th globally and top in Asia in the QS World University Rankings 2025.

The feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. Beyond reuniting with fellow alumni, the dinner provided an excellent platform for networking with SINGCHAM members and Singaporeans who are based in Chengdu. It was a joyous occasion for all.