Ceremonial custodian
Jasmani robing Pro-Chancellor Mr Po'ad Mattar before the start of a commencement ceremony
Since 1974, Jasmani bin Sani from Registrar's Office has steadfastly robed University Chancellors and Vice-Chancellors, among other well-known personalities, in their processional gowns for NUS graduation ceremonies. The veteran Management Assistant Officer has robed six Chancellors – Professor Benjamin Sheares, Mr Devan Nair, Mr Wee Kim Wee, Mr Ong Teng Cheong, Mr S R Nathan and current Singapore President Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam.
At his first attempt – the robing of Prof Sheares who was then Singapore's second President, Jasmani was just a young 22-year-old clerical assistant.
Back in the earlier days, the University Chancellor's gown was much more elaborate, with an attached train which would be carried by a page boy. There was also an aide-de-camp standing guard over the Chancellor, watching Jasmani's every move. With much focus and practice, Jasmani mastered the art of robing the heavy gowns.
"I would ask them whether the gown fits and help them adjust, especially their mortarboard – it is usually over quite fast, and they would proceed to mingle with the other guests before the ceremony, explained Jasmani.
Jasmani also recalled that the processional staff seated on stage wore a mish-mash of convocation gowns and Western suits till 1975 when the gown became de rigueur. The Registrar's Office used to issue convocation gowns to graduating students, but this practice has since been outsourced in 2002.
The NUS University Cultural Centre may be a familiar backdrop for Commencement now but years back, the ceremonies were held off-campus, at the Kallang Theatre, Singapore Conference Hall and defunct National Theatre. Arrangements to transport the gowns to the off-campus sites then were coordinated by Jasmani and his team.
Being in the spotlight is not something that Jasmani covets. Back in 2003, prior to winning the NUS Quality Service Award, he tried turning the nomination down. He was also awarded the National Day Efficiency Medal (1997) and Long Service Medal (2003), as well as the Shining STAR Service Award 2004 presented by the PS21 Quality Service Award Committee.
"I don't think I deserve any award. Rather than becoming well-known, I like to work behind the scene. I derive satisfaction from getting the work done, said Jasmani.
During commencement ceremonies, besides robing, Jasmani is also entrusted to ensure that prizes comprising medals and book vouchers (for students who have excelled in their examinations) were arranged correctly by ceremonies.
July is a busy period for Jasmani for another reason – replying to queries, notifying and making arrangements for incoming students who are required to sit for the Qualifying English Test.
Despite turning 63 this year, it is very much work-comes-first for Jasmani who looks a decade younger–thanks to a healthy diet of simple homemade sandwiches and daily walks to take the public transport.
Asked if he has plans to retire, Jasmani said he would much prefer to continue working and contribute to the University in any way he can. "I am happy to work and will do any task that is assigned to me, he said.
Jasmani is one of NUS Everyday Icons'people who have shaped the University in unique ways'to be featured in a monthly series to mark NUS' 110th anniversary.
