Going for Platinum

NUS recognised consistent commitment to the campus community by introducing the Platinum Award category at the 11th Student Achievement Awards (SAA) 2016held on 29 January at University Cultural Centre. The new award was presented to the NUS Tamil Language Society for its 34-year-old Saadhana ‘A’-Level Tuition Project. Many of the project’s volunteers had been beneficiaries of the project themselves, a testament to the spirit of giving back amongst NUS students.

Guest-of-Honour NUS Chairman Mr Wong Ngit Liong presented the Platinum Award to the Tamil Language Society at the awards ceremony, which was organised by NUS Student Affairs. Besides Mr Wong, the 1,100-strong crowd comprised NUS students, staff and faculty including NUS Student Affairs Dean of Students Associate Professor Tan Teck Koon and members of NUS’ senior management.

NUS President Professor Tan Chorh Chuan spoke at the event, “You have, through your active engagement and participation, learnt a great deal about yourself, your community, and the wider world. In turn, the spirit of curiosity, adventure and empathy will provide a strong foundation as you step out into the world beyond the University.”

Prof Tan (second from right) with SAA 2016 attendees

Student organisations were also awarded the Certificate of Campus Vibrancy for their contribution to the exciting student life on campus. It also honours student organisations which have made significant contributions to the NUS community. They must meet at least four out of six criteria such as successfully organising at least three events with more than 30 attendees for each event; and jointly organising events with other student or external organisations, that not only benefited NUS students but also the general public.

The annual SAA recognises exceptional individual students or student groups who have made noteworthy contributions to the University, outside of academia. The Awards have grown in size and scale over the years, from 47 recipients at its inception in 2006 to 60 this year. Nominations, which numbered 250 for SAA 2016, were grouped under five categories: Leadership, Projects (Arts and Culture), Projects (Community Service), Projects (New Initiatives) and Competitions.

NUS’ Halls of Residence and Schools also received the Special Commendation for raising funds for beneficiaries under Community Chest for Rag & Flag 2015.

See the full list of winners.

By NUS Student Affairs