Alumni return for a cultural fiesta
Mdm Halimah (centre in pink) together with Prof Tan (8th from left), NUS Law Dean Prof Simon Chesterman (9th from left), NUS Senior Deputy President and Provost Prof Ho Teck Hua (11th from left) and other guests celebrating the 60th anniversary of Eusoff Hall and Raffles Hall and the 50th anniversary of the Class of 1968
More than 1,100 NUS alumni, including President of the Republic of Singapore and NUS Chancellor Madam Halimah Yacob (Law, ‘78), returned to Bukit Timah Campus, their former stomping ground, on 7 July for an evening of traditional performances and delectable cuisine from around the region as part of the cultural smorgasbord that was this year’s Bukit Timah Homecoming.
Themed “Kaleidoscope of Southeast Asia”, the programme featured musical performances by staff, students and alumni who led the audience in a sing-along to Southeast Asian folk songs such as Singapura, Burung Kakak Tua and Loy Krathong, as well as traditional Balinese dances, all of which had guests, decked out in traditional national dress such as the Peranakan kebaya and Cambodian sampot, enthusiastically swaying along.
“It was a delight to be back at the Bukit Timah Campus for homecoming celebrations with fellow alumni. I had a good time catching up with seniors and classmates, and am glad that many are still maintaining strong ties with NUS,” said President Halimah.
The Southeast Asia themed night saw various engaging musical performances
In keeping with the theme of the evening, NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye (Science, ‘85) raised a toast to the alumni in various languages, thanking them for their selfless sharing of time, talents and treasures and adding that he hoped they would continue to stay connected with NUS.
He also congratulated Eusoff Hall and Raffles Hall alumni, who had an extra reason to celebrate with 2018 being the 60th anniversary of both halls, as well as the Class of 1968 who celebrated their golden jubilee.
Prof Tan raising a toast to alumni in various regional languages
Mr Ho Chee Yon (Engineering ‘76), enjoyed his catch-up with friends at the Homecoming. Despite graduating over 40 years ago, he has made efforts to stay connected to his alma mater, serving as a Non-Resident Fellow at Sheares Hall for over a decade and having weekly outings with former classmaters in addition to annual class reunions. “We learned interesting facts about the region through games aligned with the theme; this year’s programme was very interesting,” said Mr Ho.
The annual event is organised by NUS Alumni Relations, and co-hosted by NUS Law and the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy.
Guests singing and dancing along
