Commencement Dinner: A memorable night for a milestone year
A joyous season celebrating the accomplishments of over 17,000 graduates from the Class of 2025, set against the backdrop of NUS’ 120th anniversary, culminated in a festive Commencement Dinner held on 22 July 2025 at the dining hall of the College of Alice and Peter Tan and Residential College 4.
Gathering valedictorians and representatives from the Class of 2025, along with the newly minted honorary graduates – Ambassador Chan Heng Chee, Dr Noeleen Heyzer, and Dr Wong Ngit Liong – the dinner was attended by about 350 guests. They included NUS Pro-Chancellor Mr Po’ad Mattar, NUS Chairman Mr Hsieh Fu Hua, NUS Trustee Ms Chew Gek Khim, NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye, as well as students, faculty, staff and alumni.
The celebratory night kicked off on a high note with an exuberant performance by students from various NUS Centre for the Arts dance groups. Specially choreographed for the occasion and blending influences from Indian, Chinese, Malay and Western artistic traditions, the piece showcased the multiculturalism and diversity of student life at NUS.
Leading the night’s proceedings were Class of 2025 graduates Ms Rachel Chin from the NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and Mr Clement Ling from the NUS Faculty of Science. Reminiscing about university life and the vibrant community they encountered along the way, they recounted the highlights of their NUS journeys.
“Looking back, I’m really grateful for the many experiences I’ve had at NUS — from taking eye-opening modules and electives, to going on an unforgettable exchange programme, and getting to contribute to signature events like Open House and Commencement,” Ms Chin said.
For Mr Ling, graduating as part of the Class of 2025 during NUS’ 120th anniversary made his experience especially memorable. “Over the past four years, I’ve had the chance to explore my interests in science and technology, meet inspiring peers and professors, and contribute to the NUS community through different ways. It’s truly been a journey I’ll never forget.”
Lead with the heart
In his speech at the event, NUS President Prof Tan Eng Chye commended the graduating class for their hard-won achievements, noting the determination and resilience that enabled them to rise above academic challenges, personal obstacles and periods of uncertainty.
He highlighted the strong foundation laid during their time at university – from the rigorous academic training to opportunities for personal growth and the lasting bonds they forged along the way.
As they prepare to begin their next chapter, he encouraged the graduating class to stay grounded in the values that had shaped them and to lead with clarity and heart, drawing inspiration from NUS’ founding mission.
“Lead with your heart, with purpose lighting your way. This was the case in 1905, 120 years ago, when we started out as a small medical school for the community. Even as we have evolved and redefined our identity as an educational institution, we remain committed in our mission to serve our country and society,” he said.
Concluding his speech with a toast, he added, “Congratulations once again on this very important milestone and welcome to the NUS alumni family! You are the generation that will shape what comes next, leading us to NUS150… and beyond.”
Grit and resilience
Taking to the stage to address his fellow graduates, Mr Lee Yat Bun, Student Senior Advisor of the 46th NUS Students’ Union (NUSSU) Executive Committee, offered a heartfelt message to his peers.
“Four years at NUS didn’t just earn us a degree. It gave us something more valuable – character. It taught us how to stay grounded in uncertainty, how to persevere under pressure, and how to lead in times of change,” said Mr Lee, an NUS Computing graduate in Computer Science who served two terms as NUSSU President between AY21/22 and AY22/23.
“As we step into the future as the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and creators, we carry with us the grit, the resilience, and the adaptability that have been refined during our time here.”
The evening drew to a close with two musical performances by Elton and Friends, a band led by Mandopop singer-songwriter Elton Lee, a Class of 2025 graduate from the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music (YST), who was accompanied by a string quartet comprising fellow YST graduates Reina Teo, Tan Xin Jie, Shannon Chan and Saran Charoennit.
Along with a stirring rendition of the classic ballad, “The Greatest Love of All”, the group also performed a poignant debut of “The Soundtrack of Youth” (谱写的青春), an original graduation song penned by Mr Lee, in a fitting close to the celebratory season.
This story concludes NUS News’ coverage of Commencement 2025, which celebrates the achievements of our graduates from the Class of 2025. For more on Commencement, read our stories and graduate profiles, check out the official Commencement website, or look up and tag #NUS2025 on our social media channels!
