09
April
2019
|
16:00
Asia/Singapore

Recognising contributions in arts and social sciences

Five eminent alumni from NUS Arts and Social Sciences were honoured at the FASS STARS Awards 2019

NUS Arts and Social Sciences honoured five of their eminent alumni for their outstanding service to the faculty, the University and Singapore, at the annual FASS STARS Awards on 5 April.

Affiliate alumna and Associate Professorial Fellow at NUS Social Work Mrs Ann Elizabeth Wee was among the five alumni who were conferred the Distinguished Arts and Social Sciences Alumni Award, for her pioneering efforts and unparalleled contributions to Singapore’s social service sector.

Mrs Wee is donned the Founding Mother of Social Work in Singapore, and has dedicated over 60 years of her life to social work. Mrs Wee began teaching full-time at NUS Social Work in 1957 and subsequently assumed the role of Department Head in 1967, a post she held until her retirement in 1986. During her stint as the Department Head, Mrs Wee was the driving force behind the University’s decision to upgrade its two-year diploma course to a full-fledged Honours Degree programme, paving the way for social workers to be recognised as professionals, enjoy better career prospects, and gain access to policymaking.

Mrs Wee’s contributions extend beyond the academic sphere. She served on several boards and committees including volunteering on the Advisory Panel to the Juvenile Court for close to four decades, and acting as an advisor for women's and girl's issues with the Ministry of Social Affairs.

These distinguished alumni are not only making an impact on Singapore society in their respective fields, but are also flying the Singapore flag high on the global stage. Their achievements will continue to inspire the faculty and our students to reach for greater heights.
— NUS Arts and Social Sciences Dean Prof Goh 

The Distinguished Arts and Social Sciences Alumni Award was also conferred on four other outstanding alumni, who have contributed to the betterment of society and the promotion of the arts and social sciences:

•           Mr S. Chandra Das, former Member of Parliament and Singapore’s Non-Resident High Commissioner to The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

•           Ambassador Barry Desker, Member of the Presidential Council for Minority Rights and Singapore’s Non-Resident Ambassador to the Holy See and the Kingdom of Spain

•           Mr Wong Kan Seng, former Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore and Chairman of Ascendas-Singbridge as well as United Overseas Bank

•           Ms Janet Lim, former Assistant High Commissioner at the United Nations Refugees Agency

“These distinguished alumni are not only making an impact on Singapore society in their respective fields, but are also flying the Singapore flag high on the global stage. Their achievements will continue to inspire the faculty and our students to reach for greater heights,” said NUS Arts and Social Sciences Dean Professor Robbie Goh.

Sixty-eight other awards were presented to faculty and staff for their achievements and dedication in areas of research, teaching and service.

See press release.