NUS Commencement 2026 begins with a call to build on knowledge and lead with values
As NUS kicks off two weeks of graduation ceremonies, the University celebrates the distinguished service and leadership of honorary graduates Ms Kay Kuok Oon Kwong and Professor Lim Pin.
A new season of celebration began at the University Cultural Centre, as NUS marked the start of Commencement 2026, a 14-day series of ceremonies honouring the accomplishments of more than 17,900 graduates.
Crossing the stage at the inaugural ceremony on 9 July 2026 were graduates from the NUS School of Continuing and Lifelong Education (SCALE), which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. Some 57 graduates across two SCALE programmes – the Master of Science in Environmental Management and the pioneer cohort from the Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Innovation – received their degrees in the presence of their families and friends.
Presided over by the President of the Republic of Singapore and NUS Chancellor Tharman Shanmugaratnam, the event also saw the conferment of honorary degrees upon two outstanding leaders – Ms Kay Kuok Oon Kwong, Director of Shangri-La Hotel Limited (Singapore); and Professor Lim Pin, University Professor at the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine.
Class of 2026: By the numbers
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The real test of education
Addressing the Class of 2026, NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye acknowledged both the hopes and anxieties of the graduates as they prepare to step into a world dramatically transformed by AI. Prof Tan noted that higher education had equipped the graduates with more than just expertise in a field or discipline, but also the critical thinking, interdisciplinary mindset and sense of responsibility needed to build a better world. “In a world where technology can amplify both good and harm, values matter more than ever,” he emphasised.
Calling on graduates to contribute positively to their professions, communities and the wider world, he added: “As you step out today, you must realise that the future will not be defined by technological advances or economic trends, but by the choices people make. This is the real test of your education.”
These themes of service and purpose were echoed in the honorary degrees conferred upon Ms Kuok and Prof Lim, the University’s highest tribute for exceptional individuals who have rendered distinguished service and made a lasting impact on Singapore and the world.
Ms Kay Kuok: ‘Education is not an end point, but a foundation’
Ms Kuok was conferred the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters in recognition of her distinguished contributions to business and public service. A former member of the NUS Board of Trustees, she was cited for her exemplary leadership as founding Chair of the Yale-NUS College Governing Board – shaping Singapore’s first liberal arts college – and her pivotal role in its transition to NUS College.
Delivering the citation for Ms Kuok’s conferment, Professor Simon Chesterman, NUS Vice Provost (Educational Innovation) and Dean of NUS College, traced the arc of her remarkable career – from her early training as a barrister to her rise in corporate leadership through the Kuok Group’s Singapore entities and the Shangri-La Hotel, and her later stewardship of the National Healthcare Group. As Chair of the group, she guided one of Singapore’s largest healthcare systems, supported the establishment of the National Centre for Infectious Diseases, and provided steady leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, she was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for her lifetime of outstanding contributions to Singapore.
In a speech that paid tribute to the power of education and reflected on her time as Chair of the Yale-NUS College Governing Board, Ms Kuok advised graduates charting their futures in an increasingly interconnected world to continue seeking knowledge from real experiences and new challenges. "Be true to your values and to yourselves, and as you move forward, remember that education is not an end point," she said. “It is the foundation upon which you will continue building the rest of your life.”
Professor Lim Pin: ‘Carry the torch towards greater heights’
Prof Lim was also presented with the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters in recognition of his transformative leadership in advancing NUS’ growth and international standing, and his lifetime of distinguished contributions to medicine, higher education and public policy.
Presenting the conferment citation, Professor Chong Yap Seng, Dean of the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, lauded Prof Lim’s pioneering efforts that laid the foundations for NUS’ evolution into the university it is today.
As NUS’ longest-serving Vice Chancellor, Prof Lim was instrumental in building Singapore’s scientific research capabilities, fostering an enduring research culture on campus, and championing interdisciplinary collaboration. By the time he stepped down in 2000, NUS had secured a multi-million-dollar annual research budget and established six research institutes. Appointed Vice-Chancellor in 1981 at just 45 years of age, Prof Lim later became the first professor to be named University Professor, NUS’ highest academic appointment.
Beyond the University, Prof Lim's counsel has been widely sought on matters of national importance spanning science, ethics and public policy. He has chaired the National Biotechnology Committee and the Bioethics Advisory Committee, among other appointments. For his achievements, he has been recognised with national honours, such as the Distinguished Service Order, and prestigious international accolades.
In his acceptance speech, Prof Lim expressed his sense of privilege in having contributed to the University’s development throughout his career in medicine, education and leadership. Adding that he was heartened to see that NUS was ranked among the best in Asia and the world, he said, “I am confident that our Class of 2026 will keep the flame of excellence burning bright and carry the torch towards greater heights.”
Different experiences, shared perspectives
Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, Ms Ng Xi Min, valedictorian from the Master of Science in Environmental Management programme, offered a fitting tribute to SCALE’s 10th anniversary as she reflected on the diverse paths taken by her fellow graduates.
“Some of us came in as fresh graduates while others arrived from government, industry and many other fields. We all arrived with different experiences and perspectives, and yet through discussions, group projects and countless conversations, we learnt as much from each other as we did from our professors.”
Over the next two weeks, more than 13,000 graduates from the Class of 2026 are expected to take the stage across 39 ceremonies. The season concludes with the Commencement Dinner on Friday, 24 July 2026.
This story is part of NUS News’ coverage of Commencement 2026, celebrating the achievements of our graduates from the Class of 2026. For more, read our stories and graduate profiles, check out the official Commencement website, or look up and tag #NUS2026 on our social media channels!
