NUS President receives honorary degree from Southampton
Prof Tan (right) receiving his honorary degree from Rear Admiral Greenish during the conferment ceremony
NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye has been awarded with an Honorary Doctor of Science from the University of Southampton, UK in recognition of his passion and excellence as an award-winning educator and leader.
Prof Tan received his honorary doctorate from Chair of the University of Southampton Council Rear Admiral Philip Greenish during the college’s winter graduation ceremony on 13 December.
Delivering the citation as Public Orator, University of Southampton Emeritus Fellow Dr David Dunn spoke about the close relationship between NUS and the University of Southampton, which began some 15 years ago with the opening of a joint laboratory in maritime and offshore engineering research and development.
Dr Dunn went on to note Prof Tan’s role as a pioneer architect of the current academic system at NUS, where he has championed the importance of a broad-based education through a redesign of the University’s general curriculum that married Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics subjects with Humanities and Social Sciences, and seeded many initiatives such as the University Scholars Programme, University Town College Programme, and Technology-Enhanced Learning.
“In an outstanding career spanning over 30 years, Eng Chye has made his mark first as an innovative and exceptional teacher, and then as a distinguished and respected leader in academia,” said Dr Dunn.
On this latest accolade Prof Tan said, “I am truly grateful for the honorary doctorate bestowed on me by our longstanding partner the University of Southampton and humbled to join the ranks of other inspiring individuals who have achieved great feats in their respective fields over the decades. I also share this honour with the wonderful family, friends and colleagues who have continuously supported me throughout this journey. I look forward to continuing to do my best in helping to prepare our next generation to be confident, capable and committed members of society.”
Prof Tan joins other renowned honorary degree recipients from the University of Southampton including Nobel Laureate and astrophysicist Professor Brian Schmidt, Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall, and famed broadcaster and natural historian Sir David Attenborough.
Read citation for Professor Tan Eng Chye.
