20
May
2021
|
10:05
Asia/Singapore

NUS President's message to the Class of 2021

UCC - 3
UCC - 3

The following letter was sent to the Class of 2021 by NUS President, Professor Tan Eng Chye.

 

20 May 2021

Dear Graduates and Prospective Graduates of the Class of 2021

Since late April, we have seen a steep spike in COVID-19 cases in the community, especially the number of unlinked cases. As the situation has not improved, the Multi-Ministry Taskforce recently announced new tightened measures to arrest the increasing number of cases in the community. These measures, one of which includes restrictions on large gatherings, took effect from Sunday, 16 May 2021 and will take us through to Sunday, 13 June 2021.

The current situation is very fluid and the outlook ahead is uncertain. Therefore, it is with a heavy heart I have made the decision that the University can no longer hold in-person Commencement ceremonies for both the Class of 2020 as well as the Class of 2021, which were scheduled from 17 June to end July 2021. We will, instead, reinvent this milestone by holding virtual Commencement ceremonies for the two cohorts, which will retain elements of our traditional proceedings, to honour your accomplishments with your family and friends.

The decision to move to online ceremonies was not made lightly. I know that many of you have already registered for your respective ceremonies and are looking forward to the celebration with your family and loved ones. My colleagues had also proceeded with meticulous plans to organise the event with the necessary safe management measures in place. We share your disappointment. However, your health and safety, and those of your loved ones, is critical when planning an event of this scale, and given the prevailing challenging circumstances, we do not wish to place you and all those in attendance at risk.

The Registrar’s Office will share more information on the online Commencement ceremonies in due course.

My colleagues and I look forward to your participation in the online Commencement ceremonies. Please keep well and stay safe.

With best wishes

Professor Tan Eng Chye