Welcoming our freshmen
“Arguably, the most important thing of all is your interest and ability to continually learn, unlearn and re-learn.” This was the advice offered by NUS President Professor Tan Chorh Chuan to the University’s newest cohort of students during the Freshmen Inauguration Ceremony held on 1 August. Stressing the importance of building strong personal and interpersonal qualities as well as the ability to work across cultures, Prof Tan also encouraged students to pursue holistic growth and live life to the fullest during their NUS journey.
The ceremony, held over two sessions at the University Cultural Centre, saw some 2,800 freshmen inducted into NUS.
NUS Students’ Union (NUSSU) President Loo Weng Heng said that a globalised world will see us surrounded by people from all walks of life. “Don’t ever create a barrier between you and people with different opinions,” he cautioned. “Let’s keep an open mind, listen carefully, think critically and manage conflicts through reason. We should take extra steps to understand people from different backgrounds and tear down invisible, but potentially destructive, barriers. Let’s agree to disagree because we are stronger in diversity.”
NUANSA performing an Indonesian cultural dance during the ceremony
The freshmen were introduced to the University’s faculty, departments and events through video presentations. They were also given a sneak preview of the life of an NUS student through the inaugural The FIC Production, a tongue-in-cheek production written by NUS alumnus and filmmaker Mr Shiv Tandan (NUS Engineering, Class of 2013) and narrated by current Year 3 NUS Arts and Social Sciences students Ashley Chin and Wong Jinyi. The show incorporated upbeat performances by student groups such as Voices, BreakiNUS, NUANSA, Lindy Hop and Funkstyles, showcasing the University’s wide-ranging talent and campus vibrancy.
The Freshmen Inauguration Ceremony ended with a recital of the student pledge and NUS song as well as some words of advice by seniors.
This annual event is jointly organised by NUSSU and the Office of Student Affairs.
Read NUS President's speech.
