NUS Alumni Office - Annual Report 2009

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NUS Alumni Office

Office of Alumni RelationsNational University of Singapore

Shaw Foundation Alumni House11 Kent Ridge DriveSingapore 119244Tel : +65 6516 5775 Fax: +65 6777 2065Email : [email protected]

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01 Our Mission02 Enhancing Global Presence As Leading Knowledge Enterprise04 A Year of Fulfilling Engagements06 NUS Alumni Office

28 Shaw Foundation Alumni House – Home on Campus for NUS Alumni34 2009 Achievements40 2009 in Pictures46 AlumFacts 200948 Moving Ahead – Orbits of Engagement

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the 5Cs of engaging alumni

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our mission

to serve and enrich the lives of our alumni and engage them in NUS’ aspirations. Abiding by its credo of “Building Bonds

and Bridging the Future”, the NUS Alumni Office is deeply committed to nurturing and strengthening the bonds between NUS and its alumni; to serve and enrich the lives of our alumni, as well as to continually engage them in their alma’s mater unrelenting pursuit of excellence and vision to become a global knowledge enterprise centred in Asia, influencing the future.

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building a common bond of pride and passion for NUSAs NUS continues to pursue its aspirations of becoming a leading global knowledge enterprise centred in Asia, Professor Tan Chorh Chuan reasserts the importance of the roles NUS alumni can play, to contribute to the vision of their alma mater. Reiterating the University’s commitment to deepening bonds with its alumni, Prof Tan called for the continual support of alumni and friends whose contributions to their alma mater have helped NUS secure its reputable standing today. “Alumni form the largest group in our NUS family. I am heartened by the large and growing number of alumni who…in their dedication and selfless service to our alma mater are helping to build a common bond of pride and passion for NUS. I invite our alumni to put the full force of their talent behind our University – to drive NUS proudly forward to become a leading global university.”

“We invite you to be engaged and involved in helping our University realise these aspirations. There are numerous ways that our alumni can support our University, while at the same time finding fulfilment, excitement and enjoyment.” ~ From Homecoming on 21 March 2009

“Our aim is to make the Alumni Complex bustle with activity that brings together our alumni, students, faculty and staff. I hope the Alumni Complex will not just be a place for meaningful interaction, but will also serve as a portal and a bridge between our alumni and the wider NUS community on campus.”~ From the Official Opening of the Alumni Complex on 20 March 2009

“Our alumni award recipients are remarkable individuals who possess great talent and spirit. Their values and qualities serve as an inspiration, and a beacon, for the whole NUS community. They have contributed in their special ways to the wider society, to Singapore and to our University.”~ From NUS Alumni Awards on 10 November 2009

Professor Tan Chorh ChuanPresident, National University of Singapore


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a year of fulfilling engagements2009 has been a fulfilling year for the NUS Alumni Office. Following the Official Opening of the Alumni Complex in March, the NUS Alumni Office has further intensified efforts to actively “serve and enrich the lives of our alumni and engage them in the University’s aspirations”.

The beginning of the year saw the opening of the Alumni Service Centre, and together with the launch of programmes and initiatives – from movie screenings, dialogue sessions, to personal development workshops – as well as signature events and other ongoing reunions at the Shaw Foundation Alumni House, it gives our alumni and friends multiple opportunities to establish new ties and strengthen existing ones, and marks a considerable increase in the usage of the Alumni House.

Alumni based overseas are not forgotten as the NUS Alumni Office keeps them continually engaged through various platforms. This includes the revamp of AlumNET, the University’s official alumni website, in July, where the enhanced version boasts new multimedia content and features to make it easier for alumni the world over to stay connected with their alma mater.

Enhancements were also made to AlumMAIL, the complimentary lifelong email service for NUS alumni, based on Microsoft’s Live@Edu. All alumni can look forward to receiving this improved service from the second quarter of 2010. A teleconference was also held amongst the Chairmen of the Overseas Alumni Chapters for the first time, to share the latest developments on campus, upcoming reunions and programmes, as well as invaluable experiences in alumni engagement.

Nurturing a sense of belonging to one’s alma mater is of vital importance in the cultivation of a strong alumni spirit. In July, graduands were welcomed into the alumni family and reminded of the key role they play within the NUS community and encouraged to remain engaged with the University and its aspirations. Rag and Flag Day – a signature event – gave us the opportunity to showcase our alumni spirit, as we connected with the NUS community of alumni, students and staff.

Whilst it is crucial to engage alumni, we did not forget those who have contributed their Time, Talent and Treasure to their alma mater over the years. The biennial NUS Alumni Awards 2009 paid tribute to 20 remarkable alumni who, in their personal pursuit for excellence, have made significant contributions to NUS and society at large. And for all our alumni volunteers and friends who have in different capacities contributed to the success and vibrancy of our new Home on Campus, an appreciation dinner and concert organised by the NUS Alumni Office was held in their honour, as a token of our gratitude to them.

Moving forward, the NUS Alumni Office will continue to work hand in hand with our 44 Local Alumni Groups and 14 Overseas Alumni Chapters, as well as with our 19 Associate Directors from the Faculties, Schools and Halls of Residence, to increase our base of engaged alumni and reinforce our pool of active ones. On behalf of the NUS Alumni Office, I would like to thank all who have contributed to our success in 2009. I wish all alumni, friends and our NUS community a wonderful 2010 where they can continue to look forward to a year of exciting programmes and activities specially lined up for them. Stay connected!

Associate Professor Teo Choo SooDirector, NUS Alumni Office


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NUS Alumni OfficeThe NUS Alumni Office comprises the Directorate and two divisions – Operations and Alumni Engagement – under which six sections work hand-in-hand, to strengthen the alumni network, establish closer bonds with alumni, and to ensure that alumni are accorded the privileges and services of being part of our NUS community.

DirectorateSpearheaded by Director of the NUS Alumni Office, Associate Professor Teo Choo Soo, the Directorate provides the strategic directions and policy guidelines and ensures the efficiency and effectiveness of the Department through the optimal utilisation of its manpower, finance and logistical resources. Also tasked to identify advancement goals and developmental prospects for the NUS Alumni Office in important areas of strategic interest to the University, the Directorate guides the Department in its global outreach efforts and steers the entire team towards achieving excellence.

Operations DivisionThe Operations Division which incorporates sections like Facilities Management and Venue Services, ensures effective facility management and building maintenance

of the Shaw Foundation Alumni House. It also provides technical support services and ensures the security of the Alumni House building, as well as manages tenancy and rental services and event coordination.

Alumni Engagement DivisionFour Sections – Marketing Communication, Information Management, Engagement and Partnerships – fall under this Division, all contributing their unique resources in different ways to reach out to engage alumni effectively. Supporting the work of both local alumni groups and overseas alumni chapters, this Division manages diverse areas that range from the organisation of lifelong educational programmes, alumni homecomings, reunions and alumni awards, to the sourcing of collaborative opportunities with external partners for the provision of privileges, benefits and quality services to our alumni.


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cultivatingbonds,nurturing tiesCultivation is the key to fostering a strong alumni spirit. At the NUS Alumni Office, we believe in cultivating bonds between our students and the University. From our students’ very first day on campus, the NUS Alumni Office engages them through activities that foster in them a growing sense of belonging to the University, thus building a strong base for a vibrant alumni spirit to come.

Open House – Initiating an NUS Alumni LegacyOne of the key touchpoints with the University, the NUS Open House is an annual event in which the NUS Alumni Office showcases the University’s illustrious alumni, student award programmes and services available to prospective students who are also prospective alumni. On 14 and 15 March, the Alumni Office initiated its first point of connection with prospective students through an introduction of how it offers students a varied university experience as well as international exposure through student programmes.

A strong alumni spirit has to be nurtured over time. The NUS Alumni Office sees the importance of cultivating and nurturing ties with students and their University the moment they set foot in NUS. These bonds continue to be nurtured after they graduate. Over the years, ties are strengthened and these form the foundation of the enduring bonds between our alumni community and their alma mater.

Connecting With Future AlumniThe NUS Alumni Office is actively involved in the annual Matriculation Fair to establish connection with new students. This year, newbies were welcomed into the NUS family at the Matriculation Fair held on 24 to 29 July. They learned about the NUS alumni community and the services made available to them through the NUS Alumni Office.


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Welcoming New Alumni Commencement marks an important phase in the life of every graduating student. The NUS Alumni Office reaches out to graduands to help them achieve a smooth transition as they move from being students to alumni, encouraging them to stay connected to their alma mater at the end of their journey as students. During Commencement 2009, held from 6 to 17 July, the NUS Alumni Office welcomed 9,000 graduands into our alumni family. The class of 2009 graduands was each given a welcome pack comprising a personalised AlumNUS Card, The AlumNUS Magazine and AlumConnect, a passport holder cum diary with information on alumni privileges and services.

Nurturing Future AlumniThe Student Alumni Volunteers Programme is a platform designed for students to establish ties with the alumni network. Through this, the NUS Alumni Office connects students with alumni to build a strong support mentorship network and to cultivate a vibrant student-alumni spirit. Students who apply to become Student Alumni Volunteers are not only encouraged to develop projects and organise events to connect with alumni and students, but also given opportunities to learn from successful seniors leadership skills as well as invitations to career and networking events.

New Alumni Welcome LunchOn 11 July, the Class of 2009 was given a warm welcome at the New Alumni Welcome Lunch hosted by the NUS Alumni Office at the Shaw Foundation Alumni House. NUS President Professor Tan Chorh Chuan welcomed the new batch of alumni and encouraged them to stay connected with one another and to their alma mater. 161 selected graduands were appointed to serve as Class Ambassadors and to work closely with the NUS Alumni Office and their respective faculties to help their cohort of classmates and friends foster closer relations with their alma mater.

Student AwardsThe NUS Alumni Student Exchange Awards is testimony to the NUS Alumni Office’s belief in the value of a well-rounded education and the importance of an overseas experience. Under this award, students are given financial assistance of up to $2,500 each for participation in an overseas exchange programme. This year, 12 deserving students received this award.


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enhancing connections, growing networksMaintaining connections ensures that the bonds between our alumni and their alma mater endure space and time. As our alumni family grows significantly each year and becomes increasingly global with NUS graduates establishing themselves internationally, the NUS Alumni Office constantly innovates itself to ensure alumni stay connected despite geographical distances. Over the years, our networks have expanded to foster greater connectivity and stronger ties on a global scale.

3 PlatformsAs the dedicated Home on Campus for all NUS alumni, the Shaw Foundation Alumni House is more than just a confluence point for alumni and friends. It is also home to a range of programmes designed to meet alumni’s lifelong learning needs.

Events are the connective tissue that brings together the NUS community of alumni, students and staff. Every year, the NUS Alumni Office organises events aimed at building bonds with the community of 196,000 alumni worldwide.

Feature Flicks is the Alumni House’s monthly movie screening held every last Thursday of the month. Organised by the NUS Alumni Office, these movie get-togethers not only allow fellow alumni to indulge in cinematic experiences from recent hits to classical favourites; they are also an effective way to encourage networking and bonding with movie-enthusiasts.

Between 1 to 2 is the Alumni House’s signature lunchtime series as part of the NUS Alumni Office’s lifelong learning initiatives. From dialogues featuring speakers on specialised topics to panel discussions on pertinent issues of the day, Between 1 to 2 provides an enriching experience and intellectual food for thought during lunch break.

INVIGORATE is a multi-series platform featuring a host of activities designed to re-energise one’s mental, social and professional well-being. Alumni and friends can look forward to an evening of leisure and learning through enlivening perk-me-ups such as concerts and personal development workshops.


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ReunionsReunions are an indispensable element in reconnecting people, renewing old ties and rekindling happy memories. The NUS Alumni Office regularly organises and facilitates the reunions of various graduating classes and alumni groups. Key reunions which are organised yearly are the 25th anniversaries of graduating classes as well as the Bukit Timah Campus Alumni Reunion. The year also saw the NUS Alumni Office host several ad-hoc reunions.

Bukit Timah Campus (BTC) Alumni ReunionThe second annual BTC Alumni Reunion held on 8 July on the restored historical campus was yet another testimony to the centrality of reunions in alumni relations. The reunion gave alumni and old friends another golden opportunity to catch up and reminisce the good old days while at the same time a chance to learn more about the latest alumni activities and developments on campus.

Homecoming 2009 marked a milestone in the history of NUS Homecomings and a new beginning for the NUS Alumni Office. For the very first time, Homecoming celebrations were held at the new home of the NUS Alumni Office – the Shaw Foundation Alumni House. Kicking off on the morning of 21 March at the 300-seat Alumni House auditorium followed by a sumptuous luncheon at the NUSS Kent Ridge Guild House, alumni were treated to a full day’s event comprising lectures by renowned speakers, as well as a contemporary music concert. The following day, alumni came back for more celebrations from movie screenings to a delightful jazz concert.

Sporting EventsWhat better way to connect people than through sports? Every year, the NUS Alumni Office organises sporting events to bring together like-minded alumni and friends. The 18th Alumni & Friends Golf Tournament, held on 29 October on the greens of Raffles Country Club, is one such event. With the get-together of golf enthusiasts who played a good game of golf despite late afternoon showers, the event is significant of the effectiveness of bonding through sports and the spirit of support alumni showed for their alma mater, in spite of the challenges of the present economic climate.

Another golfing event that strengthened friendship was the UM-NUS Inter-University Tunku Chancellor Golf Tournament 2009, held on 18 to 20 August. Hosted by the University of Malaya (UM) at the Royal Perak Golf Club, 75 avid golfers represented NUS. Among them were distinguished guests like NUS Chancellor, President S R Nathan; Senior Minister

of State for Foreign Affairs, Mr Zainul Abidin Rasheed; NUS Board of Trustees Chairman, Mr Wong Ngit Liong; NUS President, Professor Tan Chorh Chuan; NUS Alumni Office Director and Golf Captain, Associate Professor Teo Choo Soo; as well as NUS alumni and friends. The event was an excellent opportunity for old friends to reconnect over two days of sporting fun.

In the spirit of teamwork, 1,000 alumni, staff and students represented teamNUS in the annual Standard Chartered Marathon held on 6 December. teamNUS is a joint initiative by the NUS Alumni Office, NUS Office of Student Affairs, NUS Student’s Union and the University Health and Wellness Centre. The spirit of camaraderie could be felt in the air as the NUS participants donning the teamNUS singlet and tattoos of orange and blue turned up for Singapore’s much anticipated year-end sporting event.

Maintaining Close Ties (Local Alumni Groups)The NUS Alumni Office has 44 active Local Alumni Groups in various faculties, schools, halls of residence and special interest groups. These act as the NUS Alumni Office’s links to alumni; nurturing close ties between them and the University while catering to their diverse interests.

Reaching Out Globally (Overseas Alumni Chapters)To ensure that it reaches out effectively to all its alumni working or living abroad, the NUS Alumni Office has 14 Overseas Alumni Chapters to date. These chapters provide invaluable resources to our overseas alumni and are bridges for the latter to their alma mater, helping them enhance their personal and professional networks and enriching their lives overseas.

Bukit Timah Campus (BTC) Alumni Reunion 2009 NUS Homecoming 2009 18th Alumni & Friends Golf Tournament


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facilitatingcollaboration,harnessingsynergyThe NUS Alumni Office has its ear to the ground and is constantly on the lookout for more mutually rewarding partnerships that can be built within the University and external organisations. By actively seeking out new collaborations and opportunities for mutual benefit, the NUS Alumni Office enhances the alumni experience and delivers greater value to our NUS community. Associate Directors Scheme

The Associate Directors (ADs) Scheme enables the NUS Alumni Office to work in close partnerships with 19 ADs who represent each school, faculty and hall of residence in alumni matters. At each meeting, the ADs share their insights and strategies on alumni cultivation and receive the latest updates from the NUS Alumni Office on new alumni initiatives.

To enhance value and the overall alumni experience, the NUS Alumni Office is constantly looking for ways to seek out collaboration opportunities within the University as well as with external organisations.


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AlumNUS Card privilegesEvery alumnus is entitled to a complimentary AlumNUS Card which identifies him/her as part of the prestigious NUS alumni family. The cardholder is entitled to various discounts from participating merchants and a host of benefits from access to Alumni House facilities, the NUS library, gym and pool facilities, to invitations to events and more. Each year, 6,000 new cards are issued to graduands.

Forging Ties OverseasIn line with its belief in maintaining a global network, the NUS Alumni Office often plays host to delegates from overseas universities to share the best of alumni practices and ideas. In 2009, the NUS Alumni Office hosted almost 20 such visits. Some of these included visits from the Universities of Aberdeen, Adelaide, ANU, McMaster, Michigan, Monash, New South Wales, Waikato and Wollongong. These visits served not only as benchmarks for the NUS Alumni Office’s alumni engagement strategies, but also as opportunities for the forging of future collaborations with overseas institutions.

Bank Affinity Card ProgrammesThe NUS Alumni Office has a long-term partnership with DBS Bank and Standard Chartered Bank which offer exclusive debit card and credit card privileges to our NUS alumni. These cards give recognition to cardholders as NUS alumni and the banks contribute towards student and alumni programmes through alumni’s spending on the cards.

Top left: Visit by University of Adelaide Top right: Visit by Monash University

Bottom left: Visit by La Trobe University Bottom right: UM-NUS Golf Tournament 2009


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fosteringcommunication,encouragingengagementCommunication is fundamental to a vibrant alumni network. The NUS Alumni Office leverages on a range of innovative platforms to build multiple channels of communication to engage you in NUS’ developments and pursuits. Through these channels, the NUS Alumni Office maintains an open dialogue with alumni as well as keep alumni empowered with knowledge on the latest NUS developments, keeping them as connected to the University as possible, whether they are at home or abroad.

The AlumNUS MagazineThe AlumNUS Magazine is a complimentary quarterly publication by the NUS Alumni Office for all NUS alumni, to help them stay clued-in to campus events and happenings, even after they have graduated. Featuring comprehensive coverage of the University’s initiatives and developments, The AlumNUS Magazine is a trusted and widely read source of information for both NUS local and overseas alumni.

The NUS Alumni Office engages NUS alumni through multiple channels of communication. Leveraging on technology and a range of innovative platforms, we ensure an open dialogue with alumni, keeping them abreast with NUS developments, making it easier for all alumni to stay connected to their alma mater.


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Proud to be an AlumNUSThe NUS Alumni Office has produced various printed collaterals aimed at providing detailed information on its services and initiatives. These range from corporate brochures to annual reports to an alumni resource manual. In 2009, the Alumni Office also took a crucial step towards evoking that sense of pride amongst the NUS community of alumni, students and staff, through a “Proud to be AlumNUS” branding campaign. Banners with this slogan were used as a backdrop to welcome new graduates into the alumni family, as well as seen on shuttle buses and used as lamppost buntings all around campus.

Connecting alumni globallyAlumNET @ www.alumnet.nus.edu.sgAlumNET is a platform designed to keep our alumni “net-connected”. Another aspect of AlumNET is to provide valuable online resources to all NUS alumni, as well as information about the NUS Alumni Office. AlumMAILEvery alumnus is entitled to a complimentary lifelong email account that identifies him/her as part of the prestigious NUS family. An initiative aimed at keeping alumni connected to NUS and their schoolmates, the AlumMAIL is a seamless port-over of undergraduate’s email account.

To serve our alumni better, AlumNET received a makeover in July. The new and improved version boasts new media content, a virtual tour and a new image and video gallery. With it, alumni can check out the latest event they attended, download resources from pictures to videos to the AlumNUS magazine with ease, keep up-to-date with the latest events the Alumni Office has lined up for them, as well as take a virtual tour of the Alumni House – their new Home on Campus.

In line with this initiative, the NUS Alumni Office also began improvements on AlumMAIL. Alumni get to enjoy 10GB of email storage, store photos and files online with Windows Live SkyDrive, as well as keep closely connected to their friends and contacts with Microsoft Live@edu. Alumni who graduated in 2009 received this bigger and better complimentary email account in October, while all other alumni will receive theirs from the second quarter of 2010.

e-NewsletterOver 100,000 alumni receive monthly updates on alumni activities and NUS through our online newsletter. A monthly emailer that keeps you up-to-date on the latest alumni activities, programmes, monthly AlumNUS Card promotions, other news highlights as well as the latest development on campus, the e-Newsletter helps NUS alumni stay connected to their alma mater, no matter where they may be in the world.

Top: NUS Commencement 2009


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Recognising Generosity – Benefactors FoyerThe Benefactors’ Foyer, on the second storey of the Shaw Foundation Alumni House, comprises the NUS DNA Wall, Tree of Benevolence and Tree of Inspiration. It stands as the NUS Alumni Office’s acknowledgement and gratitude for the invaluable support and contributions of all alumni and friends to the Alumni House, its alumni cultivation and educational programmes.

The main wall acknowledges the Patron of the Alumni House, His Excellency, President S R Nathan, and the beneficience of our Principle Benefactors. Founding Benefactors are also prominently recognised at the Benefactors’ Foyer. Alumni and friends who have contributed a minimum sum of $100 have their names recognised on the pillars of the Tree of Inspiration or the Tree of Benevolence.

The NUS Alumni Office acknowledges the support and contributions of our alumni who have made a difference to the lives of our students and fellow alumni. It is their dedication and generosity of spirit that continues to inspire present and future generations of alumni to do a part for their alma mater.

sharedcommitments,heartfeltcontributionsOur alumni, in their commitment to NUS’ endeavours and vision, are constantly helping to shape NUS’ future. Over the years, through their contribution of Time, Talent and Treasure, our alumni have enriched the lives of students and our global alumni community in more ways than one. Their enduring spirit of volunteerism has enabled the NUS Alumni Office to better render help to needy students, as well as to reach out to fellow alumni for a more connected NUS community. Today, the Alumni House stands as proud testimony of a dream realised through the dedication and generous support of our alumni volunteers.


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Fostering Closer Ties Through Local Alumni Groups44 local alumni groups work hand in hand with the NUS Alumni Office to help all NUS alumni maintain close connections with their alma mater. Associate Directors from the various Faculties, Schools and Halls of Residence contribute their precious time and talent to lend invaluable support to the NUS Alumni Office in organising social and networking opportunities for alumni to get reacquainted with one another and to renew their connection with their alma mater.

Overseas Alumni ChaptersOur overseas alumni have been an invaluable resource, facilitating overseas internships, student exchanges and homestays for NUS students. They have contributed greatly by initiating inter-university collaboration and providing mentorship opportunities for their juniors. They are strategically located in: Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Vancouver, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, New Delhi, Tokyo, Kuching, Auckland, London, Boston and San Francisco.

NUS Alumni Advisory Board The NUS Alumni Advisory Board comprises passionate alumni who give their time and talent to provide invaluable advice and counsel to the NUS President on alumni matters. Board members from different campuses and cohorts meet to work towards achieving the Board’s objectives of harnessing the spirit of volunteerism, expanding NUS’ global networks and leveraging on alumni strength.

Top left: Science CBLC Alumni AssociationTop right: Eusoff Hall AlumniCentre row left: Medical Alumni AssociationCentre row right: Class of 1988 Chemical Engineering 21st anniversary reunion dinnerBottom: NUS Alumni Dragonboat Team

Top left: NUS Alumni Chapter in Beijing, ChinaTop right: NUS Alumni Chapter in Boston, USABottom: NUS Alumni Chapter in Vancouver, Canada

NUS Alumni Advisory Board


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Shaw Foundation Alumni House- home on campus for NUS alumni Officially opened as part of the Alumni Complex on 20 March 2009 by Guest of Honour NUS Eminent Alumnus Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, the Shaw Foundation Alumni House is a special Home On Campus for our NUS community of alumni, students, staff and faculty.

The realisation of the dream of past NUS president, Professor Shih Choon Fong, the Alumni House stands as a vibrant confluence for the creation of new synergies and opportunities that engage alumni towards NUS’ global aspirations. Specially designed with the networking benefits of our alumni in mind, it is a beacon to and a focal point for all NUS alumni around the world to return time and again to their alma mater to reconnect, strengthen ties, and renew bonds with our wider NUS community. Through a variety of events, programmes and reunions, the Alumni House is the new meeting point for all NUS alumni when they return to campus.

Alumni Complex: NUSS Kent Ridge Guild House & Shaw Foundation Alumni House

Top left: Alumni House Top right: The Confluence Bottom: Our Provenance


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Located on the first storey of the Alumni House is a special place dedicated to all alumni and alumni groups for bonding, networking and partnership. The Alumni Service Centre (ASC) is equipped with business centre facilities and serves as a meeting point for the social, business and professional networking needs of our alumni and friends. Alumni groups are encouraged to gather here for their discussions and alumni and students can make use of the ASC to network with one another.

Top: ConcourseCentre left: Faculty Square

Centre right: Recognising Alumni Bottom: NUS’ Illustrious Heritage

Top left: Globe at SkylightTop right: NUS’ LuminariesCentre: Alumni Service CentreBottom: The Waterway


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Attractive rates for hosting your events at the Alumni HouseAs a choice location for hosting your events from seminars, workshops to conferences, the Alumni House is equipped with a comprehensive range of state-of-the-art facilities available for hire.

From a 300-seat auditorium for large-scale conferences to four seminar rooms of versatile seating configurations for small capacity programmes and events, a Terrace, Concourse and The Waterway for cocktail events and standing receptions, the Alumni House has the right venue and facilities to match your needs.

Special discounts were offered on Alumni House venue rates* and the offer has been extended by popular demand to bookings for events held at the Alumni House on or before 31 December 2010.

For more information, please visit www.alumnet.nus.edu.sg, or contact us at [email protected] or 6516 7700.*Terms and conditions apply.

Managed by the NUS Alumni Office Relations, the Alumni House offers comprehensive facilities ideal for holding meetings, talks and workshops which contribute to the personal and professional development of alumni, students, faculty and staff.

Top: Benefactors’ FoyerCentre: AuditoriumBottom left and right: Seminar Rooms

Top: Student Volunteer’s HubCentre: CardamomBottom: Exclusive lounge at Cardamom


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2009achievementsjanuary

1 Jan January issue of The AlumNUS Magazine The January 2009 issue of The AlumNUS Magazine featured the dawn of a new era for the University, with the appointment of Prof Tan Chorh Chuan as NUS President and the opening of the Shaw Foundation Alumni House. A “Proud to be an AlumNUS” decal was included in the issue to inspire alumni to be proud members of the NUS community.

9 Jan Study Visit from Overseas Universities Ms Jo Rumsey, Vice President, Alumni Association, University of Michigan, visited the NUS Alumni Office and took a tour of the Shaw Foundation Alumni House.

19 JanStudy Visit from Local Varsity Dr Sankari Ramanathan, Assistant Head, Graduate Affairs, A*STAR Graduate Academy, visited the NUS Alumni Office to explore the feasibility of setting up an alumni organisation in the A*STAR Graduate Academy. She was met by the NUS Alumni Office Director, Assoc Prof Teo Choo Soo, and members of the management team.

february

3 FebLunar New Year ‘Lohei’ Lunch & NUS Alumni Bursary Awards 2009 This annual Lunar New Year event was held in conjunction with the NUS Alumni Bursary Awards ceremony. 20 awards were presented by NUS President Prof Tan Chorh Chuan to deserving students during this CNY Get-Together.

12 FebNUS Career Fair The NUS Alumni Office invited young alumni to the NUS Career Fair 2009 as part of its efforts to provide meaningful career-related services to alumni.

13 FebVisit by Tieling City Delegation A Tieling City delegation led by its Mayor, Mr Zhang Jingqiang, visited the Shaw Foundation Alumni House to tour The Waterway.

20 FebStudy Visit from Overseas Universities Mr John Kearsey, Divisional Director - Donor, Alumni and Community Relations at the Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, visited the NUS Alumni Office and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Asia-Pacific, which is located at the Shaw Foundation Alumni House, to exchange best practices and to tour The Waterway at the Alumni House.

27 Feb80th Anniversary Bash (Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Faculty of Science) The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry and Faculty of Science celebrated their 80th Anniversaries at the Alumni Terrace, in conjunction with the launch of the Faculty Square.

march

11 MarStudy Visit from Overseas Universities Ms Christine Brabender, Director of Development, with the University of Waikato in Hamilton, New Zealand, visited the NUS Alumni Office. Director of the NUS Alumni Office, Assoc Prof Teo Choo Soo, met with Ms Brabender and shared about the NUS Alumni Office’s preparations and experiences in organising the Official Opening of the Alumni Complex as well as Homecoming 2009. Ms Brabender was then brought on a tour of The Waterway and departed with a deep impression of the global connectivity of NUS and its alumni.

14-15 MarNUS Open HouseThe NUS Alumni Office partcipated in the NUS Open House to showcase alumni, the 3rd pillar of NUS community, their contributions and accomplishments towards the NUS milestones. Information on the NUS Alumni Office, the Alumni House, and student programmes were provided to visitors at the NUS Alumni Office booth.

17 Mar7th Alumni Advisory Board MeetingThe NUS Alumni Advisory Board held its 7th meeting with NUS President Prof Tan Chorh Chuan.

20 MarStudy Visit from Overseas UniversitiesThe NUS Alumni Office hosted visitors from the Australian National University (ANU), Ms Patricia Ann Rennie, Manager, Alumni Relations and Ms Kuljeet Singh, Manager, International Development. As ANU is in the process of working towards attracting their alumni back to their alma mater, the two guests were interested in understanding how the NUS Alumni Office cultivates NUS alumni and how it maintains a strong network of communication with them.

20 MarOfficial Opening Celebrations of Alumni ComplexYears of planning and building culminated in the historic Official Opening of the Alumni Complex that was graced by NUS Eminent Alumnus Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew. A week of activities were planned in celebration.

20 MarInaugural Feature Flicks ScreeningFeature Flicks is a free movie screening series held for all NUS alumni and friends, on the last Thursday of each month.


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21 - 22 MarHomecoming 2009The NUS Alumni Office’s marque yearly event held for the first time at the newly opened Alumni House saw the presentation of lectures, film screenings and children’s programmes.

23 MarInaugural NUS Alumni Art Show: HOMEThemed ‘HOME’, the NUS Alumni Office held its very first art exhibition for our alumni, by our alumni, as part of the week long celebrations of the Official Opening of the Alumni Complex.

24 - 25 MarAdvancement Training by Daniel GuhrOrganised by the NUS Alumni Office, the two-day Advancement Training Programme by Dr Daniel Guhr, MD of Illuminate Consulting Group, was designed for Associate Directors, Alumni Groups leaders and Faculty/Department representatives and the NUS Alumni Office staff to augment expertise and continuous education in advancement. Topics covered included:1. Alumni Engagement and Self-Mobilisation2. Use of Technology in Alumni Cultivation3. Cultivation of Students – our Future Alumni4. Lifelong Education

april

17 AprVisit to NUS Alumni Chapter, San FranciscoThe NUS Alumni Office met up with alumni from the NUS Alumni Chapter in San Francisco and the Bay Area, USA, together with students and staff from the NUS Overseas College.

24 AprStudy Visit from Overseas UniversitiesThe NUS Alumni Office hosted visits from two overseas universities, the University of Adelaide and the University of New South Wales. Delegates from the universities visited the NUS Alumni Office on study and information exchange missions and who given a tour of the Shaw Foundation Alumni House including The Waterway and the Benefactors’ Foyer.

29 AprNUS Alumni Chapter, London – Reunion DinnerThe NUS Alumni Chapter in London organised a reunion dinner which was attended by NUS President Prof Tan Chorh Chuan and an NUS delegation.

may

14 MayPresident’s Dialogue LunchNUS President Prof Tan Chorh Chuan met alumni from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

31 MayNUS Alumni Chapter, Beijing – Reunion DinnerNUS President Prof Tan Chorh Chuan and Director, NUS Alumni Office, Assoc Prof Teo Choo Soo, graced a reunion dinner in Beijing organised by the NUS Alumni Chapter in Beijing, China, and which was attended by 110 alumni.

june

24 JunPresident’s Dialogue LunchNUS President Prof Tan Chorh Chuan met alumni from the Faculty of Engineering.

25 - 30 JunPre-Commencement Gown Collection - Welcoming New AlumniAn NUS Alumni Office booth was set-up during Gown Collection. Every new alumnus was given a Welcome Pack containing AlumCONNECT, personalised AlumNUS Card, The AlumNUS Magazine and other collaterals.

july

8 JulBukit Timah Campus ReunionHosted by NUS President, Prof Tan Chorh Chuan, the historic campus saw the return of many BTC alumni gathered to reconnect.

6 - 14 JulCommencement - Welcoming New AlumniCommencement 2009 celebrates the graduation of the Class of 2009, our new alumni. An NUS Alumni Office information booth as well as a ‘Proud to be an AlumNUS’ photo backdrop was set up at UCC during Commencement ceremonies to engage and welcome our new alumni to the NUS alumni family.

11 JulNew Alumni Welcome LunchThe New Alumni Welcome Lunch welcomed the Class of 2009 into the NUS alumni family. In conjunction with this event, the programme included the Inspiring Mentor Awards 2009, the NUS Alumni Student Exchange Awards, appointment of the Class of 2009 Class Ambassadors by the respective Deans of faculties and the launch of the NUS Alumni Office revamped website - AlumNET.

15 Jul8th Alumni Advisory Board MeetingThe NUS Alumni Advisory Board held its 8th meeting where six new members were appointed to the board from 22 July. The University also thanked six outgoing members, who have completed two terms as of 21 July, for their contributions.

22 JulPresident’s Dialogue LunchNUS President Prof Tan Chorh Chuan met alumni from the Faculty of Dentistry.


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30 JulPresident’s Dialogue LunchNUS President Prof Tan Chorh Chuan met alumni from the Faculty of Science.

27 - 31 JulMatriculation - Welcoming New StudentsStudents are our future alumni. Matriculation 2009 welcomed the new cohort of students. An NUS Alumni Office welcome booth was set-up during the annual Matriculation Fair to establish the first connection with the students.

august

2 AugNUS Alumni Chapter, Shanghai – Barbeque GatheringNUS Alumni Chapter in Shanghai, China, organised a barbeque gathering for alumni and exchange students.

4 AugPresident’s Dialogue LunchNUS President Prof Tan Chorh Chuan met alumni from the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine.

6 AugStudy Visit from Overseas UniversitiesMs Leonie Annette Boxtel from the University of Melbourne visited the Alumni House where she was met by Assoc Prof Teo Choo Soo.

8 AugNUS Rag Day 2009This year, alumni were represented in NUS’ marquee event Rag Day, by a sailboat-themed float ‘Forever Alumni’. An appreciation lunch was held thereafter in appreciation of our alumni float volunteers.

13 AugPresident’s Dialogue LunchNUS President Prof Tan Chorh Chuan met alumni from the Faculty of Computing.

18 - 20 AugUM-NUS Golf TournamentContinuing our yearly tradition, the UM-NUS Golf Tournament was held in Ipoh, Malaysia this year. NUS sent a golfing team led by President S R Nathan to participate in this event, highlighting the friendly ties between both varsities.

september

10 SepStudy Visit from Overseas UniversitiesA delegation from Monash University, led by Chancellor Dr Alan Finkel AM, visited the NUS Alumni Office.

11 SepStudy Visit from Overseas UniversitiesMs Louise McCarthy, Director, Alumni Relations & Donor, Alumni and Community Relations with the Monash University; Ms Vivienne Wittwer, Manager from Monash University; and Ms Amy Merlo, Alumni Relations Manager from the University of Wollongong; visited the NUS Alumni Office to learn about the maintenance of alumni database, the NUS Alumni Advisory Board, and the NUS Alumni Office’s Associate Directors of Alumni Relations scheme.

18 SepStudy Visit from Overseas UniversitiesMrs Lori Manders, Director of Development and External Affairs, University of Aberdeen, visited the NUS Alumni Office and learned about the NUS Alumni Office’s Associate Directors of Alumni Relations scheme and how it builds bonds with its Overseas Alumni Chapters.

october

4 OctVisit to NUS Alumni Chapter in MelbourneAssoc Prof Teo Choo Soo, Director, NUS Alumni Office, visited the NUS Alumni Chapter in Melbourne, Australia, for its 4th annual reunion dinner.

13 OctStudy Visit from Overseas UniversitiesDr Rod Morrison, Director of International Advancement, McMaster University, visited the NUS Alumni Office at the Shaw Foundation Alumni House for an exchange of information and learned about the NUS Alumni Office’s alumni programmes.

21 OctStudy Visit from Overseas UniversitiesMr Bill Abraham, Senior Development Manager, Office of Development and Alumni Relations, London School of Economics (LSE) visited the Alumni House.

22 OctStudy Visit from Overseas UniversitiesA delegation from the University of Auckland comprising Ms Amanda Lyne, Alumni Relations Manager, Alumni Relations Office, Ms Karen Thompson, External Relations Events Manager (Alumni & Advancement) and Mr Charles Chow, Director of Asian Development, Office of the Dean, Business School visited the Alumni House.

22 OctVisit by IARUAssoc Prof Teo Choo Soo, Director, NUS Alumni Office, visited Yale University for the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU) Alumni Associations Summit where he gave a presentation on NUS’ alumni engagement strategy.


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29 Oct18th Alumni and Friends Golf TournamentAlumni and friends of NUS enjoyed a friendly golf tournament at the Raffles Country Club Lake course. This annual event helps to foster new friendships and forge old ones.

30 OctNew AlumMAIL Service to 2009 GraduandsClass of 2009 alumni were notified on how they can activate their new AlumMAIL accounts.

november

9 NovStudy Visit from Overseas UniversitiesMs Jacqui Martin, Director, Marketing & Engagement, La Trobe University visited the NUS Alumni Office.

9 Nov9th Alumni Advisory Board MeetingThe NUS Alumni Advisory Board held its 9th meeting.

10 NovNUS Alumni Awards 2009Themed ‘Recognisng Excellence’, this year, NUS was honoured to confer Senior Minister, Prof S Jayakumar and Mr S Dhanabalan with the Eminent Alumni Award. Distinguished Alumni Service Awards, and Outstanding Young Alumni Awards were also given out.

11 NovNUS Alumni Office-NUSSU EXCO Dialogue Tea SessionThe NUS Alumni Office hosted a dialogue tea session with the new 31st NUSSU EXCO to welcome the new student leaders and to explore collaborations and partnership in reaching out to the student community through student-alumni programmes.

11 NovTeleconference with Overseas Alumni ChaptersThe NUS Alumni Office and the Chairpersons of the various Overseas Alumni Chapters held a teleconference to update on the reunions and programmes in 2010 and to share experiences on alumni engagement.

12 NovAdvancement WorkshopThe Council for Advancement and Support for Education Asia-Pacific and the NUS Alumni Office organised a training programme on ways of engaging alumni volunteers and recruiting good advancement staff, attended by alumni relations representatives from NUS faculties and schools, alumni group leaders and NUS staff.

17 NovStudy Visit from Overseas UniversitiesMs Sarah Banks, Alumni Relations Manager, Victoria University and Mr Seah Kim Swee, President, VU Singapore Alumni Chapter visited the NUS Alumni Office.

18 NovPresident’s Dialogue LunchNUS President Prof Tan Chorh Chuan met alumni from the Faculty of Law.

21 Nov25th Anniversary Reunion, Class of 1984The Class of 1984 alumni reconnected with old friends and their alma mater during their 25th Anniversary Reunion held at the NUS Alumni Complex.

22 NovAlumni Complex Christmas Light UpThe NUS Alumni Office and NUSS co-presents the Christmas Light Up of the Alumni Complex with an evening of entertainment and food.

december

3 DecStudy Visit from Overseas UniversitiesProf Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai, Vice President for Resource Development, and Mr Sanjeev Jayasinghe, Director, Fundraising Coordination Office, from the Asian Institute of Technology visited the NUS Alumni Office to understand its fundraising initiatives. The visitors were also taken on a tour of the Benefactors’ Foyer at the Shaw Foundation Alumni House.

5 DecAppreciation Concert and Charity Art Auction: CourageThe NUS Alumni Office organised the year end appreciation event for volunteers with a concert by acapella group, Key Elements. Coupled with this event was a charity art auction to raise money for prominent alumnus, Dr William Tan.

6 DecteamNUS: Singapore Marathon 2009A 1,000-strong team of NUS runners, comprising students, staff and alumni, came together to run as teamNUS in the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2009.

8 DecStudy visit from overseas universitiesMs Judy Beard, Director of Development and Ms Emma Jones, Manager of Alumni Relations, from Imperial College, London, visited the NUS Alumni Office for a lively exchange of fruitful ideas on alumni engagement and alumni relations work.


Report2009

2009in pictures

Official Opening of the NUS Alumni Complex


Report2009

President’s Dialogue Lunch

NUS Rag Day 2009

Inaugural NUS Alumni

Art Show

UM-NUS Golf Tournament 2009

18th Alumni & Friends Golf Tournament 2009

80th Anniversary Bash (FASS,

FOS, FOD)

Lunar New Year ‘Lohei’ Lunch &

NUS Alumni Bursary Awards 2009

NUS Homecoming 2009


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NUS Alumni

Awards 2009

Class of 1984 25th Anniversary Reunion

Bukit Timah Campus (BTC)

Alumni Reunion 2009

Appreciation Dinner and Concert cum

Charity Art AuctionAlumni Complex Christmas Light Up 2009

teamNUS at the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2009

Welcoming New Alumni


Report2009

AlumFacts 2009

alumni distribution by faculty*

Architecture, Building and Real Estate

3,542

Lee Kuan Yew School of

Public Policy367

Arts & Social

Sciences42,632

Business27,828

Engineering38,933

Dentistry1,753

Law7,570

Medicine9,793

Others17,748

School of Computing

10,850 School of Design and

Environment6,750

Science31,641

Yong Siew Toh Conservatory

of Music116

NUS alumni e-Newsletter105,652

AlumNET visitorshipVisits 20,931Views 59,966

AlumNUS cardholders

AlumMail subscribers

demographicsAge below

30 years old

25%

31 - 40years old

32%

51 - 60years old

11%

Above 60 years old

8%

41 - 50years old

24%

statistics on alumni house usageNumber of bookings received at the Alumni House: 181 Jan 09 to Nov 09

Number of visitors to the Alumni House: 16,865 Jan 09 to Nov 09

Number of Alumni Service Centre visitors: 9,867 Apr 09 to Nov 09

overseas chapters

United KingdomAlumni: 481 London

ChinaAlumni: 2,421 BeijingShanghai Hong Kong

Japan Alumni: 591 Tokyo

IndiaAlumni: 842New Delhi

Australia Alumni: 1,095 SydneyMelbournePerth

Malaysia Alumni: 7,651 Kuching

New Zealand Alumni: 176 Auckland

Canada Alumni: 758 Vancouver

United States Alumni: 1,856 BostonSan Francisco

total numberof alumni193,052

AlumNUS Magazinedistribution138,744

The

* Alumni who have obtained one or more degrees from that faculty


Report2009

moving ahead – orbits of engagementAdvancing NUS’ Vision As NUS distinguishes itself as a leading global knowledge institution centred in Asia, the NUS Alumni Office will move in tandem to engage NUS’ 200,000 alumni with the aspirations of their alma mater. Responding to new challenges and opportunities to engage alumni, the NUS Alumni Office has developed a fresh framework to engage alumni. Focusing on trajectories aptly termed “Orbits” of engagement, this approach will leverage on the Alumni House, advances in information technology and innovative initiatives to engage alumni across space – global and cyber, and time – cohorts and generations.

ORBITS OF ENGAGEMENT Revolving round the central core of Engagement, these Orbits will move along the following trajectories:

• Facilitating Reunions – Reconnecting Cohorts The NUS Alumni Office will place an even stronger

emphasis on developing and facilitating reunions to enhance alumni connections and involvement with their alma mater.

• Engaging Faculties – Fostering Campus Collaboration The NUS Alumni Office seeks to engage more actively

the various schools and faculties within the University to cultivate a more in-depth understanding of alumni relations and encourage more alumni engagement across the campus community.

• Cultivating Students – Nurturing Future Alumni The NUS Alumni Office continues to build early ties

with students – our future alumni – to increase their understanding of what it means to be alumni and to nurture in them the desire to give back to their alma mater.

• Defining Segments – Appreciating Diversity The NUS Alumni Office seeks to develop more variety

in its alumni cultivation programmes, in order that these may meet the specific needs and motivations of the varied and diverse alumni groups we have.

• Promoting Volunteerism – Encouraging Contributions Emphasis will be given to developing strategies to

engage a larger pool of alumni to invest their Time and Talent in alumni relations and alumni services.

• Enhancing Globality – Strengthening Presence As NUS continues to move towards becoming a leading

global university centred in Asia, the NUS Alumni Office seeks to establish new overseas alumni chapters, enhance global branding and strategies in alignment with the University’s directions.Facilitating Reunions

Engaging Faculties

Cultivating Students

Defining Segments

Promoting Volunteerism

Enhancing Globality

ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT


Report2009

Documents

NUS Alumni Office - Annual Report 2009