The 70th Anniversary milestone celebration began with the Tree Planting Day on 27 January 2024, held at Kent Ridge Guild House. This event supported the alma mater’s Plant-It-Forward Challenge and raised funds for the NUSS 70th Anniversary Bursary.
The initiative raised $70,000, showcasing the generous philanthropy of NUSS members and contributing to both equal opportunities and environmental conservation.
In his welcome address, NUSS President Mr Edward S Tay said, “This momentous event marks the outset of our celebratory journey commemorating NUSS’ 70th Anniversary paying tribute to the seven decades of excellence and camaraderie”. NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye also shared that he was deeply heartened that NUSS is fully on board with this Challenge and has chosen to mark its 70th Anniversary celebrations with Plant-It Forward, with all proceeds going to the NUS Enhanced Financial Aid Scheme (EFAS).
Professor Tan conveyed his heartiest congratulations to NUSS for reaching the 70-year milestone, expressing, “Through the decades, NUSS has journeyed alongside NUS, and together, we have witnessed growth and progress. I look forward to deepening our engagement and wish NUSS every success in its next lap.”
Professor Tan and Mr Tay then unveiled the 70th Anniversary logo and its very befitting theme — Enduring Ties & Building Legacies. After a tree-planting demonstration, the two Presidents planted a sapling on NUSS grounds, before other donors added their personal touch to the greenery of the campus.
The alumni and staff of the Department of Food Science and Technology at NUS, helmed by Professor Huang De Jian said, “This year is also our department’s 25th Anniversary and it seemed fitting for us to raise $25,000 to do our part in helping students and the environment.”
NUSS member, Mr Choo Yoo Keong, shared that he is celebrating his 70th birthday this year, coinciding with NUSS’ Anniversary, and he felt compelled to support his alma mater. Mr Marven Ng, an NUSS Bursary recipient, shared that he felt incredibly privileged to be part of this community, and the financial aid he received has greatly inspired him to pay it forward whenever possible. “These experiences have prompted me to take up mentorship roles in NUS College and organise events in FST, where I hope to be a good role model for others while engaging with communities within and outside of NUS.”, said the FST Alumni.
The intertwinement of NUSS’ 70th Anniversary with the NUS Plant-It Forward Challenge proved once again that with a shared vision, it is possible to plant seeds of change that blossom into a future with education being accessible for all.
GreenFest@NUSS
The celebrations continued with the second edition of the GreenFest@NUSS, featuring a series of interactive workshops and enlightening talks, all directed towards shaping a greener tomorrow organised by the GreenFest@NUSS Community Studio, imploring participants to be part of a greener tomorrow. There was also a captivating exhibition where participants could immerse themselves in marine education and conservation at the S.E.A. Aquarium through a showcase by Resorts World Sentosa.
