On 18 September 2024, around 300 NUSS members and guests gathered at the Kent Ridge Guild House for the NUSS 70th Anniversary Lecture, titled “Johor & Singapore: Celebrating our shared history, redefining our common future,” featuring Guest of Honour and Keynote Speaker YAB Dato’ Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Menteri Besar of Johor.
The session began with a welcome address by NUSS President Mr Tong Hsien-Hui, acknowledging the centennial of the Johor Causeway—a symbol of the enduring bond between Singapore and Johor. He highlighted Dato’ Onn’s contributions to Johor’s community and economy, stating, “As we commemorate this milestone year, let us reflect on our proud history and embrace the future with unity and purpose. NUSS will continue to be a place where meaningful connections are forged, ideas are exchanged, and legacies are built—much like the bond between Singapore and Johor.”
Following Mr Tong’s address, Dato’ Onn took the stage to share his vision for Johor and the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS SEZ). He expressed his gratitude, stating, “It is truly a great honour to address this gathering of NUS alumni.”
Acknowledging the shared history of Malaysia and Singapore, Dato’ Onn emphasised that “no special relationship can be taken for granted” and that it would require continued effort, leadership, and mutual respect.
He outlined Johor’s Maju Johor 2030 initiative, focusing on good governance, sustainable growth, and job creation, with a “people first” approach. “We must harness the power of a collective regional workforce and enhance it,” he said.
Stressing the importance of cooperation, he noted, “Our histories are intertwined, and so is our future.” He concluded, “Johor and Singapore will see better days if we are willing to put in the effort.”
After the lecture, attendees had the opportunity to engage directly with Dato’ Onn during an insightful dialogue session, moderated by Mr Soh Yi Da, NUSS Management Committee Member and Chairman of the Intellectual Pursuit Sub-Committee.
At NUSS, we are dedicated to fostering thought leadership through lectures and forums with global thought leaders, cultivating an engaged intellectual community on national and international issues, and promoting lifelong learning through various social, wellness, and intellectual activities.
The NUSS Lecture series, which commenced on 20 June 1991 with Mr George Yeo, then-acting Minister for Information and the Arts, has since featured many distinguished speakers. Notably, former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong delivered addresses at our 50th and 60th anniversaries.
The full lecture is available on the NUSS YouTube channel.
For the latest updates on upcoming events, please visit our website.
