It was a memorable and joyous occasion for the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health (SSHSPH) Class of 2017 as they marked a significant milestone in their public health journey at the SSHSPH Commencement Ceremony on 7 July 2017.
Held at the University Cultural Centre, 40 Master of Public Health (MPH), Master of Science (MSc) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) graduates received their degrees from Presiding Officer Mr Po’ad Mattar, NUS Pro-Chancellor. The ceremony was jointly hosted by the University Scholars Programme with participation from the Institute of Systems Science.
Guest of honour, Ms Tin Pei Ling, Group Director, Corporate Strategy, JingKing Tech Group and Member of Parliament, shared with the graduates three messages:
- to keep learning and keep building despite global uncertainties;
- to be real and be tough when facing obstacles; and
- to give back by donating to worthy causes, by volunteering time to help those in need, by mentoring juniors and by becoming a shining beacon that inspires the next generation.
After the presentation of degrees, Mr Alvin Teo, Class Valedictorian from the Master of Public Health programme took to the stage to congratulate his peers and offer words of gratitude to academic mentors on behalf of the graduating class. He highlighted, “Throughout the Masters of Public Health program, we have been constantly reminded that public health is never about the individual. Rather, it is about the population or the masses at large. Likewise, for all of us here, I would like to think that we have chosen to embark on our individual journeys to pursue further knowledge and excellence in our respective fields, not to gain individual fame and fortune but to use the skills we acquire to help improve the lives of others. Often, we do work behind the scenes and out of the limelight. As we now close a chapter in our lives and open a new one, we should continue to keep this spirit alive.”
- See more Commencement Ceremony 2017 photos.
SSHSPH AlumNite 2017 and Awarding of the Inaugural NUS Emeritus Professorship in Public Health to Prof Lee Hin Peng
On 6 July 2017, the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health held its SSHSPH AlumNite 2017 at the Tahir Foundation Building. This year’s AlumNite was particularly meaningful as the School both celebrated the accomplishments of its graduating class and conferred the inaugural NUS Emeritus Professorship in Public Health to Professor Lee Hin Peng.
NUS Deputy President (Academic Affairs) and Provost, Professor Tan Eng Chye, honoured Prof Lee’s passion for public health and its advancement. Provost highlighted Prof Lee’s 40 years at NUS as an excellent academic, practitioner and administrator as well as Prof Lee’s stellar accolades for teaching and research excellence in service to Singapore and the wider international community. Provost added, “What’s most noteworthy is that Hin Peng is like a gentle giant of public health. In spite of his accomplishments, Hin Peng remains genuinely humble, unassuming and modest, often eschewing the limelight. Hin Peng officially retired from NUS on 30 June 2017 but his legacy lives on; we see his influences in many parts of the School and the work it does; he is part of warm memories among his many colleagues and friends.”
On behalf of the School, Dean, Professor Chia Kee Seng, also presented Prof Lee with a photo cum crossword puzzle collage, which represents the value and principles that have guided him in both his professional and personal lives over the years.
Professor Lee also share his public health journey over the last four decades, giving all guests valuable insights into his personal journey advancing public health in Singapore and the region, encouraging all graduands, students and colleagues to “continue doing good work in promoting ‘health for all’ with skill and passion”.
Vice Dean (Education), Associate Professor Jeannette Lee, capped off the programme by congratulating the graduands and awarding the prize recipients for their outstanding achievements. Following the programme, guests were treated to a sumptuous buffet spread topped off with lively conversations, taking time to rekindle old friendships with classmates from years gone by as well as start new ones which will last for years to come.