It was a memorable day for the Class of 2019 as our graduating students marked a significant milestone at the SSHSPH Commencement Ceremony on 12 July.
Held at the University Cultural Centre, 38 Master of Public Health (MPH), Master of Science (MSc) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) graduates received their degrees from Presiding Officer Mr Gautam Banerjee, NUS Pro-Chancellor. The ceremony was jointly hosted by the School of Computing.
Guest of Honour, Mr Chng Kai Fong, Managing Director, Economic Development Board, addressed the graduates, congratulating them on their achievements. He shared three simple phrases that he hopes the graduates will say more, especially after they enter the working world:
- I don’t know: “There are so many questions in life without a fixed or model answer. We should be humble enough to admit that there are many things that we don’t know. We should not pretend that we know it all but acknowledge it and pursue for the answers.”
- I need help: “Don’t be afraid to open your mouth to ask for help. It reflects yours humility. Recognise your shortcomings and remember that we need each other in our lives.”
- Thank you: “Don’t take things for granted. Make an effort to be kind. … Saying thank you means so much more to those who have helped you.”
After the awarding of degrees, MPH Class Valedictorian Victoria Koh spoke to the graduates about the value of resilience, how each graduate has gone through their share of challenges and how they have all become stronger and tougher than when they first started university.
“Still, it would be naïve to think that we have seen it all in university, and that graduation makes us qualified to overcome everything life has to throw at us,” she added. “In today’s world of uncertainty, amplified by demographic shifts, and precarious employment prospects, we can almost be certain that greater challenges lie ahead as we embark on the next chapter of our lives. The importance of resilience in overcoming adversity becomes all the more crucial.”
To end her speech, she quoted Michelle Obama, saying “Instead of letting your hardships and failures discourage or exhaust you, let them inspire you. Let them make you even hungrier to succeed.”
Click here to see photos from SSHSPH Commencement 2019.