It was joyous and memorable occasion for the SSHSPH graduating class of 2014 as they marked a significant milestone in their lives and Public Health journeys at the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health (SSHSPH) Commencement ceremony, held on 12 July 2014 at the University Cultural Centre.
This year, there were 42 Master of Public Health (MPH), Master of Science (MSc) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) graduates. Jointly hosted with the Faculty of Dentistry with participation from the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine postgraduate programme, the graduands received their graduate degrees from NUS President Professor Tan Chorh Chuan.
Professor Chia Kee Seng, Dean, Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, delivered his congratulatory message for the graduating batch, alongside Associate Professor Grace Ong, Dean, Faculty of Dentistry and A/Professor Yeoh Khay Guan, Dean, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine.
Joining the academic procession on stage was Professor John Wong, Senior Vice President (Health Affairs), Isabel Chan Professor in Medical Science and NUHS Chief Executive.
The Guest Speaker for the ceremony was Professor Satkunanantham s/o Kandiah, Chairman, Health Sciences Authority and former Director of Medical Services (DMS) at the Ministry of Health, who reminded the graduating students to go forth, “shape the future of these fields of healthcare” and “always remain true to the ideals that brought you into your profession”. He also urged the Class of 2014 to “commit yourself to teaching the next generation of healthcare professionals”.
Ms Imelda Halim from the graduating MPH class was also awarded the Tye Cho Yook Gold Medal, a prestigious medal awarded to the top Master of Public Health graduate.
SSHSPH Alumni Reunion Night 2014
On the eve of the SSHSPH Commencement Ceremony, the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health held its Alumni Reunion Night 2014 on 11 July 2014 at the Cluny, Dalvey and Evans Function Rooms, Kent Ridge Guild House.
It was an enjoyable 2-hour affair of good food, laughter and lively conversations all round which saw a fully packed room of faculty, graduating students, their families and guests joined by SSHSPH alumni across different years all reunite. For the graduands and their loved ones, it was a time to celebrate the embarking of a new journey in Public Health and for our alumni, it was an opportunity to meet new MPH graduates and reconnect with older batches, some for the first time in many years.
Dean Professor Chia Kee Seng addressed the graduates with a congratulatory message for them, including a throwback to his own MSc(OM) days and with a reminder to them to never forget their passion for prevention as they continue their journey in Public Health.
Apart from receiving their MPH class photos, the graduates also participated in the Public Health pledge signing, a yearly tradition which sees the graduating batch pledging to fulfill a common goal in their Public Health aspirations, and fostering a shared bond among the current year’s graduates.
Following an NUS Alumni presentation from the NUS Office of Alumni Relations, Dr Ivy Cloma-Rosales (Master of Public Health, 2013) also gave an engaging speech on her life and work since graduating with her MPH last year, sharing how her Public Health training provided her the statistical research knowledge and skills which came in handy in conducting her medical relief work in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan and in her foray into entrepreneurship.
To cap off the delightful evening, the Dean’s List and Richard Gillis Prize recipients were presented with their awards recognising their outstanding performances.