It was a joyous and certainly unforgettable occasion for the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health (SSHSPH) Class of 2016 on 10 July as they marked a significant milestone in both their lives and public health journeys at the NUS Commencement Ceremony.
Held at the University Cultural Centre, this year the School graduated 52 Master of Public Health (MPH), Master of Science (MSc) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) graduates. Together with the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine postgraduates, the graduating class received their degrees from Presiding Officer Professor Tan Chorh Chuan, NUS President.
The Guest of Honour for the ceremony was Professor David Koh, Assistant Vice Chancellor and Vice-President (Research and Innovation) at the Universiti Brunei Darussalaam. Quoting T. S. Eliot’s 1934 poem “the Rock”, ‘Where is the Wisdom we have lost in Knowledge? Where is the Knowledge we have lost in Information?“, Prof Koh reminded the graduating batch to bring their training “beyond just the hard sciences… constantly re-look at education in health care, and make changes which can lead to greater wisdom in practice.”
SSHSPH AlumNite 2016: It’s A Small World!
On 8 July 2016, the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health held its SSHSPH AlumNite 2016 at the NUHS Tower Block Staff Lounge. It was an evening of good food, drinks and happy reunions all round as faculty, graduating students, alumni across several batches and their families gathered together to catch up and celebrate their shared journeys in public health.
With the evening’s theme of “It’s A Small World!”, guests were invited to a dress up in their country’s national costume or in a national costume of their choice in celebration of the School’s cultural diversity. Graduands, faculty and alumni alike cast their votes for the Best Dressed individual of the evening, which went to Dr Namrata Hange (MPH ’16). Congratulations, Namrata!
Dean Professor Chia Kee Seng also addressed the room and introduced Professor David Koh, who shared “the importance of a purpose-driven life” in making an impact on the health of the communities. Prof Koh also shared with the graduands his personal, unexpected journey in public health and reminded them to enjoy their journeys in the years ahead, wherever it may take them.
To cap off the joyous evening, the prize recipients of the Dean’s List, Richard Gillis Prize, Occupational and Environmental Health Society Medal, Tye Cho Yook Medal and Dean’s Medal received their awards for their outstanding achievements.