2025
Year in
Review
Introduction
As 2025 comes to a close, I wanted to take a moment to celebrate a year rich with meaning and memory for NUS and its alumni community.
This year marked the 120th anniversary of the founding of the Straits and Federated Malay States Government Medical School, the institution to which NUS traces its origins. It was also the 60th year of Singapore's independence, a reminder of how closely the University's history is intertwined with the nation's.
Throughout the year, NUS honoured its legacy and impact through a series of NUS120 events that celebrated the University’s evolving journey. The NUS Alumni Awards further recognised exemplary graduates whose achievements have elevated the University in Singapore and beyond.
And while we celebrated the past, we continued to look ahead, building on the success of the NUS Innovation Forum and other alumni activities to harness the power of the University's growing global alumni network.
With a total alumni base now approaching 400,000, we continue to refine our offerings and outreach - from thought leadership forums to career development events and lifestyle activities.
We'll be offering more opportunities for alumni to connect in 2026, from a new digital platform to tailored sector-specific networking events and a podcast series. Stay tuned, stay connected, and reach out - we're always happy to hear from you!
Best wishes for the holiday season and Happy New Year!
Ovidia Lim-Rajaram
Chief Alumni Officer, National University of Singapore
Highlights
NUS120
"NUS has been formative in the lives of many—nurturing the values that guide us, the curiosity that drives us, and the lifelong friendships that support and spur us on. This is a shared story that [bridges] generations and time."
In the span of 120 years, NUS has grown from a small medical school to a world-renowned institution spanning 15 colleges, faculties, and schools with three campuses. The year-long NUS120 celebrations, including the Charity Hongbao Walk, Gala Dinner, Homecoming and Distinguished Speaker Series, honoured the University’s legacy of excellence, innovation and service, reaffirming its mission to shape the future.
From a humble medical school to a world-class university, NUS commemorated 120 years of progress at a gala dinner on 3 July.
From lion mascots and dinosaur bones to residential halls and lab innovations, the University’s 120-year legacy comes alive through a series of iconic items, reflecting its evolution into the global institution it is today.
When it comes to giving back, NUS’ commitment has always been strong and true, harking back to the founding aims of the University.
NUS Innovation Forum
The NUS Innovation Forum is a global initiative that connects NUS alumni with peers, academic leaders, and global thought influencers.
Designed to foster insightful dialogue, enhance connections within the University, and promote international collaboration, the Forum has been hosted in seven cities and five countries since its launch in 2024.
In 2025, NUS Innovation Forums attracted over 1,100 delegates and achieved a total online reach of 33 million.
Shanghai
22 Feb
Innovating Sustainability
– Building a Greener Future
Beijing
23 Feb
AI in the Spotlight
– Shaping the Future Today
Tokyo
28 March
How Asia Can Thrive Amidst Global Economic Disruption and Power Shifts
Jakarta
24 October
AI, Innovation and Economic Growth
Commencement
This July, across 35 ceremonies, more than 17,000 graduates joined the NUS alumni family.
To mark the milestone, NUS Alumni Relations brought back its fan-favourite photo booth, inspired by The AlumNUS magazine, for the third year in a row.
The booth gave the new alumni and their families the chance to shine - with one special couple using the booth as the backdrop for their engagement!
Friendship in Full Swing
In August, NUS and the University of Malaya celebrated their longstanding ties with the 54th edition of the UM-NUS Inter-University Tunku Chancellor Golf Tournament and the concurrent UM-NUS Joint Academic Symposium on Precision Health in Ipoh, Malaysia.
To mark the occasion, a royal dinner was hosted by the UM Chancellor, His Royal Highness (HRH) Sultan Dr Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, Sultan of Perak and the Raja Permaisuri of Perak, Her Royal Highness Tuanku Zara Salim. The event was attended by the NUS Chancellor and President of the Republic of Singapore, Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, and his spouse, Mrs Jane Ittogi Shanmugaratnam.
This year, the UM team claimed victory on the fairway, capping off an eventful two days that reaffirmed more than six decades of friendship and collaboration.
“This is the second year we have paired the tournament with an academic symposium, symbolising the diverse and multilayered nature of the UM-NUS relationship: one that values both personal connection and intellectual exchange, each deepening and enriching the other.”
NUS120 Homecoming
NUS Alumni Awards
In November, we honoured 22 accomplished alumni at the NUS Alumni Awards 2025.
First held in 2005 during the University's centennial celebrations, the biennial Awards recognise alumni who have distinguished themselves through significant and impactful contributions to their alma mater, society and the world.
Ms Ho Ching
(Engineering '76)
Eminent Alumni Award
Mr Andrew Lim Ming-Hui
(Law '85, LLM '88)
Lifetime Service Award
Mr Johnny Tan Khoon Hui
(Science '82)
Lifetime Service Award
Mr Yeo Keng Joon
(MBA '85)
Lifetime Service Award
Other Events
From thought-provoking panel discussions and class reunions to alumni network gatherings and global dinners, there's an event for every alumnus or alumna. Keep an eye on our event calendar to catch up with friends, grow your professional network, and strengthen your connection with the University in 2026.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Digital Alumni Platform
In addition to revamping the NUS Alumni website in 2026, we'll be launching an exclusive alumni platform soon - bringing you a new way to find, connect and communicate with fellow alumni.
Sector-Specific Networking
Look out for sector-specific networking opportunities that will connect you with alumni in your field - bringing you closer to the people and conversations that are most relevant to you.
NUS Alumni Podcast
We'll also be launching a new podcast series - sharing alumni stories and insights that deepen your connection to NUS.
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NUS Alumni Relations Shaw Foundation Alumni House |
Email alumnihelpdesk@nus.edu.sg |
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