Issue 55
Sep 2025
DOSSIER
Alumni, staff, students and supporters gathered on 3 July 2025 to celebrate the 120th anniversary of the National University of Singapore (NUS) and its founding faculty, the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (NUS Medicine).
Celebrating this momentous year, over 1,000 faculty members, alumni across generations and university partners attended the NUS120 Gala Dinner at the Marina Bay Sands Ballroom. NUS Medicine also paid tribute to the people and events that helped shape and bolster the School’s reputation and value to Singapore and the world.
From the medical school’s humble beginnings in 1905 to a globally recognised medical institution of higher learning ranked first in Asia, NUS Medicine has evolved alongside Singapore’s healthcare system. It has contributed to the growth and development of the nation’s healthcare system, producing generations of healthcare professionals who have contributed meaningfully to Singapore and the world.
Guest-of-Honour, Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye, and Dean of NUS Medicine Professor Chong Yap Seng celebrated the University’s achievements and outlined their vision for success in the years to come.
In his speech, Prof Chong underscored the importance of NUS Medicine remaining steadfast in educating and training competent and digitally knowledgeable healthcare professionals to provide compassionate care in a complex global landscape, as the world faces shifting healthcare needs, ageing populations, climate-driven disease patterns and emerging pandemics.
“We need the united efforts of people whose skills, diverse expertise and viewpoints can be brought to bear for a better and healthier future. At NUS, what we do is critical—not just for Singapore, but for the world, and our future.”
He also emphasised that the School will focus on developing medical knowledge that is specific and relevant to Asia in the years ahead, given that the vast majority of current medical literature is based on Western populations and shaped by Western research. As health patterns, genetic factors, environments, and cultural contexts in Asian communities differ significantly, there is a critical need for research that addresses these unique differences.
“Recognising and bridging this gap is essential to achieving equitable and effective healthcare in Asia. Moving forward, NUS Medicine is committed to advancing research focused on Asia-centric populations. This knowledge will be critical to developing more effective diagnostics, treatments, and interventions tailored to the realities of Asian populations,” Prof Chong said.
The NUS120 Gala Dinner concluded with a joyful cake-cutting ceremony, honouring the milestone anniversaries of several NUS faculties, schools, and halls.
As the University moves into its next chapter, the spirit of the 120th anniversary continues to inspire every member of NUS Medicine to drive innovative healthcare advances and shape the future of medical care.
(Left to right) Mr Muhammet Furkan Ilaslan, NUS Graduate Student Society President, Prof Chong Yap Seng, Dean, NUS Medicine, Prof Tan Eng Chye, NUS President, Dr Koh Poh Koon, Senior Minister of State for Manpower and Health, Mr Goh Chok Tong, Emeritus Senior Minister, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Hsieh Fu Hua, NUS Chairman, Mr Sean Pang Kai Xiong, NUS Student Union President, Mr Seah Cheng San, NUS Alumni Advisory Board Co-Chairperson, Ms Ovidia Lim‑Rajaram, NUS Chief Alumni Officer.
NUS Medicine Dean Prof Chong Yap Seng speaking at the NUS120 Gala Dinner.
Chinese and Spanish editions of the special 120th Anniversary commemorative edition of NUS Medicine’s quarterly publication at the NUS120 Gala Dinner.
NUS120 Gala Dinner attendees enjoying the performances.
Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Singapore, addressing the NUS120 Gala Dinner attendees.
Prof Tan Eng Chye, NUS President, delivering his speech at the NUS120 Gala Dinner.
NUS alumni, including members from NUS Medicine, gathered from across generations to celebrate and connect at the NUS120 Gala Dinner.
Band performance by The Jazzlings.
Dance performance by NUS Dance Blast! group
Celebratory cake-cutting ceremony (left to right): Dr Koh Poh Koon, Senior Minister of State for Manpower and Health, Prof Chong Yap Seng, Dean, NUS Medicine, Mr Hsieh Fu Hua, NUS Chairman, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Goh Chok Tong, Emeritus Senior Minister, Prof Tan Eng Chye, NUS President, Mr Sean Pang Kai Xiong, NUS Student Union President, Ms Ovidia Lim‑Rajaram, NUS Chief Alumni Officer.
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