Medicine Dinner 2026: Medicine that Matters

Published: 08 Jul 2026

Newly-minted doctors from the Class of 2026 at Medicine Dinner 2026

On 3 July 2026, faculty, staff, students and alumni of the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS Medicine), gathered for the annual Medicine Dinner at Shangri-La Hotel. The event marked the School’s 121st anniversary and celebrated the graduating MBBS Class of 2026, with University Professor Lim Pin attending as Guest-of-Honour.

String quintet performance by graduating students

The evening opened with a performance by a string quintet comprising graduating students, who performed Viva La Vida by Coldplay. This was followed by an address from Prof Chong Yap Seng, Dean of NUS Medicine, centred on this year’s theme, “Medicine that Matters.”

Prof Chong Yap Seng, Dean of NUS Medicine, delivered his opening speech to the Class of 2026

In his speech, Prof Chong emphasised that purpose should be the driving force behind every doctor’s journey. Referencing the School’s purpose to “Make a Difference that Matters”, he reminded the graduates that medicine is ultimately about creating meaningful impact for patients, students, colleagues and society.

Prof Chong also addressed the rapid changes reshaping healthcare, particularly the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI). While acknowledging concerns surrounding misinformation and disinformation, he highlighted AI’s transformative potential and stressed that the question is no longer whether AI should be integrated into healthcare, but how it can be used purposefully, effectively and ethically.

University Professor Lim Pin watching the special tribute video at Medicine Dinner 2026

A key highlight of the evening was a special tribute video honouring University Professor Lim Pin, one of Singapore’s most respected medical educators and leaders.

An internationally respected endocrinologist, Prof Lim made pioneering contributions to the understanding of magnesium metabolism, renal disease, thyroid disorders, and diabetes. His research was published in leading international journals, including The New England Journal of Medicine and the British Medical Journal, marking a significant breakthrough for Singapore’s biomedical research community and raising the profile of the biomedical research sector in Singapore.

In 1981, at the age of 45, Prof Lim became the Vice-Chancellor at NUS. He would then go on to become the longest-serving Vice-Chancellor until 2000. In 2000, he became the first professor to be conferred the title of University Professor, the University’s highest academic appointment.

Professor Lim was honoured for his remarkable contributions to medicine, research, education and higher education leadership over several decades, and the video served as a powerful reminder to the graduating class that dedication, perseverance and lifelong learning can create a lasting impact across generations.

Watch the full tribute video here.

The evening reinforced the importance of purpose-driven leadership, adaptability and service. For the MBBS Class of 2026, the celebration also signals a new phase as they embark on their next journey to become competent, compassionate and kind doctors.

Guests at the flower bar, making their very own customised bouquet of flowers