NUS Medicine Celebrates the Class of 2026
Published: 21 Jul 2026
The Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS Medicine) proudly celebrated the achievements of the Class of 2026 as graduates, faculty, family and friends came together to mark this significant milestone. The commencement ceremonies recognise not only academic excellence, but also the resilience, compassion and commitment to service that define this next generation of healthcare professionals, researchers and leaders.
The celebrations kickstarted on 9 July 2026 with NUS conferring its highest honour, the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters, on University Professor Lim Pin from the Department of Medicine at NUS Medicine. The award recognises his extraordinary contributions to medicine, higher education, scientific research and national development.
Prof Lim speaking at his commencement ceremony on 9 July 2026.
An internationally respected endocrinologist and NUS’ longest-serving Vice-Chancellor, Prof Lim transformed the University into a research-intensive institution and laid the foundations for Singapore’s emergence as a global research and innovation hub.
Read Prof Lim Pin’s story here.
Celebrating the Class of 2026
The commencement ceremonies continued on 18 July 2026 as NUS Medicine celebrated graduates across its Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Master’s and Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programmes. The occasion was marked by a shared sense of pride, accomplishment and anticipation as graduates prepared to embark on the next chapter of their professional journeys.
A New Generation of Doctors Ready to Serve
The MBBS ceremony marked the culmination of years of rigorous training as Singapore’s newest doctors prepared to enter the healthcare workforce. Addressing the graduating class, Dean Professor Chong Yap Seng commended their resilience in navigating medical school during the COVID-19 pandemic and challenged them to become pioneers once again as healthcare enters the age of artificial intelligence. He highlighted that while technology will transform healthcare, compassion, integrity and human connection will remain at the heart of medical practice.
MBBS Valedictorian Jayabaskaran Jayanth encouraged the Class of 2026 to carry forward the purpose that brought them to medicine, to make a difference in patients’ lives.
The graduating cohort also showcased the diverse talents and aspirations that define today’s medical professionals. Among them was the MBBS valedictorian Jayabaskaran Jayanth, whose unwavering commitment to academic excellence, service and leadership exemplified the values of NUS Medicine. Beyond excelling academically, he participated in multiple research projects, deepening his appreciation for interdisciplinary collaboration. He came to recognise that healthcare challenges cannot be addressed in isolation, and that advancing patient care requires expertise from across disciplines working together.
Read Jayabaskaran Jayanth’s story here.
Beyond the classroom and clinical wards, another graduate demonstrated that excellence extends well beyond medicine. Balancing the rigours of medical school with competitive football, Wong Si Lin, Clara exemplified resilience, discipline and teamwork both on the field and in her studies. As a team NUS Football player, Clara honed her leadership, perseverance and communication skills that will continue to guide her in her medical profession.
Watch Wong Si Lin, Clara’s story here.
Innovation remains a cornerstone of medical education at NUS Medicine. Through access to emerging technologies and interdisciplinary collaboration, students are equipped with the skills and mindset to shape the future of healthcare. Among them is graduate Alexander Shao-Rong Pang, whose passion for health technology has led him to develop digital solutions to improve patient care and healthcare delivery. His journey reflects how the next generation of doctors is embracing innovation to improve outcomes and transform the practice of medicine.
Watch Alexander Shao-Rong Pang’s story here.
Assoc Prof Elizabeth Tham, valedictorian of the Doctor of Philosophy programme, speaking to the Class of 2026 at the commencement ceremony.
The PhD ceremony honoured graduates whose research will help shape the future of medicine and healthcare. Among them was Associate Professor Elizabeth Tham, who graduated from the Doctor of Philosophy programme while continuing her work as a paediatrician. Driven by the impact of childhood allergic diseases on young children, her PhD research contributes to a deeper understanding of allergic diseases and pave the way towards more personalised approaches to prevention and treatment for children.
Read Associate Professor Elizabeth Tham’s story here.
Lifelong Learning Knows No Age
Dr Kathy Tham, valedictorian of the Master of Science in Applied Biomedicine, addressing her fellow graduates.
The Master’s ceremony celebrated graduates who deepened their expertise to drive innovation across healthcare and biomedical sciences. Leading the graduating cohort was valedictorian Dr Kathy Zhang, who completed the Master of Science in Applied Biomedicine. At 56, she is the programme’s oldest graduate to date, a strong testament to the belief that learning has no age limit. Her inspiring journey reflects the courage to pursue one’s passion and demonstrates how lifelong learning continues to open new opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Read Dr Kathy Zhang’s story here.
As the Class of 2026 embarks on the next stage of their journey, they carry with them not only the knowledge and skills gained at NUS Medicine, but also the values of compassion, curiosity and service. Whether advancing discovery through research or caring for patients on the frontlines, they join a distinguished community of alumni committed to inspiring health for all.
Congratulations to the NUS Medicine Class of 2026!
