NUSSU Rag and Flag – Gold for NUS Medicine!
Published: 05 Aug 2015
NUS Medicine students took gold at this year’s NUS Students’ Union (NUSSU) Rag and Flag event, which was held in tandem with NUS’ 110th anniversary celebrations. Held on August 7 at the largest floating stage in the world — The Float@Marina Bay — as part of the Golden Jubilee Weekend and National Day Parade celebrations, the event was graced by Guest-of-Honour Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Singapore’s Minister for Environment and Water Resources. Also in attendance were NUS President Professor Tan Chorh Chuan; NUS Deputy President (Academic Affairs) and Provost Professor Tan Eng Chye; Dean of Students Associate Professor Tan Teck Koon; NUSSU President Lim Kok Seng as well as Community Chest Director Mrs Heng Li Lang.
In his address, Dr Balakrishnan highlighted Singapore’s achievements and the major role played by the nation’s oldest university. “I’m from NUS and I’m proud of it!” he began. “NUS is special because you are even older than Singapore. The Singapore spirit, the Singapore character, the definition of what makes a Singaporean must have its reflection in NUS.” Addressing the freshmen, he remarked that they were on the threshold of a great adventure. “Look at the Singapore we have today. It is the result of a great adventure, the result of great vision and imagination, and my friends, your adventure is just beginning,” he said.
Rag Day 2015, themed “Where I belong” with the tagline “To be with the people” symbolising solidarity with the community, boasted a colourful display of unity by the different halls and schools. Some 1,800 students put up a spectacular display of creativity and enthusiasm for the 26,000-strong crowd, showcasing months of preparation. Spectators marvelled at intricately designed floats that were carefully transported to the venue and high energy dance moves in the name of friendly, but serious, competition. The event also featured a carnival with booths set up by beneficiaries and sponsors offering fun-filled games and activities that culminated in a joyous affair on 7 August, just two days shy of Singapore’s 50th birthday. A total of $451,120 was raised for the needy during Rag and Flag Day, surpassing the initial target of $450,000. Flag Day, held on 4 August, is a proud NUS tradition since the late 1950s and sees the NUS community approach members of the public for donations in aid of the less fortunate.
