FULL HOUSE - Yale-NUS College
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FULL HOUSE YALE-NUS COLLEGE YEAR IN REVIEW 2016
02
VISION
A community of learning,
Founded by two great universities,
In Asia, for the world.
MISSION
Yale-NUS College, a residential college located in Singapore, aims to redefine
liberal arts and science education for a complex, interconnected world.
A community of learning Founded by two great universities
We are a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, An intimate liberal arts college, dedicated
and supporters, dedicated to building a community to undergraduate education, Yale-NUS
in which living and learning are intertwined and draws on the resources and traditions of two
habits of creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking great universities. We pursue excellence
are encouraged. Our innovative curriculum through innovative teaching and research,
integrates knowledge from across the disciplines and we provide global opportunities for
and around the world. our students.
In Asia For the world
Our location at the crossroads of Asia informs We educate citizens of the world and uphold the
our pedagogy. Drawing on active modes of principles of free exchange of ideas, pluralism,
learning associated with American liberal arts and respect for diversity. Our extra-curricular
education, we introduce our students to the diverse and residential programmes support student
intellectual traditions and cultures of Asia and learning and encourage an ethic of service. By
the world. our example, we seek to spur innovation in
higher education across the globe.
03 CONTENTS 04 Message from the Founding President 08 42 Full Year Full Swing 64 Full Heart
04 MESSAGE FROM THE founding PRESIDENT Our theme for 2016 has have allowed talented and ideas and even ways been ‘Full House’. For the students to attend regardless of life that challenge one’s first time, we have four classes of their means. preconceptions. Our of students on campus and distinguished faculty, who are offering a full four years’ Even though we think of are leaders in a variety of instruction, from the Class of Yale-NUS as a second home, academic fields, provide 2017 who are approaching we do not expect this home this kind of challenge to our graduation to the Class of to always be comfortable. students daily. This does not 2020 who have just arrived. Living with an extended mean that students need to We want Yale-NUS College family of students, faculty, take on board every idea to be our students’ home for and staff from over 50 that their professors or the four years they spend different countries, with a wide classmates propose to them. with us in this wonderful range of experiences, views, It is each student’s job to community on this magnificent and customs, students may approach the new ideas they campus, which was awarded sometimes find themselves encounter with an open mind, the International Architecture outside what we have learned weigh these new perspectives Award 2016. We are very to call their ‘comfort zones’. and arguments, and come grateful for the generous This is not a bad thing. to their own conclusions support of benefactors who about matters of great have made the development An important part of education importance for themselves of the College possible and is being exposed to views and their communities.
05
We invite our students to students set to graduate in for shelter nor floor for
engage in debates and mid-2017, some will go on anchorage, neither starting-
discussions about political to careers in different fields, place nor appointed
and social matters. A liberal some to graduate schools, destination. The enterprise
education has traditionally, while others will embark on is to keep afloat on an
since ancient times, meant an exciting ventures where their even keel; the sea is both
education appropriate for free passion takes them. Each of friend and enemy; and the
citizens. This does not imply us will have our own ideas seamanship consists in using
that everyone with a liberal about how to attain our varied the resources of a traditional
education will come out on goals, but I think we all share manner of behavior in order
a particular side of political a view that justice and peace to make a friend of every
matters—liberal, conservative, are important underpinnings hostile occasion.”
socialist, nationalist or otherwise. of any future world that our
But it does imply that one students would like to inherit It seems to me that this
of the goals of this type of and would want to build for passage, which describes
education is to make our future generations. political life, is also highly
students more thoughtful relevant to our students’
contributors to society, people In doing so, students should education. In joining us at
who can engage in reasoned keep in mind the importance Yale-NUS, they set out on a
discourse with others about of respect and tolerance for journey. None of us knows
the way they want their nation the views of others. Sometimes exactly where it will end. I
or the global community to we become so convinced of am enough of an optimist to
develop. We want our students the justice or righteousness believe that it will end well,
to develop into active and of our own views that we risk but I cannot tell our students
thoughtful citizens. Visits from unnecessarily trampling of exactly which way to steer.
government leaders such as the feelings of others or, more We provide them with some of
then-Acting Ministers for insidiously, creating an aura the equipment and techniques
Education Ong Ye Kung and of soft censorship in which to keep afloat, and we provide
Ng Chee Meng, international people feel unfree to express support if they ever feel out
experts such as Professor dissenting views. A Yale-NUS of their depths. We hope for
David Heymann of the education should allow for smooth sailing, but ultimately
World Health Organization, an unfettered and respectful I let all of our students know,
and industry executives exchange of views. in words from a Victorian
from Disney International poet, “you are the master of
and Microsoft give our A related challenge for your fate, you are the captain
student unique insights into students is the desire to of your soul.” That is what a
challenges facing the global see the world remade right liberal education is all about.
community today. away. This comes from an
admirable place—the thirst
A global curriculum is core to for justice makes some young
a Yale-NUS education and I people impatient. But for the Professor Pericles Lewis
remind students every year of most part, except in cases of Founding President
a part of our vision statement: extreme injustice, progress Yale-NUS College
“In Asia, for the world.” We comes gradually. In his
hope that during their time lecture of 1951 on ‘Political
here students will take on that Education’, Michael Oakeshott
broader, global perspective offers a metaphor for politics,
and work for change, whether drawing on the ancient image
in their own communities or of the ship of state:
internationally, in order to
build a society that is more just “In political activity, men sail
and above all more peaceful. a boundless and bottomless
With our pioneer batch of sea; there is neither harbour
06
THE YALE-NUS
COLLEGE CAMPUS
700 50
STUDENTS NATIONALITIES
58 14
MAJORS
STUDENT
ORGANISATIONS
3 25
RESIDENTIAL CLASSROOMS
COLLEGES
1,022
STUDENT ROOMS
07
63,000 7
SQUARE METRES SCIENCE
LABORATORIES
100
FACULTY MEMBERS
FULL YEAR 2016 has been a remarkable year for Yale-NUS College. For the first time, we have classes across all four years, bringing our student population to more than 700. We also celebrated achievements across different spectrums – faculty research, student achievements – and earned another campus award, as well as welcomed many guests and new friends to our campus.
10 Full YEAR
college Milestones
Welcoming the new class was a significant
milestone for the College, as
leadership, then-President of the
Yale-NUS Student Government,
Class of 2020 it was the first time Yale-NUS Regina Lee (Class of 2018),
had a full house of four classes and a member of the faculty
of students on campus. At nominated by students,
steady state, the College plans Assistant Professor of Social
to have four classes of 250 Sciences Anju Mary Paul.
students each on campus.
On 5 August 2016, the “We will provide you with some of
Yale-NUS College community The Assembly was graced by the equipment and techniques to
formally welcomed more Mdm Kay Kuok, Chairperson of keep afloat, and we will certainly
than 200 students at the the Yale-NUS Governing Board; provide support if you ever feel
First Year Assembly, an Professor Tan Chorh Chuan, that you are out of your depths,”
event held annually on President of the National Founding President Pericles Lewis
campus as a ceremonial University of Singapore (NUS); said as he welcomed the class to
welcome for new students. members of the Yale-NUS their new home. “We will hope
College administration and for smooth sailing, but ultimately
The First Year Assembly is the faculty, as well as family and in words from a Victorian poet,
culmination of two weeks of friends of the incoming students. ‘you are the master of your fate,
orientation programmes. This you are the captain of your soul’.”
year, the introductory activities The new class heard warm
were centred on the theme welcome speeches from “That is what a liberal education
‘Full House’. The arrival of the members of the College’s senior is all about,” he shared.FULL YEAR 11
The Yale-NUS
Mascot
In 2016, Yale-NUS College
launched its official mascot
– Halcyon (pronounced:
hel-see-uhn). The name
is originally derived
from Greek mythology
for a generic grouping
of various kingfisher
breeds. This subspecies
of blue-eared kingfisher
is small in size and
easily distinguishable
by its deep blue and
reddish-orange feathers,
symbolic of the small-sized
community and vibrancy
of Yale-NUS in the higher
education landscape.
Students, faculty and staff
were invited to submit
nominations for the mascot,
and the kingfisher was
eventually chosen as
a representation of the
ideals of the Yale-NUS
community – Youthfulness,
Creativity, Curiosity and
an Adventurous Spirit.
Dr Anju Mary Paul, Native to Singapore and
nominated faculty speaker. some parts of Southeast
Asia, the kingfisher reflects
Yale-NUS College’s
“Yale-NUS is small but we dream big dreams… In location and its
our intimacy, we find the opportunity to learn from commitment to develop
one another and imagine a better world.” a community of learning
that is based in Asia,
- Dr Anju Mary Paul, for the world.
nominated faculty speaker12 FULL YEAR
International and Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects
(USA), was one of 370
The campus was first lauded
for its green building designs
Architecture projects shortlisted from while still under construction
hundreds of submissions in 2013, when it received
Award 2016 around the world. A jury the Green Mark Platinum
of Italian architects and Award from the Building
critics selected the final 130 and Construction Authority
awardees, with eight projects (BCA) of Singapore. The
recognised from Singapore, award recognised green
including Yale-NUS College, features such as the eco-pond,
In May 2016, Yale-NUS the ArtScience Museum and stormwater treatment system,
College’s campus was awarded Project Jewel at Changi Airport. energy-efficient sensors and
the prestigious International the maximisation of natural
Architecture Award 2016, as “The award is just saying what I light all over the campus.
recognised by The Chicago have always felt; that this project
Athenaeum: Museum of is an incredible accomplishment In 2014, Yale-NUS College
Architecture and Design, made possible by the joint was also the first educational
together with The European efforts of many extremely institution to receive the
Centre for Architecture Art hardworking, committed and Landscape Excellence
Design and Urban Studies and very smart people from two Assessment Framework (LEAF)
Metropolitan Arts Press, Ltd. seemingly different parts of certification given out by the
the world,” commented Mr National Parks Board (NParks)
The campus, designed by Tan Kok Hiang, Director of in recognition of its ecologically
Forum Architects (Singapore) Forum Architects Pte Ltd. friendly landscapes.FULL YEAR 13
Jasmine Seah, Associate Director, Admissions &
Financial Aid, speaking at Open Day 2016.
Open Day 2016 Yale-NUS hosted Open Day Prospective students also
on its own campus, which had a taste of the unique
was inaugurated in October Yale-NUS education
2015. A dazzling array of model from sample classes
activities was available across scheduled throughout
the campus for prospective the day, and had the
On 12 March 2016, Yale-NUS students, who had the opportunity to hear from
College welcomed throngs of opportunity to meet with distinguished employers from
visitors to its campus as part admissions counsellors and Google, Bain and Company,
of the National University of current students to discover and Tata Communications
Singapore’s (NUS) Open Day more about the College’s on the value of hiring
2016. This was the first time community of learning. liberal arts graduates.
Assistant Professor of Science Stanislav Presolski
teaching a sample class.14 Full YEAR
Globalising the a new liberal arts college
in Asia, we aim to discuss
Hamilton Professor of American
Studies, Columbia University
Liberal Arts how our experience might (in photo below); Michael
prove relevant to curricular Roth, President, Wesleyan
innovation in the United University; and Carol
States,” said Founding Geary Schneider, President,
President of Yale-NUS, Association of American
Professor Pericles Lewis. Colleges and Universities.
From 6 to 9 June 2016,
Yale-NUS College held a four- The symposium included The event was funded with
day symposium and workshop keynote presentations by grants from the Henry
at Yale University titled notable figures in the higher Luce Foundation, Teagle
‘Globalising the Liberal Arts’. education scene, such as Foundation, and the J Y Pillay
Andrew Delbanco, Alexander Global-Asia Programme.
Attended by more than 90
thought leaders in higher
education from leading liberal
arts colleges and universities
around the United States,
the discussion centred on
innovation in liberal arts and
science education and the
future of higher education.
The workshop also offered
the opportunity of hands-on
work for faculty seeking to
re-evaluate and improve their
undergraduate curricula.
“By sharing lessons learned in
founding Yale-NUS College,Full YEAR 15
Dean of Faculty
In August 2016, Yale-NUS
College welcomed Professor of
Science Steven Bernasek into
the position of Dean of Faculty.
As dean, Professor Bernasek
plans to further bolster the
faculty team at Yale-NUS.
He aims to concentrate on and undergraduate teaching who held the position for
strengthening the pool of are of equal importance. more than one term from
tenured faculty, increasing 2012 to 2016, while also
the number of senior faculty, Professor Bernasek took holding a dual position
and continuing the recruitment over leadership from the as the A. Bartlett Giamatti
of talented faculty for inaugural Dean of Faculty, Professor of Astronomy and
Yale-NUS, where research Professor Charles Bailyn, Physics at Yale University.
Dean of
Educational
Resources &
Technology
“I believe very strongly
in the vision and mission
of Yale-NUS and
regard it a privilege to
Resources & Technology (ERT). With over 30 years of
be involved in the life Dean Milne helms the experience working in research
of the College and to College’s largest staff libraries, Dean Milne’s wide-
have the opportunity to department, providing ranging career has seen much
contribute to its success leadership to four key areas: collaboration across universities
the Library, Educational and the development of library
at an early stage in Technology, Arts & Media, collections. Prior to joining the
its existence.” and Information Technology College, Dean Milne was with
Services. Dean Milne leads the National Library Board
- Mr Ronald Milne, the team in providing for the of Singapore on the George
Dean of Educational Resources & Technology
College’s ERT needs, and aims Lyndon Hicks Fellowship where
to proactively develop more he worked on a framework
In December 2016, Yale-NUS robust capabilities to further for the development of the
College welcomed Mr Ronald support learning, teaching and Library’s Singaporean and
Milne, Dean of Educational research within the College. Southeast Asian collections.16 Full YEAR
Rector, Cendana
Residential
College
“It’s such a privilege to
be able to help build a
new institution with
young people who are so and oversees the residential of Singapore, and Adjunct
life experience along with Professor of Biochemistry
bright, interesting and the Vice Rector. As Rector, at the National University
independent.” he plans to promote greater of Singapore (NUS). At
interaction amongst faculty Yale-NUS, Rector Clarke is
- Rector Neil Clarke, and students within the RC. also the Head of Studies of
Cendana Residential College
Life Sciences at Yale-NUS.
A member of the inaugural
In August 2016, Associate faculty, Rector Clarke has helped Rector Clarke was selected
Professor of Science Neil to build the College community by way of student vote
Clarke took up leadership of from the beginning. He also holds after the inaugural Rector,
Cendana Residential College concurrent appointments as Associate Professor of
(RC) as Rector. As leader of Senior Group Leader in Humanities Derek Heng,
the RC, Rector Clarke lives in Computational and Systems stepped down at the end of
Cendana college with his family, Biology at the Genome Institute Academic Year 2015/2016.
Director,
Division of
Science
Professor of Science Mark
Bussell joined Yale-NUS College
in August 2016 as the Director a wealth of experience in He was also a guest professor
of the Division of Science. developing research in the Laboratory of Technical
As Director, Professor Bussell programmes for undergraduates. Chemistry at the Swiss Federal
is focused on enhancing the Prior to joining the College, Institute of Technology (ETH)
Science majors and courses Professor Bussell served as in Zürich in 1997-1998 and
in the Common Curriculum as the Director for the Advanced serves on the Petroleum
well as increasing the number Materials Science and Research Fund Advisory Board
of students majoring in the Engineering Center at Western of the American Chemical
Sciences at the College. Washington University, a Society (ACS-PRF, 2012
programme that offers extensive – present) and the RCSA
A professor of chemistry for interdisciplinary research in Cottrell Scholar Advisory
26 years, Professor Bussell has the field of Material Science. Committee (2015 – present).FULL YEAR 17
ASPIRING FURTHER
Angela Ferguson (second from right) receiving her award.
Image provided by Angela.
The International to pursue higher education
halfway across the world,
Reflecting on her experience,
Angela believed coming to
New York in Singapore, at Yale-NUS Yale-NUS was one of the best
College. It was a daunting decisions she has ever made,
Times Writing decision, especially given describing her time here as
that her friends were going eye-opening, allowing her
Competition to attend college in the US. to learn valuable lessons not
only in the classroom but also
In 2016, Angela’s essay on outside of it.
her experience enrolling in
an institution far from home, “The process of learning more
“I think that coming clinched first place in the about the world and my place
here was definitely university category of the in it is something that is not
the best thing to ever International New York Times unique to me – many people
Writing Competition. Her have experienced that, and I
happen to me.” essay, titled ‘The death of think that I just wanted to voice
comfortable education’, was it out,” Angela shared.
- Angela Ferguson
(Class of 2018) featured in the Asia-Pacific
edition of the International She intended to work in
In 2014, American student New York Times and Singapore after graduating,
Angela Ferguson (Class of republished in Singapore’s potentially in the field
2018) took a leap of faith local daily, TODAY. of journalism.18 FULL YEAR
Mollie Saltskog, Yale-NUS College. Mollie, who
hails from Sweden, majors in
Schwarzman, the Schwarzman
Scholars programme is
Schwarzman Global Affairs at Yale-NUS, and designed to meet the challenges
will be studying International of the 21st century and beyond.
Scholar Studies at Tsinghua University. Enrolled scholars will live on
In 2015, Mollie pursued an the state-of-the-art Schwarzman
Independent Reading and College at Tsinghua University
Research module with Senior for a year of immersion in an
Lecturer of Social Sciences international community of
Nancy Gleason, investigating thinkers, innovators and senior
Mollie Saltskog (Class of 2017) female roles in al-Qaeda leaders in business, politics
was accepted to the second affiliates – for which she was and society. The programme
class of Schwarzman Scholars, awarded the Emirates NBD aims to give Schwarzman
a highly competitive master’s Middle East Essay Prize. Scholars the chance to develop
degree programme at Tsinghua their leadership skills and
University, Beijing, China. A fully funded, year-long professional networks while
She will enrol for the course in master’s programme founded by pursuing a degree in Public
August 2017, after completing Chairman, CEO and Co-founder Policy, Economics and Business,
her undergraduate studies at of Blackstone, Mr Stephen A or International Studies.
Mollie Saltskog receiving her award at the fourth
annual Emirates NBD Middle East Essay Prize.
Image provided by the Middle East Institute.
“I am beyond excited to work on further developing my leadership
skills. I want to better understand how I can make use of my
leadership skills in order to empower and inspire others, and how
I can keep working on cultivating my leadership skills throughout
my life, both in a professional and personal setting.”
- Mollie Saltskog
(Class of 2017)FULL YEAR 19
Engaging in
dialogue at TEDx
Pickering Street
On 28 May 2016, Daryl
Yang (Class of 2018) shared
his experiences as a student
diversity activist to a live
Image provided by
audience at TEDx Pickering TEDx Pickering Street.
Street. Titled ‘Chasing the
Rainbow’, his speech was a
reflection on his experience as own beliefs,” he said. Daryl, in Singapore that aimed to
Coordinator of Yale-NUS student who is pursuing the Yale-NUS connect people across cultural
organisation The G Spot, a Double Degree Programme and linguistic boundaries.
gender and sexuality alliance with NUS Law, strongly believes Other speakers at the event
on campus. Daryl’s speech that the local community would included Ender Jiang, founder
aimed to convey the importance benefit from building bridges of local virtual reality production
of engaging in dialogue and forming connections in spite company Hiverlab, Jacqui
across different belief lines. of opposing or contradicting Hocking, co-founder of
views, and attributes this LateNite Films in Melbourne
“People need to start listening belief to his educational and Gone Adventurin’ in
to each other [to] understand experience at Yale-NUS. Singapore, and Sherena
different perspectives and Loh, founder and Executive
experiences rather than being TEDx Pickering Street was Director of Muscular Dystrophy
rooted and indignant in their the first bilingual TEDx event Association (Singapore).
Public Policy
Challenge: Team
Teh-C
A team comprising three Team Teh-C with Minister Chan Chun Sing.
Image reproduced with permission from the
Yale-NUS students clinched Public Service Division.
the honour of being one of
four top teams in the Public
Policy Challenge organised to strengthen Singapore’s Centre Committee’ in the first
by the Public Service Division position as a leader in round of the Challenge, which
of Singapore. Ernest Tan, Al the digital economy while they later applied to the name
Lim and Keith Ng (Class of ensuring social inclusivity. Their of their final winning proposal:
2019), who formed Team witty group name stood for Transforming the Economy of
Teh-C, proposed fresh ideas ‘Transforming Every Hawker- Our Home Country (Teh-C).20 FULL YEAR
Law students Research Project, a collaborative
effort between NUS, Singapore
100, and their presentation
discussed the need to proceed
engaged in Management University and with caution in setting out
Transient Workers Count hard rules relating to minority
community Too (TWC2), a non-profit criteria for candidacy as a
organisation concerned with the Presidential candidate.
initiatives rights of migrant workers. Other
students have also taken up pro In September, two students –
bono legal internships with other Ong Chee Yeow and Charlotte
non-governmental organisations, Wang (Class of 2017) – were
such as Justice Without part of the NUS Law team
Borders and HealthServe. at the Asia Cup Moot Court
Jointly offered by Yale-NUS Competition 2016 that clinched
College and the Faculty of Law In May, Amelia Chew (Class of Best Overall Team and Best
at the National University of 2017) was a part of a group of Memorial this year. The regional
Singapore (NUS), the five-year four law undergraduates who moot court competition is hosted
Double Degree Programme argued against the introduction annually by Japan’s Ministry
(DDP) with NUS Law offers of affirmative action to ensure a of Foreign Affairs, and attracts
students a broad liberal arts minority race president. Amelia, teams from law schools all
education in addition to their who is in the pioneer batch of around Asia. This was the third
professional training in law. DDP students, and her peers time a team from NUS Law has
were invited to speak before won since the Cup started 19
Many DDP students make the Constitutional Commission years ago. The 2016 edition
use of their legal knowledge formed to review the Elected of the Cup featured 43 law
to contribute to the larger Presidency system in Singapore. schools in total, out of which
community. For instance, Bozy Their written submissions to 13 went on to represent their
Lu (Class of 2018) has been the Commission were one of country in the oral rounds
involved in the Labour Court 20 selected from more than held in Tokyo, Japan.
The winning team of the Asia Cup Moot Court
Competition 2016 with Dean of NUS Law Simon Chesterman.
Image provided by NUS Law.FULL YEAR 21
CDL-Compact Singapore Young CSR Leaders
Award. The youth case
weaving and commercial
designs, pioneering employee-
Singapore Young competition aims to promote friendly factory spaces, and
thought leadership among creating a nature-inspired,
CSR Leaders future business leaders and dust-repellant carpet structure.
encourage Corporate Social Ultimately, the team went home
Award Responsibility (CSR) principles with not only a prize, but
in business strategies and invaluable work experience.
practices. The winning group,
Team Synergy, comprised Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam,
four students from Yale-NUS: Deputy Prime Minister and
“From this competition, Christina Ho (Class of 2017), Coordinating Minister for
I have learnt how to Angela Ferguson (Class Economic and Social Policies,
see from a company’s of 2018), Hannah James who presented the awards at
(Class of 2018) and Crystal the CSR and Social Innovators
point-of-view and find Yong (Class of 2019). After Forum 2016, commented that
a middle ground seven months of extensive the Award is a meaningful
between profitability research and planning with form of recognition.
and sustainability.” their partner organisation,
Interface Asia, the team Speaking to the students, he
- Christina ho
proposed three strategies added: “Whatever we do,
(Class of 2017) to further drive holistic just make sure that we do
sustainability in Interface’s something that’s practical,
On 1 September 2016, a carpet manufacturing that’s human-oriented, and
team of Yale-NUS students was operations. This included if possible, sustainable.
awarded the CDL-Compact integrating traditional carpet That should guide us.”
Image provided by Global Compact
Network Singapore.22 FULL YEAR
International
champions
of trivia
Rohan Naidu (left) and Shivam Bharadwaj
Ever since he fell in love with (second from right) receiving their trophies.
Image provided by Team Tata Crucible.
trivia quizzes at the tender
age of nine, Rohan Naidu
(Class of 2017) has won partner, National University Group Executive Council,
nearly every national quiz of Singapore (NUS) graduate praised the trivia participants.
he has competed in within student Shivam Bharadwaj,
India. Recent notches to his where they emerged “Today, I have witnessed the
belt include wins at three Tata international champions. excitement, passion and ability
Crucible Campus Singapore of these young kids,” Dr Kumar
Quizzes. Most recently, he In a short speech, the Guest-of- said. “They are the best of the
competed in the international Honour, Dr Nirmalya Kumar, best…[having] shown the desire
finals of the Tata Crucible Visiting Professor of Marketing to learn, which is necessary
Campus Quiz 2016 in at London Business School to remain continuously
Mumbai, India, with his quiz and member of Tata Sons’ relevant in the world.”
Japanese Speech
Contest
“To be clear of what
you’re saying, you have
to know and engage
with your own story.”
- Evan Asava Aree
(Class of 2017)
Evan Asava Aree (Class of Evan Asava Aree (centre) received the
2017) clinched first place top prize at the 2016 Japanese Speech Contest.
Image provided by the Japanese Association, Singapore.
in the Japanese Association
of Singapore’s 2016
Japanese Speech Contest. where one was born or how awarded a homestay in
His speech, on how his one looks. Home, to Canadian Kagoshima, Japan. Having
concept of home has changed student Evan, is a matter of studied the Japanese language
over the years, was inspired the heart heavily influenced for the past three years, it was
by his realisation that the by experiences and feelings. the perfect prize for Evan to
place one calls home has As the first place winner of delve into Japanese culture
to do with much more than the competition, Evan was and explore Kagoshima.Full YEAR 23 sharing knowledge Poetry with Edwin Thumboo In October 2016, the College community was treated to a poetry reading by renowned Singaporean poet, Professor Edwin Thumboo. Emeritus of English literature in Singapore in 1979 and 1980 respectively, Professor and Professorial and is best known for writing on among numerous other awards. Fellow at the National national issues. He was the first The reading, organised by the University of Singapore, Singaporean to be conferred Division of Humanities, aimed Professor Thumboo is widely the S.E.A. Write Award and the to bring the beauty of poetry regarded as one of the pioneers Cultural Medallion for Literature to the College community. Yale-NUS Global and Public Health Alliance In November 2016, the Yale-NUS Global and Public Health Alliance (YGPA) Senior Fellow of the Centre YGPA, which was newly student organisation hosted on Global Health Security formed in 2016, aims to Professor David L Heymann, at Chatham House, London. put health at the forefront Chair of the World Health He spent over 20 years with of the Yale-NUS community Organization’s (WHO) the WHO in multiple posts through health promotion, Emergency Committee on the such as WHO’s Assistant policy discussion, Zika virus. Professor Heymann Director-General for Health education and research, was at Yale-NUS College to Security and Environment, as well as community give a lecture entitled ‘The and also worked at the US service. It seeks to build Global Zika Outbreak’. Centers for Disease Control a relevant, supportive Professor Heymann serves as and Prevention for 25 years and professional network the Chairman of the board as a medical epidemiologist, for students to cultivate of Public Health England, with assignments to ministries their interest in the field of UK, and is the Head and of health in Asia and Africa. public and global health.
24 FULL YEAR
Repositioning about some of the challenges
faced by Singapore in recent
was an informative session
for many. Dr Beh’s visit
the Singapore years and the strategies taken attracted even those whose
by the government to combat interests fall outside the
economy them. Dr Beh also highlighted field of economics, such as
that with this repositioning, Khwa Zhong Xuan (Class
the demand for liberal arts of 2020), who intended to
graduates, like those from major in Anthropology.
the College, is growing.
“I think this was a very good
“Suffice to say, “To be very candid, all opportunity because as
employers are looking of you have made the university students, we are
forward to graduates right choice in coming to getting prepared to take our
Singapore and to Yale-NUS,” place in the workforce in the
from your College.” Dr Beh said to the audience. future. The talk helped me to
better understand what place
- Dr Beh Swan Gin,
EDB Chairman Dr Beh offered a broad I can play in the economy,
overview of the increasingly and shape my direction
On 7 October 2016, diversified economy before for personal development.
Yale-NUS College hosted engaging in a lively dialogue As we will be active
a talk by Chairman of the with students and faculty. contributors to the economy
Economic Development Board in the coming years, it is
(EDB) of Singapore, Dr Beh The talk was organised good for us to be more
Swan Gin. In his talk titled by the Office of the aware of what’s happening
‘Repositioning the Singapore Executive Vice President in Singapore’s economy,”
Economy’, Dr Beh spoke (Institutional Affairs) and Zhong Xuan remarked.
Dr Beh Swan Gin (second from right) speaking
with students and faculty members.FULL YEAR 25
Ministerial visit
to Yale-NUS
On 3 March 2016, then-
Acting Minister for Education
(Higher Education and Skills)
Ong Ye Kung visited Yale-NUS
College to observe the unique
liberal arts education experience
offered. This was Minister Ong’s
second visit to the College, and depth through a casual how much the Ministry of
after attending the Inauguration conversation with nine students Education (MOE) cares not just
of the Yale-NUS College in the Cendana Residential about the different education
Campus in October 2015. College common lounge. institutions, but also about the
different thoughts and mindsets
Minister Ong had a Students found it a valuable of the youth,” said Pogaru
comprehensive tour of the opportunity to share more Saisrikar (Class of 2018).
campus, including the various about their College experiences
arts and learning spaces, with Minister Ong. Diyanah Kamarudin (Class
butteries, a student suite and one of 2018) shared that the
of its sky gardens. He also took “I’m very grateful that Minister visit illustrated how the MOE
the opportunity to get to know Ong took the time to speak “is very receptive about the
the College in greater detail with us, and it really shows liberal arts curriculum”.
Minister Ong Ye Kung (centre) met with
members of the Yale-NUS community.26 FULL YEAR
President’s
Speaker Series
In January 2016, Yale-NUS
College played host to two
distinguished speakers, Professor Mark Tushnet (left) with Yale-NUS
Founding President Pericles Lewis (right).
Professor William Deresiewicz
and Professor Mark Tushnet,
who gave public lectures see problems from a variety of The Yale-NUS President’s
as part of the President’s angles and consider creative Speaker Series is designed to
Speaker Series. approaches to resolve them. enable the community to learn
from and engage with some
Formerly a Professor of English Professor Tushnet, who is the of the brightest academics
at Yale University and the William Nelson Cromwell and practitioners across a
best-selling author of Excellent Professor of Law at Harvard diverse range of disciplines
Sheep: The Miseducation of Law School, spoke on social on contemporary issues in
the American Elite, Professor movements and the US our world today. The series is
Deresiewicz gave a lecture on Constitution. Largely using US- open to the public, and past
the purpose of a liberal arts centric examples such as the speakers include His Excellency
education and what it means in civil rights movement, Professor Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson,
today’s context. He noted that Tushnet discussed how political then-President of Iceland,
liberal arts graduates are highly parties sometimes accede Ms Olivia Lum, founder of
sought after, because they learn to the demands of impactful Hyflux Ltd, and Dr Mohamed
how to think critically, which social movements in order to ElBaradei, joint recipient of the
equips them with the skills to gain political advantages. 2005 Nobel Peace Prize.
Centre for
Teaching &
Learning reaches
out to education
community
The Yale-NUS Centre for an expert widely known for Since CTL was set up in 2015,
Teaching & Learning (CTL) his work on Peer Instruction, the Centre has introduced
launched its programming for an interactive teaching various initiatives to help faculty
the Academic Year 2016/2017 method aimed at engaging optimise their teaching, and
by hosting Professor Eric Mazur, students in the classroom promotes discussions and
Balkanski Professor of Physics and beyond, was invited to collaboration among faculty
and Applied Physics, and Dean share the insights he gleaned in areas such as teaching,
of Applied Physics at Harvard from his past experiences technology application
University. Professor Mazur, as a university lecturer. and course design.FULL YEAR 27
Fostering Senior Minister of State, Moderated by Professor
Ministry of Transport, and Kua Ee Hock from the National
dialogue with Singapore Ambassador-at- University of Singapore (NUS),
Large Bilahari Kausikan. the event featured four panellists
community from different healthcare
engagement The group also launched a
community outreach effort
fields who discussed how
Singapore can transit to an
events called +SixtyFive, dedicated age-friendly community
to catalysing empowerment, and how ageing may be
awareness and appreciation of reinterpreted in light of the
the elderly population among ever-changing technological
youths in Singapore. Their landscape. The +SixtyFive
forum, Envisioning SG100, team also celebrated ‘Elderly
The Yale-NUS International focused on the issue of rapidly Appreciation Day’ by
Relations & Political Association ageing populations, a pressing encouraging their peers to
(YIRPA), one of the largest issue faced by Singapore send photos and handmade
student organisations on campus, and many other developed cards to grandparents
regularly organises community countries in the world. and elderly loved ones.
engagement events on
various issues. One of these is
Coffeehouse Conversations, a
speaker series established by
YIRPA in 2015. Dialogues are
typically held in a casual setting
to inspire spontaneous, thought-
provoking conversations with
guests on politics and global
issues. In 2016, their guests
included Mr Ng Chee Meng,
NUS Professor Kua Ee hock (centre) moderated
then-Acting Minister for the panel Envisioning SG100.
Education (Schools) and
Discussing
US policy with
Ambassador
Kirk Wagar
Kirk Wagar, then-United
States Ambassador to in the world today and race and religion in the
Singapore, was invited to touched on a wide range US today.
speak at Yale-NUS College of topics impacting the next
on 28 January 2016. 50 years of US-Singapore The talk, a collaboration between
Addressing a packed hall relations, including the the US Embassy and Yale-NUS
of Yale-NUS students and enduring US presence College, sought to bring the
faculty, Ambassador Wagar in Asia, the US electoral discussion on US policy to
spoke on the role of the US process, and the role of Singapore and Yale-NUS College.28 FULL YEAR
Writers’ Centre two Singapore writers who
are prominent in the local
workshop with a small group
of Yale-NUS students while
Reading Series literary scene. Mr Wong and on campus; Mr Seshadri
Ms Lim read their original held a poetry workshop
works to a mixed crowd of while Dr Walker focused
students and members of the on non-fiction writing.
public on 10 February and
3 March 2016 respectively, Apart from organising such
The Yale-NUS Writers’ and held writing workshops events, the Writers’ Centre
Centre regularly brings for Yale-NUS students. provides regular individual
established writers to campus writing consultations and
as part of the Writers’ Later in the year, the Centre group workshops on rhetorical
Centre Reading Series, an also hosted Pulitzer Prize skills, revision strategies, and
initiative spearheaded by winner Vijay Seshadri and the conventions of format
Professor of Humanities essayist Nicole Walker. and structure appropriate
and Director of the Writers’ Each writer held a writing for different genres.
Centre Robin Hemley. It
aims to engage and connect
the writing community from
the College with the wider
writing community. Previous
guests include Edmund Wee,
CEO of Epigram Books,
and Divya Victor, winner of
the Bob Kaufman Award.
In early 2016, the Writers’
Centre hosted Mr Cyril Wong
Singapore writer, Ms Suchen Christine Lim.
and Ms Suchen Christine Lim,
Pulitzer prize winner, Mr Vijay Seshadri (left).
“I think we’re different from any writing centre anywhere
in the world in that we’re a hybrid of a traditional academic
writing centre and a literary centre.”
- Professor Robin hemley,
Director of the Writers’ CentreFULL YEAR 29
Facilitating of religious radicalisation
and fundamentalism.
Theology and Ethics and
the Head of the School
discourse in of Arts, Histories and
“A conceptual idol begins Cultures at the University of
the field of as a metaphor and then we Manchester, and is a priest
become blind to the fact that of the Church of England.
comparative it is a metaphor and take it
for something more – hence it Professor Ward’s lecture was
religious studies only deepens our ignorance hosted by Professor Gavin
rather than dispels it,” Flood, the inaugural Yap Kim
explained Professor Ward. Hao Professor of Comparative
Religious Studies at Yale-NUS
Extrapolating the idea of idol College. Launched in March
worship that is strictly, and 2014, the professorship aims
On 17 February 2016, sometimes violently, prohibited to enhance the academic
Professor Graham Ward in the three Abrahamic study of religions at the
was at Yale-NUS College to religions, he discussed how College. Focusing on the
deliver a lecture titled ‘Against beliefs and ideas are solidified diversity of religious beliefs,
Idolatry’. In his speech, the into dogma that can neither practices and experiences
Regius Professor of Divinity be challenged nor examined. in today’s world, the study
at Oxford proposed the of comparative religious
novel idea of conceptual Professor Ward was formerly studies is a crucial component
idolatry to characterise the the Samuel Ferguson of the global curriculum
sociology and psychology Professor of Philosophical for the 21st century.
Professor Gavin Flood (left) with
Professor Graham Ward (right).30 FULL YEAR
Talks by In March 2016, Mr Andy
Bird spoke at Yale-NUS on
In October 2016, CIPE
hosted Mr Achal Agarwal,
industry experts his experiences as Chairman President of Kimberly-Clark’s
of Walt Disney International. Asia Pacific consumer
Titled ‘The Importance of business in territories
Localisation: Establishing including Australia,
Disney’s Place in the Global North Asia, Southeast Asia
Marketplace’, Mr Bird’s talk and India, with leading
The Centre for International focused on the importance of brands like Huggies, Kotex,
& Professional Experience (CIPE) being locally relevant when Kleenex and Scott. Mr
at Yale-NUS College regularly establishing a brand in the Agarwal’s talk, titled ‘The
hosts industry professionals for global marketplace. He also Leadership Journey’, delved
talks on campus. These talks shared how his educational into his experiences in
provide students with different background in starting out the private sector and the
perspectives from a variety with a broad-based arts degree different pathways he has
of industries, and insights equipped him for the world embarked on to develop
into the professional world. of broadcast and media. himself professionally.
Mr Andy Bird speaking in
the Performance hall.
“Being the Chairman of Disney International, which
has an interesting story to tell about its global strategy,
and the fact that his background was studying literature
made us think that his message would resonate with the
Yale-NUS community.”
-Dr Trisha Craig,
Dean of International & Professional ExperienceFull YEAR 31
Inculcating INTERESTS
Bringing home
the BACON
(healthily)
Building a Culture of
Nutrition (and Fitness),
otherwise known as
BACON, is a new health
and fitness group set
up in August 2016.
The students who
Bleeding blue and Beyond NUS, Yale-NUS teams
regularly compete in friendly
founded BACON aim
to create a welcoming
orange – sports at matches against other local and non-judgemental
universities, such as Nanyang culture of health and
Yale-NUS Technological University fitness in Yale-NUS by
(NTU), Singapore Institute of offering fitness training
Management (SIM), Singapore and nutrition advice
Management University (SMU), for students of all
and the Singapore University of levels of experience.
Technology and Design (SUTD).
On the Yale-NUS campus, student The group offers one-on-
athletes are often seen training In 2016, more than 90 student one strength training as
in the Multi Purpose Hall, playing athletes also travelled to Taiwan well as group circuit and
games on the large field next to with the Dean of Students Office pilates classes led by
Cendana Residential College, to compete across 11 sports trained student leaders.
or striking peaceful yoga poses with local Taiwanese universities.
in the Elm Residential College Teams played friendlies at They also recently
courtyard or Campus Green. National Taiwan Normal organised a college-
The sporting and fitness culture University, Vanung University,
wide squat friendly
is alive and kicking at Yale- St John’s University, National
competition that pitted the
NUS, with 15 competitive sports Taiwan Ocean University, and
three residential colleges
teams and five recreational Taipei Medical University.
against each other, as
sports clubs involving more
part of Wellness Week.
than 200 students in total. “Competing overseas helps
athletic teams develop to
The College’s sports teams a new and higher level – I
participate annually in the think our students have the
Inter-Faculty Games (IFG) with capacity to be better, and
10 faculties from the National achieve more,” shared Ms Li
University of Singapore (NUS), Ling, Manager of Athletics in
and with other Residential the Dean of Students Office.
Colleges from NUS in the “We hope to organise more
Inter-College Games (ICG). of such events in the future.”32 Full YEAR
清 QIng
In April 2016, students
from the drama group
Artslab prepared for
the second staging of
清 Qing, which sought
to reimagine stories from
the Sook Ching massacre
during the Japanese
Occupation of Singapore.
The first installation of
In pursuit of recreational staff and faculty
a cappella group formed by
清 Qing held in November
2015 showcased the
the arts Rector of Saga Residential research that the team
College Sarah Weiss. Aptly had amassed, and
named The Lecture Notes, the focused primarily on their
crowd-pleasing group has experiences grappling with
performed at numerous events collective amnesia. Based
for the College community. on interviews with survivors
At Yale-NUS College, the of the Japanese Occupation
thriving performing arts Dance from the National Archives’
scene is buzzing with life The Society of Yale-NUS Oral History Project of
and activity, with an endless College Dancers (sYNCD) is an Singapore, the team’s
stream of creative ideas. umbrella organisation dedicated writers attempted to
Facilities like the recording to creating performance bridge research curation,
studio, fabrication studio, opportunities for experienced writing and theatre.
and practice rooms located and aspiring dancers in the
in the West Core are fully College. sYNCD comprises “There’s so much history
equipped for the community’s more than 100 dancers across in Singapore that we
use. Most importantly, the arts seven groups, each dedicated don’t really talk about,
scene is filled with passion to its own genre: standard because Singapore is such
and love for the arts that and Latin ballroom, bhangra, a fast-moving place. The
truly drives the growth of K-pop, hip hop, street jazz landscape changes really
each art form on campus. and contemporary dance. quickly,” elaborated David
Chia (Class of 2017), the
Music Theatre founder of Artslab. “The
The Singers’ Guild comprises There are three main student 清 Qing project was
seven groups, totalling more theatre groups at Yale-NUS, the meant to reconcile all of
than 60 members who tackle Green Room Theatre, (aside) that from our generation’s
a variety of genres. From and ArtsLab. Each group perspectives on the Sook
The Wallets, Yale-NUS’ first specialises in different forms of Ching massacre.”
a cappella group formed on the theatre, from repertory theatre
chilly Yale University campus in to experimental art performances. 清 Qing received support
2013; to the Chamber Choir, a These include established plays from Yale-NUS Arts
choir that sings classical choral like Lord of the Flies by William department, the Arts &
pieces; and The Overtime Golding and Machine by Tan Media team, Dean of
Project, a barbershop quartet. Tarn How, and experimental Students Office, the Rectors
productions such as the 24:00 and Vice Rectors, and the
Apart from student groups, Play, where participants write Tolani Performing Arts Fund.
Yale-NUS also has a and stage a play in 24 hours.FULL YEAR 33
PURSUING PASSION
(from left) Professor Charles Bailyn, Ms Alyson Rozells
and Founding President Pericles Lewis.
Long Service Service Awards to two staff
members. The recipients,
“That’s what will bring it full
circle for me—from seeing
Awards Senior Manager of Public the launch of the College, to
Affairs, Ms Alyson Rozells, the opening of the campus,
and inaugural Dean of Faculty, and the graduation of
Professor Charles Bailyn, our very first class.”
were the first two members of
the College’s administration Professor Bailyn, who held
“We’ve made amazing to be recognised for their a dual position as the A.
progress in five years... meaningful contributions Bartlett Giamatti Professor
Five years ago, our campus over the past five years. of Astronomy and Physics at
Yale University and Yale-NUS’
resembled a golf course, As the first employee of the inaugural Dean of Faculty,
and now we’re a college. College, Ms Rozells has had a oversaw the recruitment
Who knows what it will hand in organising most of the of faculty members as the
be in five years’ time?” major events the College has inaugural Dean and was a key
celebrated and was heavily figure in creating the College’s
-Professor Charles Bailyn, involved in the formation of the unique curriculum. He held
inaugural Dean of Faculty Yale-NUS’ brand and identity. the Dean of Faculty position
for more than one term and
On 26 May 2016, the “I’m looking forward to the returned to Yale in June 2016,
College marked a milestone first graduation ceremony in where he was named head
with the presentation of Long 2017,” Ms Rozells shared. of a new residential college.34 FULL YEAR
Our faculty interdisciplinary divisions,
namely Science, Social
Foundation (Singapore),
Climateworks Foundation,
Sciences, and Humanities. This and the US National Science
promotes interaction between Foundation. Faculty members
faculty members of different have authored and/or
disciplines and encourages co-authored more than 170
Our faculty continues to a multidisciplinary approach publications, including peer-
contribute actively to the to teaching, especially in the reviewed journal articles and
collaborative development of Common Curriculum, where books such as in Nature and
the curriculum, co-curricular classes are taught by teams of Philosophical Studies. Faculty
programmes, and residential scholars with different expertise. members have been invited
life of the College. At present, the College has to give presentations at major
over 100 faculty members. conferences such as the
Unlike other higher education ACM Conference on Computer
institutions, Yale-NUS does In Academic Year 2015/2016, and Communications Security
not organise its faculty our faculty received more than and ISA Annual Convention,
into traditional academic S$9 million in external grant and have been awarded
departments. Instead, faculty funding from organisations fellowships by prominent
members work in three including the National Research academic institutions.
Re-growing Assistant Professor of
Science Michiel van Breugel
tropical forests are highly
resilient and sequester large
secondary tropical collaborated with researchers amounts of carbon. Dr van
around the world to explore Breugel hopes this research will
forests the benefits of re-growing lend more attention to natural
secondary tropical forests. forest re-growth by international
The combined effort of 65 and national policymakers
international researchers with as a cheap and nature-based
45 sites across Latin America solution with tremendous
showed that these secondary carbon mitigation potential.
Dr Michiel van Breugel (centre) doing fieldwork in
Latin America. Image provided by Dr van Breugel.FULL YEAR 35
Environmental
research and the
21st Conference of
the Parties
In December 2015, Assistant
Professor of Social Sciences
Angel Hsu participated in the
21st Conference of the Parties
(COP21) to the United Nations
Image by Daniel Constable for Dr. Angel hsu.
Framework Convention on
Climate Change (UNFCCC).
An expert in environmental producing analysis that helped Dr Hsu was also the
policy, Dr Hsu has participated to inform the negotiations at the Principal Investigator for
in seven COP meetings in the annual COP meetings. She also the Environmental
last decade as an academic helped to make the negotiations Performance Index (EPI), a
and analyst, helping to work more understandable and Yale-based initiative for the
towards the historic Paris contextualised them for external global ranking of national
climate deal. Her role involved audiences like the US Congress. environmental performance.
Long service In April 2016, Professor of
Social Sciences (Psychology)
capacities with NCSS, helping
to advance psychology as
with the National George Bishop received a a science and profession in
Long Service Award from the Singapore. In 2011, Professor
Council of Social National Council of Social Bishop was recognised for his
Service (NCSS) for his years contributions to psychology in
Services of work with the Singapore Singapore with the Award for
Psychological Society. Since Outstanding Contribution to
the 1990s, Professor Bishop Psychology from the Singapore
has served in numerous Psychological Society.
Professor George Bishop (left). Image provided
by Singapore Psychological Society.36 FULL YEAR
Byzantium/ Assistant Professor of
Humanities and Georgette
range of interdisciplinary
essays on art, architecture,
Modernism Chen Fellow Maria Taroutina theatre, film, literature and
co-edited a volume entitled philosophy. Dr Taroutina is
Byzantium/Modernism (Brill currently working on her
Academic Publishers, 2015). own book, From the Tessera
The work featured contributions to the Square: Russian
by 14 international scholars Modernism and the Russo-
and brought together a diverse Byzantine Revival.
British Academy Division of Social Sciences,
was elected by the British
in human geography to
questions in urban studies.
Fellow Academy as one of 20 new
Corresponding Fellows from The British Academy is the
overseas universities, in UK’s national body for the
recognition of her outstanding humanities and social sciences,
contribution to research with a fellowship of around
in urban and cultural 1,300 leading national and
On 15 July 2016, Professor geography. Professor Jacobs international academics elected
of Social Sciences (Urban takes a multidisciplinary for their distinction in the study
Studies) Jane M Jacobs, approach to her research of peoples, cultures and societies
who is also Director of the by applying her expertise past, present and future.
Professor Jane M Jacobs (centre).
“Buildings are not just as symbolic things but something that
works in conjunction with people and their lives.”
- Professor Jane M Jacobs,
Director of the Division of Social SciencesYou can also read
