UN Sec-Gen Ban Ki-moon: Honorary Graduate - SEP-OCT 2016 - Singapore Cybersecurity ...

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UN Sec-Gen Ban Ki-moon: Honorary Graduate - SEP-OCT 2016 - Singapore Cybersecurity ...
UN Sec-Gen
                         Ban Ki-moon:
                         Honorary
                         Graduate

                                  SEP-OCT 2016

             3               8                  12
NUS Chairman to   Among world’s   Biochip analyses
     step down           top 25   single cancer cell
UN Sec-Gen Ban Ki-moon: Honorary Graduate - SEP-OCT 2016 - Singapore Cybersecurity ...
UN Secretary-General                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                NUS NEWS

      receives honorary degree
                                                                                                                                                       NUS Chairman Wong Ngit Liong to step down,
                                                                                                                                                       succeeded by Hsieh Fu Hua
                                                                                                                                                       NUS Board of Trustees Chairman                to transform NUS into a leading
                                                                                                                                                       Mr Wong Ngit Liong will be stepping           university that is highly respected both
                                                                                                                                                       down on 31 December 2016, after               in Singapore and around the world.
                                                                                                                                                       more than 12 years of distinguished           It has been an immensely enriching
                                                                                                                                                       leadership. Mr Wong will be succeeded         journey and a fulfilling experience.
                                                                                                                                                       by Mr Hsieh Fu Hua on 1 January 2017.         I leave with full confidence that the
                                                                                                                                                                                                     incoming Chairman, Mr Hsieh Fu Hua,
                                                                                                                                                       Mr Wong was first appointed on 1 August       will strengthen NUS as the University
                                                                                                                                                       2004 as Chairman to the then NUS              continues on its upward trajectory.”
                                                                                                                                                       Council. He was subsequently reappointed
                                                                                                                                                       on 28 March 2006 as Chairman of the           Mr Hsieh, an NUS alumnus, was first
                                                                                                                                                       NUS Board of Trustees following the           appointed to the NUS Council on
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Mr Hsieh (right) engaging Prof Chia Kee Seng,
                                                                                                                                                       corporatisation of the University.            20 August 2003, and later to the
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Dean of Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health
                                                                                                                                                                                                     NUS Board following the University’s
                                                                                                                                                       During his 12 years at NUS, Mr Wong           corporatisation in 2006. During his time            the University with vision and wisdom,
                                                                                                                                                       played an instrumental role in steering       on the Board, Mr Hsieh was Chairman of              and played a key role in the formulation
                                                                                                                                                       NUS through the corporatisation of            the Audit Committee and a member of                 of NUS’ goals and strategies in education,
                                                                                                                                                       the University. He appointed several          the Board’s Executive Committee as well             research and entrepreneurship. He has
                                                                                                                                                       new board members to establish a new          as its Nominating Committee. Although               worked incredibly hard and personally
                                                                                                                                                       culture of collaborative work between         he stepped down in March 2012, Mr Hsieh             touched the lives of many in our NUS
                                                                                                                                                       the management and Board. In addition,        maintained close ties with the University.          community. We thank him for his visionary
                                                                      Mr Ban (left) receiving the Honorary Doctorate from NUS Chancellor Dr Tony Tan   Mr Wong successfully oversaw the                                                                  leadership and selfless dedication
                                                                                                                                                       implementation of major changes to            Mr Hsieh is active in the social sector and         in service of NUS and Singapore.
    Mr Ban Ki-moon, the eighth Secretary-         Change Conference in Paris in the               NUS President Professor Tan Chorh Chuan              the University’s corporate governance,        business. He is Chairman of the National
    General of the United Nations (UN),           concerted fight against global                  remarked that the NUS community can                  and the setting up of new and enhanced        Gallery Singapore, the National Council of          “We look forward very much to working
    was conferred the Honorary Doctor of          warming; launching the Sustainable              draw inspiration from Mr Ban who “has                administrative systems and capabilities.      Social Service and Jurong Health Services.          with Mr Hsieh Fu Hua as he takes on the
    Letters by NUS Chancellor and Singapore       Development Goals in 2015 to                    embodied the highest ideals of the                   He also managed the smooth transition         He is also Chairman of the UOB Group, a             role of Chairman of the NUS Board of
    President Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam                achieve universal peace and                     UN, as a global leader who has done so               between university presidents.                member of the GIC Board, Co-Founder                 Trustees. My colleagues and I are thrilled
    on 30 August at the Istana.                   prosperity by 2030; and advocating              much to help improve and secure the                                                                and Adviser to PrimePartners Group and              to welcome him back to the University
                                                  women’s rights and gender equality              well-being of people throughout the                  Mr Wong’s passion, commitment and             Chairman of the Stewardship Asia Centre.            community, and will look to his strategic
    The honorary degree recognises Mr Ban’s       that saw the establishment of a                 world”. Following the environmental                  remarkable leadership have been                                                                   leadership and wise counsel as NUS strives
    humanitarian accomplishments and              new Special Representative on                   advocate’s ideals on climate change,                 instrumental in transforming NUS into                                                             to strengthen its position as a leading
    dedication to UN and the world.               Sexual Violence in Conflict.                    Prof Tan shared that NUS is also doing               a leading global research-intensive                                                               global university centred in Asia.”
                                                                                                  its part in embracing sustainability and             university, widely respected for pioneering
    Dignitaries who attended the event                                                            nurturing green leaders for the future.              innovations in education. He is also                                                              Said Acting Minister for Education (Higher
    included Emeritus Senior Minister                                                                                                                  credited with putting in place a robust                                                           Education and Skills) Mr Ong Ye Kung,
    Goh Chok Tong; Speaker of Parliament            The UN flag was our                           “On behalf of thousands of other                     leadership development and succession                                                             “As Chairman of the NUS Council and
    Dr Halimah Yacob; Minister for Foreign          beacon. I have sought                         dedicated women and men who                          planning framework at the University.                                                             subsequently Chairman of the first
    Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan; Minister of                                                   work around the world to ease                                                                                                                          NUS Board of Trustees, Mr Wong Ngit
    State for Education; and Communications         to keep that light                            suffering and build a better world, I                During his tenure as Chairman,                                                                    Liong has played an instrumental
    and Information Dr Janil Puthucheary,           shining so that others                        thank you for this recognition of our                Mr Wong led the University through                                                                role in leading NUS through the
    as well as Ambassador of the Republic                                                         global work for peace, development                   a physical transformation of the NUS                                                              corporatisation of the University in 2006.”
    of Korea Mr Lee Sang-deok.                      may find their way out                        and human rights,” said Mr Ban in                    Kent Ridge Campus, which included             Mr Wong (right) chatting with NUS students during
                                                    of despair, and so that                       his acceptance speech and called                     the development of University Town            the 2016 Commencement Dinner                        He added, “Mr Wong also strengthened
    Public Orator Professor Kishore Mahbubani,                                                    for greater mutual accountability,                   and Singapore’s first residential                                                                 the nexus between NUS, the industry,
    Dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public       all people can enjoy                          compassion and solidarity.                           colleges; strengthened the University’s       “Mr Wong Ngit Liong, together with                  and the professional community, with
    Policy at NUS, hailed Mr Ban as a world         a brighter future.                                                                                 balance sheet and financials; deepened        Professor Tan Chorh Chuan, have built               many distinguished private sector leaders
    leader and a personal friend, saying,                                                         “Global solidarity saved my life and                 engagement with the wider Singaporean         a strong leadership team and top notch              taking up his call to contribute to the
                                                               – Mr Ban Ki-moon,
    “Mr Ban’s humanitarian accomplishments                                                        my country,” he said, referring to the               community; and oversaw a rapid rise in        faculty at NUS,” said Mr Hsieh. “I am               University’s development in diverse ways.
    and sterling commitment to the citizens                  UN Secretary-General                 aid rendered by global humanitarian                  NUS’ reputation around the world.             privileged to be the new Chairman of this
    of the world in the pursuit of sustainable                                                    organisations during the Korean War.                                                               leading university, and look forward to             ”While we will miss the strong guiding
    development, human rights, global peace       “It is no secret that the job of                                                                     “It has been a greatly rewarding              working with the University community to            presence of Mr Wong, we will welcome
    and security have made a significant impact   UN Secretary-General is one of                  Earlier that day, Mr Ban had shared                  experience to work with the Board             continue Ngit Liong’s good stewardship.”            to its helm another senior corporate and
    worldwide, and are widely admired.”           the most difficult and impossible               his views on becoming global citizens                of Trustees, management, faculty,                                                                 community leader in Mr Hsieh Fu Hua.
                                                  jobs in the world… Mr Ban will                  with students and faculty during a                   students, staff, benefactors and alumni       Said NUS President Professor                        I am confident that Mr Hsieh will build
    In his citation on Mr Ban, Prof Mahbubani     be remembered for dealing                       dialogue session at NUS (Page 10). He                of NUS,” said Mr Wong. “I am grateful         Tan Chorh Chuan, “We are deeply                     on the good work of Mr Wong to lead
    highlighted the honorary graduate’s           with so many global crises with                 exhorted young Singaporeans to widen                 to the University community, and the          grateful to Mr Wong Ngit Liong for his              NUS in its next chapter, in contributing
    key accomplishments such as driving           remarkable calm and equanimity,”                their horizon and lead with greater                  many friends of NUS, for working              outstanding leadership as Chairman of               to the growth and development of the
    the success of the 2015 UN Climate            noted Prof Mahbubani.                           compassion for the marginalised.                     with me in my 12 years as Chairman            the NUS Board of Trustees. He has guided            Singapore economy and society.”

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UN Sec-Gen Ban Ki-moon: Honorary Graduate - SEP-OCT 2016 - Singapore Cybersecurity ...
NUS NEWS

    Virtual role-play prepares future pharmacists                                                                                                     Lloyd’s Foundation institute focuses on risk
                                                                                    the role of pharmacist             and learn from their                                                                                                                                 such as science, engineering, social
                                                                                    avatars and interact with          mistakes,” said Dr Yap.                                                                                                                              sciences and humanities, it seeks
                                                                                    patients while embarking           “They also allow students                                                                                                                            to promote public dialogue on risk
                                                                                    on a mission, such as              to put themselves in the                                                                                                                             issues pertinent to Asia and the
                                                                                    saving the world from a            shoes of a healthcare                                                                                                                                world. Risk communication tools
                                                                                    plague that transforms             professional to develop                                                                                                                              and methodologies developed will
                                                                                    humans into zombies.               the skills and confidence                                                                                                                            facilitate better informed decision-
                                                                                                                       needed towards                                                                                                                                       making by policymakers, business
                                                                                    By asking appropriate              patient interactions.”                                                                                                                               leaders, scientists and people
                                                                                    questions, the students                                                                                                                                                                 across Asia for a safer society.
                                                                                    will gain a better                 Dr Yap and colleagues
                                                                                    understanding of                   — Dr Yap Kai Zhen                                                                                                                                    During the launch, NUS President
                                                                                    their virtual patients’            from NUS Pharmacy,                                                                                                                                   Professor Tan Chorh Chuan and
                                                                                    medical conditions.                Mr John Yap from the                                                                                                                                 Managing Director of Lloyd’s Register
    The online game allows students to be virtual pharmacists
                                                                                    They then undertake                NUS Computer Centre                                                                                                                                  Foundation Professor Richard Clegg
    Instead of just conducting                Led by Dr Kevin Yap from              numerous tasks that                and Mr Uday Satyamohan                                                                                                                               inked an agreement to formalise
                                                                                                                                                      Prof Tan (seated right) and Prof Clegg signing the agreement, with Mr Wong (right) and
    the usual experiments in                  the department, the                   are applicable in real-            Athreya from the NUS           Mr Lambros Varnavides, Senior Trustee of Lloyd’s Register Foundation, as witnesses
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            the Institute’s establishment.
    the laboratory, aspiring                  team conceptualised and               life pharmacy practice,            Centre for Instructional
    pharmacists can now                       developed an innovative               including processing               Technology — noted             With unpredictable events and                              that works to enhance the safety of                        Prof Tan thanked the Foundation for
    get their hands dirty by                  multiplayer role-playing              prescriptions, prescribing         the digital savviness of       security threats rising globally, it is                    life and property and advance public                       its generosity and collaboration in an
    “gaming” in cyberspace.                   game. This exciting                   over-the-counter                   current “Generation C”         essential to understand and take                           education, the Institute was funded by                     increasingly important area. The new
                                              “course” aims to equip                treatments, developing a           youths. As such, they          measures against such risks.                               a $17.6 million (£10 million) donation                     Institute will help to bridge this gap
    Some 200 Year 2 NUS                       Pharmacy students with                pharmaceutical care plan           adopted a blended                                                                         from the Lloyd’s Register Foundation,                      in Asia and lead high-quality research
    Pharmacy undergraduates                   real skills for professional          for the patient, as well           technology-infused             To address this critical need, the Lloyd’s                 together with $19.4 million from NUS.                      in the underserved area, he noted.
    are currently engaging                    practice in a community               as counselling patients.           learning approach to           Register Foundation Institute for the
    in online games for up                    or retail pharmacy.                                                      sustain the students’          Public Understanding of Risk — Asia’s                      This gift represents the Foundation’s                      The Foundation is delighted to partner
    to six weeks, as part of                                                        “Virtual environments              interest and encourage         first international academic and public                    largest yet outside the UK, and also the                   NUS in the initiative, said Prof Clegg,
    a mandatory module to                     In the game based on a                provide an engaging and            peer learning while            outreach institution — was launched                        most generous research support NUS has                     “The public understanding of risk
    help them become more                     futuristic post-apocalyptic           safe environment for               improving their                on 3 October by Minister for National                      received from a foreign foundation.                        is one of the four strategic themes
    proficient in their field.                setting, students take on             students to experiment             hands-on skills.               Development and Second Minister                                                                                       of the Lloyd’s Register Foundation
                                                                                                                                                      for Finance Lawrence Wong.                                 Research and education on the                              and working in true partnership
                                                                                                                                                                                                                 scientific understanding of risk and its                   with NUS is going to make real
    Cybersecurity and synthetic biology                                                                    Block 71 San                               Jointly set up by the University and the
                                                                                                                                                      Lloyd’s Register Foundation, a UK charity
                                                                                                                                                                                                                 practical application will be the focus
                                                                                                                                                                                                                 of the Institute. By marrying disciplines
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            impact in this field for the ultimate
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            benefit of society,” he stressed.
    consortia launched                                                                                     Francisco moves
    Two new consortia hosted at NUS have                    Tools and Applications grant call and          to new premises                            NUS Medicine, SIT partner in allied health
    been launched to promote research,                      NRF’s Competitive Research Programme.                                                     Starting October, students                  It was witnessed by
    commercialisation and training in                                                                                                                 at Singapore Institute                      Dr Janil Puthucheary,
    cybersecurity and synthetic biology to                  Being highly dependent on software                                                        of Technology (SIT)                         Minister of State, Ministry
    boost Singapore’s push in these fields.                 and information technology                                                                can attend courses at                       of Communications
                                                            infrastructure, Singapore faces                                                           NUS in a joint delivery                     and Information, and
    Supported by the National Research                      cybersecurity challenges and threats.                                                     of curriculum for the                       Ministry of Education.
    Foundation (NRF) Singapore, the                                                                                                                   Institute’s Allied Health
    Singapore Cybersecurity Consortium                      Professor Abhik Roychoudhury from                                                         degree programmes.                          During the five-year
    (SGCSC) and the Singapore Consortium                    NUS Computing will lead SGCSC to                                                          These Bachelor of                           collaboration, classes are
    for Synthetic Biology (SINERGY) will                    raise greater awareness, adoption and                                                     Science degrees are                         held at SIT’s interim campus
    work with industry, government                          translation of cybersecurity technologies.                                                in Physiotherapy,                           in Dover, while laboratory
    agencies and researchers to drive                                                                                                                 Occupational Therapy,                       sessions are conducted
    use-inspired research, technology                       Synthetic biology, an emerging research                                                   Diagnostic Radiography                      at NUS. Professors from
    translation, manpower training,                         domain, incorporates the design                                                           and Radiation Therapy.                      NUS Yong Loo Lin School
    and technology awareness in                             and construction of novel artificial           Block 71 San Francisco has shifted to a                                                of Medicine and SIT will
    cybersecurity and synthetic biology.                    biological pathways, organisms or              bigger location at South Park Street,      An agreement formalised                     co-teach Anatomy and                         From right: Prof Tan Chorh Chuan and Prof Tan Thiam Soon, along with
                                                            devices, or the redesign of existing                                                                                                                                               Dr Puthucheary (2nd from left) and other heads of SIT and NUS, toured the
                                                                                                           offering dedicated event space, more       on 1 September 2016                         Physiology modules.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Anatomy Museum at NUS Medicine
    The strategic set-up aims to strengthen                 natural biological systems.                    meeting rooms and a reception area.        between NUS and SIT
    Singapore’s economy and society                                                                                                                   paves the way for the                       SIT President Professor                      degree programmes are                       NUS President Professor
    from knowledge created by the                           SINERGY will be helmed by                      The co-working space, which fosters        co-development and                          Tan Thiam Soon said, “This                   not only relevant, rigorous                 Tan Chorh Chuan concurred
    $42 million investment in NRF’s National                Associate Professor Matthew Chang,             ties between the start-up ecosystems in    co-teaching of curricula,                   collaboration will ensure                    and future-ready, but                       that the cooperation will
    Cybersecurity R&D Programme, together                   Director of the Synthetic Biology              Singapore and the US, is a collaboration   pedagogical research and                    that the Anatomy and                         are also well-integrated                    mean more qualified
    with the $34 million fund in synthetic                  for Clinical and Technological                 between NUS Enterprise, Infocomm           access to NUS laboratory                    Physiology components                        with the respective Allied                  professionals for the
    biology R&D under the Biological Design                 Innovation programme at NUS.                   Investments Pte Ltd and Singtel Innov8.    facilities for SIT students.                in these Allied Health                       Health curricula.”                          national healthcare system.

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UN Sec-Gen Ban Ki-moon: Honorary Graduate - SEP-OCT 2016 - Singapore Cybersecurity ...
NUS NEWS

    Clean sweep at Asia Moot Court                                                                                                                                                                       Fresh perspective on freshman orientation
                                                                                   Sciences from India in                     claim of historic fishing                                                  An Orientation Review         the student body, faculty,                 conducted orientation can              He said that there has
                                                                                   the preliminary rounds                     rights in another’s                                                        Committee (ORC) set up by     as well as alumni. The                     be a crucial and defining              been overwhelming
                                                                                   to qualify for the finals.                 territorial sea and its                                                    the Office of the Provost     Committee is chaired by                    experience for all NUS                 agreement so far that
                                                                                                                              Exclusive Economic                                                         has begun the process         Professor Tan Tai Yong,                    students. The ORC is doing             orientation programmes
                                                                                   For the concluding                         Zone. The students                                                         of rethinking freshman        Executive Vice President                   a thorough review of                   should make freshmen
                                                                                   face-off against Ateneo                    had to present on                                                          orientation at NUS.           (Academic Affairs) of                      current practices, and will            feel welcomed as valued
                                                                                   Law School from the                        issues such as historic                                                                                  Yale-NUS College.                          consult extensively with               new members of the
                                                                                   Philippines — the most                     fishing rights in United                                                   “Orientation is intended                                                                                        university community.
                                                                                   successful law school in                   Nations Convention                                                         to welcome and introduce
                                                                                   the competition’s history                  on the Law of the Sea,                                                     freshmen to the university                                                                                      It was vital, he said,
                                                                                   — the NUS participants                     principles of good faith                                                   community,” said Professor       Orientation plays many important roles — at                                    that all student leaders
                                                                                   emerged triumphant.                        in international law,                                                      Tan Eng Chye, NUS Deputy         a broad level, it serves to welcome and induct                                 and student organisers
                                                                                   Dana Chang was also                        and the powers of the                                                      President (Academic              freshmen into the culture of the university,                                   be made aware of and
                                                                                   named Best Oralist in                      International Court                                                        Affairs) and Provost. “As                                                                                       embrace the objectives
                                                                                   the championship.                          of Justice to order                                                        part of the review, we’ve        to build bonds between students... and to                                      of orientation, and that
                                                                                                                              specific remedies.                                                         asked the Committee to           create a network of support and care for                                       they are trained and
                                                                                   The Asia Cup Moot, a                                                                                                  consider new approaches          students who are new to university life.                                       equipped to conduct
                                                                                   moot court competition                     Year 2 Chee Yeow said,                                                     to freshman orientation                                                                                         orientation activities
                                                                                   hosted by Japan’s Ministry                 “Despite having entered                                                    as well as positive current                                              – Prof Tan Tai Yong,                   in meaningful ways
                                                                                   of Foreign Affairs,                        the competition at a                                                       practices that should be                         Executive Vice President (Academic Affairs),                   that align with the
    The NUS Law team: (from left) Chee Yeow, Ephraim, Dana, Charlotte and Yan Yu                                                                                                                                                                                                     Yale-NUS College
                                                                                   attracts teams from law                    fairly late juncture, we                                                   extended and preserved.”                                                                                        spirit of orientation.
    After a break of six years,             Ephraim Tan, Ong Chee Yeow             schools across Asia. The                   still managed to pull
    NUS Law made a convincing               and Charlotte Wang, had                2016 edition featured a                    through due to the                                                         The Review Committee was      Prof Tan Tai Yong, a former                stakeholders, and gather               “At all times, freshmen
    return to the Asia Cup                  competed earlier to secure             total of 43 law schools,                   hard work put in by                                                        established in late August    Nominated Member of                        different perspectives,                should feel welcomed,
    Moot Court competition by               the honour of representing             with 13 representing                       everyone on the team.”                                                     following reports of          Parliament, is also the                    inputs and suggestions,”               assured and supported,”
    sweeping the top awards                 Singapore for the regional             their countries in the oral                Faculty and alumni who                                                     inappropriate and             first Vice Provost (Student                he explained.                          said Prof Tan.
    — Best Overall Team, Best               moot. They then pitted their           rounds held in Tokyo.                      are law practitioners                                                      unauthorised student-         Life) at NUS, where he
    Memorial and Best Oralist.              skills against rivals from                                                        also helped mentor the                                                     organised activities          oversaw student matters,                   The Committee has held                 The Committee has
                                            the University of Tokyo and            This year’s moot problem                   participants on their                                                      during the university         University Town and the                    three meetings with                    engaged more students
    NUS team members                        the West Bengal National               focused on the law of the                  journey to achieving                                                       orientation period.           Residential Colleges.                      student representatives                and faculty; their
    Kiu Yan Yu, Dana Chang,                 University of Juridical                sea, examining a State’s                   the remarkable feat.                                                                                                                                from NUS Science, NUS                  recommendations
                                                                                                                                                                                                         The 14-member ORC             “Many of us in the ORC                     Business School, and Halls             in the final report
                                                                                                                                                                                                         comprises a diverse mix       are alumni of NUS, and we                  of Residence where they                will be shared with the
    Bonding with music in Myanmar                                                                                                                                                                        of representatives from       understand how a well-                     shared their candid views.             NUS community.

    Music builds bridges,
    regardless of culture,
                                            traditional Myanmar songs,
                                            as well as pieces specially
                                                                                   The performance in Yangon
                                                                                   was shown live on
                                                                                                                              for Ms Aung San Suu Kyi in
                                                                                                                              Nay Pyi Taw. At the end of                                                 Arts and Social Sciences curriculum enhanced
    language or politics. This              composed by Assistant                  national television.                       the concert, she even came
    was evident when students               Professor Chen Zhangyi from                                                       up to the stage to speak                                                   To further enrich the                                                                                           education that explores
    from Yong Siew Toh                      YSTCM and Burmese cellist              Co-conductor Asst Prof Chen                to the musicians. We also                                                  undergraduate experience                                                                                        other interests, including
    Conservatory of Music                   Mr Saw James Hsar Doe Soe.             noted, “It was a rare                      really enjoyed the response                                                and to better equip                                                                                             double majors and
    (YSTCM) at NUS played                                                          opportunity for us to perform              of the audience at Yangon.”                                                students for their career                                                                                       overseas programmes.
    seamlessly with a Myanmar               “The project was such a                                                                                                                                      in the social sciences and
    orchestra and a traditional             great experience because I                                                                                                                                   humanities domain, NUS                                                                                          Students can opt for
    Myanmar ensemble, despite               not only took on the role of                                                                                                                                 Arts and Social Sciences                                                                                        two more Unrestricted
    cultural differences.                   a musician, but also became                                                                                                                                  has revised its curriculum                                                                                      Electives to pursue
                                            an ambassador of the music                                                                                                                                   for first-year students.                                                                                        non-major or cross-
    In two concerts held in                 between our two countries,”                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  faculty modules. The
                                                                                                                                                                    Photo: Singapore Embassy of Yangon

    August at Nay Pyi Taw                   said Mr Saw, a co-conductor                                                                                                                                  From Academic Year                                                                                              minimum number of
    and Yangon in Myanmar,                  and the Conservatory’s                                                                                                                                       2016/17 onwards, the                                                                                            modules for majors
    the events organised by                 first Burmese alumnus.                                                                                                                                       enhanced curriculum seeks     Acting Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills) Ong Ye Kung (right)   has been reduced to
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       launching the new curriculum, with NUS Deputy President (Academic Affairs)
    the Singapore Embassy in                                                                                                                                                                             to lay the groundwork for                                                                                       accommodate the new
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       and Provost Prof Tan Eng Chye (left) and NUS Arts and Social Sciences Dean
    Yangon commemorated                     Burmese dignitaries including                                                                                                                                freshmen by providing         Prof Brenda Yeoh
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         compulsory modules and
    the 50th anniversary                    Ms Aung San Suu Kyi,                                                                                                                                         them with more breadth                                                                                          Unrestricted Electives.
    of diplomatic relations                 Myanmar’s State Counsellor                                                                                                                                   to explore their interests    The modified curriculum                    Communication — to                     Internships will be
    between the two countries.              and Foreign Minister,                                                                                                                                        outside their major without   introduces two new                         improve students’ skills               formalised as part of
                                            as well as Singapore’s                                                                                                                                       delaying graduation,          mandatory core modules                     in writing, expression                 the course to encourage
    The concert repertoire                  Ambassador to Myanmar                                                                                                                                        while ensuring depth          — Writing Academically:                    and communication. The                 students to gain work-
    consisted of several genres             Mr Robert Chua attended                Ms Suu Kyi (in green) speaking to the musicians after the concert, with Mr Saw                                        and specialised training      Arts and Social Sciences,                  restructure will extend                related experience
    — Western classical music,              the concert in Nay Pyi Taw.            (far left) and Assoc Prof Chen (2nd from right) looking on                                                            in the major disciplines.     and Public Writing and                     flexibility for a broad-based          before graduation.

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UN Sec-Gen Ban Ki-moon: Honorary Graduate - SEP-OCT 2016 - Singapore Cybersecurity ...
ACCOLADES                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        NUS NEWS

    Among the top 25 worldwide                                                                                                                  Helping hand design for kitchen lauded
                                                                          reputation, employer                 that this year’s global                                                                                        ease cutting and a silicone        While pleased with the
                                                                          reputation, citations per            rankings are the most                                                                                          net to assist dishwashing.         recognition, Loren maintained
                                                                          faculty, faculty student             comprehensive and robust.                                                                                                                         that his greater joy comes
                                                                          ratio, and proportions of                                                                                                                           Watching his uncle, a stroke       from raising awareness of
                                                                          international students and           He highlighted, “The                                                                                           victim, struggle during meal       inclusive design. “There is still
                                                                          international faculty.               fact that NUS has been                                                                                         preparation motivated Loren        plenty of room for the design
                                                                                                               able to strengthen its                                                                                         to invent such an inclusive        community in Singapore
                                                                          This year, THE expanded              leading position, and move                                                                                     item. “That is when I felt I       to look to the needs of the
                                                                          its World University                 closer to the very top of                                                                                      could design products that         disadvantaged,” he said.
                                                                          Rankings to include                  the table, is testament                                                                                        could assist him. Oneware
                                                                          980 universities from                to its extraordinary                                                                                           endeavours to bring cooking        Oneware has also previously
                                                                          79 countries, representing           leadership and vision,                                                                                         to everyone with its elegant       won the top prize in the
                                                                          some five per cent of the            backed by a commitment                                                                                         and versatile designs,” he said.   2016 IKEA Singapore Young
                                                                          world’s higher education             to true internationalisation                                                                                                                      Designer Award.
                                                                          institutions. Among them             and serious investment and                                                                                     To further address
                                                                          were 289 Asian universities          support from Government.”                                                                                      the community’s
                                                                          from 24 countries, of                                                                                                                               challenges,
                                                                          which 19 universities                The University has also been                                                                                   Loren
                                                                                                                                                Oneware has a component that helps one-handed individuals to cut food
                                                                          made the top 200.                    placed among the top 20                                                                                        conducted
                                                                                                                                                A kitchenware that aids                 Loren will be vying with              in-depth
                                                                                                                                                people with only one                    entries from around the               research for his
    NUS has joined the league         and academic reputation,                                                                                  functional arm to cut                   globe for a place on the              final-year thesis
    of the world’s best 25            with perfect scores in both
                                                                                The data clearly demonstrates that                              fruits and wash dishes                  International Top 20 list.            with the support
    universities, besides securing    metrics. It was named first in            National University of Singapore is                             has won over judges.                                                          of organisations
    the pole position in Asia.        Singapore, as well as 9 th and                                                                                                                    The James Dyson Award                 such as the Disabled
                                      11th globally, respectively.
                                                                                the number one university in Asia.                              Creator of the inclusive                required participants to              People’s Association. He spoke
    It clinched the 12th spot in                                                                             – Mr Phil Baty, Editor,            innovation, recent NUS                  submit a product that                 to amputees and people born
    the Quacquarelli Symonds          This edition of the QS                                          THE World University Rankings             Industrial Design graduate              “solves a problem”. Loren’s           with one arm, as well as those
    (QS) World University             World University Rankings,                                                                                Loren Lim received the                  Oneware, conceptualised               suffering from stroke and
    Rankings 2016/2017,               which covered more                  THE uses 13 calibrated               in four subject areas in the     National Winner in the                  as an add-on tool for the             hand injuries, to gain personal
    and best in Asia, for the         than 900 universities,              performance indicators               World University Rankings        James Dyson Award for                   sink, is dedicated to people          understanding of their needs.
    second consecutive year.          sought responses from               to assess a university’s             2016–2017 by subject.            Singapore. The worldwide                with a single good arm for            He also closely observed real
    NUS also rose two rungs           74,651 academics and                strengths in five                                                     design competition                      performing a range of kitchen         users working in the kitchen,
    to 24th in the latest Times       37,781 employers.                   areas — teaching,                    It achieved 7th position         celebrates the work of                  chores more effectively. The          before conducting several
    Higher Education (THE)                                                research, citations,                 for Engineering and              university students in                  device comprises a main               rounds of prototyping, testing
    World University Rankings         To evaluate a university’s          international outlook                Technology; 10 th and 13 th in   industrial design, product              frame and two modular                 and evaluation, to arrive
    2016–2017, the only Asian         strengths in research,              and industry income.                 the two new subject areas        design or engineering.                  units — a chopping board to           at the submission entry.             Loren with his dishwashing silicone net
    university in the top 25 list.    teaching, employability                                                  of Computer Science, and
                                      and internationalisation,           Mr Phil Baty, Editor of              Business and Economics,

                                                                                                                                                Influential business academics under 40
    The QS rankings show NUS          six performance indicators          THE World University                 respectively; and 18 th
    doing well in employer            were employed — academic            Rankings, pointed out                in Physical Sciences.

                                                                                                                                                Nine of the 18 most influential                       also made his mark in this year’s
    Asia’s 11 most innovative university
                           th                                                                                                                   professors aged 40 and below in
                                                                                                                                                Singapore identified by Singapore
                                                                                                                                                                                                      Poets & Quants global list of 40 most
                                                                                                                                                                                                      outstanding “under 40” business
                                                                                                                                                Business Review hail from NUS Business                professors across the world.
    NUS’ concerted efforts in science             NUS President Professor Tan Chorh Chuan           from 2009 to 2014. The papers were
                                                                                                                                                School. The list acknowledges young
    and technology have been                      stressed the strong emphasis on                   cross-referenced against the number of
    recognised by the inaugural Reuters           pioneering innovations and enhancing              patents filed by these organisations.
                                                                                                                                                business academics who have shown                     Young talented professors
                                                                                                                                                notable willingness to share their skills,
    Top 75: Asia’s Most Innovative                the translational impact of the
                                                                                                                                                knowledge and expertise in any medium.                • Assoc Prof Fu Qiang (Strategy & Policy)
    Universities ranking. Making its              University’s research for the benefit             Reuters used 10 metrics to arrive at
                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Assoc Prof Keung Ching Tung
    debut at 11th spot, the University            of Singapore and beyond. He sees                  the composite score that determined
                                                                                                                                                These rising stars, both in the classroom               (Accounting)
    joined the ranks of top schools               the ranking as a strong endorsement               the position of each educational
                                                                                                                                                and in cutting-edge research, were                    • Assoc Prof Li Xiuping (Marketing)
    lauded for advancing science,                 of NUS as a research powerhouse                   institution: Patent Volume, Patent
                                                                                                                                                nominated by their colleagues and various             • Assoc Prof Qian Wenlan (Finance)
    developing new technologies and               and a centre of innovation in Asia.               Success, Global Patents, Patent
                                                                                                                                                business schools. They include authors                • Asst Prof Kim Heeyon (Strategy & Policy)
    powering the global economy.                                                                    Citations, Patent Citation Impact,
                                                                                                                                                of impactful publications and sought-                 • Asst Prof Michael Ke Mai
                                                  The IP & Science division of Thomson              Percent of Patents Cited, Patent to
                                                                                                                                                after speakers in different forums.                     (Management & Organisation)
    NUS stands out as the highest                 Reuters compiled the list based on data           Article Citation Impact, Industry Article
                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Asst Prof Johan Sulaeman (Finance)
    placed educational institution in             from some 150 Asian academic and                  Citation Impact, Percent of Industry
                                                                                                                                                The youngest, 27-year-old Assistant                   • Asst Prof Zhang Yan (Marketing)
    Asia, outside of Northeast Asia, on           government agencies which published               Collaborative Articles and Total Web
                                                                                                                                                Professor Sam Yam from the Department                 • Asst Prof Sam Yam
    the list.                                     the most number of scholarly articles             of Science Core Collection Papers.
                                                                                                                                                of Management and Organisation,                         (Management & Organisation)

8                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        9
UN Sec-Gen Ban Ki-moon: Honorary Graduate - SEP-OCT 2016 - Singapore Cybersecurity ...
PERSPECTIVES                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        NUS NEWS

     Ban Ki-moon: Be a global citizen                                                                                                                          No limits to being better
                                                                                                                            and when UN would get a            Many institutions, including NUS,                       university as well as a global university           “In addition to these,” Prof Tan said,
                                                                                                                            female Secretary-General.          aspire to be stellar universities but                   centred in Asia.                                    “we must also experiment with bold
                                                                                                                            Mr Ban, who is relinquishing       this is as much a long-term journey                                                                         new ideas.”
                                                                                                                            the post year end, said it         as a destination, said NUS President                               “We want our students and
                                                                                                                            is “high time” a female            Professor Tan Chorh Chuan in his                                   graduates to emerge with a               He cited the 2001 establishment of the
                                                                                                                            heads the organisation             keynote speech at the Times Higher                                  deep understanding of Asia              NUS Overseas Colleges programme
                                                                                                                            after 72 years. During his         Education’s (THE) World Academic                                    and the world. We strive for            as an anchor for entrepreneurial
                                                                                                                            decade at the helm, he             Summit at the University of                                        world class research standards           students, as well as the development of
                                                                                                                            found “the best qualified          California, Berkeley (UC                                                  and aim to develop                “Blk 71” launch pads in San Francisco,
                                                                                                                            persons were women”.               Berkeley) on 28 September.                                                  special expertise on            US, China and Singapore, as bold
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Asia,” said Prof Tan.          experiments that have become effective
                                                                                                                            Seeing very few women              Referencing Dr Jamil Salmi’s                                                                                differentiators for NUS.
                                                                                                                            holding senior UN positions,       paper on “The Challenge
                                                                                                                            Mr Ban has been pushing to         of Establishing World
                                                                                                                            shatter the glass ceiling. He      Class Universities” during                                                                                        We look at how we can
                                                                                                                            lamented that good qualified       his speech, Prof Tan said,                                                                                        be an important node
                                                                                                                            capable women were hidden          “Category fundamentals
                                                                                                                            in the mud, so “you need to        for world class universities                                                                                      in key networks, and
                                                                                                                            take those jewels out and          include having a critical mass of                                                                                 position ourselves as
                                                                                                                            polish, then they shine”.          top talent, ample resources and                 Prof Tan speaking on the challenges of a world                    the preferred partner of
                                                                                                                                                               good governance. But there is need              class university
                                                                                                                            To date, he had appointed          to go beyond these, to think about
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 choice in Asia, and also
     Mr Ban (left) sharing his own experience at the conversation session moderated by Dr Heyzer (right)
                                                                                                                            seven women as heads               how you can further differentiate                       He added that NUS’ position as a                          among global institutions.
     During a student trip to the              NUS President Professor                    education. “You can be a          of missions, and five are          yourself as a university.”                              preferred partner was based on a                                – Prof Tan Chorh Chuan,
     US sponsored by the Red                   Tan Chorh Chuan.                           leader of this country, you       currently commanding                                                                       strong and successful track record                                        NUS President
     Cross in the 1960s, a young                                                          can be leader of this region,     peacekeepers in conflict           Most universities seek to achieve this                  of creating distinctive value with
     Ban Ki-moon was so inspired by            During the talk, Mr Ban                    you can be leader of this         zones around the world.            by accruing significant numbers of                      partner universities such as Duke                   The THE World Academic Summit was
     US President John F Kennedy               encouraged the students                    world,” he told the students.                                        talented faculty, staff and students                    University and Yale University.                     hosted by UC Berkeley at its Clark Kerr
     that he vowed to pursue a                 to be ambitious, but also                                                    Mr Ban was on a two-day            who originate transformative                                                                                Conference Center. The summit featured
     career in diplomacy. Little               to consciously contribute                  He urged young Singaporeans       working visit to Singapore         ideas, influence the direction of a                     NUS partnered Duke in 2005 to                       speeches by UC Berkeley’s Chancellor
     did the high school boy from              to the community.                          to broaden their horizon for      with his wife Mrs Ban              particular field, create important                      establish Duke-NUS Medical School, and              Professor Nicholas Dirks, University of
     the then war-torn Korean                                                             a global vision and passion,      Soon-taek and senior UN            new products or services, and                           collaborated with Yale University to set            Cambridge’s Vice-Chancellor Sir Leszek
     countryside dream that he                 Singapore impressed him                    as well as nurture compassion     officials. During his trip,        ultimately create high impact.                          up Yale-NUS College, Singapore’s first              Borysiewicz, THE Rankings Editor Phil Baty;
     would not only become a                   as a “shining example” of                  for poor and marginalised         he was conferred the                                                                       liberal arts and science school, in 2011.           conversations with LinkedIn co-founder
     diplomat in South Korea’s                 democracy, economics, financial            people. His key message           Honorary Doctor of Letters         Beyond this, however, there could be                    Both schools have clearly differentiated            Reid Hoffman as well as UC Berkeley’s
     Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but          progress, social solidarity and            — be a global citizen.            by NUS in recognition of           additional ways of differentiation.                     models of learning that create distinctive          Nobel Laureate for Physics, Professor
     also rise to the highest office in        diversity amid a multiracial                                                 his international efforts          Citing the NUS vision as an example,                    value for the respective partners, faculty          Saul Perlmutter; and panel discussions.
     the world’s intergovernmental             society; he attributed its great           Students asked the passionate     to promote sustainable             he said NUS’ differentiating value                      and students, Singapore and the wider               The two-day event was attended by
     body, the United Nations (UN).            ideas, initiatives and vision              advocate questions on             development and global             proposition is that it is a national                    regional and global community.                      300 participants from around the world.
                                               to good quality leaders and                sustainable development,          peace and security.
     The current UN Secretary-
     General shared his personal
     journey with NUS students and
     faculty at “Thought Leaders
     at NUS: In Conversation with
                                               The value of a humanities and social science education
     the Secretary-General of the              Studying the humanities                    Gungwu, University Professor      ability for critical thinking                                                                                         For Prof Mahbubani, a              about the present that can be
     United Nations” on 30 August.             and social sciences has not                at NUS Arts and Social Sciences   and analysis; provided a                                                                                              university education does          separated from the past”.
     The dialogue session was                  only impacted the lives of                 and Chairman of the East          better social perspective and                                                                                         not mean learning specific
     moderated by NUS Trustee                  three prominent NUS alumni,                Asian Institute at NUS, shared    understanding to cope with                                                                                            information about some great       Questions following the
     Dr Noeleen Heyzer, social                 it has also greatly helped                 their personal journeys at a      ambiguity; and inculcated                                                                                             philosophers. “What you’re         discussion revolved around the
     scientist and former UN                   their successful careers.                  roundtable discussion titled      an affinity for language                                                                                              trying to get is an ability to     perception that humanities and
     Under-Secretary-General,                                                             “The Value of a Humanities        that enables effective and                                                                                            think, analyse, write well...      social science studies are not
     who was Special Adviser to                Professor Chan Heng Chee,                  and Social Science Education”     clear communication.                                                                                                  And if you can acquire those       practical for the job market.
     the Secretary-General.                    NUS Trustee, Chairman of the               on 7 September.                                                                                                                                         skills, they are amazingly
                                               National Arts Council and                                                    On what she got out of her                                                                                            useful,” he pointed out.           In response, the panellists called
     The over 100 attendees                    Ambassador-at-Large with the               To underscore the invaluable      literature and political science                                                                                                                         for a change in how education
     included NUS Chairman                     Singapore Ministry of Foreign              rewards reaped from their love    classes, Prof Chan recalled                                                                                           Prof Wang, a historian,            is envisioned — instead of the
     Mr Wong Ngit Liong; Board                 Affairs; Professor Kishore                 affair with the humanities,       fondly, “A lot of pleasure                                                                                            strongly believes that             singular attention on grades
     Trustees Mr Neo Kian Hong,                Mahbubani, Dean of Lee Kuan                the speakers recounted            and excitement of discovery.                                                                                          Singapore needs to keep            and jobs, it should be viewed
     Mr Phillip Tan and                        Yew School of Public Policy                how the discipline shaped         And higher understanding           From left: Moderator National Arts Council’s CEO Paul Tan, Prof Chan,              a sense of continuity with         as a means for enhancing
     Mr Wong Fong Fui; and                     at NUS; and Professor Wang                 their minds; developed their      of self and surroundings.”         Prof Mahbubani and Prof Wang at the roundtable discussion                          the past as “there’s nothing       character and gaining skills.

10                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        11
UN Sec-Gen Ban Ki-moon: Honorary Graduate - SEP-OCT 2016 - Singapore Cybersecurity ...
RESEARCH                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         NUS NEWS

     Biochip takes on cancer, cell by cell                                                                                                                  Urban development affects butterflies’ diet
     A microfluidic chip designed      identifying low-                                                                                                     A small but conspicuous                                                                                                                  forested areas and urban
     by engineers from NUS             frequency occurring                                                                                                  butterfly could be a “fussy”                                                                                                             parks. The team recorded
     and start-up Clearbridge          mutations for better                                                                                                 feeder that only picks specific                                                                                                          190 butterfly species feeding
     mFluidics promises to             cancer diagnosis.                                                                                                    flowers, found NUS biologists.                                                                                                           on 149 plant species, with 30
     make personalised cancer          The equipment                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 selecting specific flowers.
     treatment a distinct reality.     detects the                                                                                                          A field study conducted
                                       presence of specific                                                                                                 by Anuj Jain, as part of                                                                                                                 The flower specialists had
     A world’s first in using          activating but                                                                                                       his doctoral thesis at NUS                                                                                                               conspicuous and bigger wing
     microfluidic flow to isolate      treatable mutations                                                                                                  Biological Sciences, revealed                                                                                                            spans but shorter proboscis,
     selected tumour cells for         to help doctors                                                                                                      that although most tropical                                                                                                              suggesting an evolutionary
     single cell analysis, the         decide on the                                                                                                        butterflies feed on a variety of                                                                                                         adaptation to escape
     invention allows accurate         best drugs, as well                                                                                                  flowers, those species choosy                                                                                                            predators during feeding.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Photo: Tea Yi Kai
     assessment of the cancer          as track changes                                                                                                     about their flower diets usually                                                                                                         Flower generalists possessed
     type so as to enable              or treatment                                                                                                         opt for native plants and are                                                                                                            longer proboscis lengths,
     targeted management.              progress during                                                                                                      more dependent on forests.                                                                                                               which broadened their food
                                       anticancer therapy.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           choices by allowing access
     The device created by                                                                                                                                  Singapore’s urbanisation                                                                                                                 to nectar in deep flowers.
                                                                                                                                                                                               Yellow Vein Lancer, a flower specialist, feeding on Leea indica flowers
     Professor Lim Chwee Teck                                                                                                                               has reduced the number
     from NUS Engineering                                                                                                                                   of native plants, affecting                       tropical forests. Changes in vegetation                    Of the 19 butterfly species that visit
     and his former PhD                                                 From left: Clearbridge mFluidics’ senior research officer and first author of the   the diet of such butterflies. This                structure due to urbanisation could alter                  both forests and urban parks, five
     student Dr Tan Swee Jin,                                           research Ms Trifanny Yeo, Dr Tan and Prof Lim with the microfluidic chip            may require intervention to manage                butterfly behaviour, and in turn, result                   expanded their diet in the parks
     now Technical Director of                                                                                                                              their preferred flower resources. The             in changes in native plant pollination                     housing more non-native plants. This
     Clearbridge mFluidics, can                                         cancer showing different                     hold a cell in each controlled         research, published online in Biological          and reproduction,” said Anuj.                              implies that non-native flowering
     seek out any cancer cell of                                        treatment outcomes. The                      chamber alongside the main             Conservation in July, addresses the                                                                          plants may benefit some butterflies
     choice obtained from liquid                                        researchers thus focus                       channel. The selected cells            dearth of information in the flower-              Anuj worked with Associate Professor                       by providing extra nectar resources.
     biopsy to perform single cell                                      on locating the critical                     are then ejected from the              feeding patterns of tropical butterflies.         Edward Webb from NUS, Assistant
     analysis. Liquid biopsy is less                                    ones such as cancer stem                     chambers for downstream                                                                  Professor Krushnamegh Kunte from the                       The scientists proposed that habitat
     invasive, less painful and can                                     cells or cancer cells with                   assessment. The biochip                “Understanding the complex                        National Centre for Biological Sciences in                 management for flower specialised
     be done more frequently                                            druggable mutation,                          takes about two to three               phenomenon of flower specialisation of            Bangalore, India, and butterfly experts                    butterflies would be important to
     compared to tumour biopsy         Some cancer cells can be         for the right remedy.                        hours to process a blood               butterflies is important as butterflies are       from the Nature Society (Singapore) to                     provide their preferred native flower
     that involves surgery.            more malignant and invasive,                                                  sample of about 101,000                known to be important pollinators of              survey 62 sites in Singapore, including                    sources in urbanising landscapes.
                                       limiting the effectiveness       The engineering feat uses                    cells with little losses.
                                                                        microfluidic dynamics to                     Conventional methods
                                                                                                                                                            Sonic crystal window blocks noise
     The innovative system gives       of treatment. This leads
     highly sensitive readings,        to patients with the same        move cells and passively                     such as micropipette
                                                                                                                     aspiration is very labour-
                                                                                                                     intensive and error-prone,                                                                    acoustics, while allowing for natural                 The tubes were made of
     Discovery detects early gastric cancer                                                                          while dielectrophoresis is                                                                    daylight and ventilation.                             aluminium for easier engineering,
                                                                                                                     expensive and complicated.                                                                                                                          but they could be crafted with a
     Gastric cancer is the third       investigation into this          prevalent at the initial                                                                                                                   Typically used to control sound                       transparent material for better
     leading cause of cancer           association may potentially      phase of gastric cancer, can                 The team has proven that                                                                      waves, sonic crystals are regularly                   viewing through the window.
     deaths globally. Most patients    help in the earlier detection    be spotted in precancerous                   the microfluidic device                                                                       spaced tubular structures which                       The new invention would save
     are only diagnosed at late        and better treatment of          and premalignant tissue                      is able to perform high-                                                                      form “band gaps” and prevent                          on air-conditioning and even
     stage, contributing to the        the deadly disease.              samples. This suggests                       throughput, selective picking                                                                 waves of certain frequencies from                     prevent the accumulation of
     poor five-year survival rate                                       that RNA editing levels,                     and isolation of single                                                                       travelling through. The size of the                   germs in places like hospitals.
     of less than 5 per cent.          RNA is an intermediate           obtainable through a                         circulating tumour cells                                                                      gaps determines the frequency that
                                       product between                  biopsy, could contribute to                  (CTCs) to 100 per cent purity                                                                 is eliminated.                                        The three-year study was one of
     A recent discovery by the         deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)      identifying individuals at                   from a larger population                                                                                                                            the few projects supported under
     Cancer Science Institute of       and the protein coded by         risk from the cancer during                  of other cells. The biochip                                                                   The NUS Mechanical Engineering                        the Land and Liveability National
     Singapore at NUS may bring        DNA. Acting as a messenger,      the disease’s early stages.                  takes less than an hour                                                                       team led by Associate Professor Lee                   Innovation Challenge, initiated
     hope to such patients by          RNA undergoes a series                                                        to pick selected cells                                                                        Heow Pueh is the first to incorporate                 by the Ministry of National
     catching the disease              of changes known as RNA          The discovery has potential                  from a sample of over                                                                         sonic crystals in windows. The group                  Development and National
     at its initial stages.            editing during message           to translate into molecular                  30,000 with little losses.                                                                    designed tubes with slits and tested                  Research Foundation. The work is
                                                                                                                                                            Assoc Prof Lee (right) and Dr Lee Hsiao Mun
                                       transmission. This process       therapy, said Prof Tan, who                                                                                                                the prototypes at NUS Eusoff Hall.                    a collaboration with the Building
                                                                                                                                                            demonstrating the innovative windows
     The scientists, headed by         may encounter uncontrolled       is also with the Duke-NUS                    The breakthrough work                                                                         They found that the novel windows                     and Construction Authority and
     Assistant Professor Polly Chen    or disordered transfer of        Medical School. The team                     published in Scientific                Crowded spaces in high-density cities                  cut traffic and construction noise                    National Environment Agency.
     and Professor Patrick Tan,        DNA information, resulting       will further examine the                     Reports could pave the way             like Singapore generate noise that can                 — with frequencies ranging from
     found that changes in             in a modified gene product       key RNA editing events                       to customised medicine.                adversely affect urban dwellers.                       700Hz to 1,400Hz — by half.                           The researchers are exploring
     ribonucleic acid (RNA)            with cancer-causing qualities.   driving gastric cancer                       Dr Tan revealed that a                                                                                                                              portable versions of their
     sequences are closely                                              development and explore                      prototype of the system will           To reduce such unwanted sounds, NUS                    Adding a jagged edge to individual                    patented invention, such
     related to the development        The research team observed       safe and efficient methods                   be out year end, with an               engineers have designed an innovative                  panes of the hollow tube further                      as temporary screens for
     of gastric cancer. Further        that RNA editing, more           to correct this process.                     improved version in 2017.              sonic crystal window which filters loud                lowered the noise by another decibel.                 events, said Prof Lee.

12                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   13
UN Sec-Gen Ban Ki-moon: Honorary Graduate - SEP-OCT 2016 - Singapore Cybersecurity ...
NUS NEWS

     Social work education                                                            Engineering alumni                                                          Alumni and friends tee off for charity
     pioneer turns 90                                                                 award for Minister
                                                                                      The NUS Engineering
                                                                                      Alumni Gala Dinner
                                                                                      held on 2 September
                                                                                      lauded the significant
                                                                                      contributions of two
                                                                                      engineering alumni
                                                                                      to the University
                                                                                      and society.

                                                                                      Minister for the
                                                                                      Environment and
                                                                                      Water Resources
                                                                                      Masagos Zulkifli
                                                                                      and TCL Group’s
                                                                                                                                                                  Some 140 NUS alumni and friends participated in the annual golf tournament this year
                                                                                      independent
                                                                                      company director         From left: NUS Engineering Dean Prof Chua Kee      In its inaugural fundraising              will also be eligible for                    of the alumni and friends,              NUS Law student. “I want
                                                                                                               Chaing, Mr Masagos, NUS President Prof Tan Chorh
                                                                                      Mr Leong Yue Wing Chuan and Mr Leong at the award ceremony                  effort, the 25th NUS Alumni               government matching.                         saying, “Their contributions            to do what I can to help
                                                                                      received the                                                                and Friends Charity Golf 2016                                                          provide a strong boost to               today’s students, who are
     Mrs Wee (centre) celebrating her birthday with Mr Tan (3rd from left), friends   Distinguished Engineering               in forming disaster relief          held on 13 October chalked                Graced by Guest-of-Honour                    the University’s ongoing                facing the same financial
     and guests including (from far right) Mrs Lee, Prof Chan and Mrs Marshall
                                                                                      Alumni Award and the                    organisation Mercy Relief.          up more than $500,000 in                  Emeritus Senior Minister                     efforts to enable more of               challenges, to benefit
     Even though Mrs Ann Wee                    David Marshall is another             Engineering Alumni Service                                                  gifts and contributions.                  Goh Chok Tong, the                           our talented students to                from a life-changing
     has been contributing to                   pioneer and compatriot                Honours, respectively.                  Mr Leong, who held                                                            tournament at the Raffles                    fulfil their potential and              education just as I did.”
     society from young, the                    in social work education.                                                     senior management                   The funds raised at the annual            Country Club attracted                       make a lasting impact to
     mother of social work                                                            Mr Masagos pursued a long               responsibilities in Philips         event, jointly organised                  about 140 NUS alumni                         the Singapore community.”               The cheque of $564,500
     education in Singapore                     In a session moderated                and successful professional             Consumer Electronics and            by NUS and the National                   and friends.                                                                         was presented to Prof Tan
     is still actively pursuing                 by Head of NUS Social                 career with Singapore                   TCL Multimedia Technology           University of Singapore                                                                A staunch supporter of                  at a dinner and prize
     her passion at 90.                         Work Associate Professor              Telecommunications Ltd, but             Holdings Ltd, has been              Society (NUSS), will support              NUS Deputy President                         the Charity Golf, NUSS                  presentation ceremony
                                                Esther Goh, Mrs Wee’s close           left for the public sector to           actively engaging the NUS           20 bursaries per year for NUS             (Academic Affairs)                           President Mr Eddie Lee                  after the tournament.
     The NUS Associate                          friends and a former student          focus on his passion for the            community. He spearheaded           students needing financial                and Provost Professor                        recalled having to take out             Key donors also received
     Professorial Fellow                        shared personal anecdotes             welfare of Singaporeans.                the establishment of the            help, starting from Academic              Tan Eng Chye thanked the                     a loan and work part-time               commemorative plaques
     celebrated her birthday,                   about the nonagenarian                Besides involving himself               Engineering Class of 1976           Year 2018/19. These gifts                 generosity and support                       for his tuition fees as an              for their contribution.
     which was on 27 July,                      extraordinaire.                       tirelessly in Muslim and                Bursary Fund to provide
     with NUS Social Work                                                             grassroots activities, he also          financial aid for engineering
     staff, students, alumni                    Professor Chan Heng Chee,             played an instrumental role             undergraduates.                             Parents rally behind children’s classmates
     and guests at the NUS                      Ambassador-at-Large and

                                                                                      ISS marks 35th anniversary
     Society Kent Ridge Guild                   NUS Trustee, remembered
     House on 19 August.                        her first impression of
                                                                                                                                                                              A few lives are made easier by not having to
                                                Mrs Wee — an elegant
     Mrs Wee joined the                         lady putting on a scarf                                                                                                       worry about taking the MRT before the cut-off
     Department of Social                       and zooming off in her                                                                                                        timing for free rides to save money. The same
     Studies in 1957 at the                     open-top sports car, “a                                                                                                       few lives will make a bigger impact on other lives
     University of Malaya,                      regular Grace Kelly of                                                                                                        when they graduate than I ever could on my own.
     an NUS predecessor                         her time in Singapore”.
     institution. She was                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Class of 2020 at NUS Medicine
     promoted to the Head                       Also relating their                                                                                                       Madam Tan, mother of a student from the Class of 2020
     of Department 10 years                     experiences with                                                                                                          at NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine
     later and stepped down                     Mrs Wee were retired                                                                                                      Madam Tan rallied the parents of the Class of 2020 to set up the Class of
     at age 60, the longest-                    NUS Librarian Mrs Lee                                                                                                     2020 Parents’ Bursary at NUS Medicine, in the hope of changing the lives of
     serving head to date.                      Wang Cheng Yeng; Mrs                                                                                                      students in the class who are in financial need.
                                                Marshall; and voluntary
                                                                                      Mr Ong (centre, in light blue), with NUS and ISS heads during the dinner
     Special guest Minister                     welfare organisation                                                                                                      To find out more about making a gift to NUS, call 1-800-DEVELOP (1-800-338-3567),
     for Social and Family                      Promoting Alternatives                The NUS Institute                          Graced by Guest-of-Honour                email askdvo@nus.edu.sg or visit www.giving.nus.edu.sg
     Development Tan Chuan-Jin                  to Family Violence                    of Systems Science                         Mr Ong Ye Kung, Acting
     attended the exclusive                     Executive Director Dr                 (NUS-ISS) celebrated                       Minster for Eduation (Higher
     occasion, together with                    Sudha Nair, Mrs Wee’s                 its 35th year of training                  Education and Skills), the       Editorial Team: Tan Lay Leng, Cassandra Yue, Sharon Roberts, Rachel Lim, Amanda Yee
     Mrs Jean Marshall, who                     student who recently                  and developing                             event was attended by some       :: Office of Corporate Relations, National University of Singapore
     also turned 90 this year.                  won the Her World’s                   infocomm technology                        300 business leaders, industry   :: University Hall, Lee Kong Chian Wing, UHL #05-03, 21 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119077
     The widow of Singapore’s                   Woman of the Year award               professionals on                           professionals, educators,        :: +65 6516 1517 (Tel) :: +65 6775 7630 (Fax) :: news@nus.edu.sg (E) :: news.nus.edu.sg/inprint (W)
     first Chief Minister                       for her social work.                  30 September.                              NUS staff and alumni.            :: Company Registration No: 200604346E

14                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           15
UN Sec-Gen Ban Ki-moon: Honorary Graduate - SEP-OCT 2016 - Singapore Cybersecurity ...
Service to society
In a strong show of support for NUS’        Mr Don Yeo launched an
tradition of giving back to society,        international coastal clean-
some 1,400 staff, students and alumni       up organised by College of
rolled up their sleeves, literally, to      Alice & Peter Tan and NUS
participate in community activities at      Human Resources. Some
the inaugural NUS Day of Service.           160 gung-ho volunteers
                                            collected and sorted 923kg
An initiative of the NUS Alumni             of trash along the coastline.
Advisory Board, the 21 projects
classified under Environment, Food,         Other activities included
Health and Knowledge took place             food distribution by NUS
locally and abroad on 3 September,          Alumni Relations to 2,000
targeting about 4,500 beneficiaries.        needy families at Food from
                                            the Heart’s Self Collection
“NUS traces its roots to a modest medical   Centres nationwide; a
school founded in 1905 through the          community awareness
strong support of the local community.      programme titled “Bin
Because of this, beyond the pursuit of      Right!” by alumni of            Students helping to prepare food at the Willing Hearts soup kitchen
excellence and academic achievement,        NUS Master of Science
giving back to the community has            (Environmental Management) and                  greater cause alongside a group
been a central and integral part of         NUS Environmental Studies on using              of like-minded individuals.”
our education philosophy,” said NUS         recycling bins; a visit by the NUS
President Professor Tan Chorh Chuan.        Students’ Union to the Action for               Overseas alumni also joined in the
                                            Singapore Dogs shelter to promote               Day of Service. The NUS Auckland
In the early hours of the morning,          animal welfare; a Mid-Autumn Festival           Overseas Chapter hosted a dinner
Prof Tan and 45 people brought together     celebration with elderly residents in           to raise funds for the Asthma
by NUS Tembusu College prepared,            Chinatown conducted by Eusoff Hall;             and Respiratory Foundation
cooked and delivered food alongside         and free door-to-door basic health              New Zealand; the NUS Xiamen
regular volunteers at the Willing Hearts    screening for tenants of rental flats           Overseas Chapter educated primary
soup kitchen. The charity caters 5,000      under NUS Medicine’s Neighbourhood              school students about conservation
meals daily to underprivileged and          Health Service programme.                       of traditional villages in Quanzhou,
marginalised individuals in Singapore.                                                      China; while the Lee Kuan Yew
                                            Noted Year 2 NUS Social Work                    School of Public Policy Overseas
On the eastern shore of the island, NUS     student Janice Yeo, “I definitely               Alumni Chapters in Bangladesh, India
Deputy President (Administration)           encourage more people to participate            and Japan planted 200 saplings,
                                            in the next NUS Day of Service. It’s            fed poor children and held a
                                            a very meaningful way to spend                  fundraising event, respectively.
                                            your Saturday and contribute to a

                                                                         NUS staff and students participating in an international coastal clean-up
UN Sec-Gen Ban Ki-moon: Honorary Graduate - SEP-OCT 2016 - Singapore Cybersecurity ...
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