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Address by Professor Tan Tai Yong at SUSS Convocation 2024

Mr Chan Chun Sing, Minister for Education,
Mdm Halimah Yacob, SUSS Chancellor,
Mrs Mildred Tan, SUSS Chairman,
SUSS Board of Trustees,
Graduands, Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen

It’s a pleasure to welcome you all to this remarkable venue for our convocation ceremony.

2. This year is particularly special as it’s the first time we’re holding our convocation at an external location, here at the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre. The reason is simple: we wanted to accommodate our growing community and ensure that more of you could be part of this celebration, as SUSS continues to expand in both size and impact.

3. Just like last year, we’re once again celebrating the graduation of our largest cohort ever—over 3,200 graduands. Among you are the pioneer batch of four new master’s programmes in Built Environment, Digital Marketing, Psychology, as well as Boundary-Crossing Learning and Leadership. This diversity of programmes reflects the breadth of opportunities we offer and the dynamic nature of our institution.

4. Congratulations and well done to all graduands.

A sign of greater things to come

5. The decision to hold our convocation in a new venue also signals our desire to mark our distinctiveness as a university. As we establish our reputation and identity, locations will acquire meanings. We are now sitting on an old campus, but this will soon change. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong confirmed at the National Day Rally that SUSS will have its own campus. I hope that our eventual home will capture the energy of a university poised for transformation.

6. As we look forward to our future home, we must now envision what we want the new campus to represent. It must be more than just a physical space—it must embody who we are. It will represent our very identity at the heart of society and industry, positioning us as a nexus of learning, collaboration, and innovation. It will symbolise our journey as an autonomous university, reflecting our growth, values, and vision for the future.

7. As an autonomous university, how do we develop programmes with strong industry connections, hands-on learning, and more work-study opportunities?.

8. Our curriculum centres on practical skills and real-world applications, effectively bridging the gap between theory and industry needs.

9. For instance, valedictorian Benjamin Lin’s journey exemplifies how our programmes drive professional growth. Originally an English literature graduate with aspirations to teach, Benjamin transitioned to banking but felt the need for deeper industry knowledge. This led him to pursue a Master of Finance at SUSS, drawn by its dual focus on finance and financial technology.

10. Today, Benjamin works as an associate at JP Morgan, one of the largest investment banks in the US, where he provides solutions to corporations for managing and unlocking working capital. His story highlights how our programmes prepare graduates to thrive in competitive industries with both technical knowledge and practical experience. Well done, Benjamin!

Impactful partnerships

11. Our impact goes well beyond the classroom, actively shaping the community through purposeful continuous learning, applied research, and impactful partnerships. We work with a diverse range of organisations, from social service agencies and the Government to major international corporations, tackling pressing societal issues and bridging critical gaps.

12. For example, our collaboration with Allkin Singapore enhances capacity building among social work practitioners, equipping them to better support those in need. With SG Assist, we developed the Age+ Living Lab, which helps seniors, caregivers, and the public explore assistive products to support ageing in place.

13. This drive for meaningful impact extends to industry collaborations.

14. Take, for example, our long-standing relationship with EY, a Big 4 accounting firm. EY offers work attachment opportunities for many of our students.

15. Arunn Kobi Krishna is one such student, an accountancy graduand who began his full-time role at EY just last week, following a six-month work attachment. His proactive approach and competence led EY to offer him a full-time position after his internship.

Showing gratitude

16. As we celebrate the achievements of graduands like Arunn and Benjamin, it’s also a moment to reflect on a theme that’s central to this convocation: gratitude.

17. Notice the spark motif around the venue? It isn’t just a design choice. It symbolises the support you’ve received from those who’ve been by your side. This design captures the essence of our new SUSS ethos of ‘Dream, Dare, Do’, celebrating the collective force that has lit up your path to this achievement.

18. To illustrate the profound impact of support, let me share another story from one of our graduands, Rosalind Foo. As a deaf student, Rosalind initially faced difficulties because she was unaware of available interpreter and notetaker services. She relied on lip-reading lectures, which left her feeling overwhelmed.

19. However, after meeting a deaf friend who introduced her to these services, Rosalind was able to have interpreters and notetakers accompany her to classes, significantly improving her learning experience.

20. Now, Rosalind graduates with a Bachelor of Counselling degree and stands proud as one of our six valedictorians. She has received several awards and made significant contributions by training hearing students and staff in sign language, promoting inclusivity across the university.

21. As you reflect on your own journey, let her story remind you of the importance of expressing gratitude to those who have supported you along the way.

22. We’ve created The Gratitude Wall here in the hall as a tangible way for you to do so. This isn’t just a wall for congratulations; it’s your opportunity to thank your closest allies and cheerleaders. If you haven’t already done so, take a moment to publicly recognise the support and dedication of those who’ve helped you reach this milestone.

23. Another way we’re commemorating this occasion is through the door gift you’re holding—a figurine dressed in SUSS graduation robes. But don’t let its charming appearance fool you. It’s more than just an adorable keepsake; it symbolises strength and resilience.

24. Why do I say so?

25. Allow me to share the story behind these figurines, crafted by the talented toymaker Kenneth Tan. His journey of overcoming adversity resonates with our values. Once a naval diver, Kenneth’s disability affected his mobility later in life. Undeterred, he channelled his creativity into making intricate figurines, showcasing his remarkable determination and resilience.

26. In the future, when you face difficulties, let this figurine remind you of your own triumphs, and draw strength from Kenneth’s story to persevere through adversity.

Our doors are always open

27. Wherever your path takes you next, the support and values you’ve gained at SUSS will continue to guide you as you embark on your future journeys.

28. As you move forward, I hope you will always see SUSS as a place for guidance and lifelong learning. Come back to further your studies, take up new courses, or simply to catch up with old friends. Our doors are always open.

29. Today, as we celebrate your achievements, let us also honour those who have stood by you—your families, friends, and everyone at SUSS who supported you along the way. Please join me in expressing our deepest gratitude to them.

30. Go forth to dream boldly, dare to take risks, and do so with determination. May your future be bright, purposeful, and fulfilling.

31. Congratulations once again, Class of 2024.


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