Celebrating Teaching Excellence: Highlights from the 10th SUSS Faculty Appreciation Event

We proudly marked our 10th Faculty Appreciation Event (FAE) on 27 July 2024, at the Shangri-La Hotel, with over 500 full-time and associate faculty members in attendance.

_{One for the memories – our faculty members can’t resist the fun and camaraderie of the photobooth.}

The annual FAE, hosted by the Associates Management department, is a heartfelt celebration of our dedicated Associate Faculty and full-time Faculty. It was a grand celebration of teaching excellence and pedagogical innovation, honouring 93 outstanding faculty members with certificates for their exemplary contributions. Additionally, 134 Lecturer Service Awards were presented, recognising their unwavering dedication to SUSS students and the university. This event was also graced by Mrs Mildred Tan, Chairman of SUSS Board of Trustees, and Ms Wee Ai Ning also from the Board of Trustees.

_{The elegant Shangri-La Island Ballroom was abuzz with excitement as 500 distinguished guests gathered for the SUSS Faculty Appreciation Event 2024}

_{A group of enthusiastic faculty members enjoying the cocktail reception at the SUSS Faculty Appreciation Event 2024 held at the Shangri-La Hotel.}

Professor Tan Tai Yong,President of SUSS,  delivered a heartfelt and inspiring welcome address. He emphasised the profound impact that great educators have on students' lives beyond the classroom and highlighted the innovative teaching methods our professors have developed in their quest to become better educators and mentors. Professor Tan also acknowledged the unique challenges faced by educators and reaffirmed SUSS's commitment to supporting their needs, ensuring they excel in their roles.

_{Professor Tan Tai Yong, SUSS President, and Mrs Mildred Tan, Chairman of the SUSS Board of Trustees, engaged in a casual discussion.}

_{Professor Tan Tai Yong, President of SUSS, delivering his heart-warming welcome address on innovation in teaching.}

Following this inspiring address, SUSS Provost Professor Robbie Goh captivated the audience with his equally dynamic opening speech. He emphasised the importance of embracing change, urging faculty to develop new methods to stay current. He cited generative AI as a key example, highlighting the need to adapt teaching methods to nurture a new generation of problem solvers and thinkers ready to tackle real-world challenges.

_{Professor Robbie Goh, SUSS Provost, addressing SUSS Faculty and awardees and reflecting on the importance of embracing change in education to develop future problem-solvers of society.}

The main categories are:

• Outstanding Teaching Award (OTA): Recognises staff who have demonstrated outstanding teaching practices that have enhanced students’ learning experiences at SUSS
• Excellence in Teaching Award (ETA): Recognises staff who have demonstrated capability and commitment to promoting teaching excellence
• Special Awards

The Outstanding Teaching Award, was established by the Teaching and Learning Centre to recognise the excellent teaching practices of faculty members who significantly contribute to students' learning at SUSS. This year's 11 awardees have shown exceptional passion in teaching and connecting with their students, empowering them both within and beyond the classroom. Watch the specially curated video showcasing the 11 winners below:

Additionally, SUSS proudly presented the inaugural 30-Year Lecturer Service Award to Dr Pamela Siow Sook Min.

_{Dr Pamela Siow Sook Mun (School of Science and Technology) receiving her 30-Year Lecturer Service Award from Provost Dr Robbie Goh.}

The awards presented at FAE 2024 included:

This year’s StudyGuide Excellence Awards received outstanding submissions from many faculties, showcasing their dedication and commitment to educational excellence. Associate Professor Lee Wee Leong, Vice-President of Learning Services, presented the top three winners with commendations and prizes.

_{Commending our dedicated faculty and award recipients at the SUSS Faculty Appreciation Event 2024 was a highlight of the evening.}

_{The joyous atmosphere was palpable as awardees proudly received their well-deserved accolades, surrounded by colleagues and friends.}

Significant thought and effort went into the gifts for all FAE guests. Each received a reusable bag from The Art Faculty, a social enterprise by the Autism Resource Centre supporting differently abled artists, and a Thank You card designed by adults with autism from the Eden Centre for Adults. This pilot project by the S R Nathan School of Human Development, Associates Management and Human Resources aims to foster inclusion, empathy, respect, and collaboration in inclusive hiring. Part of the SUSS Better Together Challenge 2024, it supports the SUSS Special Education Needs (SEN) Support Fund for students with special needs.

_{Guests were delighted to receive beautifully designed Thank You cards, crafted by adults with autism from the Eden Centre for Adults, as a token of appreciation.}

SUSS extends heartfelt thanks to all faculty members for their unwavering dedication to excellent teaching and lifelong learning. Congratulations to all award winners!