“Look far, think big, do right, and serve,” Dr Mary Ann Tsao advised the Class of 2012 at the close of her speech during the Opening Ceremony of SMU's 9th Commencement held on 25 July. Dr Tsao, founding director of the Tsao Foundation, was the Guest of Honour for the event which was hosted by the School of Social Sciences. The sentiments of her advice were echoed in other speeches and in many other ways throughout the thought-provoking, heart-warming and entertaining event.
“Thinking big” was clearly evident this year, with 1,929 students graduating in eight separate ceremonies spread over three days at the 1,200 capacity Rock Auditorium at Suntec City Mall. Proceedings began with the Grand Procession in which the Guest of Honour, Minister for Education Mr. Heng Swee Keat, SMU's cadre of leaders and senior faculty members entered the hall in full academic regalia to take their places on the stage.
SMU Chairman, Mr Ho Kwon Ping, commented that there were five-and-a-half times as many students graduating this year as there were at SMU's 1st Commencement. He also pointed out that although the hosts, the School of Social Sciences, began in 2002 within the combined School of Economics & Social Sciences and only became an independent school in 2007, Social Sciences were an integral part of SMU's founding concept of being more than a typical business university by placing an emphasis on social awareness and ethical responsibility. “The School and the lively dialogues on social and ethical issues that result from its presence and programmes add a unique dimension to SMU's holistic, multidisciplinary, and integrated education experience,” he explained.
SMU's “CIRCLE” values of Commitment, Integrity, Responsibility, Collegiality, Leadership and Excellence are fundamental to this holistic approach to education, observed SMU President, Professor Arnoud De Meyer in his speech. Professor De Meyer also presented CIRCLE Awards to twelve students recognised by the University whose contributions epitomise the CIRCLE values. “The winners have been actively involved in serving and giving back to SMU, and the community at large. They have demonstrated leadership abilities, are upright in character, and well-respected by peers, staff, and faculty. They are role models,” he announced.
The SPH Valedictorian Award Winner and SPH Magazines Salutatorian Winner, Alex Lim Xuxiang and Shaun Ng Jun Yong respectively, were also presented with their awards. In his speech, Valedictorian Alex Lim described the journey through SMU as “nothing short of transformational”. This thought was echoed in the captivating finale, before the Grand Recession. A choir of graduating students performed the song “For Good” from the musical “Wicked”, and in this touching farewell to their “U”, the lines “Because I knew you, I have been changed for good” were sung with a heartfelt passion.
