[Singapore, 25 July 2013 (Thursday)] – The Singapore Management University (SMU) today celebrated the graduation of 2,122 graduands at the University's Commencement ceremony which was held today at the Resorts World Sentosa Convention Centre.  This is SMU's 10^th and largest batch of graduates – for both its undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, since its inception in 2000 as Singapore’s first public-funded autonomous university.

The celebratory event was officially opened by Guest-of-Honour, Mr Heng Swee Keat, Singapore’s Minister for Education.  SMU Chancellor, Mr Yong Pung How, was also present to grace the event.

This year's graduates comprised 1,662 bachelor degree graduates who were admitted into SMU in 2009.  SMU also conferred postgraduate degrees on 456 master's students and four PhD students.  They include the graduands from four new SMU postgraduate programmes, namely Master of Laws, Master of Science in Communication Management, Master of Science in Innovation, and PhD in Business (Finance).

Two distinguished personalities were also conferred honorary degrees.  SMU awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) degree upon Dr Chan Sek Keong in recognition of his remarkable contributions to the development of the legal sector in Singapore, as Attorney-General and subsequently as Chief Justice.  Dr John Seely Brown also received an Honorary Doctor of Information Systems degree in recognition of his outstanding record as a scientist, scholar and innovator in the area of information and communications technology.

Said SMU President Professor Arnoud De Meyer at the ceremony, “I am especially pleased that many of you have come up to me and remarked that SMU has helped to create a different “you” – one who is more confident and articulate, with a strong sense of ethics and social responsibility.  You would also have had a journey through SMU filled with many valuable opportunities, including the chance to discover the world, to study and form friendships with your peers overseas through global exposure, which is an integral part of SMU education.”

According to SMU’s latest figures, 84% of SMU undergraduates went overseas to spend a semester in a partner university for student exchange, to do internships, community service projects and business study missions.

“More important than all of the hard knowledge you learnt here, it is SMU graduates’ drive, initiative and “Can Do” attitude that are most valued by employers. These qualities will help you move onwards and upwards in your careers.  But don’t forget that education is a lifelong process – you have “learnt to learn” and now need to constantly hone your skills and upgrade your knowledge. We hope that you will continue your lifelong education journey with us, through our rapidly increasing range of postgraduate, executive and professional programmes.  This is one of the reasons why we call this a Commencement – this is the start of a life of ongoing learning,” Professor De Meyer added.

In congratulating the honorary degree graduates, Professor De Meyer also commended Dr Chan and Dr Brown for their immense contributions to society and for being great role models for SMU’s graduates.

Each year at the Commencement Ceremony, SMU recognises students from each School who have embraced these values with CIRCLE Awards.  Winners of the CIRCLE Award are also distinguished by their all-round excellence in Student Life, Student Leadership, Community Service and Academic Studies. They have been actively involved in serving and giving back to SMU and the community at large.  In addition, they have demonstrated leadership abilities, are upright in character, and well-respected by peers, staff, and faculty.

This year, Devathas Satianathan from the School of Law and Lim Wei from the School of Economics have also been selected to represent the graduating cohort as the Valedictorian and Salutatorian respectively.  They stood out with their outstanding leadership skills, significant contributions to co-curricular activities and the community-at-large, good character records, excellent oratorical skills and excellent academic results (both achieved Summa Cum Laude).

Senior Class Gift 2013

The graduating class of 2013 is making a collective Senior Class Gift to SMU to celebrate their transition from students to alumni. This is a tradition started in 2004 by the pioneer batch of SMU graduates to encourage each graduating cohort to give back to their alma mater so as to help needy SMU students. This year, contributions from the Senior Class Gift will be channelled towards a “Graduating Class of 2013 Scholarship”. The award will help provide the tuition fees of needy undergraduates for one year of study at SMU. The scholarship will be awarded next year for AY 2014/2015. This year's collection continues till October/November 2013.

Enclosures:

• Annex 1: Honorary Degree Citation – Chan Sek Keong
• Annex 2: Honorary Degree Citation – John Seely Brown
• Annex 3: Valedictorian  Citation – Devathas Satianathan
• Annex 4: Salutatorian Citation – Lim Wei

Speeches:

• By Mr Heng Swee Keat, Minister for Education
• By Mr Ho Kwon Ping, Chairman, SMU Board of Trustees
• By Professor Arnoud De Meyer, President, SMU