There was merriment and laughter among the graduands as they explored their goodie bags and took ‘selfies’ and group shots while waiting for SMU Commencement 2014 to begin. Their parents, friends and relatives surveyed the vast hall in the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, waving excitedly when they spotted their special someone in the blocks of seats allocated to each School. But after the emcees called the audience to order, everyone turned to watch the Grand Procession which marked the start of the ceremonial rituals.

The SMU Mace in front of (L–R) Dean of the School of Information Systems, and Vice Provost (Research) Prof  Steven Miller; SMU President Prof Arnoud De Meyer; SMU Chancellor Mr Yong Pung How; Guest of Honour, Minister for Social and Family Development Mr Chan Chun Sing; Chairman of SMU’s  Board of Trustees Mr Ho Kwon Ping; Honorary Graduand, Prof  Katherine Schipper; SMU Provost and Deputy President (Academic Affairs) Prof  Rajendra K Srivastava.

Minister Chan Chun Sing ‘tweets’ his congratulations

After the formalities, the Guest of Honour amused and captivated his audience with a witty and inspiring speech in which he likened the students’ graduation to completing “Level SMU” in a video game, with the next step being “Level UOL … or the University of Life, where you will begin a new and long journey," he said.

The speaker was Minister for Social and Family Development and Second Minister for Defence Mr Chan Chun Sing, who spoke for 15 minutes without a script to elaborate on a 140 character tweet or text message displayed on screens on stage which included a pseudo-mathematical formula for success. "I was advised that SMU has a lively bunch of students, who will not tolerate long lectures," he joked.

The 140 character ‘tweet’ composed by the Guest of Honour, Minister  Chan Chun Sing.

He was addressing an audience made up of 2,149 graduands, including 531 master degree graduands and 16 PhD graduands, together with their family members and friends, as well as SMU’s leadership, members of the Board of Trustees, VIPs and faculty members. This was the first time that an entire SMU cohort had graduated at a single event and there were additionally eight school ceremonies attended by some 7,000 people. Registration for the day’s various events, which spanned two floors of the Convention Centre began at 7.30am and the evening’s buffet dinners continued past 7pm. The logistical challenges were immense, but the event was superbly executed through close teamwork by the University Events team in the Office of Corporate Communications and Marketing, and the Office of Student Life.

Everything, from the expansive gowning facilities to details such as providing complimentary instant-print cameras to lucky graduands, drew praise from the appreciative Class of 2014.

Inspiring words

The Chairman of SMU’s Board of Trustees Mr Ho Kwon Ping was the first speaker of the day and he said that the university's interactive pedagogy and seminar-style teaching has led to the success of its graduates, who are more "world-ready and career-ready" than their peers. He also announced how SMU intended to “set the bar higher” with its strategic development plans known as Vision 2025. Through this, he said, SMU will evolve into a more comprehensive university rooted in the social sciences, with an "integrated curriculum that includes components linking academic and personal development, and community engagement".

Mr Chan Chun Sing told the graduands in his speech that success in life is a combination of various elements, from opportunity and the right attitude to chance and effort. Mr Chan invented two equations that derive success and good attitude. The first indicated that success was a function of effort more than talent – with opportunities and chance thrown in. The sum of this should be greater than IMM (I, Me, Myself), he said. "Success will be hollow if everything revolves around 'I, Me, Myself'”.

Secondly, he suggested, attitude is about marrying the person you love (MPUL) and loving the person you marry (LPUM). Mr Chan urged graduates to apply the concept of marriage to "all things we do". It is with such an attitude that people "will be able to do great stuff", Mr Chan added.

SMU President Professor Arnoud De Meyer elaborated on Mr Ho’s discussion of Vision 2025, saying that SMU will also increase its "presence" in Singapore by tapping its central location and undertaking research and projects that will have an impact on the city. Professor De Meyer also stressed the importance of students maintaining SMU’s CIRCLE Values (Commitment, Integrity, Responsibility, Collegiality, Leadership, Excellence) throughout their lives, before he presented CIRCLE Awards to 11 students who had best displayed these values during their time at SMU.

This was a special moment for School of Law Magna Cum Laude graduate Fu Haoren, who said afterwards, “The highlight of the day for me was walking on stage to receive the CIRCLE Award from the President. It was a huge honour and I was proud to be there with my schoolmates and leaders of SMU student life.”

Two role models receive Honorary Doctorates

The University conferred an Honorary Doctor of Letters degree on Singapore’s Sixth President Mr S R Nathan in recognition of his support to SMU as its first patron, and his lifetime of public service. Also, Professor Katherine Schipper received an Honorary Doctor of Accountancy degree, for her contribution to the field of accounting thought and practice, particularly in financial reporting.

Mr Nathan, unfortunately, was unwell and unable to attend the ceremony. However, SMU Provost and Deputy President (Academic Affairs) Professor Rajendra K Srivastava read his acceptance speech, which promised, “Like Professor Schipper, I look forward to continuing my association with this University by actively sharing my knowledge and experience with faculty members and students, and supporting its leaders.”

Guest of Honour, Minister  Chan Chun Sing presenting the Honorary Doctor of Accountancy degree to Prof Katherine Schipper.

Graduates take to the stage

Chua Wei Yuan from the School of Law and Tommy Phun Yi Ze from the Lee Kong Chian School of Business were recognised as the SPH Valedictorian and SPH Magazines 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. Wei Yuan concluded his Valedictorian’s speech by saying, “I encourage you to be true to your heart, but more importantly, to receive humbly, to give freely, to act with integrity, and to apply your knowledge responsibly.”

Convocation 2014 concluded with a segment of rousing performances by members of six of SMU co-curricular activity clubs in the performing arts who were also graduating. Canons fired blue and gold streamers into the audience and hundreds of balloons fell from the ceiling at the climax of the medley of song and dance routines. The audience erupted with whoops of delight, cheers and energetic applause.

In the grand finale, graduates from six of SMU’s co-curricular activities performing arts groups showcased an entertaining medley of song and dance routines.

Graduates and parents celebrating the special day together.

[Main photo] Some 2,149 graduates celebrated together under one roof at SMU Commencement 2014 – the first time an entire cohort had graduated in one ceremony.

See more photos here.