Singapore’s Sixth President Mr S R Nathan visited SMU with many close family members and friends on 30 October, to formally receive the Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) degree announced at SMU Commencement 2014.

The private function combined a dignified ceremony with a convivial lunch attended by SMU Chancellor Mr Yong Pung How, SMU Chairman Mr Ho Kwon Ping, several members of the SMU Board of Trustees, SMU President Professor Arnoud De Meyer, representatives of the Ministry of Education, SMU Deans and senior faculty members, and leaders of the SMU management. Mr Nathan’s son, daughter, son-in-law and three grandchildren were also present – making this proud moment a very personal celebration.

Professor De Meyer offered a welcome address and Mr Ho read the formal citation before a touching video presentation gave a pictorial biography of Mr Nathan’s illustrious public career and gave an insight into how he came to be regarded as “the people’s President”.

After lunch, Mr Ho moderated a friendly dialogue session with Mr Nathan, in which guests asked questions on a wide range of topics. On his memories of the Second World War, Mr Nathan said that he learned that there are kind and honourable people in every culture. He also recounted a hilarious anecdote about his most memorable experience as a diplomat. When asked for his impressions of academia, he said that he always enjoyed talking to experts and those who shared his curiosity and passion for learning. What about Singapore’s prospects for the future? Having a strong economy is absolutely fundamental to the nation’s well-being, he said.

Mr Ho ended the dialogue session by asking Mr Nathan what he does with his time now. Mr Nathan revealed that he has something in his diary for almost every weekday and is busy writing his next book, In Conversation. To the delight of the guests, Mr Ho seized the opportunity to invite Mr Nathan to launch the book at SMU. Mr Ho then presented Mr Nathan with two framed prints of of his pictures taken an hour earlier: one of Mr Nathan with his degree scroll and one with his family after the formal ceremony.

Main photo: Mr S R Nathan (centre) holding his framed Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) certificate, with (L—R) SMU President Prof Arnoud De Meyer, SMU Chairman Mr Ho Kwon Ping, SMU Chancellor Mr Yong Pung How and SMU Provost and Deputy President (Academic Affairs) Prof Rajendra K Srivastava. The University’s ceremonial mace is seen in the foreground.

Below: Mr S R Nathan (third from L) with his family (L—R) Ms Cheong Rui Ying Monisha (granddaughter), Mr Cheong Rui Pin Kheshin (grandson), Mr Osith Ramanathan (son), Mr Cheong Rui Jie Kiron (grandson), Mr Cheong Gay Eng (son-in-law) and Ms Juthika Ramanathan (daughter).