The Singapore Management University (SMU) kicked off the celebration of its 12th Commencement on July 15, 2015, sending 2,348 graduates into the world. Among them was 45-year old Eugene Low, who serves as a Military Expert with the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). Mr Low was awarded his first degree, making SMU history as the oldest person to do so.
This is SMU's largest batch of graduates since its inception in 2000 as Singapore’s first public-funded autonomous university.
Jubilant friends and family filled the auditorium at Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre to capacity, to witness a ceremony filled with colourful pomp and pageantry.
[Photo: Graduands enjoying the opening ceremony at Commencement 2015]
The ceremony celebrated the graduation of 1,643 students who were awarded their bachelor degrees and 634 their master’s. This year also saw a record number of over 70 students who received their doctorate degrees including pioneer graduands of four new programmes, namely PhD in Psychology, PhD in Business (General Management), Master of Science in Management and Master of Tri-Sector Collaboration.
The Commencement ceremony was officially opened by SMU Chancellor, Mr Yong Pung How. The event’s Guest-of-Honour, Deputy Prime Minister and Home Affairs Minister Teo Chee Hean gave the keynote speech to the over 6000-strong crowd.
Mr Teo urged graduates to pursue a fulfilling life that is "more than me".
[Photo: Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean addressing the Class of 2015]
"Look for mission and purpose in your work, build meaningful relationships in your personal life, and think about 'we', and not just 'me' in giving back to society," he said.
SMU Chairman Mr Ho Kwon Ping also addressed this year's graduands. Mr Ho began his speech with a tribute to the SMU Chancellor. Mr Yong who was the Chief Justice of Singapore between 1990 and 2006 will be stepping down at the end of his five-year term in late August. Mr Ho expressed his gratitude for Mr Yong's dedication and support to the School of Law and the university at large.
[Photo: SMU Chancellor Yong Pung How, flanked by SMU President Prof Arnoud De Meyer and Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean, receiving a tribute of gratitude from SMU Chairman Mr Ho Kwon Ping in his speech]
Welcoming the new graduates to a family of close to 17, 000 SMU alumni, SMU President Professor Arnoud De Meyer said, “As the name of this ceremony (Commencement) suggests, this is really about looking at the future, starting something totally new. For that future I have (as President of this University) two wishes for you: that you will have learned to learn and that you will become active alumni. “
Professor De Meyer told the Class of 2015 that the professional world they will step into is a very different one from what it used to be. Organisations they will work in may look flatter and more networked and therefore career progressions may look very different than what you expect today.
To that end, he said “My strongest advice I can give you is to be flexible in the development of your professional career and continue to learn: continue to be curious, continue to absorb new knowledge and insights, and continue to be critical of whatever information you receive.”
“As you begin your careers, I urge all of you to keep the spirit of SMU alive and to espouse the principles that we consider so important. Carry our CIRCLE values of Commitment, Integrity, Responsibility, Collegiality, Leadership and Excellence with you wherever you go. These values are an integral part of SMU’s holistic approach to education. We have always emphasised not only the training of graduates intellectually, but also the nurturing of graduates with the heart,” he added.
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.
[Photo: The SPH Valedictorian Award 2015 presented to Jasper Wong Chun Yin , who graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Business Management.]
This year, double-degree graduate Jasper Wong Chun Yin from the School of Law and Lee Kong Chian School of Business has been selected as SPH Valedictorian of SMU’s Class of 2015. Darren Ong Wei Sheng who also graduated with a double degree from the School of Accountancy and Lee Kong Chian School of Business has been named SPH Magazines Salutatorian. Both stood out for 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).
Summing up his remarks for this year’s commencement ceremony, Professor De Meyer concluded, “To the entire Class of 2015, my heartiest congratulations and best wishes to all of you. I am confident you will step out to become leaders in your chosen fields and help to shape a better world!”