The Prime Minister, Mr Goh Chok Tong, Mrs Goh, NUS Council Deputy Chairman, Mr Wong Ah Long, NUS President, Professor Shih Choon Fong, NUSS Past Presidents and Honorary Members, Suntec City Development Chairman, Tan Sri Frank Tsao, Distinguished Guests, Fellow Members, Ladies and Gentlemen
Good evening and welcome to Suntec City Guild House.
On behalf of the Management Committee, let me first extend a very warm and special welcome to the Prime Minister and Mrs Goh and to thank them for honouring us with their presence, at this evening's function which is being held as part of a year long series of events to commemorate a very significant milestone in the history and development of this Society.
In July 1954, a group of 44 members of the graduate body attended the inaugural meeting of then University of Malaya Society to elect its first Executive Committee. Many may not be aware, but several amongst the initial office bearers subsequently assumed high political office.
2004 is therefore a very special year for NUSS. We turn 50 this year and our current membership stands at 12000 with three Guild Houses (Suntec City being the latest), strategically positioned to serve the needs and aspirations of our growing membership.
The progress which the Society enjoyed over the past decades has been sustained, amongst other things, primarily by two abiding core values passed on by our founding and succeeding leaders.
The first is that of
- Voluntary service and personal sacrifice for the common good of the community and secondly that of a
- Steadfast resolve and seriousness of purpose to achieve our goals in spite of difficult odds.
This evening we are extremely privileged to have in our midst a very distinguished NUS alumnus whose illustrious career in public service and exemplary leadership as Prime Minister of our country, embodies more than these very qualities that have underpinned this Society's growth over the years.
Mr Prime Minister, on the occasion of our 50th anniversary, we in the NUSS, consider it a great honour that you have so graciously consented to accept our invitation to be an Honorary Member of this Society. My colleague, Mr Chandra Mohan K Nair will elaborate on this shortly.
I am confident that the legacy of self sacrifice and self reliance will continue to serve NUSS well, as we prepare to meet the challenges ahead especially our role as a responsible civil organization whilst remaining actively engaged in our mission to promote the interests and development of the National University of Singapore.
With local universities being granted greater autonomy along with the entry of private tertiary education providers, NUSS as a key stakeholder, has a vested interest to do its utmost to support NUS in its quest, not only to be the preferred and choice university but also one with high international standing, with a rich tradition and heritage to match.
In this regard, if I may refer to recent media report on the impending release of the Bukit Timah campus. During our earlier years, this Society led a rather nomadic existence, having to move from Dalvey Estate to Evans Road and then to Kent Ridge. But the home of guild house will always be the Bukit Timah Campus. So too for many NUS alumni, and I would venture to suggest for the Prime Minister and Mrs Goh also, Bukit Timah Campus holds many fond memories. The buildings there are part of our heritage and speaking as an alumnus, I am sure many in this room would relish the idea of seeing the Bukit Timah campus returning to its rightful home when NUS turns one hundred in 2005.
It would be such a wonderful gift to commemorate the university's centennial and a 'welcome home' occasion that will surely warm the hearts of a large section of the alumni whose support and contributions will be increasingly important to the University in the coming years.
It would be a terrible shame if the outcome is otherwise and this piece of our national heritage with a hundred year history is not preserved for posterity but allowed to fade into oblivion.
A few moments ago you viewed a short video montage on Suntec City Guild House. Located in the heart of the business district, Suntec City Guild House will provide members with easier access to life long learning activities and other intellectual pursuits as well as business networking opportunities.
The facilities which you see tonight (and I hope you like what you have seen) is the product of the combined effort of a dedicated group of members who volunteered their time and talents, supported by an equally talented team of professionals and our own full time staff.
Together with a very accommodating landlord, they planned and laboured tenaciously against a very tight schedule to achieve the near impossible by delivering this beautiful city facility in time for last year's year end countdown party.
It was completed in a record time of three and a half months and below budget. Amazingly the tireless project team leader Mr Johnny Tan hardly realized he had aged at least a good thirty years. On behalf of the Society I want to record our sincere thanks to the entire team, many of whom I know have sacrificed your precious leisure hours to ensure the project's success.
And on this note let me once again thank the Prime Minister for so kindly consenting to officiate at the opening of our Suntec City Guild House, Mrs Goh, and all our special guests for spending this Saturday evening with us. The presence of so many of our Past Presidents and former Management Committee members is a great source of comfort and inspiration and a clear demonstration of your continued interest in the Society's well being. I must also thank all our sponsors and business partners, especially the Management of Suntec City for your strong and generous support.
I can't possibly end without complimenting all the staff members, from kitchen to the front desk, for all the hard work you have put in to prepare for this event. And to the service staff in this room I want you to know that all of you look great in your new outfit. Ladies & Gentlemen I wish you all a pleasant evening. Thank you! |
