Commencement Dinner: Class of 2024 concludes a season of celebration with the excitement of new beginnings

Commencement Dinner: Class of 2024 concludes a season of celebration with the excitement of new beginnings

A season of exuberance marked by 11 days of ceremonies honouring the achievements of close to 16,000 graduates from the Class of 2024 culminated in a night of celebration with the Commencement Dinner, held at the dining hall ofRidge View Residential Collegeon 26 July 2024.

Gathering valedictorians and representatives from the Class of 2024, the dinner was attended by more than 330 guests, including NUS Pro-Chancellors Mr Po'ad Mattar and Professor S Jayakumar; NUS Chairman Mr Hsieh Fu Hua; NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye; University Professor Wang Gungwu; NUS trustees, as well as faculty, staff, students and alumni.

Reflecting on the theme of the evening, hosts Ms Suhaana Khanna, a Class of 2024 graduate from the NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences(FASS) and Justin See, a final-year student from NUS Business School, exchanged highlights about their university life - from stimulating classes to eye-opening exchange programmes - as they paid tribute to the support system of professors, teachers, peers and family members.

A changing of the seasons

In his speech at the event, Prof Tan remarked on the conclusion of another Commencement season, drawing parallels between transitions in the academic calendar with seasonal changes in nature and the various stages of a career journey. Spring, he explained, is a period of learning and growth as fresh graduates enter the working world with wide-eyed enthusiasm. Later in the summer, they would see their talents, skills and competencies in full bloom as they climb the corporate ladder.

In contrast to the cyclical nature of the seasons, however, today's career trajectories do not follow a predictable pattern - they are increasingly dynamic and ever-evolving. "With the exponential growth of technological advances that are transforming all industries at every level, we must continue learning to keep pace," Prof Tan emphasised.

He cited two Class of 2024 graduates whose inspiring journeys demonstrate that it is never too late to embrace new challenges: Mr Khaider Bin Khalid, an NUS Computingalumnus who returned to pursue his undergraduate degree in Nursing after more than three decades in the banking sector, and Dr Jade Sohwho earned her PhD in Public Health (Biostatistics) after choosing to reignite her passion for learning in 2018.

Underscoring his point on the certainty of change, he said: "Each season comes with its own challenges and rewards - change is inevitable and growth is intentional. Be fully present and appreciative, for each of these moments will culminate in an extraordinary life."

Raising a toast to the graduating class, he concluded, "May your life be anchored in purpose to steer your course, drive your resilience and fill you with deep joy."

Speaking to his fellow graduates, Mr Huang Ziwei, 45th President of the NUS Students' Unionand an FASS graduate, credited his peers for the resilience, passion and drive that propelled them through the toughest times of university life, which for the Class of 2024 began with the unprecedented challenge of a global pandemic.

Reflecting on his NUS experience, he recounted the plethora of opportunities provided by the University, which included staying in a hostel, captaining a badminton team and eventually serving as president of the student body. "I hope that your time in NUS has been one of the best you have had in your lives, as it certainly was for me," he said, thanking the graduates' families and friends for seeing them through their NUS journeys.

Acknowledging the fear and trepidation that may accompany their first steps into the workforce, he encouraged his fellow graduates to persevere and approach their future careers with confidence. "I believe with the knowledge, skills and experience that NUS has equipped us, we should be confident in ourselves that we are able to shape our own future, and be the change we want to see," he said.

A harmony of the traditional and contemporary

In keeping with the celebratory tone of the evening, a fusion of engaging music and dance performances showcased the University's diversity of talents and its vibrant student life.

NUS Ilsa Tari, which works with both traditional and contemporary styles of Malay dance, led with a traditional dance piece, Tari Zapin Desak. Performed in the style of Tarian Zapin, which translates to Zapin dance, this Malay dance form is typically presented during joyous occasions such as weddings.

NUS Voices, the University's Mandopop interest group that prides itself on creating and sharing music that speaks to the heart and soul, followed up with soulful renditions of Zac Efron and Zendaya's "Rewrite The Stars" and Lady Antebellum's "Need You Now," serenading the audience with their dulcet tones.

The night ended on a high note with an energetic dance performance by NUS Funkstylesthat brought the essence of the funk genre to life, choreographed to the funky beats of "Copchase" by Grooveline Horns.

This story is the final instalment of NUS News' coverage of Commencement 2024, which celebrates the achievements of our graduates from the Class of 2024. For more on Commencement, read our stories and graduate profiles, check out the official Commencement website, or look up and tag #NUS2024 on our social media channels!