NUS deepened its historic and longstanding relationship with Universiti Malaya (UM) this month, organising a series of events to celebrate the universities’ academic and social connections.
On 15 October, the inaugural UM-NUS Joint Workshop on Biomedical Engineering 2024 was held on the NUS Kent Ridge campus, bringing together researchers, educators, and scholars to discuss advancements in biomedical engineering and technology. Organised by the NUS Institute for Health Innovation & Technology (iHealthTech) and supported by the NUS Office of Alumni Relations, the event included keynote addresses and talks from 10 UM and NUS researchers, as well as a tour of iHealthTech. Pertinent topics were discussed, including, among others, the impact of the fourth industrial revolution on healthcare and the opportunities that artificial intelligence and the metaverse bring to the field.
“We were excited we could hold this joint event, bringing together leading minds from our two sister universities,” said NUS Professor Lim Chwee Teck, NUS Society Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Director of iHealthTech. “Workshops like these serve as an important platform for exchanging ideas and exploring potential areas of collaboration.”
Professor Dr Yvonne Lim, Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International) at UM, echoed the sentiment. “This partnership highlights our commitment to advancing innovation that will drive transformative solutions in healthcare technology,” she said. “Together, we aim to inspire new ideas and pave the way for innovation that will benefit both Malaysia and Singapore.”
Speaking at the UM-NUS Gala Dinner at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore later that evening, NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye detailed the legacy of cooperation and camaraderie between the two universities. Recent partnerships include the 2023 UM-NUS Joint Symposium on Infectious Diseases and Translational Program, as well as the 2024 expansion of the NUS Overseas Colleges programme to Kuala Lumpur, with UM serving as NUS’ partner university. These examples “demonstrate the shared success of UM and NUS,” said Professor Tan. “By continuing to create and encourage opportunities for collaboration and exchange, UM and NUS are both enriched.”
The Gala Dinner was hosted by NUS Chancellor, His Excellency President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, and attended by UM Chancellor, His Royal Highness Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, the Sultan of the state of Perak and Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia. “Events like this are what makes the bond of our historical friendship and ties ever more meaningful, and ever more robust, rooted in unyielding trust and camaraderie,” noted Vice-Chancellor of UM, Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr Noor Azuan bin Abu Osman.
Close to 200 NUS and UM alumni and staff joined the formal dinner, which included two stirring performances from the NUS Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music’s alumni string quartet.
A friendly face-off on the fairway
Running parallel to the Joint Workshop and Gala Dinner was the 53rd UM-NUS Inter-University Tunku Chancellor Golf Tournament, which NUS hosted on 15 and 16 October. Over 100 golfers from UM and NUS participated in the tournament, which was first held in 1968 in Kuala Lumpur.
Over the two days, faculty, staff, and alumni took the opportunity to reconnect with old friends and forge new connections while engaging in friendly competition. Intermittent rain did not dampen the spirits or sportsmanship of the golfers, who enjoyed the social game at Orchid Country Club, and the competitive game at Seletar Country Club. Led by Golf Captain Mr Bernard Toh, the NUS team emerged victorious for the first time since 2019, marking the close to another celebration of the productive partnership between the two universities.
By NUS Office of Alumni Relations
