NUS Economics and History Alumni Associations' Mooncake Festival Celebration, 14 Sep 2007

Ms Chang Rui Hua introducing the first speaker of the evening, Mr Yang Yew Chong, from the Chinese Studies Department.

What do the historical and cultural origins of the Moon-cake Festival and toponymics, the study of place names, have in common? Well, truthfully, not much. But that did not stop the Economics, History and Chinese Studies Alumni Associations from successfully organising a talk on both topics. On the evening of 14 Sep 07, thirty six members of the three associations met at the Singapore Recreation Club to find out more about both over dinner. Mr Yang Yew Chong, of the Chinese Studies Master of Arts Programme, began with a presentation on the history behind the Moon-cake Festival. To everyone’s pleasant surprise, his presentation was energetically made in Mandarin, with Ms Chang Rui Hua of the Economics Alumni translating.

A/P Victor Savage begins his lecture of toponymics

After a short intermission when moon-cakes were appropriately served, A/P Victor Savage, of the NUS Geography Department, continued with a talk on how some places in Singapore came to be named. Utilising his personal collection of old photos, A/P Savage riveted the audience with his engaging lesson on a lesser known aspect of Singapore’s past.

Ms Tan Suan Imm, History ’62, summed the evening up well:

The talk about the Moon cake festival … was very interesting … Of course, Victor Savage was in his element, regaling us with his stories and slides about Old Singapore … It is good for alumni members to meet and interact and network. I had the opportunity to meet up with some old friends!

Dr Lee Soo Ann, Chairman of the NUS Economics Alumni Association, presenting A/P Savage with a token of appreciation.