NUS History Alumni Association

Best Wishes for the Holiday Season!

2009-12-21T11:17:00.000+08:00

Here's wishing everyone a merry Christmas and a wonderful year ahead!

Peace out,

The NHAA Team

Camino a la Modernidad The Path to Modernity: Mexican Modern Painting

2009-11-17T01:04:00.002+08:00

Frida Kahlo, Self-Portrait with Medallion, 1948,
Oil/Masonite, 50 cm x 40 cm, Private Collection
Camino a la Modernidad, The Path to Modernity: Mexican Modern Painting traces major developments in Mexican art from the 1900s to the 1950s, where Mexican society underwent tremendous changes in social and political spheres that impacted much of its artistic expression. The Mexican Revolution (1910) laid the foundation for a new artistic movement, Mexican Mural Renaissance, which attempted to bridge the class divide in the construction of a national identity and aesthetic, through bringing art to the masses in the form of highly accessible, outdoor public art murals. The exhibition features over 70 works from important Mexican public and private collections, including works by renowned mural artists Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, José Clemente Orozco, Roberto Montenegro, Rufino Tamayo, Maria Izquierdo and Frida Kahlo.

15 NOVEMBER 2009 TO 3 JANUARY 2010

(Information taken from Singapore Art Museum website)

Performance Opportunity Wanted for Concert Band this XMas

2009-11-13T10:46:00.000+08:00

Feel the festive warmth and joy with this holiday season with a youthful and exuberant Christmas performance by the Marsiling Secondary School Concert Band! A Singapore Youth Festival Gold Award recipient, the Concert Band is looking for more opportunities to showcase its talents in public. If your organisation would like the concert band to enliven this Christmas season or other events with their exciting tunes, please contact Ms Irene Nai at nai_irene@moe.edu.sg before 25 November 2009.

.

Teach For India

2009-11-11T10:59:00.005+08:00

Hey everyone, if you're looking for an opportunity to expand your horizon and do some good at the same time, read about the Teach For India programme in Pranay Puranik's message below.

Teach For India is a movement that aims to narrow the educational gap in India by placing the most outstanding college graduates and young professionals, of all academic majors and careers, in low-income schools to teach for two years. In June 2009, Teach For India will place Fellows in English-medium, primary schools in Mumbai and Pune (India). By its fifth year, Teach For India aims to place hundreds of Fellows in the country’s top metropolitan cities and their surrounding rural areas.
The Teach For India Fellowship is a two-year paid assignment. Throughout the Fellowship, Teach For India Fellows help close the achievement gap by leading their students to significant academic gains. In the second year of their fellowship, Fellows plan and implement a school-wide project to address one major obstacle to learning in their community.

As such, Teach for India is looking for Fellows who have demonstrated leadership, and are inclined to make a commitment to the community. Students in their final year of under-graduate or post-graduate studies and young professionals are eligible to apply.

Why should you join Teach For India?
Teach For India offers you the chance to build applicable leadership skills while making a real difference in tackling one of India’s most pressing challenges – educational inequity. By presenting you with one of the most difficult challenges of your life, the Fellowship helps you develop leadership skills that will make you a high-demand candidate for any career. You will leave the Fellowship literally ready for anything – and with the experience to advocate for a future in which all children have access to an excellent education.

Opportunities after Teach for India:
Teach For India will support their alumni whether they choose to remain in the education sector as teachers, principals, or NGO leaders, enroll in post-graduate schools, work in the corporate sector or pursue literally any path they wish. Teach For India alumni staff maintains relationships with top schools, universities, NGOs and corporates throughout the country and abroad, and helps Fellows connect with these opportunities after the Fellowship. Teach For India has already established close ties with the Indian School of Business, Thermax Group, S.P. Jain, Unilever, Citibank, ICICI, HDFC and McKinsey & Company, among many others. Teach for All, under which Teach for India falls, has been supported by reputed names such as HSBC, Dell, Visa, Google, Credit Suisse.

We believe that the experience and exposure that you will receive in your two years at Teach For India will open several doors, and a wide spectrum of opportunities for you. As the experience of Teach For America alumni shows, Teach For India alumni will be in high demand in any sector because they have the experience of overcoming immense challenges and have developed widely applicable leadership skills.

All those interested in this program can either refer to Teach for India’s website: http://www.teachforindia.org/ or e-mail me at puranikpranay at gmail.com.

Thanking you

Best Regards,

Pranay Puranik

Head Campus Ambassador
Teach for India (Singapore Region)

Public Talk by the Engaging Prof Timothy Barnard - and drinks afterwards

2009-10-26T17:10:00.008+08:00

For those who have been taught by Prof Barnard, or even just interacted with him, you will know what a witty and interesting person he is. I personally have always found his lectures wholly absorbing and very informative. Therefore, I would highly recommend that you make time to attend his eagerly anticipated public lecture on pre-war Singapore films. Don't miss it, register now! Email nhb_nm_lectures@nhb.gov.sg to register.

We are also meeting for drinks at Novus Bar after the lecture. Join us, and call your friends along, for a chillax evening!

Best,
Mei Yi

Information is as follows:

The Lighter Side of History: Pre-War Singapore Film and the Changing Landscape of Technology and Nation
Date: 23 Nov 2009
Venue: The Salon, Level 1, National Museum of Singapore
Time: 7 pm
Admission is free
To register, please email: nhb_nm_lectures@nhb.gov.sg

Lecture Outline:

In 1940 and 1941, the Shaw Brothers produced 8 Malay language films in Singapore at their newly built Jalan Ampas studio. These films not only represented the beginning of a sustained film industry in Singapore - which was reestablished after 1945 - they reflected the ideological and technological landscape of the island on the eve of Japanese Occupation. This lecture will highlight plots, stars, and history behind these eight films while examining how the audience and filmmakers understood their impact and importance on a multi-ethnic society like Singapore. In the process, participants will understand how film and new technologies, as well as a little known period of the nation's cultural history, can transform our society's cultural landscape.

Speaker's Biography:

Timothy P. Barnard is an Associate Professor in the Department of History at the National University of Singapore.His main area of research is on the cultural and environmental history of Southeast Asia, with particular attention on the Malay world. He has published a number of articles and book chapters on Malay film in Singapore, and is currently working on a book on Malay film from 1940-1967

Novus Bar & Courtyard

Be Heard!

2009-09-03T21:23:00.004+08:00

What do you think Alumni should be doing?
What kind of activities/events would you be interested to take part in/come for?
How can we do better?

We'd love to hear from you. So let your voice be heard!
Feel free to post comments here on the above questions or anything else alumni-related. If you're shy, you can always drop us an email at nushistoryalumni@gmail.com
For a start, you can also take a poll on this site (look to your right)
Give us your feedbacks, tell us your ideas. Of course, if you want to tell us how in awe you are with what we've done so far, we'd welcome that as well! ;)

Batam Trip for History Alumni

2009-08-26T10:29:00.002+08:00

Let's Go Gallivanting in Batam!

When? 7-8 Nov 2009
How much? $90 for accommodation and return ferry and Go-Kart ride and traditional massage!
When to RSVP? 27 Sept (so we can make reservations la)
RSVP to...? nushistoryalumni@gmail.com...Alternatively, u can leave a comment on this post!

See yas!

We want you at NHAA!

2009-08-23T17:20:00.006+08:00

Wanna be part of an exciting team?
Wanna make a difference in establishing alumni relations?
Wanna give back to the department?
Wanna reconnect with your professors and classmates?
Then join us!
Email us at nushistoryalumni@gmail.com with the following information:
Name
Contact number
Year of graduation
Occupation
Email

Join us because in NHAA, we believe that together, we are greater than the sum of our parts.

Reunion for Class of 2008 at Zsofi's Tapas Bar

2009-08-23T16:34:00.007+08:00

On 3rd July 2009, the Class of 2008 had a small gathering cum reunion at a cosy, quaint place called Zsofi's Tapas Bar in Little India. Those who came had a relaxing timeafter work just chilling and catching up with one another. The crew had fun tokkok like old times and plan for more reunions ahead.

The gang: L-R: David, Amy, Adhana, Wani, Amos, Kok Boon, Melissa

Interested in holding a reunion for your class?
Drop us a mail at nushistoryalumni@gmail.com and we can help to organize and facilitate.
Karaoke anyone? ;)

Host Search

2009-08-08T05:45:00.003+08:00

Interested?
Find out more at:
http://historyasia.com/Makeitonhistory/makehistory.aspx

Reunion: Calling all History Graduate Class of 2008!

2009-06-22T23:48:00.002+08:00

This July, it is fully 1 year after our graduation! To celebrate, catch up, chill out and tok kok like old times, we've reserved the cosy carpet corner at the Zsofi Tapas Bar just for us! Let's set this date for drinks and tapas. Please RSVP to nushistoryalumni@gmail.com by 28 June 2009. See you there!

3 July 2009 Friday
Zsofi Tapas Bar on 68 Dunlop Street
@8pm

By 2008-ers for 2008-ers

Map and directions to Zsofi Bar

Hair Down, Hats Up (Part 3)

2009-05-27T21:22:00.020+08:00

Mad Hatter is our first ever event after the new NHAA committee was formed. The idea of reviving this dormant tradition with a twist was thrown up by Dr Mark Emmanuel. For us, we hoped that Mad Hatters had been a time to bring people together again.

Mad Hatters was a time of reconnection for former classmates....

...for teachers and former students....

...and for alumni to meet the soon-to-be-alumni!

It was a celebration of our common pursuit of and love for History

HISSOC in full force

Everyone's beloved professor expounding on History of the Hons batch

It was a time for a life-long alumnus to share the driving motivation behind her passion for alumni work

Mrs Tan Suan Imm

We hope that Mad Hatters will be a springboard for many more events to come where alumni can gather once again to rekindle ties, build new friendships and give back to the university. Thanks all, for your overwhelming support!

Mad Hatters is brought to you by:

The NHAA: L to R - Mei Yi, Dr Mark Emmanuel aka the Mastermind, Mrs Tan Suan Imm (Guest of Honour), Kok Boon, Joanne, Fiona

Special thanks to:

Sound: Eusoff Audioworks - Andrew & Chang Yong

Photography: Eusoffworks - Joshua

Photography: Eusoffworks - Jing Wei

See everyone in our next Alumni event!

nushistoryalumni@gmail.com

Hatters on Parade (Part 2)

2009-04-14T18:47:00.020+08:00

The History gang came our decked in a wide array of headgear on Mad Hatters 2009. Here are the list of models who had been captured by our trigger happy photographers (thanks Joshua and Jing Wei!):

I'm wearing a supped up version of my NS hat

I am replicating the bushido spirit to survive the final stretch of my Hons year

Dr Kaneshiro in the presence of Tallness

Hey, who's stepping on my head?

Who says commies and court jesters can't get along?

Lets kill this clown!

All together now!

Cheese!

Our lovely emcee for the night - in her tweeny hat

Cheers, people!

Maryam and Yu: Oh come on, at least PRETEND that u're scared

And the winner of the Best Hat is....*drum rolls* Nicholas with a half eaten head!

Post to be continued

Mad about Hatters (Part 1)

2009-03-30T21:55:00.021+08:00

It was Friday the 13^th. Eileen stared uneasily at the lift doors in front of her. One by one, emerged one bizarre character after another. A resurrected Hitler, a witch, a man partially eaten by a shark. Lingering around Eileen’s table, their ranks swelled as they were joined by more unconventional-looking people.

Sharks, I'm still shorter than Yokes

Since the History bunch are not ones to suffer from paraskavedekatriaphobia (which actually means fear of Friday the 13^th!), they have turned up in full force for the inaugural Mad Hatters 2009! And Eileen was there, of course, to graciously help at the event.

I come as a Hammer

See, that's how you look with your invisible hat

The new NUS History Alumni Association (NHAA) committee kicked off its events calendar of 2009 with a revival of a dormant tradition. Whilst before, the entire graduating class would don their graduation garb to be photographed with their professors, this time the entire History community – professors, students and alumni – came together to celebrate the impending Commencement of the Honours class – albeit with a mad hat!

Garbed in graduation gown...but with a mad hat in hand

One for posterity

Heck the mortarboards...

Cause this is so much more colourful!

Post to be continued....

Mad Hatters 2009

2009-02-08T12:38:00.005+08:00

CALLING ALL HISTORY ALUMNI!

Come to Mad Hatters 2009 – an event where the outgoing Honours class comes together with the History Faculty and Alumni for a formal photo-taking session.

The Twist? The Honours Class will be wearing their graduation gowns and a MAD HAT -- a baseball cap, cowboy hat, full-face helmet, or whatever, for this MEMORABLE EVENT!

Not only will you get to meet your cohort mates but also welcome the outgoing Honours class into the Alumni Association on the eve of their graduation.

So come down and JOIN US at the posh new Alumn House for MAD HATTERS 2009!

13 March 2009, 7.00 – 8.30pm
NUS Alumni House, Benefactors' Lobby, Level 2

Kindly RSVP before 2 March to nushistoryalumni at gmail.com to avoid disappointment.

Food and drinks (but no hats) will be provided.

We hope to see you there!

October Forum at the National Museum of Singapore

2008-09-11T10:36:00.003+08:00

MOE "Teach" Career and Networking Session

2008-04-13T10:11:00.001+08:00

A teacher's legacy lasts beyond a lifetime. Influence the thinkers of
tomorrow. Take the first step to being a teacher.

Find out more about teaching as a profession, and network with inspiring
teachers at this exclusive event. "Teach" Career and Networking Session

Date : 10 May 2008, Saturday
Time : 2.30pm - 5.30pm
Venue : Grand Ballroom, Level 3, Orchard
Hotel(Registration is necessary, and on a first-come-first-serve basis)

Do register early to avoid disappointment. To register for the seminar,
kindly Email cai_wan_ling_lesley@moe.edu.sg with the following:

Name
Email Address
Contact Number
Name of Educational
Institution: NUS / NTU / SMU / UniSIM / Others; Pls specify: ____
Faculty /
Major
Years of Working Experience

Eloquence Essentials Workshop

2008-03-20T09:25:00.002+08:00

From our generous friends at the NUS Econs Alumni Association:

Do you get butterflies in your stomach?
Have you ever been tongue-tied?
Do you find yourself at a loss of words?

If you have any of the above, we have the answer that you need!

Eloquence Essentials 2008: The Speech Confidence
Workshop

Attend this workshop and learn the eloquence essentials. Experienced public
speakers from the NUS Alumni Toastmasters Club will share with you the various
techniques to speak off the cuff, and present speeches confidently, be it at
work or at play! Check out http://www.nuseconomicsalumni.org/25aprevent.php for the speakers’ profiles.

The workshop will be held on Fri 25 April from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at the YMCA
Orchard, Tan Chin Tuan Function Room 1, Level 4, 1 Orchard Road (near Dhoby
Ghaut MRT station). Drinks (coffee, tea and water) will be served from 7.00pm
while food can be purchased at the caf� on the same level.

As places are limited, please indicate your interest to ecsbox8@nus.edu.sg by Fri 18 April to reserve your seat. We would appreciate a contribution of at least
$12 from Economics Alumni members, $15 from fellow NUS Alumni group members and $18 from all other guests to help defray cost. Payment can be made at the event
itself.

Curatorial Talks on Singapore History

2008-03-20T09:05:00.001+08:00

CURATORIAL TALKS ON SINGAPORE HISTORY

(Every Saturday from 5 April to 10 May 2008)

The National Museum of Singapore is organising a series of interesting curatorial public lectures on the history of Singapore. Please find attached the flyer for your kind reference:

Inspiring Mentor Awards 2008

2008-03-20T09:04:00.001+08:00

INSPIRING MENTOR AWARDS 2008

An Annual Award by Alumni to Recognise Inspiring Mentors

The Award recognizes NUS faculty, administration staff members who have made a difference to the lives of alumni during their student days on campus. They are outstanding mentors and teachers who have made exceptional impact on the alumni and have helped change and influence the course of life of the alumni. All alumni are invited to nominate and give their support to faculty and administrative staff whom they feel deserve special recognition for exemplary teaching and mentorship. Please click here for more ABOUT THE AWARDS or to SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATIONS.

All nominations will be kept strictly confidential. All nominations must be received by 5:00 pm on the deadline on 1 June 2008. Faculty must be currently teaching or have retired within the current academic year of the award. The award encompasses tenured and non-tenured faculty, including lecturers, adjuncts, non-academic staff and residential hall administrators. This Award is spearheaded by the NUS Alumni Advisory Board.

Invitation to NUS Econs Alumni Association Talk

2008-02-04T11:10:00.000+08:00

Interested parties can RSVP through the History Alumni Association, at nushistoryalumni@gmail.com. Please do so by 14 Feb '08. We hope to see you there!

Dear all,
We are pleased to have Mr Wee Sin Tho, 1970 economics honours and chief strategist of the NUS endowment programme to kick-off a series of events for 2008. He will be speaking on "Sustaining Financial Peace of Mind – Lessons from the Endowment Approach", a topic that is likely to be of much interest and relevance to all.

The talk will be held on Fri 29 February, 7.30pm at the YMCA Orchard, Tan Chin Tuan Function Room 1, Level 4, 1 Orchard Road (near Dhoby Ghaut MRT station) and drinks will be served from 7.00pm ... We would appreciate a contribution of at least $10 to help defray cost.

Payment can be made at the event itself.

See you on 29 February!

Regards
NUS Econs Alumni Association

History Alumni Association Year End Party, 7 Dec 2007

2008-01-01T21:50:00.000+08:00

Who says travelling back in time is impossible? On 7 Dec 2007, the NUS History Alumni Association (NHAA) transported various individuals from the NUS History faculty, History alumni and the present History honours year cohort back in time with a screening of the 1973 kung-fu classic Enter the Dragon. In preparation for journeying back to a time when afros were more than just wigs which one bought from a costume shop for Halloween, everyone at the event tucked into a sumptuous Halal buffet where the custard puffs were wiped out in the same merciless manner that Bruce Lee disposes of his enemies.

After dinner, everyone was treated to an insightful talk on film, history and stereotypes by A/P Timothy Barnard. A/P Barnard deftly manoeuvred around topics such as the nature and power of stereotypes and enlightened his captivated audience as to why Enter the Dragon was a ground-breaking film in terms of its portrayal of Asians and, in particular, Asian men.

A/P Barnard’s engaging talk was a perfect prelude to the much-awaited moment—travelling to 1973 to see Bruce Lee execute roundhouse kicks as effortlessly as George Bush manages to provide comic relief. It was a surreal feeling watching this cult classic in a “private screening” of sorts and as the movie unfolded, the audience gleefully responded to the hallmarks of any good Asian kung-fu flick: the hero’s spewing of convoluted phrases to show how deep and highly skilled he is; the insane body count that is accumulated as the hero works toward fulfilling his mission and, of course, the adrenaline-pumping final battle between the hero and the villain that leaves everyone on the edge of their seats.

By the end of movie, those who had made the trip down unreservedly expressed their approval for a wonderful evening that had gone by. After all, when an evening comprises fabulous food, great company and a cult classic starring arguably the greatest Asian kung-fu star of all time, there really is little more that one could ask for.

Job lobang ...

2007-12-10T10:49:00.000+08:00

Please note the closing date. Good luck to all applicants!

Subject: Job vacancies at Asian Film Archive

The Asian Film Archive has vacancies for the following full-time positions:

• Assistant Archivist
• Database
and Technical Officer
• Outreach and Volunteer Officer

Details of the job description can be found here:
http://www.asianfilmarchive.org/About/Job.aspx.

The Asian Film Archive is a non-profit and non-governmental
organisation based in Singapore, with a young and dynamic team whose mission is to save, explore, and share the art of Asian cinema. If you see yourself working in a meaningful yet vibrant environment that brings Asian films and people together, send us your motivation letter and resume stating your expected salary toinfo@asianfilmarchive.org.

Fresh graduates are welcome to apply. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Application closing date is 21 December 2007. For more
information, please visit our website (www.asianfilmarchive.org) or call us at 6777 3243.

Please feel free to forward to your students or ex-students
who might be interested.

Many thanks.
Best,
Bee Thiam
DirectorAsian Film
Archive

Photos from previous reunions/gatherings

2007-11-29T12:02:00.000+08:00

If you have photos taken with your former classmates which you do not mind sharing with others on this blog, please email them to nushistoryalumni@gmail.com

First NUS History Alumni Association Meeting, 14 Sep 06

Technically the first, although we really did not achieve all that much! I blame the uncomfortable cross-leg seating arrangments!

Class of 2006 Reunion at Arab Street, 26 Nov 06

The turn out was great. I'm hoping it's not because 99% of our batch were at NIE then, and it was the year-end vacation!

Shaw Foundation Alumni House Donors' Wall Project

2007-11-27T21:53:00.000+08:00

A message from the good people at the Office of Alumni Relations, NUS:

BE ONE OF THE 10,000 NAMES TO BE RECOGNISED ON THE DONORS’
WALL

Set to open in 2008, the Shaw Foundation Alumni
House will be a vibrant confluence of networks and partnerships to engage and
encourage all alumni to be part of NUS’ global aspirations. This iconic building
will be a beacon to bring all alumni together.

Managed by the NUS
Alumni Office, the Alumni House has comprehensive facilities such as a
300-seater auditorium, a business centre, a career centre, seminar facilities,
courtyards and lounges.

Be Recognised

All our Alumni Groups are specially invited to be a
part of the Shaw Foundation Alumni House Donors’ Wall project. With a minimum
donation of S$100, alumni' names will be acknowledged on the Donors’ Wall,
which will take pride of place within the building. Participating alumni’
names can be acknowledged individually or under the Alumni Group
name. We strongly encourage a minimum of 10 members' donation for a
group plaque. Funds raised will go towards alumni-cultivation and educational
programmes. All donations are eligible for double-tax deduction.

To
date, there are 20 Alumni Groups, Overseas Alumni Chapters, as well as
faculties, classes who have already contributed to the Donors’ Wall
project.

We will appreciate it if you could disseminate this
information to your alumni group members and encourage them to participate so
that your Alumni Group name can be put up on the Donors' Wall. Attached is
a draft email that you can use to send out to your members and
also the Alumni House brochure (with enclosed donation form) is
attached for your use. [Ed: Information can be found, and donations made, online, too]

We
hope to have all our Alumni Groups represented on the Donors’
Wall at the Alumni House. If you require hard copy brochures for distribution,
pls feel free to let us know. Please support this project and do your part to
contribute to our alma mater.

I look forward to your
participation by Dec 2007 and I thank you in advance for your
participation!

Facebook Group

2007-11-24T15:52:00.000+08:00

We've set up our own Facebook group. If you're an alumni member, and on Facebook, please join it!

Year End Party - Movie Screening: ENTER THE DRAGON, 7 Dec 2007

2007-11-24T15:11:00.000+08:00

The NUS History Alumni Association cordially invites all history alumni, present Honours students and history faculty to a screening of the kung-fu cult classic Enter the Dragon (1973), starring Bruce Lee, at the NUS Lecture Theatre 14 on Friday, 7 Dec 2007, 6.30 pm.

The movie will be preceded by dinner (a halal buffet spread), and a talk by A/P Timothy Barnard.

Details

1830 hrs
Arrival of guests / dinner

1930 hrs
Film, History and Stereotypes: “You have offended my family, and
you have offended the Shaolin Temple” by A/P Timothy Barnard

2000 hrs
Enter the Dragon (1973, ~100 minutes, synopsis)

The Association will be collecting a nominal sum of $10.00 for this event. Payment can be made at the door, on the day itself.

Shuttle Service

A 2-way shuttle bus service will also run to and from NUS. The tentative pick-up and drop-off point will be City Hall MRT Station (opposite Capitol Building), at 6.15 pm and 10.30 pm, respectively. Please let us know if you would like to utilise this service. A confirmation email will be sent once the details have been finalised.

R.S.V.P.

If you’re interested in attending this event, please email us at nushistoryalumni@gmail.com by 30 Nov 2007. Please include the following:

Name
Year of Graduation
Contact number
Will you be taking the shuttle bus (to NUS, to City Hall MRT, or both)?

If you would like to bring guests, please let us know how many.

Please feel free to contact us at the above email address if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you on the 7th!

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

2007-09-24T15:00:00.000+08:00

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.

The Third Annual History Alumni Dinner, 20 Apr 2007

2007-04-20T15:00:00.000+08:00

The third Annual History Alumni Dinner saw just under a hundred former students, faculty members and friends of the History Department return to the Kent Ridge Guild House on 20 Apr 07. Here, this large group of old friends and former classmates spent a relaxing evening enjoying each other’s company over a sumptuous buffet spread.

The invitation promised a lot:

“… an opportunity to catch up with friends we have not seen in some time.”

“… promises to be a night of good fun and entertainment, and you will certainly not want to miss the Department’s musical item! Three of our assistant professors are going to rock the house down.”

“…Bring your dancing shoes if you feel like it. If you’re not dancing, then come and enjoy a quiet drink with us as well.”

The Department certainly did not disappoint. The food was good, entertainment great, and company, excellent. But, those who had come expecting to enjoy “a quiet drink” with the Department soon found they got more than what they had bargained for. They should have known. A red flag should have gone up the moment A/P Brian Farrell went up on stage and introduced himself as the host for the evening. Uh oh …

Dr Dan "Coach" Crosswell with NHAA Committee Members Priscilla Chua, and Ho Shu Huang

The evening began innocuously enough. A/P Albert Lau first welcomed the guests and brought them up to speed on the latest developments in the Department. An award for the Belle of the Bal was thereafter given to Ms Harminder Kaur. Dinner then commenced, and old friends were given an opportunity to catch up with each other over local delights and exotic treats. Animated chatter filled the ballroom. Had nothing else been planned for the evening, the dinner would still have been a resounding success for this reason alone.

The Three Amigos - Drs Michael Kelly, Mark Emmanuel, and Maitrii Aung-Thwin

The programme, however, quickly went into over-drive. Three items, a musical performance by three assistant professors, a karaoke competition, and a quiz, had been planned for the night, and the Department certainly made good its promise to entertain. The “Three Amigos” (not the “Three Stooges” as initially feared) impressed the guests with a medley of four classics, including The Everly Brothers’ Bye Bye Love. On form and, thankfully, in tune, Drs. Mark Emmanuel, Michael Kelly and Maitrii Aung-Thwin brought the house down. A/P Farrell, along with the effervescent Dr. Kelly, then kicked the karaoke competition off by belting out Frank Sinatra’s My Way. Old Blue Eyes probably turned in his grave with the dynamic duo’s rendition of his famous classic, but the audience was nonetheless suitably entertained. Other amateur crooners soon followed their lead and took to the stage. The final item, the customary history quiz, was given a different twist. This year, the quiz was on the Department’s faculty members, and many a professor’s colourful past surfaced that evening. One cannot help but wonder if Dr. Dan “Coach” Crosswell is still under CIA surveillance, or if A/P Bruce Lockhart will ever rejoin the Hell’s Angel’s Laotian chapter.

The NUS History Alumni Association Committee

At the conclusion of the evening’s festivities, Dr Emmanuel introduced the committee of the newly formed NUS History Alumni Association. Its formation long overdue, the association hopes to be a network which will help former students stay connected with the Department, their peers, and their juniors. In this globalised, fast-paced world, it is regrettably all too easy to fall out of touch with each other. Bonds formed should not be wasted. The Alumni Association aims to be a resource which will grow them, for everyone’s mutual benefit.

For more information on the NUS History Alumni Associations, please email nushistoryalumni@gmail.com