NUS recognises 20 outstanding alumni for their contributions
By Hetty Musfirah Abdul Khamid, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 10 November 2009 2315 hrs

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SINGAPORE: The National University of Singapore on Tuesday presented the biennial NUS Alumni Awards to 20 individuals who have distinguished themselves in Singapore and overseas.

Professor S Jayakumar, Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security and Mr S Dhanabalan, chairman of Temasek Holdings, were conferred the highest honour - the Eminent Alumni Awards.

NUS said that although Professor Jayakumar has been actively involved in politics for nearly three decades, he remains deeply committed to the university where he is still a professor at the Faculty of Law.

Professor Jayakumar also played a lead role in the success of Singapore's team participation in the International Court of Justice proceedings on Pedra Branca in 2008. He has also made significant contributions that shaped the legal landscape in Singapore.

"It is always a good feeling when your own university gives you an award because of all these memories I've had. And don't forget, I was not only a student. After being a student I taught for many years in this very same law school. So it has a lot of memories, my heart is still here," said Professor S Jayakumar, recipient, NUS Eminent Alumni Award.

Meanwhile, NUS said Mr Dhanabalan was chosen as he is widely respected as a political and corporate leader, who has made major contributions to the economy and society of Singapore.

He graduated from the University of Malaya (Singapore campus) in 1960, with a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Economics. After retiring from the political arena, he continued to serve the country by leading key government-linked companies.

As an alumnus, NUS said Mr Dhanabalan maintains a keen interest in the progress of his alma mater.

"I think we need people at the top in all sectors of our society who have the experience with the world as well as have a good understanding of Singapore. The university years are very formative years and it is good to have good representation of leaders in our society in the Singapore universities," said S Dhanabalan, recipient, NUS Eminent Alumni Award.

Eight other NUS alumni - including Zainul Abidin Rasheed, Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Mr Gopinath Pillai, chairman of the Institute of South Asian Studies - received the Distinguished Alumni Service Awards.

Ten young alumni were also recognised. They include Ms Jane Lee, Ms Lee Li Hui and Ms Sim Yi Hui of the Singapore Women's Everest Team, and MediaCorp artiste Ms Jeanette Aw.

Award recipients were selected by the NUS Alumni Awards 2009 Selection Committee, chaired by NUS President Professor Tan Chorh Chuan.

The committee comprises members from the NUS community - including Professor Tan Eng Chye, NUS Deputy President (Academic Affairs) and Provost - as well as alumni such as Dr Teo Ho Pin, Mayor of the North West District.

Past NUS Alumni Awards recipients include Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew and President S R Nathan, who were awarded the Eminent Alumni Awards in 2005 and 2007 respectively.

- CNA/sc