NUS marked its 120^th anniversary with a grand gala dinner on 3 July 2025 at Marina Bay Sands, gathering close to 2,000 alumni, donors, partners and friends, including Guest-of-Honour Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan (Medicine ’85, MMed ’91), Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong (Economics '64, HonLLD '15), and Senior Minister of State for Health and Manpower Dr Koh Poh Koon (Medicine ’96, MMed ’03). The evening paid tribute to NUS’ astounding journey of service, innovation and impact since its founding in 1905.

From its roots as the Straits Settlements and Federated Malay States Government Medical School with only 23 students, NUS has grown into a globally renowned institution spanning 15 colleges, faculties and schools across three campuses.

In his opening remarks, NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye (Science ’85) reflected on its founding purpose: "The Straits Settlements and Federated Malay States Government Medical School was the forerunner of the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, honouring a legacy of service from tending to the wounded in World War II to serving on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic,” he shared. “Today, the School of Medicine is pushing the frontiers of groundbreaking research discoveries such as developing life-saving CAR-T cell immunotherapy to treat leukaemia, and the world’s first blood-based diagnostic test for early gastric cancer detection.”

Prof Tan noted that this same spirit of service still drives NUS today, which now educates over 7,000 undergraduates each year, producing graduates who contribute across society — including more than half of today’s Cabinet ministers.

Relevance in a changing world

Yet Prof Tan was clear-eyed about the challenges ahead. Rapid technological disruption, shifting student expectations and geopolitical uncertainties will test the University’s resilience and relevance. "To remain relevant, we must continuously adapt — renewing our value in each new generation, not only in how and what we teach, but how we lead and inspire," he emphasised.

Against this backdrop, Prof Tan reaffirmed the role of education as an intrinsic part of the Singapore social compact. “A significant number of our students and alumni are the first in their families to go to university. In providing opportunities to study at NUS, we are nurturing the best and brightest talents, uplifting families, and inspiring the next generation to realise their aspirations.”

In the last financial year, NUS received S$233 million in philanthropic gifts, including S$26 million earmarked to support students from low-income families through the Enhanced Financial Aid Scheme, benefitting around 3,000 undergraduates annually.

Addressing global health challenges

Next to address the guests was the Dean of NUS Medicine, Professor Chong Yap Seng (Medicine ’88, MD ’07), who highlighted how NUS’ founding mission — to meet public health needs — is just as critical today. He described an increasingly complex health landscape marked by geopolitical instability, climate change, the promises and threats of artificial intelligence and misinformation spread on social media.

"A whole-of-society, whole-of-planet approach is required more urgently than ever," he said, adding that "the combined efforts of people with diverse skills, expertise and perspectives will be vital to creating a healthier and more sustainable future."

A citadel with open gates

Guest-of-Honour Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, a former president and chairman of the NUS Students’ Union, spoke about how global volatility will inevitably affect academia and science, potentially leading to higher inflation, greater risks for smaller nations and a slowdown in innovation. He described NUS through three vivid metaphors: first, as a cradle nurturing Singapore’s national identity and unity since 1905; second, as a citadel with open gates — strong yet welcoming to talent and ideas.

"NUS needs to have open gates, and we need to have our fair share of access to talent and ideas, while still remembering that this is the citadel based in Singapore, to protect Singapore," he explained.

Lastly, he urged NUS to be a launch pad for new technological breakthroughs, ensuring Singapore and Asia do not get left behind in a fast-changing world. His words echoed NUS’ international outlook, which is supported by a global alumni network of nearly 390,000 across more than 100 countries.

A night of joy, gratitude and pride

The gala dinner was a lively celebration of NUS spirit and camaraderie. Guests were welcomed by a candle-lined walkway and a playful photo wall with handheld props featuring messages like “I love NUS” and “Where I Found My Tribe.” Student and alumni performances from NUS Dance Blast! and The Jazzlings provided entertainment during the dinner, while video segments highlighted NUS’ incredible growth and brought celebratory greetings from alumni across the world. The occasion was also truly global, with alumni travelling to Singapore from cities such as Tokyo, Jakarta, Yangon, Vancouver, London, and Melbourne.

Interactive exhibits filled the foyer, from the AiSee assistive technology demonstration by NUS Computing to a showcase of Duke-NUS young alumni leading in innovation. NUS Libraries also delighted guests with a fun campus landmark quiz. In a meaningful gesture, Dr Balakrishnan, Prof Tan, Prof Chong and Chief Alumni Officer Ms Ovidia Lim-Rajaram (History and Political Science ’89) unveiled and watered a Tembusu tree — a living symbol of resilience and growth.

"Tonight, we celebrate 120 years of NUS — but this evening is about so much more than a number. It’s about the remarkable journey of a humble medical school that has grown into one of the world’s leading universities," Ms Lim-Rajaram told the guests.

Celebrating milestones and a vision for tomorrow

The celebration also honoured key milestones across NUS’ schools and faculties, including the 120th anniversary of the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, 70 years of NUS Engineering, 60 years of the NUS Business School, 50 years of NUS Computing, 45 years of Kent Ridge Hall, 20 years of Duke-NUS Medical School and NUS High School, and 15 years of Tembusu College.

As the evening concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony, guests looked forward to a year of commemorative events — from the NUS120 Homecoming at Bukit Timah Campus, the Distinguished Speaker Series, the #NUSLife Photo Exhibition, NUS120 SuperNova, to Rag and Flag — that will continue to connect past, present and future generations. As NUS looks ahead to its next 120 years, it stands ready to nurture bold thinkers, responsible leaders and a community grounded in service and shared purpose.