Valedictorian Spotlight: Ms Ning Poh, Class of 2025 

“Huh Southeast Asian Studies? Have ah? Why you take?”
That’s the question Ning Poh, our Class of 2025 Valedictorian, has fielded more times than she can count. But if there’s one thing Ning’s journey shows us, it’s that following your passion (no matter how niche it seems) is always worth it.

Proudly representing one of the smallest cohorts on campus, Ning speaks to the joy of learning in an intimate, curious, and creative community. From painting temple murals in Bangkok to embracing interdisciplinary fieldwork, her story is proof that Southeast Asian Studies is more than just a major. It’s an experience.

Here’s an excerpt from Ning’s valedictory speech that had us nodding, laughing, and getting all the feels:

“Huh Southeast Asian Studies? Have ah? Why you take? These are questions that my fellow majors and I have faced throughout the years... We are a tiny cohort - numbering less than what you can count with one hand - but I like to think we are proud of being the few oddballs who have enrolled in a relatively unknown major. More importantly, we are committed to pursuing what we love and enjoy - where despite having a small cohort and small classes, we do have a big, big heart for the region.

Some of us remember mischievously flaunting that while others had more conventional final examinations, we were lucky to experience unique assignments such as submitting our very own painting – a result of our experience studying temple murals during a fieldtrip to Bangkok. I would like to give a shout out to Professor Irving Chan Johnson for his class on Thai Drawing and Painting, an experience that even my friends in art school are envious of. It is a privilege to learn and grow with a community that is so committed to interdisciplinary and experiential learning. With that, I want to thank all the professors in our department for nurturing us to be bold, critical, and creative, as well as my family and friends for their unwavering support throughout my time at NUS. From overseas field trips to gallery visits, the experience of engaging with the region’s arts and culture as a core part of my university education is one that I will never forget.”

Congratulations once again, Ning! Your bold spirit and big heart for Southeast Asia inspire us all.