SUSS is more than just a campus. It embodies a vibrant tapestry woven with dreams and aspirations of a passionate community. As alumni, you play an integral role in shaping the legacy of our University and carrying its torch forward. Yet, life’s journey may sometimes dim the embers of connection.
To reignite the fire and progress towards a brighter future, SUSS unveiled two new committees intending to deepen alumni connections: the Alumni Steering Committee (ASC), led by SUSS’s leaders, and the Alumni Engagement Committee (AEC), driven by alumni representatives.
The members received their appointment letters from SUSS President, Professor Tan Tai Yong, at a ceremony held on 8 March 2024. Their mission is to nurture greater diversity and commitment in engaging different alumni cohorts.
The committees’ mandate includes spearheading efforts to value add to alumni and support SUSS’s mission and vision. They aim to promote best practices, maintain consistency in policy implementation, and foster collaboration with stakeholders to expand the alumni network. Additionally, they strive to cultivate synergies by collaborating with SUSS’s stakeholders.
Professor Tan highlighted the launch of the new committees as a significant milestone for SUSS. He elaborated on two fundamental pillars crucial for alumni engagement: the importance of it and the cultivation of relationships. Professor Tan underscored the pivotal role that the alumni play and stressed that relationship cultivation should start from the moment students enroll in the University. He hopes that SUSS and its community will remain steadfast pillars of support for one another. On this note, Professor Tan rallied more alumni to step forward through various avenues, such as conducting workshops for students or serving as mentors. He also shared the plan for SUSS to move to its own campus, foreseeing it as a transformative hub that would revolutionise alumni engagement within the community.
In resonance with Professor Tan’s perspective, Associate Professor Allan Chia, Assistant Provost and Chair of ASC, affirmed his commitment to journey with the University and its alumni. He encouraged more alumni to actively participate in SUSS’s programmes. He said, “I hope that more alumni will take time to join us, either as a volunteer as a participant.”
Professor Tan Tai Yong with members of the Alumni Steering Committee made of very own SUSS staff
Members of the AEC shared Professor Tan’s sentiments, reiterating the importance of a strong alumni community that could serve as a supportive pillar for all. Mr Chee Yi Long (Class of 2023) said, “I agree with Professor Tan that cultivation (of relationship) should start as it would prepare them with the necessary skills and mindset to become engaged alumni in the future. This approach facilitates a seamless transition from student to alumni and offers a natural platform for their progression within the SUSS community.”
To realise SUSS’s goals for its alumni initiatives, it is important to recognize that success is not solely dependent on ASC and AEC. It demands the involvement of everyone. As Ms Koh Xin Wen (Class of 2022) highlights, alumni can bolster the impact of the committees’ efforts by being ambassadors for the University. Ms Koh said, “Be the face of the University. Remember your journey and how SUSS supported you. Be proud of your achievements (in school), share your successes, and let everyone know about (your journey in) SUSS.”
Professor Tan Tai Yong with our newly appointed Alumni Engagement Committee members
The establishment of ASC and AEC exemplifies SUSS’s commitment to cultivating enduring relationships with its alumni, recognising them as invaluable partners of the University. Through its engagement efforts, SUSS endeavours to build a dynamic environment where alumni play an active role in shaping the future of the University and making meaningful contributions to society.
If you would like to contribute as an alumni volunteer, email Alumni Relations at alumni@suss.edu.sg.
