The School of Humanities and Social Sciences saw its pioneer class of students graduate this year. The graduating class of 2008 encompasses 56 graduates, 53 of whom were from the Division of Economics, 2 from the Division of Chinese, and 1 from the Division of English.
This year, special attention surrounded Ms Tan Pin Ru, from the Division of Economics. Being a top student at HSS, she was the winner of the University Scholars Award, Lee Kuan Yew Gold Medal, Economic Society of Singapore Gold Medal and the Grant Taylor Memorial Book Prize. Being an all rounder, she was part of the swimming and cheerleading teams, co-chaired a dinner and dance committee, and also co-produced a stage production at Raffles Hotel's Jubilee Hall. She was selected to grace the 1st Convocation Ceremony as valedictorian for HSS.
Pin Ru has since started work with the Royal Bank of Scotland. This was one of the 2 job offers she received before completing her final exams.
Some media coverage on our prioneer graduates
Convocation Ceremony 2008
(Click the above image to view photo gallery)
A few words from our recent graduates…
"Life at HSS has been very rewarding, be it academic or non-academic. In the classroom, I definitely learnt a lot from the professors who are always so willing to share. In terms of co-curricular activities, I have been fortunate to be part of the pioneer batch which started quite a few committees for HSS. People have always asked me why I chose NTU and not NUS or SMU; besides the pragmatic reason of guaranteed hostel accommodation, I knew I wanted to be part of the pioneer batch because the idea just felt exciting. Four years have flown by really quickly and there was not a single part of my undergraduate life where I wished that I had chosen another university. For all the knowledge that my professors have shared with me, the help that all the HSS administrative staff has rendered and the numerous opportunities that HSS has given, I will forever be grateful and I sincerely wish that HSS will continue to soar to greater heights."
Tan Pinru
Valedictorian | Dean's List (Year 1-3) | University's Scholars Award | Lee Kuan Yew Gold Medal | Economic Society of Singapore Gold Medal | Grant Taylor Memorial Book Prize | President Research Scholar | Working for the Royal Bank of Scotland
"Beyond boundaries, beyond conventions and beyong stereotypes, this is how I find HSS which has nurtured me for the past four years. Starting everything from scratch, I laid down a structure for the school club and worked on initiatives which can (would) enhance HSS students' university experience during my presidency. It was a good learning experience, working hand in hand with staff and fellow committee members to make things happen. It is an honour to be able to steer the club to excellence during my time in the university. I wish HSS all the best in its future development and thank you, HSS, for granting me a meaningful university life."
Henry Lim
HSS Main Management Committee 05/06 Vice President | HSS Main Management Committee 06/07 President
"My four years in NTU HSS has brought out most of who I am today. Those days spent in the HSS club involving myself in activities such as HSS Day and the HSS FOC has now become cherished memories that can never be replaced. Thank you to my batch of fellow course mates who has been very enthusiastic, supportive and dedicated in many HSS activities, either as organizers or participants throughout the four years. All of you have made HSS such a fun and cozy environment to be in! My hearty congratulations to Class of Economics Pioneers 2008! Go confidently in the direction of your dreams and live the life you have imagined! It takes four years to acquire friendships but a lifetime to keep them, so do keep in touch!"
Tan Shang May
President of HSS Club 1st Management Committee | NTU Archery Team representative in Thailand Princess Cup
Courtesy by HSS Club
The HSS Convocation Dinner
The HSS Club organized the first HSS Convocation Dinner to celebrate our pioneer students' graduation. The event was held at the cozy and romantic Villa Bali at Gillman Village on the 26th of July, 2008.
Senior faculty members such as A/P Kwok Kian Woon and Prof Lim Chong Yah graced the event as Guests of Honour. Both of them gave short speeches to motivate our pioneering graduates as they mark the completion of their journeys as students at HSS and go on to make contributions to the society.
A whole host of activities were lined up for the guests. With the commencement of the dinner, an emcee and deejays were engaged to entertain the students with games, lucky draws and the presentation of the best dressed individual for the night.
The event ended with a touching scene, where students and staff lit candles and placed them on a wooden table, spelling the letters H-S-S, signifying how HSS has lit and guided their journeys as students and how HSS will always remain bright and shining in their hearts.
(Click the above image to view photo gallery)