Staying Connected: How This CCDS Alumni Reunion Fosters Lasting Continuity and Community

When Long Fei pursued his Master of Science in 2010, it became more than just an academic stepping stone; it was a transformative chapter of his life. He discovered a new learning experience, forged friendships well beyond his graduation – and met his future wife.

He shared his journey during the CCDS PRC Alumni Reunion Networking event held on 14 March at Drunk N’ Jump Pub . From studying embedded systems to founding his own company, he highlighted how CCDS instilled in him the crucial skill of continuous learning, pivotal for his success in both his career and personal life.

While he did not encounter any former classmates during the reunion, he was glad to have the opportunity to meet graduates from different cohorts. “Sharing the experience we had back in CCDS was fun, especially as an international student from China,” he quipped.

Another alumnus, Echo Liu Yuan, expressed a similar sentiment. The Computer Engineering graduate from the class of 2011 was inspired to see the cross-generational energy and highlighted the mutual benefits of maintaining connections at CCDS, especially in her current role as a senior financial advisor. "Staying connected helps me maintain a tech-savvy edge over my peers in the financial industry," she said. “Why not work with a fellow alumnus who speaks your language and understands your career hustle? I truly believe we can empower each other through our respective strengths.”

Both Long Fei and Echo Liu Yuan were part of over 30 alumni at the CCDS event which saw graduates and faculty reconnect over food and drink. The reunion was graced by Assoc Prof Chan Syin, Assoc Dean (Student Affairs and Alumni Engagement); Assoc Prof Sun Aixin, Assoc Dean (Undergraduate Education); Prof Lin Weisi, Assoc Dean (Research); and Assoc Prof Lam Siew Kei who took the chance to catch up with their former students. 

Prof Sun was particularly heartened to hear the alumni credit their classroom experience with preparing them for such a fast-paced industry. “It is rewarding to see how mature and confident they’ve become, especially in their enthusiasm for AI and new computing trends,” he said.

Conversations centred on AI – LLMs, agents, and their deployment – but it was the diverse mix of generations that stood out to him. “Seeing recent graduates and 20-year veterans all aligned in their pursuit of cutting-edge technology reaffirmed my view on University education: stay grounded in the fundamentals, but stay open to the new,” he said. “It is a powerful reminder of why we do what we do.”

Meanwhile, Prof Chan introduced the newly launched Harcharan Singh Benevolent Bursary, the upcoming Alumni Mentoring Initiative and Alumni Awards.

The event illustrated the essence of continuity and community, reminding everyone why staying connected matters. For CCDS, gatherings like this go beyond a simple get-together. They are part of the College’s ongoing commitment to nurturing a supportive and engaged alumni network, reinforcing the long-term value of being part of the CCDS family.