News: Congratulations, Class of 2019!

LKCMedicine’s larger second cohort with 75 graduands gathered with pomp and circumstance at the NTU Nanyang Auditorium

The Class of 2019 has been looking forward to 27 July ever since they started on their Postgraduate
Year 1. Even though they are already shouldering the responsibility of young doctors in Singapore’s hospitals, the Convocation Ceremony is an important and meaningful rite of passage. Many arrived early with family and friends, ahead of the 2pm event to commemorate the occasion with photo-taking outside
NTU’s Nanyang Auditorium.

LKCMedicine's second cohort gathered with pomp and circumstance at the NTU Nanyang Auditorium for the Convocation Ceremony on 27 July 2019

Representing Imperial College London at the Convocation was Vice-Dean for International Activities at the Faculty of Medicine Professor Desmond Johnston and Professor in Medical Education and Director of the Medical Education Research Unit Professor Sue Smith. After the Academic Procession has taken their seats on stage and the notes of the National Anthem have faded away, LKCMedicine Dean and President’s Chair in Medicine Professor James Best introduced the guest speaker, Professor Chee Yam Cheng. 

“He has dedicated more than 40 years of his life to public healthcare. As National Healthcare Group CEO from 2011-2015, he gave his unwavering support to LKCMedicine, where more than 100 NHG clinicians
form part of the School’s faculty.” Professor Chee addressed both the LKCMedicine MBBS and National
Institute of Education Masters graduates in the room, saying they must ensure the health of the young in their care remains good. To the School graduates in particular, he said, “A new world of patientcare awaits you but the goal of medicine must shift from cure to care. You must take care of your patients’ Mind, Body, Spirit, Soul — MBSS, rather than MBBS.”

LKCMedicine graduates receive their MBBS degrees

The conferment of the joint NTU Imperial College London MBBS degree on the Class of 2019 then proceeded in front of their families and loved ones, as well as many proud faculty and staff from LKCMedicine, NTU and Imperial.

The graduates were presented by LKCMedicine Vice-Dean for Education Professor Naomi Low-Beer and Vice-Dean for Clinical Affairs Professor Pang Weng San, receiving their degrees from the Dean Prof Best. The valedictorian and winner of the Lee Kuan Yew Gold Medal, Anthony SC Teo-Gordon Johnson Gold Medal and the Low Cheng Hock Gold Medal Dr Wee Lin led her cohort to the stage. She was followed by winner of
Koh Boon Hwee Scholars Award, Chew Chin Hin Gold Medal and Toh Kian Chui Gold Medal Dr Seow Yi Heng; winner of Koh Boon Hwee Scholars Award Brian Ho Han Khai, and winner of the Chee Yam Cheng Gold Medal Dr Nicholas Lee Yew Wen.

Valedictorian Dr Wee Lin at the close of the ceremony congratulated both LKCMedicine and National Institute of Education graduates and said in her speech, “To cure sometimes, to relieve often, to comfort always. I am confident  this is what we will continue to strive ahead.” She asked graduates to rise, turn around and applaud their parents, families and faculty.


Presiding Officer Mr Zainul Abidin bin Mohamed Rasheed from the NTU Board of Trustees wrapped up the Convocation with congratulating and wishing the graduates all the best.

Well-wishes by all

After the ceremony, Professor Desmond Johnston offered his congratulation to the Class of 2019, “I think everyone can be very proud of what they have achieved. My very best wishes to the graduates and we hope to hear from them as they progress in their careers.”

The Dean, Prof Best, also extended his congratulations, “We are very proud of you all. You’re the very first
group of students I saw when I joined LKCMedicine five years ago and I’ve been with you all the way. I’m sure you’re going to make us proud. I wish you happiness in your lives and in your careers.”

Professor Naomi Low-Beer, LKCMedicine Vice-Dean for Education, added her well wishes to Prof Best's. "I wish you all the best in your future careers. I'm very sure you will succeed in whatever branch of medicine you choose."

LKCMedicine graduands celebrate their success at the Convocation Ceremony held on 27 July 2019

Congratulations to the Class of 2019!