The reunion of the Classes of 1974 and 1979, organised by alumni themselves, is one heart-warming get-together.

What better class reunion than one that is organised by your own class? Thanks to several zealous alumni who formed working committees, the Classes of 1974 and 1979 - the 15th and 20th batch of graduates - came home to NTU to celebrate their 35th and 30th graduation anniversaries.

The reunion held on Saturday 4 July 2009 was an evening that touched many. The Class of 1974 reunion organising committee chairman, Mr Tay Boon Suat, felt that his voluntary effort in organising the reunion of his class had paid off when he saw the large turnout. In his welcome speech, he said: "In modern Singapore, where human interactions may be waning, it is most heart-warming to see the response and participation. This is undoubtedly the strong and cohesive Nantah spirit at play."

NTU president Dr Su Guaning and the newly appointed Chief University Advancement Officer Mr Chew Kheng Chuan attended the reunion. It was Mr Chew's first such reunion since his appointment. He engaged with as many as 380 alumni, with some flying in from Hong Kong, Indonesia and Malaysia, just so they could touch base with their former classmates.

After updating the alumni on the latest developments of the University, Dr Su likened the alumni's life-long friendship to a Chinese saying, namely, "The longer it takes to mature a wine, the finer the quality; it is all about withstanding the test of time."

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Indeed, many were grateful for the opportunity to meet up. When asked by the emcee of the reunion, Mr Chan Sing Far, how many among the alumni who had not returned to their alma mater since they graduated, quite a number of hands went up. Mr Chan was also the Vice Chairman of Class of 1979 reunion organising committee and was involved in putting together the combined class reunion.

Alumni who had not seen their alma mater for sometime took the chance to tour the Yunnan Garden campus. They visited old landmarks like the Hall of Residence 1 and 2 and the Chinese Heritage Centre (the former Administration Building). They also checked out the campus' newer sites, the likes of NIE (National Institute of Education) and the Halls of Residence, presently undergoing renovation for the Youth Olympic Games.

After touring the campus, the alumni sat down to a dinner where they caught up with friends whom they had lost touch with. Many were seen going around the tables to greet each other warmly.

When the reunion drew to a close, the Nanyang Auditorium Foyer, where the reunion was held reverberated with "Chuan Deng", the song of eternal bonding. May the night etch in the hearts of our pioneering batch of graduates.



© Alumni Affairs Office