Our alumni escape to Malaysia for some cool comfort and durian delight.

Combine Singapore's scorching heat and the June school holiday and it was natural for alumni to want to escape. At least 80 alumni and their families took the opportunity to go across the Causeway. First, to Genting Highlands, then to Segamat on the way back for some durian indulgence. June was after all the season of the thorny delight.

Bound for their weekend escape, alumni gathered at their alma mater – Nanyang Executive Centre to be specific – on Friday night, 19 June, at 10pm. The eager weekenders boarded three de luxe air-conditioned buses and set off.

Travelling through the night, they reached Genting Highlands on Saturday at around 8am. Though tired, many couldn't wait to get down and embrace the mountain coolness. After refreshing themselves, they went for a stroll before sitting down to some alfresco breakfast. Luckily for the alumni, it was a free-and-easy day. Some went about exploring, along with fellow alumni and their families, and got the chance to network. Others went on rides at Genting's theme park and tried their luck at its casino.
Come Sunday, it was time for an escapade of a different kind. Alumni got a taste of lip-smacking durians offered by a plantation in Segamat. For those passionate about durians, it was almost "heaven", for they were immersed in sensory pleasure. It is no wonder durians are the "King of Fruits".

Ms Liu Chang Hui, alumna from the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Class of 2007, got to try durians for the first time! She enjoyed them despite their smell, even as much as her partner who loves durians.

A regular at such trips organised by Alumni Affairs Office, Ms Teo Puat Wen, alumna from the School of Materials Science and Engineering's Class of 2006, said enthusiastically: "It was a pleasant short getaway for my family and myself. We really enjoyed the cool weather in Genting, as well as the scrumptious durians at Segamat. We are looking forward to next year's trip!"

After having their fill of durians, the participants headed for the town of Yong Peng. There, they shopped for local products and also enjoyed a dinner specially arranged for them at a Chinese restaurant.

It was then time to head home. The trip might have come to an end, but for the many who made new friendships, it was just the beginning.



© Alumni Affairs Office