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From Aspiring Dentists to Accomplished Professionals: Commencement 2023 Marks the Beginning of a New Chapter.
8 July 2023 – A day to remember. At the University Cultural Centre at National University of Singapore, the air was charged with a mixture of pride, happiness and pure joy as NUS Dentistry students donned their caps and gowns, ready to embark on their journey into the professional world. The sense of camaraderie and support among the graduates was palpable, as they exchanged heartfelt hugs and congratulatory messages.
Graduates robing up and preparing for the ceremony.
The Commencement ceremony unfolded with the guest speaker Adjunct Associate Professor Chng Chai Kiat, Chief Dental Officer from the Ministry of Health. He explained how the healthcare field is rapidly evolving, and the graduands need to embrace change, continue learning, collaborate with other healthcare professionals and stay committed to improving the health and well-being of the community. It was a reminder that their journey did not end with the commencement ceremony but was just the beginning of a lifelong commitment to excellence.
Adj Assoc Prof Chng addressing the NUS Dentistry graduands.
In his speech, Adj Assoc Prof Chng encouraged the graduands to “never stop learning. The field of healthcare is ever evolving, and your thirst for knowledge and innovation will drive progress. Stay curious, have a mindset of continuous improvement, and never lose sight of the power of your own potential. As the newest members of the healthcare family, you will have the opportunity to play a role in shaping a healthier Singapore.”
Thereafter, the most awaited segment of the ceremony began with NUS Pro-Chancellor, Mrs Theresa Foo, presenting the graduands with their scrolls. All 107 graduands were treated with thunderous applause and cheers as they walked across the stage to receive their scrolls.
The Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) valedictorian, Dr Yang Bo, Billy took the stage and delivered a heartfelt speech that resonated with every individual present. He expressed gratitude for the unwavering guidance of the mentors who had challenged and nurtured the students to become the best versions of themselves. Dr Yang also thanked his family and friends who have supported him for the past four years. He ended the speech by reminding fellow graduands to be kind to themselves as they set out to face new challenges.
Dr Yang said, “We are grateful for many people who supported us along the way. We thank our patients for their understanding and patience. Our clinical supervisors, for imparting valuable clinical skills. Nurses, admin staff and cleaners, for providing a conducive learning environment. Lab technicians, thank you for your friendship and your incredible lab skills.”
Dr Yang delivering his valedictorian speech to his fellow graduands.
Dr Alexis Png, a BDS graduate, said, “As the reality of graduation sinks in, I can’t help but think about how badly I wanted to be part of NUS dentistry. Learning at the faculty has taught us valuable lessons and imparted critical skills that allow us to have a better understanding of all aspects of dental work. As bittersweet as it is, there’s no place I’d rather be.”
Dr Tan Zhi Ming Darren, who graduated with a Master of Dental Surgery (MDS), added, “MDS was a tough but rewarding journey and thanks to the guidance I received from the faculty, I have grown and matured both as an individual and as a clinician. I am also thankful for the unwavering support from my family, friends and tutors. I will look back on my residency days fondly."
Caps off, celebrating the start of a new journey!
Congratulations, Class of 2023!
As the doors of academia close behind them, we wish NUS Dentistry graduates the very best in their next chapter of life. To commemorate this special occasion, a video capturing heartfelt messages from their mentors can be viewed here.
Catch the full NUS Commencement ceremony on NUScast.