SUSS Marks 8th Anniversary With Inaugural Patron’s Day Championing Social Impact
Date: 8 Apr 2025
Singapore, 8 April 2025 – The Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) marked a milestone today with its inaugural Patron’s Day, an annual event dedicated to strengthening engagement among students, faculty, alumni, and partners while celebrating the university’s commitment to social impact. The occasion also coincided with SUSS’ 8th anniversary since becoming an Autonomous University, adding to the significance of the gathering.
This year’s theme, “Social Entrepreneurship – Transforming Ideas into Action”, highlighted SUSS’ dedication to fostering an entrepreneurial mindset and empowering individuals to create sustainable social change. Through various initiatives, SUSS continues to champion innovative solutions that address societal challenges and drive meaningful impact.
The event was graced by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Patron of SUSS alongside distinguished guests, students, and faculty members. It commenced with an exhibition showcasing the innovative work of startups from the Ngee Ann Kongsi (NAK)-SUSS Social Impact Hub, highlighting their contributions to social entrepreneurship. These startups are part of SUSS donors’ ongoing efforts to develop changemakers in the social impact space.
President Tharman Shanmugaratnam speaking at a fireside chat during the event.
As part of this showcase, Surety, an AI-driven solution pioneering new approaches to menopause and midlife wellness, and SpedGrow, an innovative platform focused on personalised learning for children with special educational needs, were featured as exemplary cases of social entrepreneurship with a tech-forward approach1.
Reflecting on Singapore’s Future and SUSS’ Journey
A closed-door fireside chat featuring President Tharman and moderated by Mr. Danyal Bin Khalil, a Year Two Human Resource Management undergraduate from the S R Nathan School of Human Development, offered thought-provoking insights on Singapore’s future. The conversation explored the key challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the nation over the next 60 years.
Group shot of cake-cutting ceremony (from left): Dr Winston Ong, Vice President (Corporate), SUSS; Mr Teo Wee Seng, Chief of Staff, SUSS; Ms Ang Bee Lian, Member, SUSS Board of Trustees, Mrs Mildred Tan, Chairman, SUSS Board of Trustees, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam; Professor Tan Tai Yong, President, SUSS; Associate Professor Justina Tan, Vice President (Strategic Partnership & Engagement), SUSS; Ms Agnes Kwang, Registrar, SUSS.
In celebration of SUSS’ 8th anniversary, a symbolic cake-cutting ceremony took place, marking a meaningful milestone for the university. Joining President Tharman in the celebration were Mrs. Mildred Tan, Chairman of SUSS, and Professor Tan Tai Yong, President of SUSS, who came together for a special moment to commemorate the occasion.
Professor Tan Tai Yong, President of SUSS, said: “Our inaugural Patron’s Day is a meaningful occasion for SUSS to come together as a community and express our deep appreciation to our Patron, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, for his steadfast support. As we celebrate our 8th anniversary since becoming an Autonomous University, this occasion is also a reminder of our commitment to nurturing changemakers and empowering individuals to create lasting, positive impact in Singapore and beyond.”
1 Both startups participated in the SUSS’ Venture Builder Programme, a three-month intensive entrepreneurship training initiative powered by NAK’s philanthropic support. Through the programme, they received mentorship, training, and successfully pitched for the NAK-SUSS Impact Grant, securing $25,000 each. As part of the University’s commitment to nurturing impactful ventures that combine technology and social good, the startups were also incubated through the SUSS Minor/Certificate in Entrepreneurship programme, with SUSS further recommending them for the Startup SG Founder grant.