The S R Nathan School of Human Development offers programmes to meet the needs of social services and corporate sectors, across a spectrum of disciplines
The Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) paid tribute to the late Mr S R Nathan, former President and statesman, by renaming the School of Human Development and Social Services in his honour at a ceremony on 22 February 2018.
The School was renamed S R Nathan School of Human Development (NSHD) to recognise Mr Nathan's legacy in advocating many social and community causes during his distinguished career in public service and the national labour movement. As President, Mr Nathan was also Patron of SUSS and a strong advocate of the lifelong learning focus of the University.
The NSHD is dedicated to the applied study of the socio-cultural needs of human development and well-being, across a spectrum of disciplines that includes early childhood education, adult learning, gerontology, counselling, human resource management, social work, community leadership and social development, as well as life-coaching, among others.
At the heart of the School's focus and programmes is the intrinsic value of service. This is captured in its vision, ‘Transforming Lives, Serving Society’.
The President of the Republic of Singapore and Patron of SUSS, Madam Halimah Yacob, was the Guest-of-Honour at the renaming ceremony.
"This new name recognises the potential impact of the school's academic programmes and research which are closely aligned with Mr Nathan's lifelong commitment of uplifting fellow Singaporeans and forging closer social strong community cohesion,” said President Halimah Yacob.
Also present at the renaming ceremony were Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills) Mr Ong Ye Kung, and Senior Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Social & Family Development, Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim.
Mrs Urmila Nathan, wife of the late Mr Nathan, who witnessed the ceremony together with her family, said they were honoured to receive this tribute from the University.
“Our family is deeply touched that SUSS has named one of its Schools after my late husband. We are proud to be associated with your vision of ‘Transforming Lives, Serving Society’, which reflected the values held by my late husband. I am sure the staff and students of SUSS will continue to live up to the University's vision and that of the name the school bears,” Mrs Nathan added.
SUSS President Professor Cheong Hee Kiat said the renaming of NSHD after Mr Nathan was a fitting tribute to his contributions.
“This connection would shape the thrust of the School’s work for years to come and further inspire our faculty, partners and students to contribute to a better society and a better Singapore for the future,” he added.
Complementing the ceremony were two events held by the School – an exhibition of community projects by SUSS students, alumni and community partners and a seminar featuring prominent social service, early childhood education and gerontology experts.
For more information, please contact:
Singapore University of Social Sciences
Valerie Ng
Senior PR Manager
Communications & Marketing
Telephone: 6248 0364
Email: valeriengww@suss.edu.sg
About the Singapore University of Social Sciences
Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) is one of Singapore's six autonomous universities and its mission is to provide lifelong education that equips learners to serve society. Home to more than 15,000 students, SUSS provides an applied education that targets both fresh school leavers and adult learners, with a focus on the social sciences. It adopts a flexible and practice-focused learning approach and offers more than 70 degree programmes in various disciplines. Eligible students taking SUSS undergraduate programmes enjoy government subsidies and access to government bursaries, tuition fee loans and study loans. For more information on Singapore University of Social Sciences, please visit www.suss.edu.sg.