SUSS Convocation 2017 – Our Inaugural Graduation Celebration As An Autonomous University

The Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) celebrated Convocation 2017 with four sessions held on 11 – 12 October 2017, and culminating in a dinner on 13 October 2017.

This is a significant year for our 2,137 graduates as they are the first batch to receive degrees in the name of SUSS, with the University’s restructuring to be an autonomous university under the ambit of the Ministry of Education. Among them are the pioneer batches of graduates from the Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics (TESOL), Master of Business Administration, Master of Management (Urban Transportation), Bachelor of Communication with Multimedia, Bachelor of Communication with Security Studies, Bachelor of Tamil Language & Literature with English Language, Bachelor of Science (Logistics with Security Studies), Bachelor of Human Resource Management with Security Studies, Bachelor of Music Education with Management, Bachelor of Music Education with Psychology, and Bachelor of Sports and Physical Education with Management programmes. 

This year’s Convocation is themed “Inspire Change – Creating New Perspectives”. After completing their learning journey at SUSS, our graduates would have experienced or embarked on change themselves, and gained new perspectives which might lead to different choices being made. With change not just in terms of actions, but also in the mindset, SUSS wishes for our graduates to be able to change as frequently as needed throughout life, and in their daily interactions with others, inspire change and create new perspectives. 

In his opening address at the first session, Professor Cheong Hee Kiat, President of SUSS, spoke about the University’s unique offerings in our programmes, pedagogies, systems and operations – built over the years since it was established in 2005 as SIM University – and highlighted that the change in status to autonomous university is a recognition of the University’s quality and relevance. He emphasised that, while SUSS works on increasing our offerings of courses and programmes in the social sciences, and bringing elements of the social sciences, the thinking about community, and social impact into every programme, SUSS will continue to be the lifelong learning university for Singapore. Professor Cheong also shared the future social challenges that will be faced by our community, and explained the importance and urgency of training our learners to recognise and deal with the social aspects. 

Mr Tan Chuan-Jin, Speaker of Parliament and Guest-of-Honour at Session 1, congratulated SUSS on its transition to an autonomous university, and shared that he was impressed by the drive and passion of the SUSS students and graduates that he had met in wanting to shape Singapore’s society and resolve social issues. He encouraged the graduates – equipped by SUSS with the professional skills that have placed them in good stead to shape Singapore’s future – to think about how they could contribute to the nation’s progress, in both professional and personal capacities, and maintain a passion and enthusiasm to better the lives of those around them. 

The University also welcomed Mr Kenneth Loo, President of The Singapore Contractors Association; Mr Baey Yam Keng, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth; and Dr Yeo Guat Kwang, Assistant Secretary-General of the National Trades Union Congress, as our Guests-of-Honour at Sessions 2 to 4, respectively. 

Our best wishes to the Class of 2017! 

Click here for: 

• Professor Cheong Hee Kiat’s speech at the SUSS Convocation 2017 (Session 1)
• Mr Tan Chuan-Jin’s speech at the SUSS Convocation 2017 (Session 1)
• Mr Kenneth Loo’s speech at the SUSS Convocation 2017 (Session 2)
• Mr Baey Yam Keng’s speech at the SUSS Convocation 2017 (Session 3)
• Dr Yeo Guat Kwang’s speech at the SUSS Convocation 2017 (Session 4)

_{Professor Aline Wong, Chancellor of SUSS, officiating the Convocation ceremony.}

_{Professor Cheong Hee Kiat warmly welcoming all to SUSS Convocation 2017.}

_{Mr Tan Chuan-Jin congratulating the graduates on their achievements.}

_{A group photo with the award winners.}

_{Mr Kenneth Loo urging the graduates to continue to cultivate the University’s core values, which includes the spirit of learning.}

_{(From left) Mr Baey Yam Keng extending his well wishes to a graduate.}

_{Dr Yeo Guat Kwang presenting a graduate with her award.}

_{Sharing the proud moment with loved ones.}

_{What’s a Convocation celebration without a keepsake taken at the photo booth?}