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May 2005 Issue
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A double celebration, and happy memories

 Graduations | Singapore

It was twice the prestige and festivities as the University of Adelaide hosted two graduation ceremonies in Singapore for the first time recently.

An increasing number of Singaporeans studying at the University of Adelaide meant it was necessary for the two ceremonies, held at the Ngee Ann-Adelaide Education Centre.

The Ngee Ann-Adelaide Education Centre provides the university's offshore programs in Singapore, while many prominent Singapore figures have studied in Adelaide.

Perhaps the most notable of these figures is Deputy Prime Minister, Dr Tony Tan, who graduated from the University of Adelaide with a PhD in Applied Mathematics in 1968.

At a special university function held earlier in the week, Dr Tan received a Distinguished Alumni award from the university. He joins other such notable Singapore recipients of the award as former Singapore president, the late Mr Ong Teng Cheong and former Singapore Airlines CEO Dr Cheong Choong Kong.

"I am honoured to receive such an award," Dr Tan said. "I have many happy memories from my time there.

"I found Adelaide a charming and gracious city, and its people civilised and helpful. I learnt a lot from discussions with my supervisor and my colleagues, and I made many friends.

"I left the University of Adelaide well prepared to tackle any problems that I could encounter in the next phase of my life."

University Pro Vice-Chancellor (International) Professor John Taplin said the achievements of past Singapore graduates such as Dr Tan bode well for the university's newest graduates.

"We are extremely proud of our association with all of our Singapore graduates, and particularly with the likes of Dr Tan, who has done so much for the Republic of Singapore," Professor Taplin said.

"We hope that our graduation ceremonies served not only as a celebration of the considerable achievements already obtained by our class of 2005 in Singapore, but also as an encouragement for them to set their sights high and to make a real impact in Singapore and the world."

Story by Ben Osborne

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Graduates from the first Singapore graduation ceremony for 2005
Photo Ben Osborne

Graduates from the first Singapore graduation ceremony for 2005
Photo Ben Osborne

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Graduates from the second Singapore graduation ceremony
Photo Ben Osborne

Graduates from the second Singapore graduation ceremony
Photo Ben Osborne

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Dr Tony Tan (right) receives his Distinguished Alumni Award from University Chancellor the Honourable John von Doussa
Photo Ben Osborne

Dr Tony Tan (right) receives his Distinguished Alumni Award from University Chancellor the Honourable John von Doussa
Photo Ben Osborne

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Macebearer William Yong Tieng Lee, and children Han Kwang (left) and Wen Kym celebrate his achievement
Photo Ben Osborne

Macebearer William Yong Tieng Lee, and children Han Kwang (left) and Wen Kym celebrate his achievement
Photo Ben Osborne

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Singapore Ambassador to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, and University of Adelaide graduate His Excellency Sim Cheok Lim (centre), was presented with a special award, the first in a limited series of specially commissioned portraits of Bonython Hall, to celebrate his contribution to the University.  
He is pictured with University Chancellor John von Doussa (left), and Marketing and Strategic Communications Director Michael Neale.
Photo Ben Osborne

Singapore Ambassador to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, and University of Adelaide graduate His Excellency Sim Cheok Lim (centre), was presented with a special award, the first in a limited series of specially commissioned portraits of Bonython Hall, to celebrate his contribution to the University.
He is pictured with University Chancellor John von Doussa (left), and Marketing and Strategic Communications Director Michael Neale.
Photo Ben Osborne

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