In Focus: Congratulations, Class of 2020! 

LKCMedicine’s third cohort of graduates received their MBBS degree at NTU’s Nanyang Auditorium

It is a much-awaited rite of passage after years of toiling through five years of medical school. However, with COVID-19 sweeping across the world, Convocations had to be put on hold for the safety and wellbeing of everyone.

Now that Singapore is in Phase 3 – the safe resumption of more activities – the Convocation for the Class of 2020 was finally held in March. And for LKCMedicine, the day was 6 March.

In a visibly low-key fashion, each of the graduates purposefully went onstage to receive their joint NTU-Imperial College London degree scroll from the Presiding Officer, Mr Lim Chuan Poh, who is also the Chairman of LKCMedicine’s Governing Board. 

These young doctors are just beginning their careers as a bright future awaits them. No one could be prouder than their loved ones who came along, with their faces radiant with pride and joy.

The ceremony began with the arrival of the academic procession, followed by the national anthem. As soon as Mr Lim declared the ceremony open, the graduates from three PhD programmes and MBBS were addressed by NTU President Distinguished University Professor Subra Suresh in a pre-recorded message.

“At NTU, we strive to prepare you for a productive, rewarding, and meaningful life and career. A highly committed and world-leading faculty has taught and mentored you,” said Prof Suresh.

Reminding them that despite COVID-19, they came through with flying colours, he added, “Class of 2020, you will no doubt be tested during these unprecedented times. But you are among the brightest, and the most qualified, capable, and committed youths anywhere in the world. I hope you will keep your voice and action at the forefront of transformative issues to advance humanity in the 21st century. The world will respect and thank you for it.”

The conferment of the scrolls proceeded in front of their families and loved ones, as well as many proud faculty and staff from LKCMedicine and NTU.

At the start of MBBS degree presentation onstage, three outstanding students, who received their awards in an earlier ceremony, were first mentioned:

•     Dr Ong Kim Yao (Winner of the Lee Kuan Yew Gold Medal, the Anthony SC Teo-Gordon Johnson Medal, the Chee Yam Cheng Gold Medal in Professionalism, Ethics, Law, Leadership and Safety, and the Koh Boon Hwee Scholars Award)

•     Dr Reudi Chan (Winner of the Koh Boon Hwee Scholars Award, and the Low Cheng Hock Gold Medal)

•     Dr Koo Jian Hui (Winner of the Chew Chin Hin Gold Medal, and the Toh Kian Chui Gold Medal)

  Valedictorian Dr Ong said although the Convocation is slightly bleated and medical school seems almost a lifetime ago, it should not seem out of place for them to celebrate.

  In his speech, Dr Ong thanked his family, as well as the faculty at LKCMedicine for their unwavering support and dedication.

Dr Ong Kim Yao delivers his Valedictorian speech during the Convocation 

Addressing his cohort, Dr Ong said, “Medicine teaches us to be kind and compassionate to our patients, but we don’t often talk about extending that same kindness and compassion to ourselves and each other…Before we take care of others, we must first take care of ourselves and each other. So, lean on and be there for each other, and continue to support each other unconditionally because doctors need doctors too.”

Presiding Officer Mr Lim then declared the convocation closed

From all of us at LKCMedicine, our heartiest congratulations to the Class of 2020!