News: LKCMedicine celebrates 10 amazing years 

Over the past year, the OneLKC community has repeatedly shown that COVID-19 has not deterred the School from celebrating its achievements and milestones, and its 10th anniversary was no exception. To cap off the10th anniversary celebrations, the School held a celebratory virtual dinner on 10 March, with great aplomb.

A screenshot of the virtual celebration 

Close to 300 guests, including NTU, Imperial, and LKCMedicine leadership – past and present – faculty, staff, students, alumni, and key partners gathered online, as bento dinners were delivered to attendees based in Singapore before the start of the occasion.

The audience warmed up at the start with a live quiz on LKCMedicine, which was followed by a live chat with former Governing Board (GB) member Professor Judith Swain who dialed in from Los Angeles, and current GB member Professor Desmond Johnston, who attended via zoom from London.

At 7.45pm sharp, the audience was treated to an opening video and a pre-recorded virtual performance by LKCMedicine’s student acapella group, MedLee.

After their performance, Guest-of-Honour LKCMedicine GB Chairman Mr Lim Chuan Poh delivered his welcome speech, which paid thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of LKCMedicine.

He said: “While the School had gone through an initial difficult period, it is now thriving. The students are confident and feedback on the performance of LKCMedicine graduates has been positive. All these augurs well for the future of LKCMedicine.”

The occasion continued with a sand-art performance depicting LKCMedicine’s journey over the past decade.

As the visual artwork unfolded, NTU President Distinguished University Professor Subra Suresh lauded the achievements of the School and its graduates in the face of COVID-19, particularly its researchers.

“Today, this dual mission is particularly salient as the world fights the COVID-19 pandemic. LKCMedicine can stand proud that its graduates have risen to the challenge in these unprecedented times,” said Prof Suresh. 

Imperial College London President Professor Alice Gast added, “In the last 10 years, LKCMedicine has reshaped medical education forever, and we congratulate the many colleagues and friends around the world who have contributed to its success.”

Following their speeches, a video – featuring present and former people of the School, as well as key partners paying tribute to LKCMedicine Outgoing Dean Professor James Best – was played.

In 2019, he received the Imperial College Medal in recognition of his exceptional contribution to making the School a success.

Prof Best stepped down as Dean of LKCMedicine at the end March. 

Thanking everyone for their kind words, Prof Best said in his speech that followed, he is immensely grateful for the opportunity given to him by NTU and Imperial.

“The past seven years have been a wonderful life experience, as well as an academic experience. It really has been my good fortune and privilege to be Dean of LKCMedicine,” he added.

Professor Joseph Sung assumed the role of Dean on 1 April, said Prof Best has made unparalleled contributions in the recruitment of faculty, staff, and students, steering the School direction, overseeing the education and research portfolio of LKCMedicine, and driving the strategy and goals.

A congratulatory video that featured the OneLKC Family, Imperial, NTU, and Friends of LKCMedicine was then played, before the dinner ended with a closing performance by MedLee.

Cheers to the next decade of LKCMedicine!