On to a New Chapter

Excitement and anticipation coursed through the grounds of LKCMedicine’s Novena campus on the evening of August 1 while guests mingled with familiar and new faces alike during the School’s Homecoming to a New Chapter celebration. Spirits were high as the event was set to celebrate multiple milestones: the achievements of the graduating Class of 2024, the homecoming of our alumni, and the turning of a new chapter in LKCMedicine’s young history. The iconic Headquarters building of the School turning 100 this year provided the perfect backdrop to the night’s festivities. The majestic 11, Mandalay Road heritage building was built back in 1924!

The LKCMedicine community were charming hosts to some 300 guests, ranging from NTU and LKCMedicine board members, leadership of healthcare clusters and hospitals, donors and industry partners, alumni as well as past colleagues. LKCMedicine was privileged to host the Guest-of-Honour, Minister of Education, Mr Chan Chun Sing, to witness the launch of LKCMedicine’s new chapter. Upon arrival, Mr Chan was welcomed with an invigorating drum performance, as he was accompanied by LKCMedicine board Chairman Mr Lim Chuan Poh, Dean Professor Joseph Sung, Chief Operating Officer Dr Serene Ng, and Student Medical Society President Mr Lim Rong. 

In celebration of the 100-year legacy of the HQ Building – a landmark and pride of LKCMedicine – a video outlining its history and futureproofing works was showcased to guests at the start.

After which, board Chairman Mr Lim officially welcomed guests and congratulated the Class of 2024 on their recent graduation, expressing his confidence in their ability to serve patients with competence and compassion.

Outlining the School’s young history, Mr Lim took the chance to express his appreciation to the School’s strong support system and to all who have contributed to the School’s rapid rise into a world-class institution. In anticipation of future healthcare challenges, Mr Lim highlighted  that the School took the opportunity to enhance its MBBS programme, now with a stronger focus on digital health, humanities, and professionalism, that will further cement LKCMedicine’s commitment of prioritising patients’ wellbeing.

Mr Lim emphasised that the School’s success was built on the ever-strong NTU-Imperial foundations, and had this to say about the School entering its new chapter, “Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine is indeed marking another significant milestone as an NTU Medical School building on the success we have so far as a Joint Medical School. More than that, this new chapter opens up many new and timely opportunities for the School to play a major role in Redefining Medicine and Transforming Healthcare in Singapore.”

In his speech, Education Minister Mr Chan expressed his gratitude to everyone who has supported and contributed to LKCMedicine’s journey, and to Imperial College London’s significant contributions.

On the School’s future plans, Mr Chan cited three challenges that LKCMedicine should work towards: driving technological advancements in healthcare, moving towards customised treatment and prescription, and improving the training and teaching of medicine in the trilemma of quality, speed and affordability.

Mr Chan also hopes that LKCMedicine will continue to uphold the qualities of lifelong learning, trust, and ethics in the practice of medicine. “The greater the challenge, the greater the pressures, the greater the financial incentive, the greater we must hold on to the good ethics in the practice of medicine.”

Affirming his confidence in LKCMedicine, Mr Chan said, “I hope, and I look forward to LKC[Medicine] rising to the challenge and being a pillar of the practice of medicine in Singapore.”

The evening reached its climax as the Guest-of-Honour and School leaders came together to launch LKCMedicine’s new chapter in a spectacular display of lights and colours on the Clinical Sciences Building (CSB) and the HQ.

The new School logo lit up atop the CSB, drawing a roaring applause from guests. The new logo retained its deep purple colour, a harmonious blend of NTU’s red and Imperial College London’s blue, paying homage to LKCMedicine’s roots as a joint medical school. As the lights dimmed, ‘A New Chapter’ video was showcased, captivating everyone’s attention.

To celebrate this joyous occasion, Mr Chan and School leaders were invited to leave their legacy on a commemorative handprint artwork, while NTU student and alumni dance group, N.Trance, kept tensions high with an electrifying K-Pop dance performance.

Homecoming was not complete without the award presentation for the Class of 2024. There was a presentation of 13 awards, which were made possible by the generosity and support of donors and the School’s partners.

Guests, alumni and students erupted into booming applause and cheers as the awardees took centre stage to accept their awards.

After receiving the College of Ophthalmologists National Ophthalmology Research Prize, and College of Family Physicians Singapore Prize in Family Medicine, Dr Au Eong Tian Wei Jonathan said, “[I’m] very thankful that the School has these opportunities for students to show their interest in various specialties, and I think it really helps to promote a sense of excellence amongst its students.”

Dr Keith Toh Zhi Xian, winner of the College of Ophthalmologists National Ophthalmology Academic Prize, shared, “I’m deeply humbled and honoured to receive this award. I think I never expected to get it, but it makes me feel very happy that my work has been rewarded.” 

As the evening came to a close, Dean Prof Sung relayed warm words of gratitude in his closing address.

“Deepest appreciation goes to our students, alumni, staff and faculty, our donors and partners for being with us on this journey towards a world-class medical school,” said Prof Sung who also thanked the event’s organising committee.

To Minister Chan, School leaders, senior management, industry partners and NTU-Imperial colleagues for their continued support, Prof Sung said, “Events like tonight remind us of the importance of community and the strength of coming together as a collective force for good.”

While guests enjoyed the spread of delicacies during the reception, alumni took the chance to reminisce about their experiences in LKCMedicine.

Dr Adelia Jostanto from the Class of 2024 recalled her joyous days in LKCMedicine, “I feel very nostalgic and I’m very happy to see my friends, my juniors and seniors again. It really reminds me of the importance of having a community in the medical field in general.”

Another recent graduate Dr Purjita Kiruparan added, “It’s so surreal coming back to LKCMedicine...Thinking back, the past five years have been amazing. It’s nice to see my juniors growing up and seeing my seniors as medical officers and even very senior doctors as well. So, I’m very grateful to the School in that regard.”

Last night’s marvellous celebrations not only marked the start of a new chapter of LKCMedicine’s journey, but shone a light on how far LKCMedicine has come as a young medical school, well on its way to redefine medicine and transform healthcare!