At SMU, leadership comes in many forms. But perhaps the highest level of leadership is helmed by those in the student council as they represent and uphold the interests of all SMU students.
Celebrating their contributions, our first SMU Interaction Night for 2016 kicked-off on 11 February with past and present student and alumni leaders. The event saw more than 90 guests attending, which included staff and faculty.
SMU President, Prof Arnoud De Meyer kicked off the event by welcoming all student and alumni leaders. He thanked all for their contributions through the years, and the difference they made to SMU. The welcome remarks were then delivered by Director, Office of Alumni Relations, Assoc Prof Low Aik Meng. He was delighted to see many ex-student leaders back on campus, and hoped that these Interaction Nights would forge closer and more enduring bonds among our present and past leaders. He encouraged all to support our alumni efforts, attend the myriad of events and stay connected to the University and the community.
Next to take the stage was SMUSA’s first President, Mr Mahesh Primalani (BBM, 2004). As head of our very first student government, he shared the challenges and the camaraderie built during those pioneer years. Adding to the nostalgia, he presented blown-up printed photos of the ‘SMUSA days’ gone by, and retold stories of the bravery and courage exemplified by the past student leaders.
Mr Ford Lai (BBM, 2007), SMU Alumni Association Vice-President, was next to update his plans for the association. With the lead up to the alumni club-house, the SMU alumni association had successfully set up their first, and very own, F&B outlet. Billed as Tonic-X, this venue will be a melting pot for alumni – old and new – to come together and further strengthen community ties.
Mr Fu Fei, 15th and current President, SMUSA, wrapped up the speeches with his accolade to our alumni. He said to the student leaders, “As you look across the road to SMU, the reason why you can see far is because you are standing on the shoulders of giants – our alumni.”
Incidentally, there were no less than 7 previous SMUSA presidents present that evening – Mahesh Primalani (1st President), Ford Lai (5th President), Timothy Tio (6th President), Ahmad Firdaus Daud (7th President), Andrew Wong (8th President), Sophia Lo (10th President) and Ada Chua (12th President).
With the formalities over, meaningful interactions took place amidst much laughter and camaraderie, livening the mood of the evening. It was an evening that epitomised our belief of students today, alumni for life.
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About SMU Interaction Nights
The fundamental belief, that bonds forged during student experience in SMU are enduring, form the basis of SMU Interaction Nights. A new initiative designed to facilitate meaningful interactions, these community events will feature different themes and aim to connect two important SMU constituents – students and alumni - with faculty and staff by bringing them together through a platform of collegial sharing and camaraderie.