On 18 July 2020, RSIS organised its first ever Virtual Graduation Celebration for the Class of 2020 comprising 164 Masters graduates and one PhD graduate. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, this joyous occasion was attended by graduates and faculty members via Zoom.
In his congratulatory speech, Prof Ralf Emmers, Dean of RSIS, reminded the graduates that although their course with RSIS has ended, they are not forgotten. Prof Emmers reiterated that the graduates are digital natives and with an inherent understanding of technology, they are able to better understand the rapid and dramatic impact that technology has on the world. He believed that the knowledge acquired at RSIS will enable them to grasp the complexities of international affairs. Prof Emmers concluded his speech with a hearty welcome for the graduates to the RSIS Alumni Association.
The Head of Graduate Studies, Assoc Prof Bhubhindar Singh, announced the winners of the RSIS Academic Awards. The Rajabali Jumabhoy Foundation Gold Medal was awarded to the top student in the MSc (Asian Studies) programme, Isaac Neo Yi Chong. The Singapore Technologies Engineering Gold Medal was awarded to the top student in the MSc (International Relations) programme, Wendy He Qingli. The United Overseas Bank Gold Medal was awarded to the top student in the MSc (Strategic Studies) programme, James Koh Ming Yi. The Lion Group Gold Medal and the Tay Seow Huah Book Prize were awarded to the top student in the MSc (International Political Economy) programme and for the best dissertation respectively, Joshua Tan Ching Khiang. The award winners took the stage virtually to thank their professors and loved ones.
The President of RSIS Alumni Association, Mr Eddie Lim, congratulated the graduates and shared the social platforms and medium of interaction where graduates can reach out to be a part of the RSIS alumni family.
During the celebrations, a video of the current graduates at their orientation programme back in July 2019 was screened. It left them with good cheer and fond memories. The celebrations ended with wishes of congratulations from the graduates to their year-long course mates via the comment chat box.
