In celebration of its 20th anniversary, Duke-NUS launched a new tradition aimed at fostering a deeper sense of community and collaboration among its alumni. On 4 March 2025, esteemed alumni, faculty, and leaders gathered for the inaugural Alumni Appreciation Dinner at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront. The evening brought together 100 distinguished guests and featured the presentation of the Duke-NUS Medical Alumni (DNMA) Appreciation Awards and the Distinguished Alumni Awards.
.jpg?sfvrsn=26d3e36d_2&MaxWidth=1200&MaxHeight=&ScaleUp=false&Quality=High&Method=ResizeFitToAreaArguments&Signature=A961A5B01A096E436867A58CD6F14FB873C7209D "The winners of the DNMA Appreciation Awards pose on stage with a few of the staff who shape their journey in Duke-NUS, together with their gifts, a live pot of succulent plants, which symbolised resilience in times of adversity.")
The winners of the DNMA Appreciation Awards pose on stage with a few of the staff who shape their journey in Duke-NUS, together with their gifts, a live pot of succulent plants, which symbolised resilience in times of adversity.
Duke-NUS has produced more than 850 graduates since its first cohort graduated in 2011, who have collectively published more than 600 papers, with 47 of them receiving research grants, and many pursuing illustrious careers as clinicians, scientists and innovators. Present as well at this momentous event was Mr Tony Chew, founding Chair of the Duke-NUS Governing Board, whose tireless support of the DNMA has come in many forms, most prominently in his efforts to organise dialogues with prominent decision-makers in the Singapore government.
Said Guest-of-Honour Dean Prof Thomas Coffman, “Over the years, the Duke-NUS education group has dedicated themselves to evolving a curriculum that prepares our graduates to be highly competent as clinicians in the rapidly changing landscape of modern medicine.”
.jpg?sfvrsn=ee3b0ccc_0 "Dean Coffman commended the graduates in the audience for their courage in being part of a generation of new clinicians and medical graduates.")
Prof Coffman commended the graduates in the audience for their courage in being part of a generation of new clinicians and medical graduates.
A historic event such as this would be remiss without a look towards the promising future. Professor London Lucien Ooi, Associate Dean of Admissions and Alumni Affairs, presented a slew of initiatives to build a lasting relationship with the alumni community, and emphasised supporting them in their professional development and through industry partnerships.
The president of the DNMA, Dr Anu Pandey, Class of 2015, who is now a consultant in Paediatric Emergency Medicine, as well as a clinical tutor with Duke-NUS, brought the crowd through a trip down memory lane, highlighting key moments such as the inception of the DNMA in April 2013 to help alumni stay connected, as well as advocate for them and provide opportunities to give back to the school. Dr Pandey also launched the Alumni Membership Form, encouraging all alumni present to sign up to be a part of their community.
.jpg?sfvrsn=2781fc_0&MaxWidth=1200&MaxHeight=&ScaleUp=false&Quality=High&Method=ResizeFitToAreaArguments&Signature=AA73CA5E58A38BD1BB2551700CE811EC5F0EFE3D "A table of our cherished alumni enjoying scintillating conversation over their meal.")
A table of our cherished alumni enjoying scintillating conversation over their meal.
Dr Pandey (above), along with nine other outstanding alumni, received the DNMA Appreciation Award—as well as the Distinguished Alumni Award.
The Distinguished Alumni awards are presented based on the nominations of students and staff to recognise those who have distinguished themselves, and were also awarded to Dr Chia Ghim Song, part of the inaugural Duke-NUS Class of 2011 (above), Dr Ignatius Aditya Jappar (below), and Dr Shan Koh Bundgaard, who was unable to attend.
Concluding the proceedings in her speech, Professor Silke Vogel, Senior Associate Dean of Graduate Studies, reaffirmed Duke-NUS’ goals of building a vibrant alumni network. Such a network would be bolstered by an ability to engage across disciplines, eventually shaping the future together—where those who come after can benefit from the knowledge and experiences of those before.
In maintaining a strong alumni network, the School hopes that its bold vision of training not just doctors, but leaders who will mould the future of healthcare, will be made reality.
All photos in this story are copyrighted to Duke-NUS Medical School.