Speaking to 1,167 graduands at Commencement 2008, distinguished Guest of Honour Minister for Education and Second Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen engaged the audience by speaking about the prospects of the graduates against the backdrop of a volatile economic environment. His call to the students was Carpe Diem. “Seize the opportunities”, he said, “And put to full use the education and skills you have received at SMU and proceed boldly”.

Held on 12 July 2008 at Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Commencement 2008 recognised the achievements of the graduating students – of which 1,033 received bachelor’s degrees in Accounting, Business Management, Economics, Information Systems Management and Social Sciences, with 90 receiving double degrees. The University also conferred 135 postgraduate master’s degrees in Applied Economics, Applied Finance, Economics, Finance, Professional Accounting and Wealth Management.

The Class of 2008 SPH Valedictorian Award was Yeo Zhong Yi, who graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Business Management with a second major in accounting. Zhong Yi was the recipient of Goh Foundation Scholarships and the OCBC Outstanding Student Award in 2006. He was on the Dean’s List both in 2004 and 2005 and received a Community Leadership Excellence Award in 2007. As an academic tutor and soccer coach Zhong Yi worked with the Children-At-Risk-Empowerment Association.

Also graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Management with a second major in business management was the Class of 2008 SPH Magazines Salutatorian Ngiang Boon Loong. As the recipient of a SMU Community Service Scholarship and the Singapore Computer Society Best First Year Student Award, as well as active participation in many SMU organisations and committees as a facilitator, coordinator and SMU advocate, Boon Loong had demonstrated in myriad ways how much he has contributed to SMU and the community at large.

SMU President Howard Hunter closed the auspicious ceremony by reminding the students about the strong ties they have formed at SMU. “As alumni”, he said, “You continue to be part of an extended family that includes SMU faculty, staff, alumni, students, parents and friends”.