About the Lecture Series
On 14 November 2007 (Wednesday), the Ngee Ann Kongsi donated a S$3 million to the Singapore Management University (SMU) making the latter the first local university to receive contributions from the Teochew charitable organization even since Parliament passed the amendment to the Ngee Ann Kongsi (Incorporation) Ordinance on 17 July 2007 to allow the philanthropic foundation more flexibility to give funds to other educational institutions and charities.
In recognition for this generous gift, SMU has named in perpetuity its 300-seater conference hall – the Ngee Ann Kongsi Auditorium – and on the same time, it will launch a new series of annual lectures called the ‘Ngee Ann Kongsi Annual Lecture Series’.
Commencing on 9 January 2008, the Ngee Ann Kongsi Annual Lecture Series will provide a platform for industry leaders and eminent scholars of international renown to share their knowledge and perspectives with an audience as diverse as pre-university students, undergraduates and faculty of SMU, executives and civic leaders, entrepreneurs, government officials and other interested members of the Singapore community.
The lecture series will feature speakers who are leading voices in the debate on global issues that are shaping the future of business, society and the environment. It will be conducted in the newly named Ngee Ann Kongsi Auditorium.
About Ngee Ann Kongsi
The Ngee Ann Kongsi is a foundation that is actively involved in educational, cultural and welfare activities in Singapore. Founded in 1845 to look after the religious and welfare needs of Teochew immigrants in Singapore, the Ngee Ann Kongsi has evolved to become a significant contributor towards the enrichment of Singapore society. The foundation has touched many generations of Singaporeans with its continuing efforts and services in the educational, cultural, religious, welfare and medical arenas.
Today, the Ngee Ann Kongsi is managed by a council elected from amongst its members. It is based in the stately Teochew Building on Tank Road, which also houses the Ngee Ann Cultural Centre and Ngee Ann Kongsi Heritage Hall as well as the Ngee Ann-Adelaide Education Centre.
