The talk about the Moon cake festival … was very interesting … Of course, Victor Savage was in his element, regaling us with his stories and slides about Old Singapore … It is good for alumni members to meet and interact and network. I had the opportunity to meet up with some old friends!

What do the historical and cultural origins of the Moon-cake Festival and toponymics, the study of place names, have in common? Well, truthfully, not much. But that did not stop the Economics, History and Chinese Studies Alumni Associations from successfully organising a talk on both topics. On the evening of 14 Sep 07, thirty six members of the three associations met at the Singapore Recreation Club to find out more about both over dinner. Mr Yang Yew Chong, of the Chinese Studies Master of Arts Programme, began with a presentation on the history behind the Moon-cake Festival. To everyone’s pleasant surprise, his presentation was energetically made in Mandarin, with Ms Chang Rui Hua of the Economics Alumni translating. After a short intermission when moon-cakes were appropriately served, A/P Victor Savage, of the NUS Geography Department, continued with a talk on how some places in Singapore came to be named. Utilising his personal collection of old photos, A/P Savage riveted the audience with his engaging lesson on a lesser known aspect of Singapore’s past.

Ms Tan Suan Imm, History ’62, summed the evening up well:

"The talk about the Moon cake festival … was very interesting … Of course, Victor Savage was in his element, regaling us with his stories and slides about Old Singapore … It is good for alumni members to meet and interact and network. I had the opportunity to meet up with some old friends!"

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Bonds were renewed and forged as alumni from the 1950s to 2007, as well as current students, staff and friends shared a night of camaraderie, good food and entertainment at the 2nd FASS Reunion Dinner. Held on 19 October at the Orchard Hotel, the event brought together some 350 guests who caught up with long lost friends, reminisced about the good old days, ate, drank and made merry.

Guests rocked to the beat and swung in rhythm on the dance floor to the music provided by alumni band, The Evergreens and guest singers, Mr Tan Soo Khoon and Ms Noor Quek. By popular demand, and backed by donations, Mr Tan Soo Khoon, FASS Dean, A/P Tan Tai Yong and A/P Victor Savage gave impromptu song and dance performances to the delight of many. Other entertainment provided by alumni and guests added to the night of revelry and charity as proceeds from the dinner go to the FASS Student Advancement Fund to help students in need of financial assistance.

Our sincere thanks to alumni, friends, colleagues and students for their wonderful support, and for their spirit of camaraderie, giving and sharing.

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