Welcome to the new semester! In this issue, I would like to highlight the achievements of some of our students and alumni.

In 2006/2007 three of our undergraduates were awarded the inaugural NUS Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher Prize, instituted to encourage research among undergraduates at NUS. English major Leslie Lee Meng Cheng, and Psychology majors Jia Lile and Farhan Ali are three of the 14 individual winnersacross the university. I am very proud that FASS students have shown that they are among the best at NUS.

This year, Edgar Liao, a first-year M.A. student in the Department of History, won the first prize in the 24-Hour Playwriting Competition organized by Theatreworks. Where 74 participants had to weave a play in 24 hours, Edgar took the top prize home with his winning script A STATE of ConsterNATION.

And further proving that FASS students are capable of excelling in all areas, Sikhander Singh, a Political Science major, was named 2006’s NUS Sportsman of the Year for outstanding achievements in the sport of Aquathlon, which involves swimming and running, and in contributing to a vibrant sports community and teamNUS spirit. In international sports, the 24th SEA Games in Thailand saw 15 FASS students representing the country (out of a total of 33 from NUS) in competitions ranging from hockey to sailing. Among them was Psychology major Zhao Huijing who clinched a bronze medal with her team for the Women’s 10m Air Pistol.

Our alumni continue to do us proud in their specialized fields. English graduate Fong Foong Mei was part of a Wall Street Journal team to win the Pulitzer prize, while former Philosophy and Economics major Ivan Lee Chung Hwa, and founder of the ThaiExpress chain, won the Singapore Youth Award (Entrepreneurship) 2007 and the BINGO Entrepreneurship Award 2007.

I commend all the above to you with the reminder that you are all capable of achieving your potential and fulfilling your aspirations in the FASS. In an environment that encourages intellectual and personal growth through education, research and constant exposure to the world beyond NUS, we seek to provide you with the opportunity to achieve excellence and gratification in all that you do. As you continue your study here, I wish you a fulfilling semester ahead, and may you ultimately realize your dreams and goals.

Associate Professor Tan Tai Yong
Dean