“Fake news” reportedly played a role in the recent United States election, and US President Donald Trump has accused mainstream media of spreading “fake news”. They in turn accuse him of half truths. Are we now living in a post truth age, and if so what challenges and responsibilities do the media have in such an age and what role should they play?

Join us for a fireside chat with Mr Han Fook Kwang, editor-at-large of The Straits Times, on the topic of “Media in a Post-Truth Age”. Tickets available here.

Venue: 6B Cluny Park, Singapore 259615
Date/Time: Friday, 17 March, 7pm (food and drink provided)
Tickets: $38 for members, $50 for guests (limited spaces)
Sign-Up: http://hanfireside.peatix.com

About the speaker:

Mr Han Fook Kwang is Editor-at-Large at The Straits Times, and a senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University. He was in the Administrative Service of the Singapore Government before joining The Straits Times in 1989. He was Editor of the paper from 2002 to 2012, when he was appointed Managing Editor, and later Editor-at-Large. He was founding chairman of The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund, which provides financial assistance to needy students. Mr Han graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in mechanical engineering under a Colombo Plan scholarship, and holds a Masters in Public Administration from Harvard University. He has co-authored several books on Singapore’s founding Prime Minister: Lee Kuan Yew: The Man and His Ideas, Hard Truths To Keep Singapore Going, and One Man’s View of the World.

We had the pleasure of hosting Stewart McTavish on 9th March, the founding Director of ideaSpace, Cambridge. ideaSpace is a hub for high impact potential founders that work in close proximity to the University of Cambridge. It is currently home to over 150 members, who range from just graduated undergraduates to repeat entrepreneurs who have raised venture capital and taken companies public. Initially developed as part of the vision for the Hauser Forum, on the University’s West Cambridge campus, ideaSpace has expanded to offices in the Cambridge City Centre and Addenbrooke’s Biomedical Campus.

Stewart shared insights drawn from his role at ideaSpace, as well as from chairing the University Enterprise Network, and advising the British Antarctic Survey Aurora Innovation Centre, makespace and biomakespace, amongst other entrepreneurial initiatives. We discussed some of the challenges facing young entrepreneurs in Cambridge and in Singapore, and the effect of the policies in the UK and here on starting, growing and developing a successful business. The evening was a wonderful chance for everyone to network with like-minds and we hope some new friendships were formed in this informal setting! Our thanks to Stewart and the near 20 alumni for attending. We look forward to more events of this nature soon!

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Book now at https://www.alumni.ox.ac.uk/events/meeting-minds-alumni-weekend-asia

Oxford University’s Alumni Weekend in Asia will take place in Singapore 24-26 March 2017. Alumni and their guests are warmly invited to a range of social and academic events, including talks highlighting Oxford’s latest research, a black tie gala dinner and brunch at the British High Commissioner’s residence.

Below is an overview of the activities that will take place over the weekend. Click on the right hand banner to view each of the events.

FRIDAY 24 MARCH 2017

Alumni Dinners
Evening activities in locations around Singapore

More details about alumni dinners hosted by individual colleges and departments at https://www.alumni.ox.ac.uk/alumni-dinners

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SATURDAY 25 MARCH 2017

Academic Programme
8.30am-5pm, Marina Bay Sands, Expo & Convention Centre, 10 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018956
A full day of academic sessions and lunch, starting with an optional continental breakfast.

University Gala Reception and Dinner
7.30-11pm, Flower Field Hall, Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
Black tie dinner in the Flower Field Hall overlooking the Marina Bay skyline and the colourful displays of one of the largest glass greenhouses in the world. Guests are welcome to enjoy the Flower Dome before the start of the reception from 6.45pm.

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SUNDAY 26 MARCH 2017

Brunch at the British High Commissioner’s Residence
11am-1pm, Eden Hall, 28 Nassim Road Singapore 258403
Set in tropical gardens, Eden Hall was built in 1904 in the late Edwardian-classical Revival style and has been the Residence of the British High Commissioner since Singapore’s Independence in 1965.

Comedies, Histories and Tragedies: An Exhibition of the First Folio
1-5pm, National Library of Singapore, 100 Victoria St, Singapore 188064
This is an opportunity to view first hand one of the Bodleian’s two copies of William Shakespeare’s First Folio. Admission is free.

The Row for Hope Oxford and Cambridge Alumni Boat Race
2.30-6pm, Passion Wave @ Marina Bay (Marina Barrage Channel)
The annual boat race in Singapore between Oxford and Cambridge alumni, organised in partnership with the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS).

Click here to book now!