On a lovely evening in Singapore, June 29th, 2020 our Society President Dato Paul Supramaniam hosted political scientist and academic as well as former speech writer under the George W. Bush administration, Adam Garfinkle, in a fireside chat called ‘Have the Americans Gone Crazy’.
Adam has seen it all, from behind the podium of American politics. In this special fireside chat we explored the biggest issues unfolding in the Land of the Free and their impact on foreign relations. We considered the challenges of racism, the Black Lives Matter movement, a fragmented response to Covid-19 and asked, who’s in control of the US election? Due to Covid 19 safeguarding restrictions, this chat was hosted as a webinar, live from our President’s home. Near 100 people joined us for this most thought provoking conversation.
PM Lee and Mdm Ho Ching pictured with Dato’ Paul Supramaniam, President of the Oxford and Cambridge Society of Singapore,Bishop of Singapore, the Chairman of the National Council of Churches of Singapore, and the combined choir at the Bicentennial Christmas Carol Service, December 13, 2019.
The idea of the special carol service was originally proposed by our President, Dato Paul Supramaniam to Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) at the end of 2018, and after securing buy-in from PMO, he cleared the event with the Inter-Religious Organisation, Singapore, and then secured the blessing and support of Bishop of Singapore Rt. Rev. Rennis Ponniah. Bishop Rennis together with Bishop Terry Kee and Dato Paul Supramaniam were then the key drivers of this once in a lifetime event.
PM Lee Hsien Loong is greeted by Dato Paul Supramaniam, at the welcome ceremony on 13th December, 2019.PM Lee Hsien Loong and Dato’ Paul Supramaniam shaking hands after PM Lee signed the Oxbridge Society Guest Book.
Organized by the Diocese (Anglican Church) of Singapore and the National Council of Churches of Singapore (NCCS) in partnership with the Oxford and Cambridge Society of Singpaore, the Service celebrated, through music and song, Singapore’s Bicentennial, survival through hard times and prosperity forged through multi-racialism as well as multi-religious cohesiveness. Parliamentarians from both the ruling party, the PAP, and the Workers’ Party (including the leader of the opposition) attended both nights.
The closing address was delivered by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (our patron) on the 13th December, and by Dato Paul Supramaniam on the 12th December. The 800 guests including government leaders, leaders of various faiths, as well as clergy and lay leaders of Christian denominations.
Dato’ Paul Supramaniam, President, Oxford and Cambridge Society of Singapore, shares A Word of Thanksgiving during Service on December 12, 2019.
I have been moved by the beautiful service, beautiful music, beautiful singing.
Prime minister lee hsien loong
PM Lee, during his address at the end of the Service, shared that he felt “moved by the beautiful service, beautiful music and beautiful singing”, and further highlighted that Church’s take on the Singapore Bicentennial is “one of the strands of many strands which has come together to make Singapore today, 200 years after Stamford Raffles. It’s what makes Singapore rich, makes our history meaningful, and gives us a sense of purpose to go ahead and do great things for Singapore”.
He took the opportunity to urge all those present to ensure that in 50 or 100 years’ time, a new generation “will once again have many reasons to give thanks for the bountiful blessings of the Lord and for the results which we have been able to bring about together”.
PM Lee delivers his closing address on December 13th.
Left to Right: Past President of the Oxbridge Society, Dr Stanley Lai, Honourable Secretary Ng Yeau Chong, PM Lee Hsien Loong, President of the Oxbridge Society Dato’ Paul Supramaniam, Vice President (Cambridge) Toh Han Li.
L-R: Mrs Joy Toh, Mr Toh Han Li, Committee Member Mr James Cheah, Mrs Greta Georges Cheah, Vice President (Oxford) Dr Melanie Chew, Ng Yeau Chong.
Dato’ Paul Supramaniam with the Christus Cantores children’s choir, led by Joanna Paul, at the reception following December 13th’s service.
December 12th, 2019: Bishop of Singapore, Ambassadors of France and Portugal, MPs from PAP and Workers’ Party, along with Oxbridge Society’s Dato’ Paul Supramaniam and Toh Han Li.
Oxbridge Society representatives are joined by Bishop of Singapore Rt. Rev. Rennis Ponniah.
Dr Peter Low leading the combined choir on December 12th.
The Recessional during December 12th’s Service.
Members of the Oxford and Cambridge Society of Singapore, along with Committee Members and past Presidents attended the Bicentennial Christmas Carol Service on both the 12th and 13th of December, celebrating and giving thanks to all those who have contributed to making Singapore what it is today.
We wish all members a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year 2020.
The Oxford and Cambridge Society of Singapore presents
THE ‘BEYOND 200’ BALL
SATURDAY MAY 11 2019
6.30 PM to LATE
AT THE BRITISH HIGH COMMISSIONER’S RESIDENCE AT EDEN HALL
28 NASSIM ROAD SINGAPORE 258403
Do join your fellow Members and Guests of the Oxford and Cambridge Society for the Bicentennial “Beyond 200” May Ball 2019, on Saturday May 11 2019, at 6.30 pm to late, in the splendour of Eden Hall, Official Residence of the British High Commissioner to Singapore.
The May Ball 2019 will be redolent of our student days, with black tie/white tie and long gowns, dinner and dance, music, mirth and merry-making on a summer’s evening.
It will be a most memorable event – don’t miss it! Tickets at $200 (Members) and $250 (Guests) are strictly limited. Please book early to avoid disappointment at https://oxbridge2019ball.peatix.com
The Committee, May Ball 2019
With sincere thanks to His Excellency the High Commissioner, Mr Scott Wightman CMG, for his kind and gracious hospitality to the Oxford and Cambridge Society of Singapore
We are the official network for Oxford and Cambridge University alumni in Singapore. The Society hosts a plethora of events around the year, focussing on connecting alums in SIngapore. From cultural and social gatherings to political debate, we aim to curate opportunities for our members, friends and family to nurture their intellectual curiosity or simply connect to like minded alums over a fine wine.
Our next event is a Private Tour of the Singapore Bicentennial Exhibition, “Raffles in Southeast Asia” on February 15th, where the Director of the museum, Mr. Kennie Ting, will guide a private tour of the museum. We hope to see you there!
If you do not wish to become a member at this point, follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn or send us an email at membership@oxbridge.org.sg to be notified about our latest events.
