Dean’s Dialogue with Physics Alumni

The Dean’s Dialogue with Science Alumni is a small-group lunch dialogue series that provides an opportunity for the NUS Faculty of Science (FoS) to engage with alumni from its various departments. Each session brings together eight to ten alumni, the Dean, the Head of Department (HOD), the Vice Dean (Student Life & Alumni Relations), and a Deputy HOD or departmental representative for an informal exchange of ideas and perspectives.

The series aims to strengthen meaningful and mutually beneficial relationships with alumni while providing a platform for the faculty to share updates on the latest developments at NUS and FoS, as well as to gather valuable feedback and suggestions. First held in 2024 as part of the FoS’s 95th Anniversary celebrations, the series will continue every two to three years, with alternate editions coinciding with milestone anniversaries.

Dean of NUS Science Prof Koh Lian Pin (front row, third from left) and Head of NUS Physics Prof Gong Jiangbin (front row, rightmost) with members of FoS and physics alumni

The luncheon for physics alumni was held on 23 September, bringing together alumni working across diverse sectors, including fintech, energy, transportation, and government. The gathering provided an excellent opportunity for alumni to reconnect with NUS Science, share their professional experiences, and engage in lively and insightful conversations with faculty members.

Through the dialogue, faculty members gained a better understanding of the evolving demands of different industries, the emerging skills and competencies sought by employers, and the challenges faced by graduates as they transition from university to the workplace. These perspectives are valuable in helping NUS Physics shape its curriculum to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world applications. The conversations also highlighted the importance of transferable skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and adaptability, which are essential across a wide range of professions.

It is hoped that the luncheon dialogue will continue to open up opportunities for greater industry engagement for NUS Physics and deepen the department’s understanding of how to better equip future generations of physics graduates for the diverse career opportunities ahead.