After two foiled attempts at giving the graduating Classes of 2020 and 2021 a physical commencement ceremony, the university finally succeeded on its third try! The underlying conviction behind the university’s relentless efforts was the desire to give its graduates the recognition they deserve, and allow them to fully savour this milestone moment with their loved ones. From 7 to 9 October 2021, NUS Business School held a total of nine in-person ceremonies, conducted with prevailing safe management measures in place. While the multiple-ceremony format took a greater toll on the staff and faculty, it was viewed as a labour of love.
Graduating Twice
Graduates filing back to their seats after receiving their scrolls upstage
We interviewed four graduates, Esmond Tan, Macey Soh, Ryan Quek and Yeo Rae-Nyse, and their parents to hear from them about their experience, and why they chose to set aside time for this event despite already having a virtual commencement.
The Graduate Diaries
Q: Why did you choose to attend the physical ceremony, despite already having a virtual one?
Macey: I wanted to attend the physical ceremony because it’s more personal, especially since the virtual ceremony was pre-recorded. I also wanted to celebrate properly with my family and friends.
Macey’s pre-recorded virtual commencement moment
Ryan: The virtual one couldn’t hold a candle to the real deal. It just felt weird watching a video of people’s names coming up. The human interaction which is so part and parcel of celebrating this occasion wasn’t there. We couldn’t really celebrate together with many friends due to the existing restrictions back then too.
Ryan with two batch mates at a private virtual commencement watch party
Q: How was the physical experience different from the virtual one?
Rae-Nyse: I could feel the excitement and adrenaline as I walked upstage to receive my scroll. It was like the milestone moment my entire education culminated towards. Being surrounded by my peers in their convocation gowns, and seeing my parents dressing up for the event gave the occasion a sense of ritual and formality (仪式感), which I value.
Esmond: Seeing the gallery packed with proud parents and having your graduating peers around you definitely gives credence to occasion. It also turned out to be the opportune time to catch up with my school mates!
A graduate’s family member photographing the Commencement ceremony
The Parent Diaries
Q: Why was the physical ceremony important to you?
Rae-Nyse’s parents: It’s every parent’s dream to witness the convocation of their child. It signifies the success of their child and is a motivation to the commencement of the child’s next phase of life. A virtual one would not have as much feel and impact as a physical one. Certain events just simply can’t be replaced by virtual ones.
Ryan’s mom: In the time of our generation, we only knew of a physical commencement (which we used to call convocation). Parents and graduates alike look forward to the big day, which is a culmination of the time in university. The celebratory mood, ambience, photo-taking with family and friends – these are only possible when all of us gather at the physical ceremony.
Q: How was the physical ceremony different from the virtual one?
Macey’s parents: You get immersed in the celebratory atmosphere with other parents in the physical ceremony.
Rae-Nyse’s parents: There were spontaneous interactions, emotions and thoughts when Rae-Nyse went up on stage to be formally recognized for her success. These were actions that the virtual experience could never replicate. Wouldn’t it be weird for us to present a physical bouquet of flowers on her virtual commencement ceremony? Or were we supposed to present her a virtual bouquet?
Esmond’s parents: Feeling the ambience of the theater alongside seeing our son collect the degree scroll in the person! The physical event just feels different!
Q: On this special day, what advice would you give to your child?
Macey’s parents: You have gotten to where you are today through the support of your friends and family. I hope that you can do the same for those who will come after you. But for today, paint the town red!!!
BBA (Accountancy) Class of 2021 graduate Macey Soh with her parents
Rae-Nyse’s parents: We reminded her that her hard earned double degrees are stepping stones for many good things to come. However, the day one graduated would also be the expiry date of one’s knowledge if one does not constantly up-skill to remain relevant. We hope to see her continue to pursue knowledge regardless of how successful her career maybe. And of course, we wish her and her startup, MatcHub, great success and will always support her in whatever she desires to pursue in her next chapter of life. Good luck and Happy working, Rae-Nyse!
BBA Class of 2020 graduate Yeo Rae-Nyse flanked by her parents
Ryan’s mom: As cliché as it may sound, I would say “The World is your Oyster”. Go explore, experience and learn. Keep an open mind and enjoy every step of the new phase in your life. And congratulations, you have made us proud parents!
BBA Class of 2021 graduate Ryan Quek with his mom
Esmond’s parents: This is only the beginning of a very exciting and fulfilling life journey ahead! While you forge ahead in your career, also never forget where you came from and the people who have supported you along the way.
BBA Class of 2021 graduate Esmond Tan flanked by his parents