SPEECH BY PRESIDENT S R NATHANAT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF NUS KENT RIDGE HALL AT HENG MUI KENG TERRACEON SATURDAY, 3 JANUARY 2004 AT 10.30 AM
When Kent Ridge Hall was established as the first Hall of Residence on the University Campus some 24 years ago, its facilities must have been Spartan, by today’s standards. In these new premises, residents of Kent Ridge Hall will have access to the latest range of facilities to meet the needs of those residing within its walls.
These Halls of residence are more than just student "hotels". They bring together young people from different walks of life, race, language and religion, who within the comforts of its walls seek to find camaraderie and friendships that can last a life time. Having been a hostelite in Dunearn Road, I can speak from personal experiences that the bonds we develop do last a life time. However, unlike in the past, you have the benefit of the Master and Resident fellows of the Hall to be your mentors, not only in your intellectual and character development, but also to help you develop a "give and take" approach in your interaction among fellow residents, and dealings with University life as a whole.
International students from all over the world will also contribute to a culturally rich environment for your study, social interaction and physical development. Living among peers from different social, cultural and academic backgrounds will help to develop tolerance, understanding, appreciation and consideration for others. These are characteristics that are critical for community living, appreciating the culture and values that others – local and foreign – will bring as residents of the Hall.
The Hall will hopefully provide you with opportunities to cultivate an appreciation for the finer things in life which make for a gracious living. Lasting friendships can also be made in the Hall which will stand you in good stead in the years to come. Many are the opportunities that will come your way. Make the most of them.
Beyond the individuals, Kent Ridge Hall also has a distinguished past. I expect that those who come into Kent Ridge Hall will strive to build on its past achievements and strive to live up to your Hall’s motto of "To Seek, Strive and Excel".
In conclusion, I would like to urge all to participate actively in the wide variety of activities offered by the Hall, be it sports, culture or charity. Do your best for your Hall and the University, and in the process, gain something for yourself.
On this note, I am happy to declare the Kent Ridge Hall at Heng Mui Keng Terrace officially open.
Haha.. I lost my speech for the day... but it was one of the worst in during my term in office. I trembled like mad. Heh.. not meant for the TV cameras I guess. :P
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