On 13 July 2023, the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre's Peony Junior ballroom was abuzz with excitement and camaraderie as the much-anticipated NUS-ISS Annual Luncheon 2023 unfolded. The event served as a joyous celebration of achievements, a platform for acknowledging partnerships in the ecosystem, and an opportunity to foster a sense of unity among the NUS-ISS community.
The luncheon kicked off in high spirits with an energetic staff dance music video, which set the stage for the day's festivities. The NUS-ISS pose for accelerating digital excellence was launched to an upbeat tune, symbolising that “We love to develop digital talent, we guide them to climb the learning curve, to achieve new heights of digital excellence".
The programme then commenced with a Welcome Address delivered by Ms. Janet Ang, Chairman of NUS-ISS. In her speech, she shared the institute's strategies for the next curve of digital excellence, the nurturing of digital talent, and support for smart nation initiatives. She warmly thanked the audience for their support and dedication to driving innovation and digital transformation in Singapore and beyond.
As the attendees looked back on the institute's remarkable journey, they were taken through the "Year in Review 2022," a compilation of milestones and achievements from the past year. The video showcased the progress made by NUS-ISS and its valuable contributions to the digital landscape.
Guest-of-Honour, Minister Tan See Leng then shared his heartfelt address, as he emphasised the significance of NUS-ISS's work in developing digital talent and driving the nation's progress. His words resonated deeply with the audience, ending off with a Chinese quote, 学如逆水行舟，不进则退”, which compares learning to rowing upstream against the current. If we stop moving forward, we will fall behind.
A highlight of the luncheon was the Partnership Recognition segment, where NUS-ISS honored five partners - Accenture, GovTech, NCS, Institute of Banking and Finance (IBF), and Visa. A compelling video titled "Empowering Careers, Turbocharging Professional Growth" showcased collaborative efforts and shared achievements between NUS-ISS and these esteemed organisations along with their employees whose lives and careers have been profoundly transformed.
These individuals have undergone a remarkable 360° career transformation, evolving from having no prior IT knowledge to becoming invaluable digital talents. This recognition underscored the importance of fruitful partnerships in advancing the technology landscape and creating impactful opportunities for professionals.
From L to R: Mr Henry Chang, Deputy Chief Executive, GovTech Singapore, Mr Goh Eng Kee, Senior Business Leader, Visa, Prof Aaron Thean, Provost of NUS, Mr Khoong Chan Meng, CEO of NUS-ISS, Minister Tan See Leng, Ms Ng Wee Wei, Senior Managing Director, Market Unit Lead -Southeast Asia, Accenture, Ms Janet Ang, Chairman of NUS-ISS, Mr Ng Nam Sin, CEO of IBFSG, Mr Ng Kuo Pin, CEO of NCS Group)
The event continued with the presentation of NUS-ISS' Long Service Awards, where individuals who had dedicated years of service to the institute were recognised and celebrated. Applause rang around the ballroom as they were celebrated for their unwavering commitment and contributions to NUS-ISS's success.
Amidst all the festivities, entertainment, and performances by the Apex Project infused an atmosphere of joy and celebration. The event's spirit was truly brought to life as guests reveled in each other's company.
The luncheon culminated in a staff segment filled with fun-filled games and a lucky draw dip, filled with camaraderie and laughter. This segment fostered a sense of unity among the staff, promoting teamwork beyond their usual workspaces.
As the day drew to a close, the NUS-ISS Annual Luncheon 2023 left an indelible mark on the hearts of all attendees. It was not merely an event of celebration, but also a reflection of the institute's commitment to digital excellence, collaboration, and nurturing talent. The gathering reinforced the institute's vision to continue paving the way for innovation and shaping the digital future of Singapore and the world.
Watch this video for key highlights of the NUS-ISS Annual Luncheon 2023.