2024 marked the 60th anniversary of NUS Muslim Society (NUSMS). NUSMS celebrated the momentous event on 27 January at The Cove City Plaza, welcoming over 130 undergraduates and NUS alumni, including the eighth President of Singapore, Mdm Halimah Yacob (Law’78), as well as Minister Masagos Zulkifli, Minister for Social & Family Development, Second Minister for Health and Minister in-charge of Muslim Affairs.
NUSMS is among a select group of student-led organisations in NUS that has had the privilege of celebrating 60 or more years of history. It has amassed students and alumni that have been willing to give back and serve the Muslim community tirelessly on and outside of campus. The honour of celebrating 60 years is made possible with the strong commitment of NUS students, past and present.
Sayyid Harith, 60th President of NUSMS echoed this sentiment in his opening speech.
“The event is a heartfelt moment for me as well as the 60th ExCo as we reminisce the past generations of students who have sacrificed their time and contributed immensely for the betterment of our community,” said the Year 3, Project and Facilities Management student.
In commemoration of its 60 years, NUSMS also amassed video dedications from a handful of notable alumni members who reflected on their personal NUSMS journeys. Each of them implored current students to build on and continue the Society’s traditions and legacy. These alumni included
- Mdm Rahayu Mahzam, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Law (Law’03)
- Mr Alami Musa, Singapore's Non-Resident Ambassador to the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria (President of NUSMS ’75/’76)
- Asst Prof Walid Jumblatt, lecturer at NTU (Vice-President of NUSMS ’10)
Returning alumni and Guest-of-Honour, Mdm Halimah, also took to the stage to give a keynote speech which highlighted the importance of co-curricular leadership and character building.
“Higher education student bodies, such as NUSMS, play an important role in meeting the religious, cultural and social needs of students. In addition to instilling the qualities of citizenship, skills and personality – important values that shape our youth – student bodies are a vehicle for nurturing the ranks of future leaders by honing their leadership skills,” said Mdm Halimah.
To close off the celebration, Mdm Halimah and Sayyid Harith sealed a time capsule, containing NUSMS’ memorabilia such as photos from past NUSMS, and attendees’ well-wishes. This is the first-ever time capsule in the history of NUSMS, with its contents scheduled to be opened by the 100th NUSMS in 2064. The sealing of the time capsule encapsulates not just the current and past contributions of students and alumni of NUSMS, but also their continuous effort in fostering a cohesive community.
NUSMS Vice-President, Rasyidah Mudzaffar (Year 3, Life Sciences) was moved by the occasion. “NUSMS has established many strong bonds of friendship rooted in faith over the years. With the variety of activities that cater to different interests, there is something for everyone. We hope that the coming years bring even more success and meaningful impact, not only to the NUS Muslim community, but in Singapore and beyond!” she said.
Interested to learn more about NUSMS activities? Visit NUSMS on Instagram at @nusms. The Society periodically holds activities that welcome non-Muslim students.
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