LKCMedicine celebrates 10 year anniversary and 2020 Convocation ceremony

The Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine celebrated its 10 year anniversary and the Class of 2020 received their medical degrees.

"LKCMedicine has reshaped medical education forever and we congratulate the many colleagues and friends around the world who have contributed to its success." Professor Alice Gast President of Imperial College London

Around 300 guests joined a special online event to mark LKCMedicine's 10th anniversary.

LKCMedicine was formed in 2010 and it admitted its first students in 2013.

In 2018 the first student doctors graduated and began their medical careers. Since then, two further cohorts of student doctors have graduated, with the fourth cohort graduating later this year. 

To mark the occasion of its 10th anniversary, a special online event with around 300 colleagues, alumni, friends and supporters of LKCMedicine.

Speaking at the event, President of Imperial, Alice Gast said: "The last ten years has been a remarkable journey for the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine.

"It has become one of the world’s leading medical schools, and Singapore, Imperial and the world are seeing the benefits of this exceptional school.

"Imperial is proud of its students and graduates of LKCMedicine whose vital contributions have helped save many lives during the global pandemic.

"In the last ten years, LKCMedicine has reshaped medical education forever and we congratulate the many colleagues and friends around the world who have contributed to its success."

Professor Gast also paid tribute to Professor James Best who is retiring later this month after seven years as Dean of LKCMedicine.

In 2019 Professor Best received the Imperial College Medal in recognition of his exceptional contribution to making the School a success. 

Professor Best praised his colleagues and the pioneering students for choosing LKCMedicine. Professor Best said: "The medical school will enhance the reputation of Singapore over the coming years. I am truly immensely grateful for the opportunity given to me by NTU and Imperial."

Professor Best's successor, Professor Joseph Sung, said: "LKCMedicine is now entering the next stage of its development. It is time for us to build our strength in interdisciplinary and translational research as well as education.

"I look forward to working with colleagues to innovate life science and transform healthcare."

President of Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Professor Subra Suresh, said: "Our research community has made important strides to advance the practice of medicine for the benefit of humanity. LKCMedicine can stand proud that its graduates have risen to the challenge of these unprecedented times."

Class of 2020 Convocation Ceremony

The global pandemic had delayed the Class of 2020's Convocation until earlier this month. 

The students, who receive joint medical degrees from Imperial and Nanyang Technological University (NTU), attended a ceremony at NTU Singapore’s Nanyang Auditorium.

Singapore is currently in Phase 3 of its Covid restrictions which allows the safe resumption of more activities.

Valedictorian Dr Ong Kim Yao said: “The Convocation this year is slightly belated and medical school seems almost like a lifetime ago, but it shouldn’t seem out of place for us to celebrate.

"As we know very well by now – work never ends and stopping to celebrate the small wins help us to keep moving forward.

"Today is a special day, and we should be proud of ourselves."