Class of 2009 graduates

The Faculty of Law Class of 2009 saw a total of 209 LLB, 169 LLM and 4 Ph.D. students receive their degree scrolls at the Commencement Ceremony held at the University Cultural Centre on 14 July 2009.

Our graduates share their thoughts on their law school education.
 

Nabil Mustafiz ’09 

My four years here began as an adventure, being left to ourselves to discover the true meaning of independent learning. Studying always got in the way of fun, naturally, but we never got our priorities wrong: the books were slotted in between the picnics with classmates at the park, festivals on our courtyard, and our graduating musical - our swansong. 

While the thought of skipping classes was tempting, being taught by some of the world’s leading academics was an even more appealing reason to attend. And they were worth every waking hour spent in the lecture theatre or tutorial. Somewhere between the lectern and our seats, titles and age dissolved. Our professors turned lectures and tutorials into true learning environments where we were urged to disagree, and where unreasoned acceptance was questioned. Bounds, norms, and conventions were not reminders of what we could not challenge, but instead: what we should. 

For those who will take our place, I urge you to take advantage of the immense breadth of opportunities available here, at the NUS Law School. You won’t have to travel the world to meet the best minds; here, the world comes to you. Law School will test your mettle but it will also reward you with a quality education second to none. 

We now begin on a new chapter in our lives, one that we feel safe embarking on because of the guidance from our professors. There is no end to how much we are indebted to them, but here is the start. 

I remember fondly the day I decided to come to the NUS Law School, and the 4 years that followed it; I always will – I’m glad I made this Law School my choice. 

Tang Rou Huey LLM ’09 

One year on. How time flies. It wasn't too long ago that I was in London applying to NUS for the International Business Law LLM and having to fight off questions as to why I chose the course.  

Having graduated from Cambridge University, many friends wondered why I would return to Singapore to take my Master's as opposed to broadening my horizons in the United States. Yet to me, this LLM, with three months in Singapore and seven months in Shanghai, would do exactly that.  

Although I am Malaysian and spent my growing years in Hong Kong and Singapore, I never really integrated into each of my host communities while I attended their international schools. Being what is now more characteristically termed as a "Third Culture Kid, I looked Malaysian, Hong Kongese, and Singaporean but was not any of them.  

As the world and myself observe Asian countries, especially China, becoming the predominant players on the economic and socio-political stage, my long-held intent to identify myself firmly with this region took root. This LLM presented a multi-faceted opportunity.  

NUS is a world-class institution with an LLM that would suit my future career aspirations and which is taught by notable academics in their fields. The second half of the course takes place in Shanghai, China's economic powerhouse, where I could not only polish my Mandarin and make Chinese friends, but see for myself whether all the rumours and romance surrounding China and its people were true.

The LLM fulfilled all my expectations and more. It has been an experience that has left an indelible mark on both my career and personal development. I would like a special mention for all my good friends on the IBL course for their kindness and hospitality towards us 'wai guo ren' (keep in touch for life!) and a big thank you to the professors, Alan Tan and the Dean for their support throughout.  

I am certain that the IBL program will only grow in fame and establishment as it presents a unique mutual exchange for Chinese students to understand the common law world and for us to experience a touch of China's magic.