The University Cultural Centre’s first major renovation since its inception sees improved high standard of guest comfort, efficiency and production possibilities.
NUS’ University Cultural Centre (UCC) was formally reopened by NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye this afternoon, after an extensive renovation.
The six-month revitalisation project is the first in the iconic venue’s history. It improves the functionality, production capability and environmental efficiency of the Centre, reinvigorating it for high quality events for years to come.
“The UCC is constantly in the public eye and it is the first impression many distinguished guests have of NUS. We are ever mindful that the venue has the responsibility to uphold NUS’ strong reputation for excellence,” said Sharon Tan, Director of the Centre For the Arts. “By enhancing the interiors, such as the entrance, the open foyer, flooring and audience seating, we have ensured a standard of quality that our visitors expect of us.”
“We have also introduced greater efficiency in operations and productivity through the use of technology. A green roof, along with air conditioning and LED lighting improvements have reduced the building’s environmental impact. The addition of motorised fly-bars and upgraded electrical, cabling and security infrastructure means the UCC now requires less energy to run, and productions of all kinds can be delivered in more ways and with fewer people. Most importantly, we are assured of the technical reliability befitting the range of important events that are held here,” Ms Tan added.
Since it was first opened in September 2000, the UCC has hosted all of NUS’ Commencement ceremonies and numerous political and cultural leaders, thinkers and well-known artistes and musicians. These include George W Bush, Tony Blair, Kofi Annan, Wole Soyinka, Nana Mouskouri, John Cleese as well as Singapore’s Prime Minister Mr Lee Hsien Loong.
The UCC was also the venue for the State funeral services for the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore’s Founding Prime Minister and the late Mr S R Nathan, the sixth President of the Republic of Singapore.
Speaking at the opening, NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye said, “The UCC has hosted many grand occasions and exceptional people. But the value of the UCC to the NUS community goes beyond these signature events. The UCC enriches the NUS community through the opportunities this venue creates for our students to discover, develop and grow.”
As the cultural heart of NUS, the UCC reopening featured performances by NUS Lion Dance, NUS Jazz Band and a wind quintet from NUS Wind Symphony. The venue entrance is framed by large sculptures by Ng Eng Teng and Francis Ng, with further artworks displayed within the revitalised building. These include sculptures, paintings and ceramics by local artists such as Iskandar Jalil, Chong Fah Cheong, Delia Prvacki and Milenko Prvacki.
About the Centre For the Arts (CFA)
Established in 1993, NUS Centre For the Arts (CFA) is a vibrant space for the appreciation of the arts and nurturing of the creative and inquiring spirit. We support student engagement with the arts and the integration of the arts into the life of the University.
We comprise the NUS Museum, NUS Baba House and a Talent and Development arm that oversees 22 student arts excellence groups. Through our myriad of programmes, practices, exhibitions, workshops and outreach, such as NUS Arts Festival and the ExxonMobil Campus Concerts, we enrich the university experience and contribute to the building of knowledge and transformation of students.
For more information, visit cfa.nus.edu.sg
About National University of Singapore (NUS)
A leading global university centred in Asia, the National University of Singapore (NUS) is Singapore’s flagship university, which offers a global approach to education and research, with a focus on Asian perspectives and expertise.
NUS has 17 faculties and schools across three campuses. Its transformative education includes a broad-based curriculum underscored by multidisciplinary courses and cross-faculty enrichment. Over 38,000 students from 100 countries enrich the community with their diverse social and cultural perspectives. NUS also strives to create a supportive and innovative environment to promote creative enterprise within its community.
NUS takes an integrated and multidisciplinary approach to research, working with partners from industry, government and academia, to address crucial and complex issues relevant to Asia and the world. Researchers in NUS’ Schools and Faculties, 30 university-level research institutes and centres, and Research Centres of Excellence cover a wide range of themes including: energy, environmental and urban sustainability; treatment and prevention of diseases common among Asians; active ageing; advanced materials; risk management and resilience of financial systems. The University’s latest research focus is to use data science, operations research and cybersecurity to support Singapore’s Smart Nation initiative.
For more information on NUS, please visit www.nus.edu.sg.