Class of 2025 begins their Yale-NUS journey
Screenshot of Yale-NUS President and Professor of Humanities (History) Tan Tai Yong addressing the Class of 2025, taken from the First Year Assembly ceremony video on 6 August 2021
After a series of exciting orientation activities, Yale-NUS College officially welcomed the Class of 2025 as they embark on the first chapter of their university journey. The ninth intake of students comprised 240 exceptional students from 35 countries. Singaporeans continue to make up the largest pool of students in this year’s intake, hailing from 33 schools across Singapore.
With the addition of the new class, the Yale-NUS student body now stands at 1,027 students, and the diversity of students continues to grow, with 70 nationalities being represented across the four cohorts.
The challenging limitations posed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic meant that events such as the First Year Assembly and Orientation programme had to be held fully online. In his welcome speech, Yale-NUS President and Professor of Humanities (History) Tan Tai Yong encouraged the students to immerse themselves in the College community and play an active role in shaping it over the next four years.
“A community does not happen by chance. It is built and sustained by constant and conscious daily actions from all its members. Only then does the community hold meaning for those within it; when everyone is bound together by a sense of trust, belonging, and care for one another,” said President Tan.
He also highlighted the College’s core values – Transformation, Exploration, Respect, Inclusivity and Care – which were shaped by the Yale-NUS community, and can help everyone relate to, navigate and collaborate with one another better.
“What gives our community its strength are our shared beliefs. That is the secret sauce that binds us all together,” he humourously remarked.
In a cohort as diverse as the Class of 2025, these community norms and values will play an important role as they learn about themselves and fellow members of the Yale-NUS family.
Angie Yoedzer (Class of 2025) is a polyglot, with her first language being Tibetan. Image provided by Angie Yoedzer.
Angie Yoedzer is the College’s first student from Bhutan. Coming from a small town back in her home country, Angie looks forward to making an impact in the close-knit community at Yale-NUS.
Even with her diverse track record of personal and academic achievements, she is still in the process of discovering her passions. “At Yale-NUS, I hope to find something that I love and am really passionate about. I also want to join student organisations that interest me and meet new people who share similar interests. I know we will probably have very different backgrounds, but I hope to make friendships here that I can cherish for life,” Angie reflected.
Laurtiz Neubauer (Class of 2025) founded computer-aided design and online study clubs in high school. Image provided by Lauritz Neubauer.
Lauritz Neubauer also shared a similar sentiment about joining the College: “I want to immerse myself in the liberal arts and sciences experience by exploring a diverse array of academic and professional opportunities. I believe that the College’s multicultural environment will equip me with a comprehensive view of the world and the ability to find my place in it to make a difference.”
Lauritz hopes to continue to build upon his prior experience in STEM – conducting research, tutoring, and undergoing an internship with Borg & Overström – at the College. “I chose Yale-NUS College, in part, because of the access we have to major research facilities and a global network of alumni. It is truly an unmatched opportunity,” he added.
Lum Wan Tong (Class of 2025) has a rich volunteering experience helping different communities. Image provided by Lum Wan Tong.
Similarly, the sense of community on campus motivated Lum Wan Tong to choose Yale-NUS College. “Before applying, I had signed up for the Kingfisher-for-a-Day programme. When I shadowed the student to attend classes for the day, what really stood out to me then (and even now) is the close-knit community at Yale-NUS,” she said.
At the College, Wan Tong hopes to start her university journey with an open mind. “My main goal is to challenge myself to go out of my comfort zone and try new things. I also really hope to make meaningful memories here, and learn from a diverse group of perspectives,” she added.
The full videos of the First Year Assembly can be found at the following links:
Yale-NUS College Class of 2025 at a glance:
| Number of students | 240 |
| Number of nationalities | 35 |
| Percentage of female students | 57% |
| Percentage of male students | 43% |
| Acceptance rate | 4.2% |
Yale-NUS College at a glance:
| Total number of students | 1,027 |
| Total number of nationalities | 70 |
| Percentage of female students (total) | 54% |
| Percentage of male students (total) | 46% |
