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Remembering Our Alumni ... A Shining Star Called Pala

In the constellation of stars in the heavens, there is one now shining brightly by the name of Pala.

The sudden demise of R Palakrishnan – Pala to friends – in July this year was a sad loss not only for the Class of ’72, of which he was one of the brightest stars, but also for all alumni of NUS.

Rarely has there been a more exemplary alumnus with the energy and the passion for the cause of the university than Pala. To have been able to show such commitment while maintaining an extremely busy career as one of the country’s top flight criminal lawyers was no doubt quite a feat.

As chairman of the organising committee for the 30th anniversary reunion of the Class of ’72, Pala wanted “the best and biggest alumni gathering the university had ever seen”. He turned his vision into reality, showing what remarkable dogged determination and persistence he could bring to his chosen task. An overflowing crowd of 600 alumni from around the world turned up at the gala event at the Mandarin Hotel last November, and many agreed it was one of the best alumni gatherings they had ever attended. The icing on the cake was the impressive sum of $214,000 raised for the ‘Class of ’72 Visiting Professorship Chair’ at NUS in the midst of difficult economic times. The credit for this was mainly Pala’s – he cajoled his personal friends and even his clients to contribute.

One of Pala’s endearing qualities was his ready wit and engaging sense of humour.

He was also a sensitive man with a golden heart. He often waived his fees for those who could not afford to pay, and he never turned away anyone who needed help.

As president of the Law Society, he worked tirelessly to improve the standards of the legal profession. He pushed for the greater use of technology in legal work, and set the example himself by mastering the use of the personal computer at an age when many are beginning to mentally switch off.

The loss of Pala has left a big vacuum in our lives. He will be fondly remembered by his mates from the Class of ’72, his peers in the legal profession, the alumni fraternity in general and, last but not least, by the many ordinary Singaporeans whose lives had been touched by him in one way or another.

Navtej Singh, Class of ’72

Spirit of a True Alumnus

Dr Chow Yeow Ming or ‘Chow’ epitomised the spirit of a true alumnus. His congenial personality, unwavering and passionate dedication to the Alumni Association made him a hard act to follow.

I introduced him to the Alumni Medical Centre in 1992 when he was looking for a ‘venue’ to pursue his favourite hobby – dancing. Like a duck to water, he took the Alumni Association to heart and very soon found himself made a committee member. In the span of 10 years, he was elected chairman twice over.

He upgraded and took the social activities to a higher level. He introduced fine dining and organised theme nights to raise funds for charity. He was responsible for soliciting funds and overseeing the renovation of the Medical Centre. He even planned and conducted computer classes for members and their spouses.

Educated in Chinese High School, he graduated from medical school in 1973, and after spending a short stint in Australia, returned to his birthplace.

His unassuming character, diligence and passion for life won him numerous friends, both in and out of the medical profession. His early demise is a great loss to the Alumni Association. We share his family’s grief, but his spirit would forever be with us.

Adieus and farewell, our friend and chairman.

Dr Wong Kai Peng, MB,BS ’73