Let NTU, Nantah grads reconnect

Dr Ker Sin Tze's article ("Let the Nantah spirit and name live on in NTU"; last Wednesday) reflects how society is becoming more inclusive.

Not too long ago, the issue of renaming Nanyang Technological University (NTU) was considered a sensitive subject because of its complexity.

I agree with Dr Ker's suggestion to rename NTU as Nanyang University for the following reasons:

To reinstate the name shows respect for the pioneer generation, especially founders of the old Nantah who exhausted their energy and resources to build a private university for the future generation.

To preserve the unique and precious Nantah Spirit, which prevails among many old Nantah graduates. The Nantah Spirit includes being responsible; treasuring family and friendships; pride in their Oriental culture; and most importantly, being self-reliant and striving to be the best in one's field. Young Singaporeans do not display such attitudes.

NTU founding president Cham Tao Soon has pointed out that it may be logical for the university to change its name since it is not just a technical university now.

Reinstating the Nantah name will enable Nantah graduates and current NTU graduates to reconnect with their history.

This will certainly do more good than harm in our education system's development.

Letter from Tay Boon Suat

This article was published on April 28 in The Straits Times.

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