In December 1999, I wrote the first edition of the newsletter for the University of Edinburgh Alumni Association (New South Wales). Professor Sir Stewart Sutherland, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh sent greetings to the newsletter. This newsletter has become increasing popular and I am in the process of writing the third edition. You may visit the web site ht.://www.edalumni.com and view the second edition in the Newsletter section.

It is not a matter of whether but a matter of when we will have a newsletter dedicated to the alumni and friends of Nanyang University, published quarterly in this web site, i.e. http://www.nantahfriends.com. and alumni and friends notified by emails of the publication of each edition.

Some may ask why bother?

It is my belief that a good newsletter is able to serve that purpose perhaps comparable to the Worldwide Nanyang Reunions the next will be held in Labuan, East Malaysia on 14 to 16 June, 2002 according to http://www.nantah.com. I must admit I have not attended any. In my nature of romanticism, I am simply not able to plan to attend a function one or two years ahead, and even two or three months ahead is difficult. And to be quite truthful, sometimes I may not be able to afford the expenses to go with my wife to attend the reunion.

Then perhaps it is an excellent idea to stay in touch using a quarterly newsletter. Alumni and friends of Nanyang University are able to write to the newsletter or simple say where they and what they are doing.

This is a true story. I went to visit my friend in Penang. I rang the bell hard and shouted hard only to be told few months later in Singapore that he had passed away two years earlier. Sad.

This is also a true story. Two Edinburgh alumni of the same department but a year difference were able to communicate after 30 years in Australia because the the newsletter that I wrote.

It will take time to build up a good newsletter and I need all your support. Please send your feedback to [email protected]. Even the newsletter has 2 readers in the beginning, we would be in business. Here is a quotation of Mao Tse Tung: A small spark is able to set up a bush fire.

My main problem is how to contact a former Vice Chancellor in Hong Kong to write a greetings to the first newsletter. Can anyone help?

I almost forget to let you know. The newsletter is bilingual of course. please send articles in Chinese or English whatever you may wish.

We will get there.

Cheers!

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