This article was written by Darryl Tan and edited by Jerry Sim of 16th SHEN.

The theme of the 15th NOC Shanghai Company appreciation this year was “GLEE-SH”. Inspired by the TV series and its meaning of happiness, GLEE captures the spirit of the 15th SHEN here in Shanghai. In the TV series, the Glee Club “geeks” live out their passion for music despite facing many obstacles. Similarly, the 15th batch has braved numerous challenges to get to where they are today. The Glee theme song “Don’t Stop Believing” appropriately captures the entrepreneurial essence of the 15th SHEN who have pursued their ambitions and dreams here in Shanghai.

The biannual event, held on the 22nd of November was in appreciation of the participating companies which have played critical roles in grooming the entrepreneurial potential of the 15th SHEN. The guests came dressed in a myriad of colorful outfits according to the “GLEE-SH” theme, their enthusiasm filling the dining hall of 致真. The colors represent the energy and liveliness of the batch as well as the unique diversity of each individual. Equipped with a pair of colored “geeky” spectacles, the guests were directed to have their picture taken against a 2 metre tall backdrop bearing the colors of the theme. Our guest of honor and director of NOC, Associate Professor Teo Chee Leong appeared sportingly joined in the festivities in a velvety orange shirt. Professor Kau was also aptly dressed in bright pink.

Professor Teo formally addressed the event by thanking the various companies, which included Asia Voila, SheShan Golf Club, Strip and BrowHaus, DE Global, Love Box, Wild Fire and Trader Analytics, for their guidance and mentorship to the 15th Batch of NOC Shanghai Interns. He also emphasized on the importance of the close partnership between the National University of Singapore and the participating companies. On his ending note, he wished the 15th Batch the best and urged the juniors to do just as well. 

Professor Yin from the Department of Business Management in Fudan and a long-time partner of NOC, also addressed the guests. He spoke of the long standing partnership between NUS and Fudan University. He emphasized the importance of the exchange of cultures, ideas and friendships between the students from the two schools. Prof Yin magnanimously extended a hand of friendship to the all NUS students, encouraging us to maintain the strong bonds between NUS and Fudan.

A spread of scrumptious Singaporean food was presented to the guests at dinner time  as they tucked away in to our local favorites such as Satay, Fried Bee Hoon, Sweet and Sour pork as well as delectable desserts generously sponsored by founder of HoF, Brian Tan. As business cards were exchanged, so were smiles and laughter as the guests mingled convivially throughout the evening. Both the 15th and 16th batch of SHEN served as a connecting fabric by introducing the guests to one another and weaving together the entrepreneur network within the room. 

One of the highlights of the night was undoubtedly the hilarious video montage of the 15th SHEN, which showcased their fun and lighthearted side, sparking much laughter throughout the room. The president of the 15th SHEN, Tan Yan Liang, then gave his farewell speech. Yan Liang reflected on his one year in Shanghai. On hindsight, his entire NOC journey can be said to be “connecting the dots”, stringing together all his experiences, challenges, opportunities and decisions. He also expressed his gratitude towards the program and his company DE Global. Lastly, he urged the 16th Batch to bring SHEN to new heights and to make the best use of their time in Shanghai. 

The night ended with the incoming President of the 16th SHEN, Jerry Sim, sharing the direction which 16th SHEN. He presented the various aspects which 16th SHEN would look in to in the coming year which included the areas of Business Development, Community Involvement, Publicity Outreach and Fostering Cohesion.

The event gradually saw closure as the final pictures were taken and the handshakes exchanged. All in all, the 15th Shen NOC Shanghai Appreciation Dinner felt like a heartwarming reunion that brought interns, colleagues, professors and friends together. 

This episode of Glee-SH, all who walked out, were winners.