Rendezvous Under The Stars: Even Rain Cannot Dampen Their Spirits

The white sandy shores of Tanjong Beach on Sentosa Island was abuzz with excitement on 29 April 2023, as SIT alumni from across the years and students from the graduating Class of 2023 gathered for SIT’s very first Alumni Reunion event at the Hendrick’s Sunset Cinema.

Organised by the SIT Advancement and Alumni Division, the event attracted about 1,000 attendees, which also included guests and SIT faculty members. Professor Chua Kee Chaing, SIT President, Mr Ronnie Tay, SIT Deputy President (Administration) & Chief Financial Officer, and Mr Bernard Nee, SIT Vice President (Industry & Community), also came to join in the fun.

At the Hendrick’s Sunset Cinema, touted as Asia’s most beautiful open-air cinema, SITizens enjoyed “Ticket to Paradise,” a romantic comedy starring George Clooney and Julia Roberts, about a divorced couple forced to reunite for their daughter’s sudden wedding in Bali. Prior to and during the screening, attendees enjoyed catching with one another over delights such as burgers, nacho chips and ice cream sandwiches, as well as an assortment of refreshing beverages at food and beverage stalls operated by the Cinema.

Just before the movie was screened, Prof Chua shared with the attendees’ updates about the “bigger and better” facilities they can look forward to at the new campus in Punggol, slated to be completed in 2024. He also encouraged all SITizens to stay connect with SIT even after they have graduated and to take advantage of the host of resources, opportunities, and alumni privileges that are provided by their alma mater. These include lifelong learning, as well as reskilling and upskilling opportunities through SITLEARN, as well as networking, volunteering, mentoring and philanthropic opportunities through the Advancement and Alumni Division.

Despite the non-stop raining from the late afternoon, SITizens and their guests remained in high spirits and embraced the weather with laughter and camaraderie, as they forged new connections and strengthened existing ones. It appeared that the rain seemed to enhance the experience, infusing it with an unexpected charm!

Ms Iffah Rahim, Class of 2018 graduate (Wheelock College’s Early Childhood Education degree programme), and friends had been looking forward to the event and the wet weather did not dampen their excitement. She said: “It was my first time watching a movie outdoors and I saw a friend whom I’ve not met in a long time which I didn’t expect too! The ambience and choice of movie was also great and suited the chill, outdoor theme despite the drizzle. I would surely come again for the next Sunset Cinema!”