Post by National University of Singapore

The experiences we have and the dreams we hold onto often begin in childhood, shaping the choices we make years later. For Brian A., it was a lifelong dream of working in healthcare that never faded, even after a successful 25-year career as an actuary. For Hafiz Maruf Akbar, it was a childhood experience during the 2004 tsunami that set him on a path towards international affairs. As we celebrate the Class of #NUS2026, Brian and Hafiz's stories remind us that learning has no deadline, and that courage, resilience and purpose can lead to meaningful new beginnings at any stage of life. More than a celebration of their achievements, their stories reflect the spirit of lifelong learning at NUS and the many ways our graduates are choosing to make a difference by staying true to what matters most to them. NUS Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy https://lnkd.in/gFBmaWfr #NationalUniversityofSingapore #ShapeTheFuture In the photos: 1️⃣At 51 and with the support of his family, Brian (left) returned to the classroom at the NUS Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies to pursue a lifelong dream of working in healthcare. Seeking to deepen his understanding of international affairs, Hafiz (right) enrolled in a master’s programme at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy on a scholarship. 2️⃣Brian (kneeling, third from right) found it refreshing to learn together with people from different backgrounds and credits his classmates for being incredibly supportive. 3️⃣Drawing on skills developed through his studies, Hafiz (far right) organised fundraisers and served as a liaison with the authorities to help residents affected by severe floods in Aceh in December 2025.