Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music

Congratulations to the Singapore Symphony Orchestra on a wonderful 9th National Day Concert! 🇸🇬🎶

We’re especially proud to see YST faculty member Boon Hua LIEN, conductor leading the concert, alongside music by YST alumnus Sulwyn Lok, whose Three Dancers for guitar and zhongruan was performed by guitarist Kevin Loh and YST alumnus Jonathan Ngeow.

A wonderful celebration of Singapore’s composers and musicians, and the many voices that continue to shape our homegrown music scene!

Before their first lessons even began, our freshmen were already coming together to ideate, experiment and collaborate on something new entirely from scratch.

A distinctive YST tradition, the First Year Creative Project—now in its 20th iteration—brings our first year cohort together from Week 0, offering an early opportunity for students to experience the creative spirit of the YST Community. Over the course of a week, ideas were developed, shaped and brought together into an original orchestral piece, culminating in a presentation at our first Wednesday Noon Recital of the semester.

A fitting start to the new academic year, as our newest students begin their YST journey. Welcome, freshmen!

How can universities across ASEAN work together to prepare students for a rapidly changing world?

This was among the questions explored at the 17th ASEAN University Network (AUN) Rectors’ Meeting, hosted by NUS last month.

Extending the theme of collaboration to the arts, Assoc Prof Chan Tze Law, YST Vice Dean (Communities & NUS Arts), proposed the establishment of an ASEAN Varsity Orchestra under the AUN umbrella.

The proposed seven-day programme would bring students from different disciplines for rehearsals and performances, alongside seminars, cultural immersion and structured reflection. NUS has offered to host the inaugural edition in May 2027.

Read more:

NUS calls for ASEAN universities to push for “education diplomacy” Southeast Asia’s future looks promising, with its combined economy exceeding US$4 trillion (S$5.16 trillion) and digital transformation efforts projected to create some 65 million new jobs by 2030. But the gains would count for little if they are not shared, university leaders from across the regi...

Across generations, members of the YST community have made an impact in Singapore through their leadership, dedication and service. This National Day, we are pleased to celebrate those whose contributions have been recognised through the 2026 National Awards.

Warm congratulations to Ms Chong Siak Ching, Chair of the YST Governing Board, on being conferred the Public Service Medal.

We also extend our warm congratulations to Assoc Prof Chan Tze Law, Vice Dean (Communities & NUS Arts) and Mr Tan Wei Boon, Deputy Director (Student Life), on receiving the Public Administration Medal (Bronze).

We are proud to celebrate this recognition with our award recipients and the contributions they continue to make to YST, NUS and Singapore.

Happy National Day! 🇸🇬

Orientation Week is underway! From meeting fellow students and faculty to exploring new ideas through collaboration, take a peek at how our freshmen students are taking their first steps into life at YST.

Over the coming week, they'll continue working on the First Year Creative Project—an exploration of collaborative music-making, improvisation and creative expression that will culminate in their debut performance at the first Wednesday Noon Recital of the semester (12 Aug, 12:10pm, YST Concert Hall).

Here's to new friendships, shared creativity, and an exciting journey ahead!

📢 We are hiring! YST is seeking a dynamic and highly motivated Manager (Programme Management & Academic Operations) to join its Teaching & Learning Office.

As a key member of the Teaching & Learning Office, the individual will lead the planning, coordination and administration of the Conservatory’s academic programmes and operations, ensuring the effective implementation of curriculum, academic policies and University processes across all Conservatory programmes.

This role offers a unique opportunity to lead the operational excellence of the Conservatory’s teaching and learning functions while contributing to strategic academic initiatives and the continuous enhancement of the student learning experience.

Learn more and apply via NUS Careers: ystmusic.nus.edu.sg/people-careers

Come with us onto our next stage…

A new season awaits at YST! From the return of YST Visiting Ensemble-in-Residence Boston Brass, to the 2026 edition of our Performers(‘) Present international artistic research symposium, Orchestral Institute concerts and more, we invite you to join us for the rest of the year as we celebrate the musical spirit that define our community!

🎟️ Get tickets: yst.eventbrite.com
🗓️ View the full season line-up: bit.ly/whats-on-aug-nov-2026