Celebrated Olympian, Lawyer, and NUSS Past President
The NUSS community mourns the passing of Mr Anwarul Haque on 24 June 2025 at the age of 85. A law graduate of the then University of Singapore, Mr Haque was a respected legal professional and former national hockey player who represented the combined Malaysia team at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, and Singapore at the 1962 and 1970 Asian Games, as well as the 1971 South-East Asian Peninsular Games.
His unwavering dedication—on the field, in his profession, and in service—left a lasting impact on many institutions, including NUSS, where he served with distinction from 1980 to 2019. He also held prominent roles as President of the Singapore Hockey Federation and the Singapore Cricket Club and served on the Executive Committee of the Singapore Olympians Association.
A Visionary Leader
Mr Haque served as NUSS President from 1988 to 1994, leading the Society through a transformative period marked by the launch of the Civic Society Lecture in 1991, a major milestone that signalled NUSS’ emergence as a platform for national thought leadership and civic dialogue.
He also strengthened ties with NUS, working with then Vice-Chancellor Prof Lim Pin to help secure the Kent Ridge Guild House site.
“If we are a serious body—and we hold ourselves to be—then we must show our credibility, our seriousness of purpose, and our membership strength,”
he once remarked, reflecting his belief that NUSS had a greater role to play in Singapore’s intellectual and civic life.
A Lifetime of Service
Mr Haque continued to serve NUSS in various leadership roles from the early 1980s to 2019—as Vice President, Chairman of the Disciplinary Sub-Committee, and a key contributor to major initiatives like the City Club Project.
Even in later years, he remained active as a Panel of Mediators, valued for his legal insight, warmth, and gracious leadership. He will be fondly remembered as the friendly and charming President who brought people together.
Honoured Legacy
In 2012, Mr Haque was conferred the title of Outstanding Member of NUSS—a fitting recognition of his immense contributions over the years. His reflections in The Heart Is Where It Is, the Society’s 40th anniversary commemorative publication, remain a lasting source of inspiration:
“The passion and commitment of those who were the Society’s visionaries and stewards have made all the difference… It was their faith and their devotion to each other and their alma mater which drove the Society to its pinnacles of attainment.”
Remembering Mr Anwarul Haque
Mr Haque will be fondly remembered for his wisdom, humility, and deep belief in the transformative power of community. His leadership helped shape NUSS into the dynamic and engaged graduate society it is today.
As we honour his memory, we also celebrate a life lived with courage, conviction, and enduring purpose.
