The Singapore Hokkien Association donated 500 acres (2 km2) in the western Jurong area, which was then largely undeveloped rural land.

[1] Nanyang University conducted a flag-raising on 15 March 1956 and started classes on the 30th of that month, offering courses in the arts, sciences and commerce.

Led by Professor S. L. Prescott, the commission reported unfavourably on the administration of the university, library and laboratory facilities, academic staff and terms of employment, research culture, and curriculum.

[1][2] In July 1959, Dr Gwee Ah Leng (魏雅聆) chaired a commission to follow up on the Prescott report.

In September 1965, the committee was released, and the university accepted the recommendations, triggering students protests, petitions, and boycotts of classes and examinations.

Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Kuan Yew prompted the university to adopt English language within five years.

[1] In 1979, Lee invited British academic Frederick Dainton to present his views on the future of university education in Singapore.

The circle with the yellow star represents people, signifying the importance placed on human capital in Singapore.