Some journeys never really end - they just find new ways to reconnect.
On 26 June 2026, the TLL community came together, as alumni, researchers and colleagues gathered for an afternoon and evening that felt part reunion, part homecoming. From the auditorium to dinner, the event was a reminder that a TLL journey never truly ends, it simply continues.
Highlights from the session
TLL researchers had a seminar showcase spanning mosquito research, lettuce genomic, and methane-suppressive rice microbiomes.
Alumni presenters then took the floor to share where their journeys have led, before TLL researchers closed the session with a seminar showcase spanning mosquito research, lettuce genomics, and methane-suppressive rice microbiomes - a glimpse into the breadth of work that continues to define TLL's research mission.
Among the alumni presenters was Professor Bo Sun, now at Nanjing University, who once delivered his own presentation from that very same stage as a research fellow. Returning to it years later, he said, "Presenting here again brought back memories - this is where my research journey truly began. Seeing how far TLL has come, and how much the community still feels like home, means a great deal to me."
Also among the alumni speakers was Professor Seong Wook Yang, Underwood Distinguished Professor at Yonsei University, Seoul, who looked back fondly on his own early days said, "My time at TLL as a young research fellow was one of the best times of my life. Coming back and seeing familiar labs and faces again, it feels like stepping back into where it all began."
An evening to reconnect
As the sun sets, the celebration moved to dinner hosted by Mr Benny Lim, Chairman, TLL, together with Mr Peter Chia, CEO. Long after the formal programme ended, laughter and old stories carried on around the tables.
Andrew P. Lucy, an alumnus said, “One of the greatest pleasures of the reunion was in how it showed that foundations endure, as much in the science we practised as in the friendships we built. It was a genuine pleasure to reconnect with familiar faces and to forge new bonds with those yet to become so.”
It was heartening to see so many familiar faces in one room, exchanging stories and celebrating the bonds that continue to tie the TLL family together, wherever their journeys have taken them.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us. Here's to many more chances to reconnect, and to the stories still waiting to be shared.