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Mr Zainul Abidin Rasheed graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Economics and Malay Studies from the University of Singapore in 1971. In 1974, he was awarded the Outstanding Young Singaporean Gold Award by Jaycees.

Mr Zainul is a passionate alumnus who participates in many alumni events such as Homecoming, reunions and sporting activities. Hailing from the active campus days of 1968 to 1971, Mr Zainul has served in various capacities in the Students’ Union’s External Relations Committee, the Undergrad Editorial Board, as Editor of the Economic Society Journal and Newsletter, and the Malay and Muslim Societies.

Upon graduation, Mr Zainul embarked on an illustrious 25-year career in journalism. He was the Research Editor and Manager of Asia Research Bulletin from 1971 to 1976. Subsequently, he
moved up the ranks as Editor of Singapore Business, Berita Harian, Berita Minggu, The Sunday Times, as well as the Associate Editor of The Straits Times from the 1970s through to the 1990s.

His career moved into greater social and civic involvement as he assumed the post of CEO of Council for the Development of Singapore, Muslim Community (1990 - 1993); President of
Singapore Islamic Religious Council (MUIS) (1991 - 1996); General Manager (International), NTUC FairPrice Co-operative Ltd and Executive Secretary of the Singapore Port Workers’ Union (1997 - 1998).

Currently, Mr Zainul is the Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He is also a Member of the NUS Alumni Advisory Board. His previous political appointments included those of Senior Parliamentary Secretary (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) (1998 - 2001); Minister of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2001 - 2006) and Mayor of North East District (2001 - 2009). He has also served on the boards of numerous government agencies, councils and civic organisations. He is also currently the Chairman of the Malay Heritage Foundation and a member of the New York-based Asia Society Global Council.