The National University of Singapore (NUS) logo is a composite mark built from a modernised coat of arms and the NUS namestyle, which must always be applied together. The logo is available in horizontal and vertical formats, with the namestyle positioned to the right of the coat of arms in the horizontal version and centred below it in the vertical version. [1]
Design and History
The current NUS identity was adopted in 2001, described by the university as a modernised logo signifying the bold and dynamic NUS community and the university’s vision of being a leading global university centred in Asia. [2] The evolution of the NUS logo mirrors the university’s journey from colonial college to world-class institution, with each crest reflecting a new chapter through name changes, mergers and separations. [3]
The university traces its origins to 1905, when Singapore’s first centre of higher education, the Straits Settlements and Federated Malay States Government Medical School, was founded. A coat of arms was formalised in 1913 when the school was renamed King Edward VII Medical School. The National University of Singapore was established in 1980 with the merger of the University of Singapore and Nanyang University. [2]
According to NUS guidelines, the modernised coat of arms must not be applied alone; the two elements of the logo are always used together. The logo should not be reproduced smaller than 20 mm in width for the horizontal format or 20 mm in height for the vertical format, and a clear space equal to the height of the “N” must surround the logo. [4]
Meaning and Symbolism
The NUS logo is comprised of the open book, three rings, the lion, “NUS” and “National University of Singapore”. Each element carries documented meaning: [1]
- Open Book: Dates from the crest of the University of Malaya in Singapore and establishes the university as a portal to a world of knowledge.
- Three Rings: Carries over from the crest of Nanyang University. The rings symbolise the three foci of NUS in creating, imparting and applying knowledge, as well as the three hallmarks of a global university: creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship. The interlocking feature denotes the close interrelation between the three pillars.
- Lion: Aligns NUS with the nation. It personifies the qualities of the ideal NUS graduate. The raised paw denotes boldness to initiate and to inquire as well as a readiness to serve. The tail held high symbolises qualities of integrity and idealism.
- NUS: Leverages on the nomenclature by which the university is popularly known.
Typography and Design
The NUS primary corporate colours are NUS Orange and NUS Blue. The reference guides for these colours are Pantone PMS 152 (Orange) and PMS 294 (Blue). For screen and web use, the RGB values are R239, G124, B0 (#EF7C00) for orange and R0, G61, B124 (#003D7C) for blue. Gold and Silver are the secondary corporate colours, with Pantone references PMS 872 and PMS 8420 respectively. [5]
The NUS logo may be applied in full colour, black and white, blue, gold, silver and reversed colours only. When the logo appears on a background in corporate colours, the namestyle must be reversed out. [6]
Frutiger, a sans serif font, has been selected as the NUS primary typeface because of its legibility and distinct typographic style, and is used for printed stationery, signage and logos. Roboto, also a sans serif font, has been selected as the alternative NUS primary typeface due to its legibility across print media, websites and digital content. [7]
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