Generous alumni from the University Scholars Programme (USP) and friends of NUS College (NUSC) have stepped up to pay-it-forward towards our young institution – collectively pledging $170,000 for the NUS College (NUSC) Alumni Bursary which provides financial assistance to our NUSC students. Initiated by the Alumni Student Advancement Committee (ASAC), the fund aims to provide for students in areas such as tuition and accommodation fees, ensuring that they are able to capitalise on the diverse opportunities at NUSC.
ASAC comprises of National University of Singapore (NUS) alumni passionate about championing philanthropy and providing bursaries to students requiring financial support. Leading this year’s campaign was Yeo Keng Joon (MBA, ’85) – who successfully raised over $380,000 for a variety of programmes at NUS, including NUSC. He shared, “We have systematically helped every Faculty and Hall to set up endowed Alumni Bursaries over the years,” adding that they approached NUSC because the Faculty had just been established.
On the importance of bursaries, Keng Joon shared, “The bursaries have helped many to reduce the need for part-time work to supplement their finances, giving them more confidence to have a fulfilling NUS campus experience and focus on their intellectual and learning pursuits.”
Keng Joon has been a long believer in philanthropy. “Ever since I started my personal giving journey in 2006, I have witnessed the impact shared with me by many students and it has given my family and me much joy, knowing that we have made a difference in the lives of many financially challenged students. For many, it has been life-changing and will help future generations. Additionally, we have realised that this joy can be very addictive. It has helped us to continue our giving journey. My mantra, ‘the more we give, the more we get to give’ has been very true for me.”
The College continues the efforts of its predecessors in providing students with an environment to push beyond comfort zones, and become pioneers in solving society’s problems as exemplified by entrepreneur Veerappan Swaminathan (Mechanical Engineering + USP, ’11) who was among the few who started Singapore’s maker spaces as the Founder and Director of Sustainable Living Lab (SL2).
On the importance of bursaries, Keng Joon shared, “The bursaries have helped many to reduce the need for part-time work to supplement their finances, giving them more confidence to have a fulfilling NUS campus experience and focus on their intellectual and learning pursuits.”
Veerappan’s company was conceptualised and given life at USP. “During my time at USP, I have treasured the opportunity to make life-long friends through jointly participating in experiences together. I hope that the students receiving this gift participate in as many opportunities as possible, be it taking part in global competitions, being involved in summer or exchange programmes, or taking up meaningful work experiences both local and foreign.
Amongst the alums who supported the campaign is Fiona Pay (Political Science + USP, ’13). She was extremely enthusiastic to give and also rallied her peers, “I want to pay it forward. USP has given me so much. From the nine to ten global programmes I participated in that have equipped me with global perspectives, determination and empathy; to the lifelong friends I have made that have contributed to the discovery of my identity.” Fiona added on the impact she hopes her gift may provide to the students, “I urge students not to let the limitations of money stop them. And the fact that the College is providing all these bursaries should be extremely encouraging. I hope that they may graduate with hope, tenacity and optimism to explore; to be happy and good at what they do, and hopefully give back one day.”
Associate Professor Quek Su Ying, Vice Dean (Outreach), expressed her appreciation, “It is heartening to witness first-hand the generosity of our alums and we are grateful that they have chosen to give back to the next generation.”
