Continuing a vision of accessible education
In honour of the late Mr Wong Ah Long, former NUS Board Trustee and distinguished alumnus, a group of NUS alumni, faculty, staff, as well as his family and friends have successfully raised funds totalling over $669,000 to help needy students.
Unveiled during a dinner held on 19 January to celebrate his life and legacy, the gifts will go towards perpetuating Mr Wong’s belief in education and helping financially needy students by supporting bursaries. The gifts are expected to help up to 26 students each year.
NUS Deputy President (Academic Affairs) and Provost, Professor Tan Eng Chye emphasised the University’s gratitude to Mr Wong for his many contributions over the years, calling him “a committed and passionate member of our community who believed in the value of education and its ability to change lives for the better.”
Prof Tan remembers Mr Wong as a tireless fundraiser. “Thanks to him, countless students have benefited from a transformational education at NUS. This fundraising effort in his memory is a fitting way to keep alive Ah Long’s dedication to helping needy students as well as his close association with the University,” Prof Tan added.
A graduate of the University of Singapore — NUS’ predecessor institution, Mr Wong is most remembered for his loyal service to NUS and his role in championing fundraisers that would further various University causes.
NUS alumnus Mr Yeo Keng Joon, who led the fundraising efforts, shared that his motivation was to honour and leave a legacy for Mr Wong. “He has indeed touched many people and impacted them,” Mr Yeo added. “The pace and quantum of the fundraising speak volumes of the high esteem and respect that our community has for Ah Long. I would like to thank everyone who has supported this initiative so generously.”
After his graduation in 1969, Mr Wong continued to remain active in the University, taking part in many alumni activities, and holding numerous advisory roles across NUS, as well as serving on the Board of Trustees from year 2000 to 2008. In recognition of this dedication and outstanding service, he was conferred a number of awards — the NUS Distinguished Alumni Service Award and the Distinguished Science Alumni award in 2005, and the Eminent Alumni Award from NUS Business in 2003.
Professor Shih Choon Fong, a close friend and colleague of Mr Wong and former President of NUS, looked back on his time serving on the NUS Board of Trustees alongside Mr Wong, calling it an honour. “We were privileged to count him as our alumnus,” said Prof Shih. “He provided us with sound counsel and leadership and was dedicated to ensuring that NUS, and all who form part of the NUS family, were able to reach their full potential. Ah Long was a big man with a big heart, with a generosity of spirit matched only by his love for his alma mater.”
Mrs Wong Pow Si, wife of the late Mr Wong, recalled Mr Wong’s strong belief that “education should be made accessible to all deserving students” and his passion for mentoring and inspiring young people to pursue meaningful life aspirations. “This student bursary in memory of him is something Mr Wong would have appreciated very much”, she said.
See press release.
