A legacy of love and giving: Celebrating 10 years of donors impacting lives at NUS
It was a Valentine’s Day celebration that went beyond romance—one that celebrated love expressed through kindness, service and the giving of hope to those in need.
At the Celebration of Love & Giving 2026, 250 guests arrived at NUS’ Kent Ridge Guild House, dressed in ‘shades of love’, filling the hall with vibrant hues of pink and red.
Organised by the NUS Campus Couples Alumni Group and supported by the Alumni Student Advancement Committee (ASAC) and the NUS Development Office, this annual donor appreciation event brought together committed donors who support financial aid at NUS.
With S$1,424,728 raised for NUS bursaries this year, the university community also surpassed the million-dollar mark for the ASAC Celebration of Love and Giving for the first time—a truly meaningful way to commemorate the event’s 10th anniversary.
Doing more for students
Opening the evening’s programme, ASAC member Ms Lim Swee Kim (Computing ’88) shared the good work the Committee had achieved over the year. She regaled donors with stories of students who have expressed heartfelt gratitude for the financial support they received. NUS bursaries had played a key role in enabling them to excel in their studies and overcome their personal challenges.
“However, we cannot rest on our laurels yet,” Ms Lim urged. “There are still more students who need our support, and we are committed to doing our part so that no NUS student gets left behind.”
She encouraged senior donors to celebrate life’s big milestones by giving—whether for birthdays, wedding anniversaries or even golfing holes-in-one. “We can do more for our future generations,” she affirmed.
Lee Chuan’s story
The room grew quiet as donors listened to the story of Lee Chuan, a third-year Electrical Engineering undergraduate at the NUS College of Design and Engineering (CDE).
Growing up in Malaysia, Lee Chuan had always dreamt of contributing to the future of energy as an electrical engineer, and believed that studying at NUS would be key to achieving this ambition.
However, his family faced several financial challenges—his father was the family’s sole breadwinner, and the cost of living in Singapore presented a daunting obstacle.
It was financial aid at NUS that enabled him to pursue his dreams. Supported by the Enhanced Malaysian Community Bursary, the Yik Luen & Wei Han Bursary and the Malaysian Community Merit Scholarship, Lee Chuan has been able to make the most of his time at NUS, from achieving a near-perfect GPA to securing an opportunity to embark on a student exchange programme in Europe.
“The bursaries allowed me to partake in opportunities with a free mind and open heart, untroubled by financial anxiety and guilt,” he shared.
Throughout his reflections, Lee Chuan’s gratitude towards his donors was unmistakable. “I am truly indebted to you,” he said. “I promise to work hard to realise my ambitions and eventually pay forward this tradition of kindness to future students in financial need.”
Paying it forward
In line with the evening’s theme of paying forward the generosity once received, the programme also highlighted donors who are doing the same.
The ASEAN Scholar – Pay It Forward Bursary is supported by individuals who have received ASEAN Scholarships during their education and now desire to do their part for the next generation.
Ms Evon Wong is one such supporter. As a recipient of ASEAN Scholarships during her pre-university years, as well as the Jardine Scholarship to Oxford University, she is well acquainted with the impact of financial aid on the lives of its recipients. In 2025, she marked her 50th birthday with a gift to the Bursary.
“I believe in patterns of life being repeated,” she said. “Paying it forward is the only meaningful way for me to display deep gratitude and promote meaning in continuing this circle of blessings.”
The Bursary is currently seeking contributions to reach its fundraising goal of S$250,000 and ensure its impact lasts for generations to come.
Love and giving
Dressed in vibrant red, ASAC Chairman Mr Chua Hung Meng (Business ’81) paid homage to the overarching theme of love as he closed the evening’s programme.
“Red is the colour of love,” he said. “And love, at its truest, is not about receiving, but about giving and uplifting others.”
Celebrating close to S$1.5 million raised this year, Mr Chua quipped with a smile, “A million thanks to all our donors!”
