08
August
2025
|
21:49
Asia/Singapore

NUS students raise close to S$260,000 for charities through NUSSU RAG & Flag 2025

Funds raised will support critical programmes under 16 Social Service Agencies supported by the Community Chest.

R&F 5
R&F 5
The official launch of NUSSU RAG Day was witnessed by Guest-of-Honour Minister for Health and Coordinating Minister for Social Policies Mr Ong Ye Kung, NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye, NUSSU President Mr Sean Pang and his committee members, as well as project directors from the participating colleges, faculties, schools and hostels.
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Students from the National University of Singapore (NUS) have raised close to S$260,000 through this year’s Receiving and Giving (RAG) and Flag 2025, organised by the NUS Students’ Union (NUSSU). The funds, contributed by generous donors across the NUS community, corporate partners, and members of the public, will support critical programmes under 16 Social Service Agencies (SSAs) supported by Community Chest. All funds raised will go directly towards empowering communities in need through the Community Chest.

Now in its 67th edition, RAG & Flag continues a proud NUS tradition established in 1958 to inspire student-led giving and service to the wider community. This year’s efforts take on special significance as NUS celebrates its 120th anniversary, alongside Singapore’s 60th birthday—a dual milestone that underscores a shared commitment to unity and nation-building.

Over the past 16 years, NUS students have raised a cumulative total of nearly S$4.9 million through this annual initiative.

Unity, creativity, and compassion in action

This year’s RAG & Flag theme, “Connecting Beyond Horizons”, called on students to transcend physical, social and personal boundaries to bring about meaningful change.

More than 1,500 students participated in two Flag Days held on 26 July and 2 August 2025, fanning out across Singapore with donation tins to raise awareness and funds for their selected causes. As a gesture of appreciation to the community for their generous support, the initiative culminated in today’s RAG Day showcase at University Town Green, where 2,000 students took centre stage in 14 spirited performances, complete with handmade costumes and mobile floats built using recycled materials as part of a zero-waste challenge.

The event was graced by Mr Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Health and Coordinating Minister for Social Policies, as Guest-of-Honour.

Speaking at NUSSU RAG and Flag Day 2025, NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye said, “This year’s RAG and Flag keeps alive the time-honoured tradition of student-led fundraising and the exciting showcase of student performances as a vibrant finale to freshmen orientation season. As we continue the fine legacy of giving back to the community and encourage our students to make positive footprints on society, the vivid stories brought to life through the performances remind us that we are vitally connected, and together, we can inspire hope, uplift communities and drive meaningful change. We look forward to starting the new Academic Year with meaningful anticipation and purpose as NUS celebrates our 120th anniversary and Singapore marks 60 years of nation-building. As a university founded in 1905 by the community, for the community, we will continue to serve our country and society with dedication and passion.”

Adding to the festivities this afternoon was a lively Flag Carnival featuring food, games, and handmade crafts by student groups and hostels, alongside a performance by NUS Cheerleading team, Alpha Verve.

Mr Sean Pang, President of the 46th Executive Committee (EXCO) of NUSSU, said, “Building on this year’s theme, “Connecting Beyond Horizons”, we pushed boundaries and explored new ways to improve RAG and Flag. Leveraging digital payments, we customised 22 PayNow QR codes and collaborated with both NUS Sustainability Strategy Unit and NUS SAVE (Students’ Association for Visions of the Earth) to bolster our recycling efforts. All these would not have been possible without the hard work of our fellow students in each participating body, the RAG and Flag Committee, internal and external stakeholders, and the public who have supported us every step of the way.”

The proceeds from NUSSU RAG and Flag 2025 will be channelled through the Community Chest to benefit critical programmes under the following SSAs:

  1. SHINE Children and Youth Services
  2. Care Community Services Society
  3. MINDS
  4. Autism Resource Centre
  5. Children-at-Risk Empowerment Association (CARE) Singapore
  6. Singapore Children’s Society
  7. Asian Women’s Welfare Association
  8. Rainbow Centre
  9. Fei Yue Family Service Centre
  10. Samaritans of Singapore
  11. Club HEAL
  12. Fei Yue Community Services
  13. O’Joy Care Services
  14. Children’s Cancer Foundation
  15. Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped (SAVH)
  16. Life Community Services Society (LCSS)