Running for passion, running for good: NUS Business sets new record with virtual run

Avid runner Ms Enna Tan was excited to join the 12th NUS Business School Alumni Association (NUSBSA) Charity Run, also known as BCR, with her colleagues. 

“It’s team-based charity work!” said Enna, who signed up for the 112km team run category. “I enjoyed the team bonding and got to know fellow runners in my department.” 

Echoing similar sentiments was Ms Shirley He, Enna’s colleague from NUS Business School’s BIZCareers department, who was a first-time BCR participant. “It’s meaningful to do my part in joining the community to support the financially challenged undergraduates and elderly.” “I’m also glad for the opportunity to bond with colleagues who share the same interest in running and charity,” she added. 

Enna and her colleagues were among more than 600 participants who signed up for the run. The virtual BCR which took place from 5 to 16 Jan was presented by NUSBSA and supported by BIZAlum, the School’s alumni office. Participants in the 12km individual category or 112km team category could choose where and when to run, so long as they submitted proof of completion. 

The BCR raised more than S$600,000, bettering last year’s record of about S$525,000. The funds raised will go towards student bursaries, including the NUSBSA Bursary Fund. TOUCH Community Services (Elder Care), the partner beneficiary for BCR2022, will receive matching grants from Tote Board under its Enhanced Fundraising Programme. 

Over the past 11 years, the flagship event of NUS Business School has attracted 12,000 participants and raised over S$2.2 million. This contributed to more than 400 student bursary awards and support for 13 social service agencies. 

Underscoring the importance of strong community bonds, NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye, who kickstarted the event on 5 Jan, shared that he was “very proud of how the NUS community has continued to rally together in support of those in need.” 
 

Mr Jordan Ng, Chairperson of the organising committee for BCR 2022 and NUSBSA Youth Wing Director, said, “This year has been extremely difficult for our beneficiaries. We see a rise in the number of bursary applications, and the elderly also face higher risks and challenges that arise from the pandemic. We are thankful for the generous support from participants, which will help in alleviating the difficulties faced by our beneficiaries and their families.” 

Second-year NUS Business student Justine Lim Chia Qing was a recipient of the NUSBSA bursary. Paying it forward, she took up the role of BCR Project Director. “I’m grateful for the bursary support. It meant a lot and I know I am helping others by organising BCR. I am proud to have worked with an amazing team to run such a successful and meaningful event,” said Justine. 

In the virtual closing ceremony held on 22 Jan, Mr Eric Chua, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Social and Family Development, thanked everyone who had supported the meaningful cause. Highlighting the resilience of our community, he concluded, “I also wish to take this chance to encourage both individuals and corporates to give and care for others in our daily lives. While COVID has thrown us a curve ball, it has also made humanity shine brighter than before.” 

Donations are still open and can be made at nusbsa.org/BCR_Donate till 1 Mar 2022.