S$1 million gift from Crocodile Foundation to boost NUS’ support for vulnerable seniors and disadvantaged families

Crocodile Foundation Ltd (CFL) has made a gift of S$1 million to NUS, in support of its Communities and Engagement (C&E) programme, to advance service-learning initiatives that benefit seniors and vulnerable families. This was announced during the Foundation’s 10th anniversary celebrations which was held on 1 September 2025.

Professor Peter Ho, NUS Vice Provost (Undergraduate Studies & Technology-Enhanced Learning), and other CFL beneficiaries attended the 10th anniversary celebrations.

C&E courses—which are offered as part of the University’s General Education curriculum for undergraduates—enable students to reflect deeply and take constructive action to address societal needs and tackle real-world challenges such as inequality and poverty.

Supporting change, serving communities

CFL’s gift will support the NUS C&E programme, which includes service-learning courses such as GEN2060 Reconnect SeniorsSG; GEN2061 Support Healthy AgeingSG; GEN2062 Community Activities for Seniors with SG Cares; and GEN2070 Community Link (ComLink) Befrienders. Since the inception of the C&E Pillar in 2021, students have collectively contributed over 200,000 service-learning hours, demonstrating the Pillar’s impact in promoting student volunteering efforts in Singapore. Through these service-learning courses, NUS students engage with societal issues and apply what they learnt from the classroom in meaningful volunteer service.

Forging a powerful partnership

This inaugural gift from CFL marks the start of a philanthropic partnership with NUS and underscores the Foundation’s commitment to lasting societal impact. Established by the late Dato’ Dr Tan Hian Tsin and To’ Puan Dr Tsao Sui Lan on 15 September 2015, CFL has generously supported several charitable organisations in Singapore and around the world. The Foundation’s philanthropic contributions are guided by their dedication to education, healthcare and the well-being of society.

“The objectives of the C&E pillar align very closely with the late Dato’ Dr Tan and To’ Puan Dr Tsao’s vision of helping the marginalised in our society,” explained Ms Pearlyn Ng, Chairperson of Crocodile Foundation. “We felt it was a perfect fit for our Foundation, and a meaningful way to commemorate 10 years of making a difference. We hope that students taking these service-learning courses will be able to bring meaningful impact to seniors and vulnerable families while also learning valuable lessons about compassion and empathy.”

CFL’s gift will enable scalable, sustainable, and continuous support for socially vulnerable seniors in Singapore to age with dignity and good health, while also enhancing the social mobility of disadvantaged families. The gift will fund student volunteer work, workshops and activities under the C&E Pillar, encouraging greater participation among students enrolled in the four C&E courses supported by the gift.

Prof Ho shared that the C&E Pillar has been making a tremendous impact. “Our C&E service-learning programmes are designed to foster deep connections between our students and the community.” said Prof Ho. “Through meaningful befriending and innovative community projects, our students don’t just learn about societal issues—they contribute to sustainable transformation of the volunteer landscape. We are deeply grateful for the far-sighted support of the Crocodile Foundation, which will enable our students to become compassionate agents of change.”

NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye said, “We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Crocodile Foundation for its generous gift, which will enable seniors and vulnerable families to have greater access to the care and support they need. At the same time, our students will acquire valuable experiences that empower them to become compassionate and socially responsible contributors to society. This virtuous cycle will, in turn, create enduring positive change towards a more caring society.”

NUS’ 120th anniversary coincides with Crocodile Foundation’s 10th anniversary this year, a testament to our shared vision and commitment to positively impact the local community through service.