For the first time in its 11-year history, the exclusive annual event organised by the NUS Development Office introduced donors to two NUS faculties in a single day: the NUS Faculty of Law (NUS Law) and NUS College (NUSC).

“Today, I hope you get the chance to experience some of what we create for our students, to see not simply where your support goes, but where it could go in the future,” shared NUSC Dean Professor Simon Chesterman in his welcome address on 29 August.

Indeed, donors began the day with a guided campus tour of the faculty of their choice, led by their respective students who offered them a glimpse of university life through their eyes. The occasion also gave many the opportunity to explore NUS Law’s new home in University Town, while gaining a closer look at the distinctive learning experiences offered across both faculties.

The tours concluded with showcases of NUSC students’ Impact Experience Projects and activities by NUS Law student clubs, highlighting the many ways students put their learning into practice both inside and beyond the classroom.

Warmly welcoming donors to the BCE, NUSC Dean Professor Simon Chesterman and NUS Law Dean Professor Andrew Simester emphasised the impact that donors are co-creating when they give through the University.

“What we would really like to thank you for is not just your generosity towards our programmes and students, but for encouraging us to push the boundaries of education. You are very much co-creators in our development,” shared Prof Chesterman, who also holds the David Marshall Professorship in Law at the University.

“Singapore’s legal system is at the heart of the future and the foundation of the country’s success. Many of those who shaped that system were trained right here at NUS Law,” added Prof Simester, who is also the Amaladass Professor of Criminal Justice. “We are deeply grateful for the generous support for NUS Law and the University as a whole.”

The morning then opened into four Insight Sessions, each offering donors the opportunity to engage with critical ideas around the future of society.

The University Disrupted – Rethinking Higher Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Led by Prof Chesterman, the session explored the value and legitimacy of universities in a world reshaped by AI.

He argued that while AI is bringing pressures to a head that have been building in universities for decades, NUS’ response should not be to go “AI first” but “X plus AI”. This refers to an approach that leverages technology to enhance every discipline while doubling down on cultivating the human qualities that AI cannot replicate: judgement, curiosity, empathy and the ability to focus deeply. A lively discussion followed, with donors actively contributing their own experiences and perspectives.

How Old Are You, Really?

At the CJ Koh Law Library, Distinguished Professor Brian Kennedy led a session on what biological age reveals about our health. Prof Kennedy is the Programme Chair of the Healthy Longevity Translational Research Programme at the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and Director of the Centre for Healthy Longevity at the National University Health System.

He introduced donors to LinAge2, developed by NUS researchers to measure an individual’s biological age, identify what is accelerating it and recommend changes. Designed to catch decline early while it is still highly modifiable, the research informs rejuvenation strategies including lifestyle interventions, supplements and repurposing drugs to delay frailty.

The session also featured a fireside chat with Dr Sue-Anne Toh, co-founder, CEO and Medical Director of NOVI Health, and a patient who had benefitted from LinAge2 in his own journey towards healthy longevity.

NUS Law Students’ Moot Simulation

Over at the Wee Chong Jin Moot Court, donors enjoyed front-row seats to a world championship-level courtroom experience as NUS Law students recreated the intensity of an arbitration over a cross-border commercial dispute.

The case in question: whether Sellers Inc could declare non-performance under a Force Majeure clause, complicated by internal correspondence suggesting ulterior motives and the question of whether illegally obtained evidence should be admitted.

When the Tribunal, led by Professor Steven Elliott KC, deliberated on the verdict, donors voted in a live poll and were split evenly on the outcome of the arbitration. Ultimately, Prof Elliott KC ruled against Sellers Inc, finding the opposing counsel’s arguments more compelling.

He then commended the four mooters for the calibre of their arguments and noted their bright futures as leading advocates, concluding with a reference to the new Centre for International Arbitration and Dispute Resolution at NUS Law, which will reinforce Singapore’s established reputation as a leading dispute resolution hub.

AI and the Law: What Lies Ahead?

Finally, at the Yale-NUS Hall, Professor David Tan and Professor Ernest Lim, Co-Directors of the Centre for Technology, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence and the Law under NUS Law; joined Mr Jeth Lee, Vice President of Legal, APAC at Nscale, for a wide-ranging panel discussion on the implications of AI for copyright, online harms and personal data protection.

Mr Lee flagged three commonly overlooked risks when lawyers outsource their minds to AI: the erosion of critical thinking, the issue of confidentiality, and AI interaction histories as evidence in legal proceedings. Prof Lim offered a framework for AI liability that is anchored in accountability and determining who is legally responsible for any actions or harm caused by an AI system.

Rounding off the panel, Prof Tan explored AI-generated content and what level of human involvement is required for the output to be attributed to human authorship. He noted that the answer remains unsettled across jurisdictions worldwide but offered practical advice: demonstrate meaningful control over the AI, and document the entire creation process.

Forging lasting connections

Following a full morning of exploration and discussion, donors gathered at the Saga Dining Hall for a sumptuous buffet lunch. Conversations continued over the meal as donors deepened their connections with faculty, students and fellow benefactors.

NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye (Science ’85) and NUS Deputy President (Academic Affairs) and Provost Professor Aaron Thean also joined donors for lunch, taking the opportunity to connect personally with the University’s benefactors and thank them for their continued support.

All in all, the experience was a reminder that giving through NUS does not simply support the University’s various causes. More importantly, it creates lasting impact for society, shaping a better world for future generations.

The gift, Wen Giving’s first contribution to NUS, will support HD@QT’s efforts to develop research-informed, community-based solutions that address the evolving health and well-being needs of Singapore’s long-lived population. It will support two key projects at HD@QT aimed at developing scalable, sustainable solutions: an international research collaboration to design interventions for a lifetime of health, and the co-creation of a community-based programme in Queenstown.

Spearheaded by NUS, the National University Health System (NUHS) and the Housing & Development Board (HDB), HD@QT brings together partners across research, healthcare, housing and the community to co-develop meaningful and scalable initiatives. Through evidence-based urban planning and community programmes, HD@QT supports individuals to lead active, fulfilling lives while fostering a stronger and more resilient community in Queenstown.

Led by its Co-founders Mrs Wai Mei Wen and Mr Chiu Chi Wen, Wen Giving is part of the Wen family’s longstanding philanthropic tradition, which began in the 1960s with its matriarch, Puan Sri Wen. Through Wen Giving, the family supports causes in conservation, health, community and education around the world.

“The Health District @ Queenstown resonates deeply with Wen Giving’s commitment to supporting meaningful solutions that create lasting, sustainable impact. We are encouraged by its holistic approach to healthy longevity and its potential to help communities thrive across generations,” said Mrs Wai Mei Wen, Co-founder of Wen Giving.

Professor John Eu-Li Wong, Executive Director of the NUS Centre for Population Health and Co-Chair of the HD@QT Steering Committee said, “We are deeply grateful to Mrs Wai Mei Wen and Mr Chiu Chi Wen of Wen Giving for their generous support for the Health District @ Queenstown. Their gift will strengthen our efforts to develop and implement evidence-based solutions that promote healthy longevity and improved quality of life across all ages. Successful models from HD@QT are designed to be scaled to benefit communities across Singapore and possibly beyond.”

Advancing healthy longevity through research and community-based solutions

Wen Giving’s gift will play an important role in supporting two key initiatives at HD@QT.

·       Research: HD@QT will establish a partnership between Columbia University and teams from NUS and NUHS to examine factors shaping health trajectories across the life course, and to develop effective, scalable and sustainable interventions for development in Queenstown, with successful programmes ready for deployment across Singapore and beyond.

·       Community-Based Solutions: A collaborative initiative between Duke-NUS Medical School, NUHS and NUS to improve the health and well-being of Malay-Muslim communities by partnering with the community to design culturally grounded preventive health programmes and services. By leveraging existing, informal support structures, HD@QT aims to establish a model that can be scaled to similar efforts across Singapore.

Together, these initiatives will strengthen HD@QT’s efforts to develop evidence-based and community-informed approaches to preventive health, while supporting the implementation of practical solutions that can benefit residents in Queenstown and beyond.

NUS Baba House, a restored 19th-century townhouse located at 157 Neil Road in Singapore’s historic district of Blair Plain, was acquired by NUS in 2006 through a gift from the late Ms Agnes Tan Kim Lwi, the youngest daughter of Malaysian businessman and community leader Tun Tan Cheng Lock. Since opening in 2008, the NUS Baba House has introduced visitors to Peranakan culture, using its architecture, objects and spaces to evoke everyday life for a typical prominent Peranakan family in the early 20th century.

With major restoration works underway and set for completion in 2027, the gift — which continues Ms Tan’s longstanding support and honours her father’s legacy — will cement NUS Baba House as a leading centre for Peranakan heritage study and public engagement in Singapore and across Southeast Asia.

“NUS Baba House stands as a lasting testament to my late aunt Agnes’ belief that heritage should be carefully preserved and meaningfully shared. It is a precious jewel that continues to offer invaluable insights into the rich history and culture of Peranakan Chinese. This gift ensures that the House remains a vibrant site for research, learning and public engagement for generations to come. It is remarkable how much we can still learn from it,” said Mr Peter Lee, nephew of Ms Agnes Tan and grandnephew of Tun Tan. Mr Lee is also the Honorary Founding Curator of NUS Baba House and advisor to the Tun Tan Cheng Lock Trust.

Mr Ahmad Mashadi, University Curator of NUS Museum which manages NUS Baba House, said, “NUS Baba House exemplifies how conservation, scholarship and public engagement can come together in a university museum. The Tun Tan Cheng Lock Trust’s generous gift reaffirms our commitment to preserving Singapore’s heritage while advancing research and education that deepen our appreciation of Peranakan history and culture.”

A world-leading centre for heritage stewardship, scholarship, and engagement

Associate Professor Daniel Goh, who is Associate Provost (Undergraduate Education) at NUS and oversees NUS Museum, will provide leadership to steer the NUS Baba House’s 20-year roadmap and its transformation into a research-driven global hub for Peranakan culture.

“NUS Baba House was envisioned not simply as a preserved historic home, but as a place where heritage can be studied, questioned and shared. This support from the Tun Tan Cheng Lock Trust enables NUS Baba House to enhance our existing programmes, scale up digitally and develop new initiatives that allow audiences to engage with the stories and material culture of the House. We are deeply grateful for the Trust’s belief in our mission,” Assoc Prof Goh said.

NUS Baba House will focus its next phase of growth on three key areas, with the gift playing a key role in supporting these efforts.

• Research: Advancing joint research initiatives, collaborations and publications across Southeast Asia, positioning Peranakan culture within wider regional conversations about migration, urbanisation, hybridity and heritage.
   

• Public programmes: Organising workshops, residencies, exhibitions and an international symposium to keep heritage interpretation dynamic and relevant.
   

• Digital access: Expanding access to the NUS Baba House’s collection of more than 2,000 artefacts through digital tools and platforms, creating new opportunities for the public to learn and deepen cultural understanding.

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!”

This conviction was reaffirmed on 12 September 2025, when the Foundation formalised three significant agreements with NUS.

Together, these contributions will open doors and create opportunities for generations to come.

“Today’s gifts are not just acts of generosity; they are investments in the future,” said Mr Nirmal Singh, Chairman of the Khetan Foundation. “These commitments are our way of planting seeds that may not bear fruit just yet, but will surely blossom tomorrow.”

Advancing the future of healthcare

Firstly, a gift of S$2 million was made by the Foundation to establish the Khetan Medical Scholarship at the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (NUS Medicine). Through the Scholarship, 10 medical undergraduates will benefit from comprehensive support that covers both tuition and living expenses over a five-year study period.

In 2017, the Khetan Foundation opened new doors for medical students through its first gift to set up the Lotus-NUS Medical Bursary. The new Khetan Medical Scholarship funded by the latest gift will provide financial support for more students at NUS Medicine.

Professor Chong Yap Seng (NUS Medicine ’88), Lien Ying Chow Professor in Medicine and Dean of NUS Medicine, noted, “When you invest in medical bursaries or scholarships, you’re investing in someone who will serve society for the next 50 years with care, compassion and comfort for people who need it,” he said. “This is an extremely good investment.”

Investing in innovation

Secondly, the Foundation has made a gift of US$1.5 million to NUS Enterprise, affirming its commitment to nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship. Over the next five years, this gift will fund a launchpad collaboration between NUS and Stanford University, enabling two teams of outstanding students and scholars to participate in Stanford’s acclaimed ME310 | Global Engineering Design Innovation (GEDI) course. The experience will provide them with mentorship, resources and networking opportunities that can translate into cutting-edge products and innovations that will create global impact.

“My hope is that this collaboration will continue to grow over time through the innovations we pursue together. I’m confident that this marks the beginning of a very meaningful relationship. I also see many opportunities for us to collaborate further, and I look forward to exploring them,” said Dr Tan Sian Wee, NUS Senior Vice President (Innovation & Enterprise).

Thirdly, an agreement was signed to enable Lotus One Investment Pte Ltd, part of Lotus Singapore Group and Khetan Foundation, to begin a co-investment collaboration with NUS Enterprise. This is a S$20 million commitment to back NUS start-ups and selected funds, with returns invested into innovation initiatives at the University.

Underscoring the Khetan Foundation’s vision of advancing the local innovation ecosystem, Mr Singh said, “Today’s start-ups are tomorrow’s changemakers. This is our commitment to nurturing the Singapore ecosystem that will shape the future of technology, talent and sustainable growth.”

By supporting education, healthcare and enterprise at NUS, the Khetan Foundation is sowing seeds of long-term impact—philanthropic investments that will nurture talent, spark innovation and build a better future for many generations to come.

To find out more about financial aid at NUS, click here.

If you would also like to support our NUS students, you can make a gift through our Give.NUS platform.

Each university will receive S$1 million for student financial aid, enabling more Indonesian students, regardless of their financial circumstances, to benefit from a world-class education in Singapore and to reinforce the strong people-to-people ties between Indonesia and Singapore.

A shared vision for ASEAN’s future

The gift reflects a broader regional ambition: nurturing future leaders, strengthening ASEAN’s talent pipeline, and deepening collaboration across borders. It also affirms the universities’ shared commitment to inclusive education and regional impact.

Dato’ Sri Professor Dr Tahir, Chairman of Mayapada Group said: “I strongly believe that education is fundamental in uplifting society and transforming our collective future. NUS and NTU, as leading global universities, are well-positioned to contribute significantly to Singapore and the world. I hope this gift will enable Indonesian students to realise their potential and inspire them to give back to their communities.”

NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye said: “At NUS, we believe education is transformative in empowering individuals and uplifting communities. This gift will open opportunities for more Indonesian students to pursue tertiary education at world-class institutions in Singapore, and help to build a more collaborative and resilient Southeast Asia region, by fostering ties, familiarity and connections between the youths of Indonesia and Singapore. We hope this gift will inspire others to also step forward to support and nurture the next generation of leaders in the region through education.”

NTU President Professor Ho Teck Hua said: “Dr Tahir’s gift reflects his belief in the power of education to transcend borders. It enables more talented Indonesian students to pursue their aspirations at NTU, opening doors to life-changing opportunities that can transform not just individuals, but entire communities. The gift embodies our shared conviction that education plays a pivotal role in nurturing future-ready talent and in fostering a more connected region.”  

A lifelong commitment to education

Dr Tahir has long championed education as a key driver of social mobility. He studied on a scholarship at Nanyang University, which later merged with the University of Singapore in 1980 to form NUS. He graduated in 1976 with a Bachelor of Commerce and is recognised as a distinguished alumnus of both NUS and NTU.

Over the past two decades, Dr Tahir has been a steadfast supporter of education, contributing to student bursaries and scholarships, as well as research and academic programmes in Singapore. In 2012, he made a landmark S$30 million gift to the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, his largest philanthropic gift to an educational institution. The gift helped advance medical research and academic programmes.

Dr Tahir also funded key initiatives such as the Tahir NTU-Universitas Airlangga Students Exchange Programme, which strengthens academic ties between Singapore and Indonesia, as well as the NTU Priorities Fund. In 2021, Dr Tahir made a gift in support of student bursaries, providing financial assistance to deserving NTU students and enabling them to pursue their education with greater peace of mind.

Investing in regional talent and collaboration

Strategically positioned in the heart of Southeast Asia, Singapore serves as a vital hub for regional education and collaboration. As the nation’s flagship university and top-ranked institution in Southeast Asia, NUS plays a leading role in advancing research, innovation and global partnerships across the region.

Situated in Singapore’s innovation corridor, NTU is consistently ranked among the world’s top young universities and is recognised for its excellence in sustainability, engineering, and interdisciplinary research. The University plays a pivotal role in advancing technological innovation, industry collaboration and talent development, contributing to Southeast Asia’s progress and global competitiveness.

Through this latest gift from the Tahir Foundation, more Indonesian students will have the opportunity to join the vibrant, diverse and intellectually dynamic communities at NUS and NTU. This will not only shape their personal and professional growth but will also contribute to deeper regional understanding and cooperation — laying the groundwork for a stronger, more inclusive Southeast Asia.

Years after graduation, fate proved her wrong – they fell in love and married on Valentine’s Day in 1999.

26 years later, they have returned to their alma mater to reminisce and support the next generation of NUS students through the NUS Campus Couples Bursary. They were among 250 guests at the Celebration of Love and Giving Dinner held on 13 February 2025 at NUS.

“Reflecting on our blessed life and giving back are ways of commemorating our time in NUS,” shared Mr Aznan, quoting his wife during his speech at the event. “At this point in our lives, it’s also important for us to set an example for our children.”

The annual donor appreciation event, which brings together couples who found love and purpose on the University’s grounds, is organised by the NUS Campus Couples Alumni Group and supported by the Alumni Student Advancement Committee (ASAC) and the NUS Development Office.

Reflecting on how the Campus Couples Bursary began, Mr Yeo Keng Joon (Business ’85), Chairman of the event’s organising committee and ASAC member, shared how he rallied fellow alumni with a heartfelt appeal: “If you met your spouse on campus and have achieved a fulfilling life, it’s important to acknowledge the role the University played in shaping your journey, as it may have been quite different without it.”

His message resonated deeply with the NUS community, and over $1 million has been raised for the NUS Campus Couples Bursary since its establishment in 2015. To date, the funds have supported 223 students in financial need.

Among the bursary’s dedicated supporters are Ms Wong Lai Quen (Science ’80) and Mr Steven Lau Hwai Kien (Accountancy ’80), who found love as undergraduates and built a life together after graduation. “We are very thankful for whatever we have received, whether through our hard work or from our lecturers, the community and the government,” said Ms Wong. “That’s why we believe in giving back. Even when Steven is now living with dementia, he is always thinking about how to support others. That’s how we came to support the Bursary.”

For Mr Yeo and his wife Mdm Kong Yuet Peng (Business ’86), watching their contributions transform students’ lives brings deep fulfilment. “We talk to the students, and we get to understand the difficulties and suffering they face. When we know that we have made a difference in their lives, it makes us happy,” he said.

The NUS Campus Couples Bursary and other financial aid for university students showcase the profound impact of alumni giving—turning generosity into life-changing opportunities.

One such beneficiary is Ms Nur Husna Faqihah, a Year 4 Geography student at the NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, whose story exemplifies social mobility through education. When her parents faced retrenchment during the pandemic, a bursary became her lifeline. Not only did it enable her to continue her studies, the bursary also opened doors to experiences she never imagined possible – from representing NUS at the Youth Green Summit in Bangkok to participating in an exchange programme in Croatia.

“I feel so lucky to be born in Singapore and to be part of an institution like NUS,” she reflected. “Because of these bursaries and financial aid schemes, students can pursue their passions as long as they have the desire to do so. Thank you for impacting the lives of students like me, and for making a difference that extends far beyond our time at NUS. You have helped us walk a smoother path, free from the worries of burdening our families, so that we can focus on our education and future contributions to society.”

These stories of NUS campus couples have come full circle. What started as serendipitous meetings in lecture halls and dormitories have evolved into a legacy of giving, creating ripples of impact that continue to shape future generations.

This story was first published on 20 February 2025 on NUS Giving News. Click here for more NUS Giving News stories.

Understanding the plight of those who struggle financially, the couple volunteered regularly, even roping in their two children. When Ms Yeon passed away last year, the family contributed towards the NUS Business School Alumni (NUSBSA) Bursary Fund, setting up the NUSBSA - Yeo Mui Ean Bursary in her honour. The Bursary allows financially needy students to gain valuable international experience through student exchange programmes. Mr Chua also intends to create a Meng and Ean Bursary at NUS to continue the legacy of giving.

Mr Chua was among the 230 guests at the annual Celebration of Love and Giving Dinner held on 16 February 2024 at the NUS Society Kent Ridge Guild House. The NUS Campus Couples Alumni Group, supported by the Alumni Student Advancement Committee (ASAC) and NUS Development Office, organised the event in tandem with Valentine’s Day to thank alumni couples for supporting financially needy NUS students.

This year, alumni couples raised over S$677,250, with a portion of the proceeds channelled to the NUS Campus Couples Bursary and the rest to other NUS bursaries.

Since its inception in 2015, the NUS Campus Couples Bursary has raised over S$874,827 and helped 158 financially needy NUS students.

During the dinner, guests enjoyed a performance by The Jazzlings, Singapore’s largest youth jazz collective founded by NUS students and alumni. The special occasion was marked by a cheque presentation by Mr Yeo Keng Joon (Business ’85), the dinner’s organising chairman and ASAC member, to NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye (Science ’85).

Mr Yeo and his wife, Madam Kong Yuet Peng (Business ’86), met while they were undergraduate students and later pursued their MBA degrees at the NUS Business School. The pair established the NUS Campus Couples Bursary to give back to the NUS community, having both benefitted from financial aid during their education.

Recent NUS graduate Mr Indra Putra Kamsan (Engineering ’23), who received bursaries during his time at the University, shared at the dinner how the financial aid he received had changed his life. After his parents separated when he was young, his father struggled to provide for him and his siblings.

“When I was accepted into NUS, my excitement was dampened by the daunting reality of tuition fees and transportation costs on top of daily expenses,” he shared.

Mr Indra’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of education and the profound impact that collective generosity can have on individual lives and their families.

“With this financial support, I could focus on my studies and fully immerse myself in the rich university experience. Now, with a stable job, I am closer to achieving my goals of supporting my family and providing a comfortable home for my father, thanks to the support I received from the NUS community,” he shared.

By NUS Development Office

For more stories about philanthropy, visit https://nus.edu.sg/nusgiving

Shaping a more sustainable future

The new Keppel Professorship in Sustainability Solutions reflects both NUS and Keppel’s focus on creating solutions for a sustainable future. It replaces the former Keppel Chair Professorship, which had sought to boost Singapore's competitiveness in the Ocean, Marine and Offshore industry.

This new Professorship is supported by a generous gift of S$1.4 million made by Keppel Care Foundation in 2012. In addition, Keppel will contribute a supplementary S$170,000 over the next five years to support activities related to the Professorship, including organising lectures by world-renowned experts to promote knowledge discovery and increase public awareness about sustainability issues such as climate change and reducing carbon footprint.

Enhancing accessibility to education

NUS and Keppel also renewed their commitment to enhance accessibility to NUS’ transformative education through an additional gift of S$500,000 from Keppel to the Keppel Bursary for Engineering, which was established in 2014 to support financially needy undergraduates. To date, 126 bursaries have been awarded.

With this top-up, NUS is able to increase the quantum of each bursary from S$3,000 to S$5,000 per annum and the number of bursaries awarded from an average of 16 to 18 per academic year. These enhancements come as timely support for students, amidst the rising cost of living.

NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye, said, “This renewed partnership between NUS and Keppel is testament to our strong commitment towards shaping a more sustainable future by advancing sustainability education and research as well as ensuring that undergraduates from all financial backgrounds can fully participate and benefit from the transformative education that NUS offers.”

By NUS Development Office

Making a difference to financially needy students and the environment

Funds raised through the Challenge support the Enhanced Financial Aid Scheme (EFAS), which ensures full-time Singaporean undergraduates, regardless of their financial circumstances, have access to a transformative education experience at NUS. For every S$1,000 raised through the PIF Challenge, a tree will be planted on NUS campus – an initiative that aligns with the National Parks Board’s OneMillionTrees movement and NUS' commitment to plant 100,000 trees on campus by 2030.

The PIF Day kicked off with a vibrant burst of colours as participants engaged in a batik painting activity on a single canvas. The final art piece, which will be displayed on NUS campus, serves as a lasting memento of the collective dedication to making a difference for our students and the environment.

The heart of the event unfolded as participants put on their gardening gloves, picked up their shovels and came together for the tree-planting activity. It was an inspiring sight to witness as donors collectively left their mark, fostering a greener and cooler campus. Each of the 50 trees planted symbolises a step towards a more sustainable future and attests to NUS’ commitment to empower students from challenging backgrounds, to become the next generation of changemakers.

As the event drew to a close, Mr Johnny Tan, Chairman of the PIF Challenge, encouraged everyone to spread the word and sustain the momentum beyond the Plant-It-Forward Day.

“Engaging in fundraising with a shared and meaningful objective can genuinely nurture a sense of pride and help bring the community together. Let’s help to spread the message and continue our efforts for this worthwhile and meaningful purpose,” said Mr Tan.

To Plant-It-Forward for a greener and brighter future, visit the NUS Giving website.

By NUS Development Office