The COVID-19 pandemic has presented the world with unprecedented challenges. Singapore has certainly not been spared. The evolving Covid-19 situation has affected many Singaporeans, from individuals who are sole breadwinners losing their jobs to families that are now struggling with basic living expenses.

Several initiatives by the government such as the Temporary Relief Fund and Covid-19 Support Grant were introduced to support and help Singaporeans in this likely protracted economic uncertainty. 

It is a time that the whole-of-nation and whole-of-community are rallying together to support one another during this difficult time. 

Since early this year, many more in the community have stepped forward to help, be it businesses, charities or individual philanthropists, with donations in cash and in kind, going towards vulnerable groups, frontline workers and students.

To help students who are experiencing financial difficulties during this period, NUS has launched the NUS Students Solidarity Fund to rally the NUS community to raise funds to help financially-disadvantaged undergraduates. Building and Estate Management Alumni (BEMA) has also stepped forward to offer support. 

“As one of the university alumni organizations, BEMA will support and stand alongside our undergraduates during this trying time. In our small way, BEMA has donated $10,000 to the NUS Students Solidarity Fund and collectively as a NUS community, we hope that this contribution will go a long way to alleviate the financial difficulties of our undergraduates' families who are affected during this period," shared Dr Teo Ho Pin, President of BEMA.

Submitted by Ms Ong Yen Peng (Design and Environment '02)

“Always turn a negative situation into a positive situation.” - Michael Jordan.

The NUS Economics Alumni did just that during the COVID-19 circuit breaker period by holding their first Virtual Networking Event on the evening of 13 May. This was a milestone as it was the group's first virtual event since its inception 13 years ago. Instead of waiting for a better time to host a physical event, they decided to run a Zoom-networking event.

It was a great turnout of 30 people with Prof Satoru Takahashi, Head of the NUS Department of Economics joining too. For a majority of attendees, it was their 1st time networking online!

There was a good mix of alumni from the 1980s to those who graduated more recently, and some even called in from Shanghai and Tokyo. The alumni were from a diverse of industries, ranging from Finance, Recovery Services, Manufacturing, Oil & Gas, Facebook, ByteDance (Tik Tok) to Law Services, Consulting, and Government Services, showing how Economics graduates are able to make their mark in a myriad of fields. They also conducted a poll that night, which revealed that the common goal among attendees was to strengthen their connections to other Economics alumni.

Many attendees sang praises of the event:

“It was great meeting Economics Alumni members and Faculty too. Looking forward to more of such events!” - Vikrum Trehan ('04)

“Fully enjoyed the networking sessions organised by the NUS Economics Alumni group. It was my first time attending the session via Zoom during the COVID-19 period and I'd say it was very well organised!” - KC Ho ('12)

“Thanks to the committee who made it possible to connect with Economics graduates of different age groups, from peers to mentors and industry veterans. Looking forward to the next meeting; hopefully in a physical setting post-Covid-19.” Evan Loh ('19)

"It was great to connect, and reconnect, with fellow Economics alumni virtually in these times!" - Naomi Tay ('13)

The NUS Economics Alumni Committee was happy to see such a successful experience for their first virtual event. Overall, it was a great evening spent connecting with Economics alumni.

Submitted by Ms Valerie Chow ('97), President, NUS Economics Alumni