30 October 2024
Alumni Who Keep Giving Back: ASAC Appreciation Dinner 2024
On 18 October 2024, over a hundred donors and guests came together for the Alumni Student Advancement Committee (ASAC) Appreciation Dinner.
Amidst the joyous hubbub of old and new friends connecting over dinner, guests were treated to soothing jazz melodies by Singapore’s latest and largest youth jazz collective, The Jazzlings.
After six years of remarkable leadership, Mr Seah Cheng San (Engineering ’82) delivered his final address as ASAC Chairman. Through a lighthearted sharing filled with heartwarming personal anecdotes, Mr Seah brought donors along on his own giving journey, encouraging them to seize the opportunity to give in conjunction with the 120th anniversary of the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Singapore’s 60th year of independence.
Mr Seah also took the opportunity to share about the NUS Gift Annuity Programme, a way for donors above the age of 60 to create a lasting legacy with their gifts while receiving an annual fixed income for life.
Mr Seah Cheng San giving his final address as ASAC Chairman. He will pass the mantle of Chariman to Mr Chua Hung Meng.
With his tenure at its end, Mr Seah will pass the mantle of ASAC Chairman to Mr Chua Hung Meng (Business ’81), former President of the Business School Alumni Association. Armed with years of valuable experience as an advocate for students in need, Mr Chua shines as a perfect candidate to continue championing the ASAC vision.
Deputy President (Administration) Mr Clarence Ti then took the stage to thank donors for their collective efforts over a decade of purpose-driven leadership, amounting to an incredible S$32 million raised in support of student bursaries. He encouraged donors to keep giving to the ASAC campaigns, and “think about how we can continue to impact our community”.
Donors got to see the impact that their gifts could have through the story of bursary recipient Mr Tan San Chian (Computing ’27). Hailing from Malaysia, Mr Tan had nearly given up his NUS offer because of the daunting prospect of affording the high international school fees. The Yeoh Kim Neo Enhanced Bursary was his “lifeline” to enrol into NUS, his “dream school”.
“As I stand here today, I am a testament to the profound impact of community support,” he shared, thanking all donors. “Your generosity is not just an investment in our individual futures but a commitment to the betterment of our society. It is a powerful reminder that education is a collective endeavour, and each contribution, no matter how small, has the potential to create a lasting impact.”
Mr Tan San Chian shared how his university journey had been made possible through student bursaries.
The event concluded with a cheque presentation from Mr Yeo Keng Joon (Business ’85), the dinner’s organiser and ASAC member, to Mr Clarence Ti, to officially recognise the S$311,353 raised by ASAC this year in support of student bursaries at NUS. Bursary donors also received certificates in recognition and appreciation of their generous support for the University.
With over a decade of history in supporting student bursaries, ASAC’s success is a testament to the power of compassionate support from one generation to the next. More than a formal gathering, the ASAC Appreciation Dinner was a time of collective celebration for all in the room, leaving donors fulfilled and inspired to continue making a difference.
This article first appeared in NUS Giving on 28 October 2024.