Dr Ng Chin Siau (’92) is the Founder and Group Chief Executive Officer of Singapore’s largest private dental group, Q & M Dental Group, a trailblazer in dental healthcare within Singapore. Under Dr Ng's visionary leadership, it stands as the largest private dental healthcare group in the nation. The group's reach has impressively expanded internationally with ventures in China and Malaysia and the pioneering Q & M Dental College, which marks a significant stride in dental education and professional training.
His success, however, was no easy feat. The National University of Singapore (NUS) Dentistry graduate learnt very early on in life the value of hard-earned money and the importance of a good education when his father fell in hard times during a financial crisis. These experiences ingrained in him a deep appreciation for the financial support he received through annual bursaries at NUS, which amounted to S$1,500 each year. These funds were essential, covering his hostel fees and daily expenses, and allowing him to focus fully on his studies. Dr Ng credits this support and the top-tier education he received at NUS as foundational to his later achievements, highlighting how crucial such assistance can be in paving the way for future success.
Giving Back to NUS: The Ng Chin Siau Dental Bursary
Inspired by his own journey and recognising the impact that financial support had on his academic and professional life, Dr Ng felt a strong responsibility to give back to the institution that had given him so much. This gratitude and sense of duty led him to establish the Ng Chin Siau Dental Bursary for NUS Dentistry students in financial need. His aim was to provide similar support to what he received, helping current students overcome financial barriers and succeed in their studies, just as he had.
“I am forever thankful to NUS for giving me a place in Dentistry. What I have gained today is a result of what I have received, and the financial aid I received throughout my undergraduate years in NUS really enabled me to get the most out of my education,” Dr Ng shared.
Established in 2012, the Ng Chin Siau Dental Bursary has become a beacon of hope for financially needy students at NUS, covering essential dentistry course fees and lightening the load of dental tuition fees. This thoughtful initiative allows students to immerse themselves in their studies without the shadow of financial strain.
Sustaining Support: Dr Ng's Continued Commitment to Education
A decade later, Dr Ng's deep understanding of the transformative impact of financial aid has led him to generously enhance the bursary with a top-up gift. This action ensures that the legacy of the fund continues to support the aspirations of dental students, reinforcing his enduring commitment to nurturing future generations of dental professionals. Through this sustained support, Dr Ng not only contributes to the individual success of students but also to the broader goal of advancing dental education and professional skills development.
Building on this foundation, Dr Ng remains a vocal advocate for the power of education to break the cycle of poverty. He emphasises the critical role of academics in securing personal and societal progress. “Education is so important. If you want to make your own success, be able to provide well for your family and, at the same time, contribute to the progress of society, you need a good education and professional skills,” Dr Ng asserts. His words highlight the dual benefit of education—as a personal empowerment tool and a means to contribute positively to society.
Fostering Character and Community Engagement at NUS
Echoing his belief in the comprehensive value of education, Dr Ng extends his advice beyond academic excellence to personal development for the beneficiaries of the dental bursary award. “Beyond excelling in school, make it your priority to be a good person. Be honest, have integrity and be nice to people around you. Compassion for others will take you far in life,” he shared. This guidance reflects his holistic approach to education, emphasising character-building alongside academic achievements, which he experienced and valued during his transformative years at NUS.
Recounting his enriching experiences at NUS, Dr Ng fondly remembers meeting his wife, who was studying Pharmacy at the time, and his active participation in various sports and hall activities. His commitment to university life was marked by several leadership roles: he was the Sports Secretary at the Faculty of Dentistry, volleyball team captain and also served as the Sports Secretary of the Junior Common Room Committee at King Edward VII Hall, where he helped organise inter-block games and sports activities.
These experiences have instilled in him a deep sense of pride and connection to his alma mater. Dr Ng hopes that his story will inspire other alumni to step forward and give back to their alma mater in various ways, continuing the tradition of giving back and enriching the University community for future generations.
“Many of the University’s alumni have excelled in their careers. When we as alumni do well in society, it reflects well on our University. I hope more alumni will step forward, come back and share their expertise and life’s varied experiences, inspire current students and be inspired to support the University while remembering the good old times,” Dr Ng concluded.
Support the Future Generation by Contributing to NUS Giving
Dr Ng Chin Siau’s remarkable journey from an NUS dentistry student benefiting from financial aid to becoming a leader in Singapore's dental healthcare underscores the profound impact of philanthropy. His story is a compelling invitation for others to contribute to shaping the futures of students who are now where he once was.
Through NUS Giving, alumni and philanthropists in Singapore can provide the same support that helped Dr Ng achieve his dreams, playing a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals. Every contribution, big or small, not only supports the aspirations of students but also strengthens the broader educational and societal fabric. Join us in this meaningful endeavour to ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed and give back to society in their own significant ways.