As the world grappled with the onset of the pandemic, Miss Teng Xin Yun ('24) saw her own world crumble. She felt a deep sense of loss that year — she was not accepted into any university, and her father died within a month of his lung cancer diagnosis. With the family’s sole breadwinner gone, they struggled emotionally and financially. But the eldest daughter refused to let life’s obstacles define her and took her fate into her own hands. She took a gap year to settle family matters and took part-time jobs to earn extra income and explore her passions. On her second try, she secured admission into the Industrial Design programme at NUS— fulfilling her Father’s dream for her.
Xin Yun with her Father.
However, there was always the nagging worry about money. Recalling the mixed emotions, Miss Teng said: “I was very excited when I got in after applying again. But then there were the costs of attending university. My mother had breast cancer very long ago and has been unable to work. I was working part-time during my gap year and my younger siblings were still studying. The stress was really huge.”
Xin Yun with her siblings and father.
With a strong belief that no deserving student should be denied an education, NUS has in place a comprehensive array of financial aid schemes. Miss Teng was awarded The Cocoa Trees Bursary, which was established by philanthropic couple Mr Paul Loo and Ms Esther Teresa Tang.
On top of the Bursary, Miss Teng’s school fees are taken care of by the NUS Enhanced Financial Aid Scheme. Under the Scheme, Bursary recipients’ tuition fees would be fully covered and additional financial support would be provided for living expenses, on-campus stay and overseas programmes.
In an interview with Tatler Asia, Mr Loo discusses education as an effective social leveller. “I feel that helping the needy to get a proper education is a more sustainable way to do community service. With proper education, these individuals can move up and get a job,” said Mr Paul Loo, Group Chief Executive Officer of Focus Network Agencies International, which owns The Cocoa Trees chain of chocolate boutiques.
With financial concerns out of the way, Miss Teng is embracing university life to the fullest and even seized the opportunity to participate in an exchange programme at China’s Zhejiang University. Expressing her utmost appreciation, Miss Teng said: “Without the financial help, I would not be able to spend more time with my family and focus on my academic pursuits. I’m grateful for the support and the bursary.”
Since her secondary school days, Miss Teng has found fulfilment in helping others She spends time engaging with seniors at Old Folks Homes and making a difference to the environment by cleaning up beaches. Those invaluable volunteer experiences deeply influenced her and instilled in her a belief in paying it forward.
Perpetuating the virtuous cycle of gratitude and giving, Miss Teng aspires to make a positive impact on her community through her design skills. She said: “I have this mindset that if I receive any help from people, I should always be thankful to them. My end goal is to contribute back to society one day, so students like me can pursue their passion.”
Watch Ms Teng and other Financial Aid Recipients share their story as their loved ones secretly watched on here.
