In a world that increasingly values not just academic achievements but holistic development, the role of universities in shaping futures is more significant than ever. At the National University of Singapore (NUS), philanthropic giving does not just fund education; it transforms lives.
This blog explores how bursaries, scholarships, and student exchange programmes benefit NUS students, allowing them to access unparalleled opportunities and overcome financial barriers that might impede their educational journeys.
Through real-life stories, we will explore how each contribution creates a ripple effect, enhancing the educational experience and opening doors to global platforms for NUS students. By giving, donors play a crucial part in supporting students and nurturing the next generation of leaders, innovators and thinkers.
NUS Bursaries: Unlocking Opportunities and Enabling Excellence
Bursaries at NUS are more than just financial aid; they are investments in the futures of students who face financial challenges. These bursaries enable deserving students to focus on their academic and personal development without the looming stress of financial insecurity.
Overcoming Adversity with The Cocoa Trees Bursary
For Teng Xin Yun (Design ’24), her journey to enter university was fraught with challenges. After facing significant personal setbacks, Xin Yun struggled to balance her passion for design with financial hardships. The Cocoa Trees Bursary, established by a compassionate donor, provided her with the means to continue her education and a renewed sense of purpose and stability. This support allowed Xin Yun to fully embrace university life and participate in an exchange programme at China's Zhejiang University, demonstrating the direct impact of university philanthropy.
A Boost from a Timely Bursary
Mr Indra Putra Kamsan (Engineering ’23) always dreamed of studying at NUS but was nearly deterred by financial barriers. The timely intervention through the Chen Su Lan Student bursary transformed his educational journey. This Bursary did not just cover his tuition; it enabled him to engage deeply with his studies. Today, Mr Indra is not only a graduate of his dream school but also embarking on a new career as a Process Safety Engineer.
Through these Bursaries, NUS ensures that financial barriers do not hinder its students’ academic and professional potential, thereby cultivating a legacy of opportunity and success.
NUS Scholarships: Fuelling Ambitions and Fostering Excellence
At NUS, scholarships do more than just fund education — they ignite passions and open doors to new possibilities, enabling students to explore and excel in their chosen fields without financial worries.
A Law Scholarship in Action
Mr Joseph Lum (Law ’18) embodies the transformative impact of scholarships at NUS. Inspired by his desire to make a tangible difference in society, Mr Lum pursued his graduate studies in Law with the support of the Madam Kwa Geok Choo Graduate Scholarship. This Scholarship covered his education expenses and compensated for his loss of income and career progression. Mr Lum’s journey is a prime example of how scholarships can empower students to use their expertise to advocate for justice and societal betterment.
A Software Developer's Journey
After being awarded the Lim Hong Chin Memorial Scholarship, Mr Quah Pern Jie (Computer Science ’16) could immerse himself fully in his Computer Science studies, graduating with First Class Honours. The financial support provided by the Scholarship allowed him to focus on his passions without the burden of financial stress, leading him to further his education overseas. His professional journey took a significant turn when he joined Pand.AI, a startup specialising in AI-driven chatbots for financial services, and eventually became Head of Product at Pand.AI – guiding the company’s expansion across Asia.
These narratives highlight how sponsoring a scholarship at NUS fosters academic and professional success while inspiring students to become Alumni donors, contributing to the industry and community long after graduation.
NUS Student Exchange Programmes
Student exchange programmes at NUS are transformative experiences that broaden academic horizons and foster personal growth and cross-cultural understanding. Supported by philanthropic giving, these programmes enable students to immerse themselves in different educational environments, gaining unique insights and global perspectives.
Technopreneurial Foray in China
Miss Fatim Mohrini (Engineering ’20) exemplifies the impact of student exchange programmes. Funded by the Jane Sun and John Wu Sunshine Award, Miss Fatim spent six months interning in Shenzhen, China, where she collaborated on various electronics projects. This experience shaped her approach to technology entrepreneurship, allowing her to progress from being a business development executive at Matricx Singapore to a business development consultant at Oracle to a software development engineer at SAP. Her story demonstrates how exposure to diverse academic cultures enhances students’ technical and interpersonal skills, preparing them for global challenges.
Taking on the World Stage
Empowered by the Chia Siew Wong Bursary, Miss Melanis Tai Jing En (Arts and Social Sciences ’21) participated in the 2019 World Miss University pageant in South Korea, representing Singapore on a global stage. This opportunity allowed her to advocate for social issues and engage with international peers, greatly enriching her university experience. Additionally, financial support from the Bursary made it possible for her to join a Student Exchange Programme in Sydney, enhancing her global perspective and academic network, albeit briefly due to the pandemic.
These stories highlight the invaluable role of philanthropic support in extending the educational reach of NUS students, enabling them to engage deeply with their fields on a global scale. Through these experiences, students not only enhance their own capabilities but also contribute to a richer, more interconnected global community.
The Ripple Effect of Philanthropic Giving at NUS
These stories of NUS alumni illustrate the profound and varied impacts of philanthropic giving. Whether through bursaries, scholarships, or support for student exchange programmes, philanthropy at NUS not only eases financial burdens but also opens doors to new opportunities, fosters innovation, and enables personal growth.
Each gift, no matter the size, contributes to a cycle of success and empowerment. It allows students to reach their full potential, equipping them with the tools to excel in their chosen fields and, ultimately, to give back to society in meaningful ways.
