The NUS Business School community recently kicked off the School’s 60th-anniversary celebrations with the annual Bizad Charity Run, raising nearly S$300,000 for student bursaries and youth at risk. The 15th edition of the annual flagship event attracted sign-ups from more than 800 NUS students, faculty, and alumni to run a 5km fun run route around the Kent Ridge campus or a 10km competitive course. Proceeds from this year’s run will go towards the NUS Business School Alumni Bursary, Student Experience Fund, and Youth Guidance Outreach Services beneficiaries.
Braving the persistent rain and cool weather brought on by the weekend’s monsoon surge, participants of the NUS Business School’s Bizad Charity Run pounded the pavement around the NUS Kent Ridge campus on 11 Jan 2025 to raise close to S$300,000 for financially disadvantaged business students and beneficiaries beyond the NUS community.
The 15th edition of the annual flagship event attracted sign-ups from more than 800 NUS students, faculty, and alumni to run a 5km fun run route or a 10km competitive course that took them deeper into the campus. The race was flagged off by Mr Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth and Ministry of Social and Family Development.
Jointly organised by the NUS Business School Alumni Association and NUS Bizad Club, the run has raised more than S$3 million over the years to support more than 600 students through the Bursary and numerous other beneficiaries through partnerships with local charities. Proceeds from this year’s run will go towards the NUS Business School Alumni (NUSBSA) Bursary, Student Experience Fund, and Youth Guidance Outreach Services (YGOS) beneficiaries.
Among the participants this year was a regular with close ties to the cause. Mr Yeo Keng Joon (MBA 1985) planted the seed for the NUSBSA Bursary with an initial donation of S$25,000 to commemorate his son’s wedding in 2006 and has participated in every edition of the Bizad Charity Run since it began in 2010.
Snapshots over the years - Mr Yeo Keng Joon, a regular donor and participant, has attended every Bizad Charity Run since its inception, usually together with his wife Mdm Kong Yuet Peng (MBA 1986) and some of their children and grandchildren. Anticlockwise from top left: Mr Yeo and his family in 2017; a photo taken at the 2019 run; and Mr Yeo, Mdm Kong, and their daughter at the 2025 run. Photo credits: Mr Yeo Keng Joon
He rallied his friends to join the cause, starting a movement among the Business School’s alumni to give back to their alma mater. Today, the NUSBSA Bursary receives enough funding to support 53 students annually.
Recalling his own humble beginnings was what motivated him to help the next generation of needy students, Mr Yeo said: "Every year, we conduct interviews and inevitably, a few students will break down spontaneously when we ask them, what makes you apply for this bursary?” he shared. “A few of them, when they share their family background, it’s very emotional for them.”
Beneficiaries of the NUSBSA Bursary include Mr Andrew Lee, an alumnus from the Class of 2021, who was able to participate in a student exchange programme in the US with the financial support.
The experience was enriching as it allowed him to interact with students from other countries, broadening his perspective and understanding of global affairs. “The help I received has reminded me that no contribution is too small, and I hope to give it forward to the next generation,” said Mr Lee.
It was a run to remember, with many showing up determined not to let the rain dampen their spirits.
Being able to support students and the community in such a direct and tangible way makes the Bizad Charity Run an especially fulfilling project to work on, said members of the organising committee.
When Nakanishi Shoi, a second-year Business Administration (BBA) student, had the opportunity to meet the chairman of YGOS, which was eventually selected as this year’s partner charity, he was moved by their mission of supporting youth at risk by befriending them and providing mentorship and guidance to help them stay on the right track.
“I felt that (their work) is really complementary to ours – supporting university students and these younger teens with more outlets for growth outside of school,” said Shoi, who led the event’s sponsorships and marketing and communications teams as the vice project director for external partners.
Sponsorships and fundraising director Esha Kejriwal, a Year 2 BBA student, agreed: “Working with YGOS means BCR’s impact extends beyond just giving bursaries to NUS students; it helps those who may not have the same opportunities, so they can still shine regardless.”
“Recognising the privilege that I have – not just as an NUS student but as someone with the opportunity to pursue an education – and knowing that those that I’m trying to make an impact for would cherish such opportunities inspires me to press on,” Esha added.
The organising team behind the 2025 Bizad Charity Run.
The 2025 Bizad Charity Run is the first event in a year-long series of celebrations to commemorate the NUS Business School’s 60th anniversary. From its humble beginnings as the Department of Business Administration with four staff and 24 students, the School has grown into Asia’s leading business school with more than 280 faculty members, over 3,000 students, and a global alumni family of more than 47,000.
“NUS Business School has created a legacy that spans six decades of nurturing business leaders and contributing to Singapore’s development,” said Distinguished Professor Andrew Rose, Dean of NUS Business School. “Today, we remain committed to grow in step with the nation, providing excellent learning and growth opportunities, and shaping a sustainable future for everyone.”
Members of the public can visit this link to donate to the ongoing fundraising drive until 31 May 2025.
This story was first published on 14 January 2025 on NUS News. Click here for more NUS News.
