This quote from Anne Frank was the catalyst that kickstarted Mr Lee JT and Ms Loh PJ’s journey in giving. To commemorate a milestone wedding anniversary in 2015, the couple – both Pharmacy alumni from NUS – established the Lee JT & Loh PJ Pharmacy Bursary to support deserving pharmacy students in financial need. Having borrowed to pursue their own tertiary education at NUS, Mr Lee and Ms Loh fully understand the importance of education as a social leveller. Their Bursary, administered under the NUS Science Student Fund (SSF), is currently the only dedicated bursary for NUS Pharmacy students. Over the past decade of its disbursement, the Bursary has created positive impact in the lives of 10 students. For Ms Khang Hui Lin (Science ’24), the Bursary was the key to fulfilling her dreams. Even though she had harboured the desire to be a pharmacist since Secondary 3, she was initially hesitant to apply to university due to her family’s financial challenges. Thanks to the support of the Bursary, she was able to pursue her aspirations and is now working as a pharmacist at the National University Hospital (NUH). “Just as I have been a recipient of kindness, I am dedicated to extending the same generosity to others in need,” she shared. “I firmly believe that a simple act of kindness creates an endless ripple effect, touching the lives of many.” Ms Preeti Suresh* also expresses her gratitude for the Bursary’s assistance in her first year of school: “The Lee JT & Loh PJ Pharmacy Bursary has lifted my financial burdens and helped me to fully integrate into university life as a freshman.” She had initially planned to take up part-time jobs during the semester to support her studies. However, the Bursary has allowed her to channel her time and energy into adjusting to the rigorous pharmacy curriculum. “The opportunity to have added financial support has motivated me to do my best in my studies,” she added. “I want to make full use of the opportunity given to me and strive for excellence.”
"No one has ever become poor by giving."
Inspiring Future Pharmacists
The Pharmacy class T-shirt design during Mr Lee and Ms Loh’s undergraduate days. The couple are proud NUS Pharmacy alumni and are committed to giving back to their alma mater.
Contributing to Healthcare and Beyond
Since young, Mr Lee and Ms Loh had already set their minds on working in healthcare. They attribute their strong foundation in the sector to the late Professor Lucy Wan’s mentorship during their formative years, and hope to keep contributing to healthcare in the years to come.
Just as they received strong support from those around them, they want to make a similar difference to students who wish to pursue their aspirations in the field of pharmacy.
“The generosity of donors like Lee JT and Loh PJ has been instrumental in advancing education,” said Professor Giorgia Pastorin, Head of the Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. “I am deeply grateful for their continued support for the Department over the past decade, which is truly invaluable and inspires future generations to excel and contribute to the healthcare industry.”
NUS marks its 120th anniversary this year, celebrating its longstanding commitment to nurturing excellence through education. Donors like Mr Lee and Ms Loh, who steadfastly give towards causes they believe in, have played a crucial part in creating this legacy.
As the couple celebrates another nuptial milestone with a recent top-up to their Bursary, they hope that other Pharmacy alumni will be inspired to start their own journey of giving too.
This story was first published on 1 July 2025 on The AlumNUS. Click here for more stories from The AlumNUS.
*Real name anonymised for confidentiality.
