A League of Champions

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Behind many gifts at the National University of Singapore (NUS) are champions who ask, connect and believe.

That conviction has helped mobilise philanthropic support for various causes across the University and amplify impact far beyond the campus. Professor Kishore Mahbubani (Arts ’71), Professor John Eu-Li Wong (MBBS ’81) and Mr Yeo Keng Joon (Business ’85) are among NUS’ strongest voices for philanthropy.

Leading with the Heart: Prof Kishore Mahbubani

Prof Kishore Mahbubani believes NUS alumni can be powerful fundraising champions.

In his 33 years of diplomacy and 13 years in academia, Prof Kishore Mahbubani has learnt one big lesson: success in any venture comes after building long-term relationships of trust and confidence.

Philanthropic appeals must thus be made to the nobler instincts he believes that every person has. “Instead of appealing to the head, one must also appeal to the heart,” he said.

During his tenure as Dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP), Prof Mahbubani often shared a simple yet compelling narrative with potential donors: each student who received a scholarship would go on to improve the lives of thousands after graduation. Many resonated with this message, and several scholarships were funded at LKYSPP.

But sometimes, gifts can come about from pure coincidence and friendship. Prof Mahbubani recounted how an evening walk at East Coast Park once brought about considerable support for the Asian Peace Programme (APP).

“I ran into a friend whom I hadn’t seen for years,” he shared. “He said to me, ‘Let’s have a drink.’ Fortunately, I was free that evening. Towards the end of our chat, I mentioned the importance of peace in Asia and the APP. He immediately offered to host a dinner for his businessmen friends to see if they could all contribute. And indeed, everyone at that dinner contributed to the APP. Just imagine how different it would have been if I hadn’t had a drink with him in East Coast Park.”

Prof Mahbubani is convinced that there is tremendous potential for fundraising in NUS, if only more alumni will advocate for causes they believe in.

“Many alumni I know have not contributed only because no one has asked them,” he reflected. “However, if a friend or fellow NUS alumni member approaches them and suggests a small initial contribution, the answer is almost always positive.”

He concluded: “This is why NUS needs to develop an army of champions, especially among our alumni.”

Rallying for a Shared Vision: Prof John Wong

Prof John Wong believes a shared purpose is key to garnering philanthropic support.

Since its launch in October 2021, Health District @ Queenstown (HD@QT) has built a growing community of residents and partners who are empowered to stay healthy, engaged and connected throughout their lives.

This initiative was made possible through the advocacy and vision of Prof Wong, Isabel Chan Professor in Medical Sciences at the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and co-chair of HD@QT. Prof Wong helps align philanthropists with HD@QT’s healthy longevity initiatives and evidence-based research.

Prof Wong shared that “More than 60% of the factors impacting premature disability and death are social, behavioural and environmental. I need to work with and outside of the healthcare system to improve physical, mental and social well-being in Singapore.”

Reflecting on how his relationships with people who share the same beliefs have resulted in impact, Prof Wong said: “I search for people who share a similar vision, and work with them in realising this.”

Addicted to Making a Difference: Mr Yeo Keng Joon

Mr Yeo Keng Joon is a longtime champion of alumni giving at NUS.

Mr Yeo Keng Joon is addicted to bringing joy to students. For over two decades, he has dedicated himself to serving the NUS community through his work with NUS’ Alumni Advisory Board and the Alumni Student Advancement Committee (ASAC).

“My motivation comes from seeing the tangible difference we can make,” he said, sharing how as a donor, he still finds fulfilment in reading a student’s heartfelt letter of gratitude. “Bringing joy to these students is almost addictive. It’s that sense of purpose and connection that drives me to continue this work, year after year.”

Having worked with alumni from diverse backgrounds and giving capacities, he understands what inspires them to give: a cause that resonates deeply.

He shared how the NUS Campus Couples Bursary—aimed at alumni who met their spouse on campus—has raised S$1.4 million from happy couples. The pitch is simple but powerful: these couples owe NUS a debt of gratitude for bringing them together.

This message resonates so strongly that even spontaneous connections can spark extraordinary generosity. During an NUS Business alumni event in Hong Kong, Mr Yeo happened to sit with a fellow alumnus he had never met before.

“We struck up a conversation, and when I mentioned the Campus Couples Bursary, his eyes lit up,” he recounted. “The very next day, he called to say that his wife was equally enthusiastic. They had met during the MBA programme, coming from different parts of China to Singapore. They chose to commemorate their story by setting up a bursary named after their two children.”

Another message that resonated was one of honouring a legacy. When Professor Tan Chorh Chuan (Medicine ’83) stepped down from his role as NUS President, ASAC took the opportunity to rally alumni to give. Mr Yeo shared: “Our message was: if you appreciate what Chorh Chuan has done for NUS, consider contributing to an endowed fund for needy students that immortalises his name and legacy.” That campaign went on to raise S$1.2 million.

Amidst these fundraising successes, Mr Yeo recognises that several alumni are still hesitant to give back, thinking that there is adequate support for students at NUS. “It’s important to gently correct this by sharing data such as the number of financially needy students and the level of support needed to cover their full tuition fees,” he explained.

As the University’s endowment also funds research, professorships and other needs, additional support is needed to strengthen student financial aid. This is where alumni donors play a vital role. “Once alumni understand the real scope of the need, they are often moved to help,” Mr Yeo said.

Personally, Mr Yeo continues to give back—not just financially, but through mentorship for NUS students embarking on their careers. Through this, he hopes to create a virtuous cycle of giving and guidance for future generations of students.

Advocacy Made Simple

When bold voices meet generous hearts, giving follows. Through trust, vision and purpose, these three champions demonstrate how simple connections can unlock powerful impact—strengthening NUS and shaping lives far beyond campus.

What’s a cause that resonates with you? Explore how you can broaden your impact at NUS when you share your vision with those around you.