First Time’s the Charm

This story is featured in the NUS Giving Report 2025/2025 - Future: Powered by Giving. Click here to read more Giving Report stories. 

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Sometimes, the simplest things can spark the most joy.

NUS120 festivities have been in swing all year round in 2025—and one special campaign brought a little extra charm to the celebration. By making a gift of S$20 on NUS Giving’s Give.NUS platform, NUS alumni would receive an exclusive NUS120 bag charm, featuring a mini LiNUS plushie among several other NUS-themed accessories.

All funds raised through the campaign went towards the Plant-It-Forward Challenge, which supports financial aid for students under the Enhanced Financial Aid Scheme (EFAS), while advancing NUS’ sustainability goals through tree-planting on campus.

For many NUS alumni, this campaign was their first time experiencing the fulfilment of giving back to their alma mater.

Smiles for the Whole Family

Though he graduated over two decades ago, Mr Elden Kua (Science ’99) still recalls fond memories of his time playing for the varsity bowling team.

Today, Mr Kua has become a proud donor to his alma mater—inspired by his young son, Kayden. “My boy always asks me and my wife to give for a good cause,” he shared.

When Mr Kua saw the LiNUS plushie on the bag charm, he immediately thought of his son’s love for animal toys. Coupled with the campaign’s meaningful impact, he knew that making this gift would be the perfect way to put a smile on Kayden’s face.

A Reminder to Give Back

For many years, Mr Hor Chor Kiat (Arts and Social Sciences ’14) had completely forgotten about giving back to his alma mater—until a lunch walk at University Town, where a large NUS Giving banner caught his eye. Intrigued by the bag charm and its “alumni donor” tag, he decided it was time to rekindle his giving journey.

Having personally benefitted from the opportunities he received during his time at NUS, Mr Hor is now excited to pay this forward for current students. As the Director of Educational Programmes and Events at the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, he has come to understand how important it is to give towards a student’s future.

“This initiative gently reminded me that giving back doesn’t have to be difficult,” he shared. “Even though the gift is small, every dollar counts towards something bigger. I hope this small step becomes the start of a more regular and lasting habit of giving back.”

Reconnecting with the Past

When Mr Pua Lip Seng (Engineering ’96) held the NUS120 Alumni bag charm in his hands, it brought him back 30 years to his days in university. Beyond its cute design, the simple keepsake was a reminder of a formative chapter in his life.

“Those four years were filled with challenges, growth and unforgettable moments,” Mr Pua reflected. “The journey was not always easy, but it was undeniably rewarding.” Until today, the application engineer at Applied Materials still maintains a strong connection with the friends he made at NUS.

Mr Pua Lip Seng still treasures his years with the Engineering Class of 1996.

Giving back for the first time has reminded him to look back on his university years with gratitude and appreciation. He hopes that more alumni will find similar meaning and fulfilment as they decide to take this step to make a difference.  

“I am grateful to NUS for creating opportunities like this, and allowing alumni to reconnect to their past in such a meaningful way,” he said. “I hope this campaign can continue for many years to come!”

You don't have to wait for a new campaign to make a difference now. Support our students today when you make a gift towards the Plant-It-Forward Bursary.