Jul 26, 2019

The guests at the National University of Singapore (NUS) Donor Appreciation Dinner 2019 resolutely invested in a future they believed in and planted the seeds of change.

The first step is always the hardest, and taking a step towards making change may be difficult for some.

With a common vision, however, the guests at the National University of Singapore (NUS) Donor Appreciation Dinner 2019 resolutely invested in a future they believed in and planted the seeds of change.

Hosted by NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye, Provost Professor Ho Teck Hua, and Ms Jenny Lee, Vice-President of Endowment & Institutional Development, more than 100 donors gathered to celebrate the fruitful partnership that has enabled the University to rapidly progress and transform in the areas of education, research and enterprise.

In his opening address, Prof Tan thanked every donor, whose generosity has made possible the far-reaching impact on the students, the community and society.

Personally testifying to the positive impact that scholarships have had on his life, Mr Vincent Gan (Engineering ’05) candidly shared his life story at the appreciation event.

Hailing from Malaysia, the eldest of four was well aware of how stretched his family finances were. He did not have sterling academic results then but had supported his application for a scholarship with co-curricular activities (CCA) certificates. 

Mr Vincent Gan sharing his story

It was surprising and at the same time life-changing for him, to receive not one but two scholarships: one to attend the National Junior College in Singapore, and after that the Faculty of Engineering at NUS. Supported by financial aid, he managed to participate in the much sought after NUS Student Exchange Programme (SEP) with the University of Birmingham. That eye-opening experience, coupled with a meaningful and unforgettable time spent living in Kent Ridge Hall, deeply shaped his perspective of life.

“I had the opportunity to achieve all these experiences and memories simply because I was the beneficiary of an environment which believes in giving without any expectations in return. I am paying it forward to the next generation without which they may not have the same privilege to pursue their dreams or realise their aspirations,” affirmed Mr Gan.

Ms Jessie, a Year 3 Life Sciences student at NUS, went through a long period of hardship before financial aid alleviated her living conditions. While her gambling father put the family’s finances under tremendous pressure, her mother was diagnosed with brain cancer. She passed away when Ms Jessie was in junior college, leaving her to take on the duties of cooking, cleaning and caring for her aged father. Nevertheless, she persevered to earn a place at the university.

(From Left) Ms Audrey Leong, Mr Chris Leong, Mr Leong Mun Sum, Prof Tan Eng Chye and Mr Alan Lee

To her, NUS is a place of opportunities. She participated in the Special Programme in Sciences (SPS), an interdisciplinary science academic programme which opened doors for her to go overseas for competitions and take on leadership and research roles. Her first taste of success came when she flew to India for a Science debate competition and won the 2nd best speaker award.  Through the NUS Overseas College (NOC) Programme, Ms Jessie also developed her entrepreneurial skills and became an intern in a local MedTech start-up.

Today, she is fully convinced that limited finances should never be an obstacle to anyone’s future and she is thankful to donors who paved the way for her.

To the donors, she had this to say, “I would like to thank you, for helping people like us unconditionally to pursue our passion and interests. Your generosity to help complete strangers has made a huge difference to many students’ lives, including mine. With your help, I am now somebody who knows what she wants in life and is contributing back to society. Most importantly, I will pass on the kindness to others, because I can.”

For information on making a gift to NUS, contact us at 1800-DEVELOP (1800-338-3567) or email askdvo@nus.edu.sg.