NUS Giving Report 2023

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University Town®

TO ALL OUR GENEROUS D ONORS, THANK YOU

T H I S G I V I N G R E P O RT I S K I N D LY S P O N S O R E D BY T H E ST E P H E N R I A DY F O U N D AT I O N .

100% Of Your Gift Goes To Your Gift Purpose

When does the same become DIFFERENT? When does the good become GREAT? The future harvest of brilliant minds resides and starts in a single seed.

Since our seeds were sown in 1905, the University has thrived and grown great minds in education, research, and innovation.

At NUS, we S E E T H E P O S S I B I L I T Y and continue to grow transformational opportunities that change lives and shape a better future for all.

Scan to view the Honour Roll 2022/2023

CONTENTS PRESIDENT’S 06 MESSAGE

26 INNOVATION & ENTERPRISE

COMMUNITY & 08 SOCIAL MOBILITY

32 URBANISATION & SUSTAINABILITY

SMART TECHNOLOGY 16 & CONNECTIVITY

HEALTHY LONGEVITY 20

38 GIVING BY NUMBERS 44 ANNUAL GIVING 2022

Stephen Riady Centre at University Town

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“ What it takes is talent, innovation and determination.

What it needs is patience, benevolence, and a genuine concern for the greater good.”

NUS GIVING REPORT 2022/2023

President's Message Dear Benefactors, When does the same become different?

When does good become great?

There is no easy formula to achieve greatness, just like there is no easy formula to solve the world’s problems today.

What it takes is talent, innovation and determination. What it needs is patience, benevolence, and a genuine concern for the greater good.

The following pages open our eyes to the good in this world and the vast potential we can unlock.

The National University of Singapore (NUS) takes the seeds collectively planted by the community and transforms them into something greater than our imagination, by driving education and research in these key areas: Community & Social Mobility, Smart Technology & Connectivity, Healthy Longevity, Innovation & Enterprise, and Urbanisation & Sustainability.

Within these pages, there is a wide spectrum of stories showcasing our vibrant community generously supporting the University’s priorities.

We see both local and global organisations lend strength for our ambitions to boost Singapore’s progress as a Smart Nation, and join us in our fight against climate change.

We see both individuals and groups of like-minded communities come together to boost the healthy longevity of our society.

We see success stories emerge from our innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem, transforming the landscape and driving economic growth for the future.

Most importantly, as a family, we came together to nurture the next generation.

3,187 students received bursaries under the Enhanced Financial Aid Scheme (EFAS) while 2,775 students were awarded scholarships, in Academic Year 2022.

Thank you for supporting these programmes to create your impact on our community, our society and our future.

Thank you for seeing the possibility.

With sincere thanks,

Professor Tan Eng Chye ’85 President

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COMMUNITY & SOCIAL MOBILITY

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SEE THE POSSIBILITY

TRANSFORM LIVES THROUGH OPPORTUNITY

Education is a powerful tool for upward social mobility. At NUS, we see how empowering pathways of education drives social mobility and unlocks access to life-changing opportunities.

Ensuring that all students, regardless of socioeconomic status, have access to higher education is one of NUS’ top priorities. Beyond raising funds for bursaries and scholarships, NUS seeks to gain strong support for community outreach programmes and areas where education and research have an impact on the community and public service.

NUS GIVING REPORT 2022/2023

Empowered by Financial Aid Financial aid has a life-changing impact, expanding possibilities and pathways for recipients and empowering them Bang Wen Han to pursue their goals. To ensure that no student is left behind due to their For final-year Environmental Studies financial circumstances, NUS launched student, Bang Wen Han (Class of 2024), the Enhanced Financial Aid Scheme The Silent Environment Bursary he in August 2022, to provide additional received empowered him as a future support for about 3,300 Singapore environmental changemaker and undergraduates. The Scheme fully instilled a deep sense of gratitude in funds their tuition fees, covers part of him. He said: “I have dreams about their living expenses, and enriches their giving back to society, just as how university experience with on-campus society has helped me. One day, I stay and overseas exposure. hope to work for an environmental NGO. If I have the means, I would also like to be a donor.”

Industrial Design major Teng Xin Yun (Class of 2024) is also determined to perpetuate the virtuous cycle of gratitude and giving. She hopes to make a positive impact on her community through her design skills.

Indra Putra Kamsan

One financial aid recipient, Mr Indra Putra Kamsan (’23), shared, “Receiving financial aid relieved the burden of my university expenses, enabling me to focus on my education, pursue internships, and work towards my dream. I am sincerely grateful and hope financial aid continues to empower students like me to achieve their dreams.”

“I have this mindset that if I receive any help from people, I should always be thankful to them. My end goal is to contribute back to society one day, so students like me can pursue their passion,” she elaborated.

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Teng Xin Yun

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COMMUNITY & SOCIAL MOBILITY

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Empowering NUS Students for Societal Impact Philanthropy is very much a part of Neoasia’s DNA. The Medtech firm has been nurturing a culture of giving for years towards various community initiatives. Neoasia’s latest gift extends its continued support for NUS since giving to student bursaries at the University.

Now, Neoasia wants to go a step further by empowering NUS students to pay it forward through the Teach Singapore (Teach SG) programme. Teach SG provides an avenue for NUS students to give back to the community through academic coaching and mentorship for primary and secondary school students from lower income households.

“We see the widening of social inequality on a local and global level and we firmly believe that education is a key enabler of social mobility. Hence, Neoasia hopes that our gift towards Teach SG can make it possible for more NUS students to support less privileged children and youths in our community through their activities organised to aid the children in their learning and development,” shared Mr Chen Heng Hui (’10), Chief Executive Officer of Neoasia and NUS alumnus.

(From left) Ms Glynise Peh, Chief Operating Officer; Mr Chen Heng Hui, Chief Executive Officer; and Ms Maybelline Ang, Director, People Experience & Corporate Communications.

What I Learnt as a Mentor

Lim Tze Xin

For Lim Tze Xin (Class of 2025), volunteering in the Teach SG initiative has been incredibly rewarding. As a mentor, she spends at least 12 weeks supporting mentees from low-income households academically and motivating them to pursue their goals.

Tze Xin embraced the experience as a unique learning opportunity, discovering profound lessons throughout her mentorship journey.

“My mentees taught me how to be more empathetic and communicate better with others.

Even if I didn’t have a solution for their problems, I was honoured that I could lend a listening ear,” she explained.

Since its inception in 2021, Teach SG has mobilised over 1,400 NUS student mentors and worked with 80 community partners to reach out to 3,000 mentees, with the number of volunteers rising every year.

NUS GIVING REPORT 2022/2023

The generous gift from the Low Tuck Kwong Foundation is the single largest donation LKYSPP has received.

Expanding Opportunities for the Next Generation of Asian Leaders

Thanks to generous support from collaboration between Singapore, the Low Tuck Kwong Foundation, Indonesia, and the rest of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Asia. It is our hope that this Public Policy (LKYSPP) is set to will lead to practical solutions expand opportunities for the next to tackle issues and improve the generation of Asian leaders in lives of Singaporeans and our public service and beyond. The neighbours.”

Foundation’s transformative gift “The gift from the Low Tuck of S$101 million is the largest Kwong Foundation is inspiring, the School has ever received. transformative, and timely.

The newly established Low Tuck It dramatically advances our Kwong Foundation Advance Asia educational mission through Leadership Fund will support providing scholarships to support leadership programmes for public Singaporeans and others across officers from the region, while Asia who seek to advance their the Low Tuck Kwong Foundation skills to better inform policy and Scholarship will be awarded to governance practice in a complex students enrolled in LKYSPP’s world,” said Professor Danny Quah, Master in Public Policy, Master Li Ka Shing Professor in Economics in Public Administration and and Dean of LKYSPP. Master in International Affairs programmes.

Chairperson of the Low Tuck Kwong Foundation, Ms Elaine Low, who graduated from LKYSPP in 2014, said: “We believe that students and thought leaders will gain from the bilateral learning and exchanges, share best practices, and build meaningful

Read more here!

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Remembering a Legal Legend

Mrs Sarjit Kaur Khosa

In a world often defined by boundaries, Mr Jernal Singh Khosa was a man who defied them all.

Born in 1932, Mr Khosa’s journey began as a police inspector, although he had always aspired to become a lawyer. Despite initial setbacks, he went on to complete his law degree in two and a half years at Middle Temple in London. Upon his return to Singapore, he established himself as a lawyer, possessing an innate understanding of both sides of the law.

What set Mr Khosa apart was his unwavering commitment to justice and his genuine care for others. His sincere personality and down-to-earth nature endeared him to people from all walks of

Enabling Local Youths for Community

life, earning him the reputation of being a common man’s friend.

Remembering his selfless spirit and his ability to mentor and advise others, Mrs Sarjit Kaur Khosa, his beloved wife, established the Jernal Singh Khosa Professorship in Law. “I hope this Professorship will encourage professors to show their passion for law and be motivated to do more, just as my husband would if he was still around. It is an opportunity for students to learn from the best in the field. More importantly, I encourage people to pursue what they love and become deeply involved in whatever they choose to do,” shared Mrs Khosa.

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As an organisation synonymous with empowering local Malay youths in their pursuit of academic excellence, the Lembaga Biasiswa Kenangan Maulud (LBKM) has established a new scholarship at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS). The LBKM Social Sciences Scholarship is an extension of LBKM’s longstanding relationship with NUS and serves as a testament to the organisation’s continued support for the University.

The new Scholarship at FASS aims to nurture top talents in the social sciences, meeting the rising demand for social scientists who are able to understand and mitigate the impact of new technology on people and societies in today’s digital economy.

“LBKM’s continued support for undergraduates in the study of social sciences remains of extreme importance as societal and community needs become more complex, ever-changing and interdisciplinary. It is hoped that LBKM’s contributions will continue to inspire students to do well in the area of social sciences and groom future leaders who will not only perform exceptionally in their academic pursuits but also give back to the community,” shared LBKM President, Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi (’11).

NUS GIVING REPORT 2022/2023

Gabrielle (3rd from left) with the NUS Piano Ensemble.

More Than One Pathway to Success For Gabrielle Pang Hui Bin (Class of 2026), it seemed like the hardest task in the world to zoom in on one interest and focus on it. Through her internal struggles with wanting to experience everything, she grew up somewhat isolated and misunderstood by peers at times, and troubled by society’s pressures to specialise in one discipline.

The inaugural Ngiam Tong Dow Scholar ultimately decided to pursue Chemistry, and under the new College of Humanities and Social Sciences, which allows students access to courses in both the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Gabrielle was able to pursue a second major in English Literature.

“My NUS experience has been nothing short of fulfilling thus far.

I’m glad to have had the chance to learn from areas that do not directly impact the career I wish to pursue. I’m also grateful to be a part of the NUS Piano Ensemble, which has given me the opportunity to get back into music ever since I studied it in secondary school. In fact, more than the opportunity to play with others is the welcoming culture, regardless of the level of your playing abilities, that I’m quite moved by. It’s also a plus that I now have a group of friends in NUS who love classical music too!” Gabrielle enthused.

Gabrielle Pang Hui Bin

Gabrielle is grateful for the Scholarship and the donors who made it possible, and continues to approach life with zest, inquisitiveness and sensitivity.

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Dr Tahir (left) presented the cheque to former Dean of NUS Law and David Marshall Professor, Prof Simon Chesterman.

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Growing Leaders in Law Business leader and seasoned philanthropist Dato’ Sri Dr Tahir (’76) extends his generosity this time to legal eagles in training at the Faculty of Law (NUS Law), in the form of a S$1 million gift from the Tahir Foundation.

The gift from the Tahir Foundation will increase the number of scholarships available to students pursuing postgraduate studies at NUS Law, benefitting an additional 20 to 25 students over the next six to seven years, depending on the programme and duration of study.

NUS Law currently offers two postgraduate coursework degrees – the Master of Laws (LLM) Programme and the Juris Doctor (JD) Programme. Over the last five years, “NUS Law is one of Asia’s top ranked law schools, NUS Law has seen a steady year-on-year increase of and its graduates are highly sought after not just more than 20 per cent in the number of applications in Singapore but also internationally. It is my privilege to make this contribution so that more for its LLM Programme, while there has been strong outstanding and deserving students will have the interest from local and international students for its JD chance at a world-class legal education where they Programme, launched just last year. will no doubt gain the knowledge and experience These programmes play a critical role in developing to become positive changemakers in society. high-quality law professionals and academic Education remains a key driver for social mobility, leadership in the study of law and boost Singapore’s and I look forward to supporting more deserving position as a global legal hub, particularly in the areas students in pursuing their academic and career of international arbitration and dispute resolution, ambitions, particularly in the areas of law, business and medicine,” shared Dr Tahir. corporate and financial services law, and maritime law.

NUS GIVING REPORT 2022/2023

Encouraging Others to Realise Their Dreams

Mdm Yuan Er Whee

An article she read some years ago about an Israeli practice of making an unconditional gift to support the educational needs of less privileged individuals left a deep impression on Mdm Yuan Er Whee (’79). The NUS alumna believed that this genuine act of kindness was a worthy cause as it transformed the lives of individuals and enabled them to break away from poverty and financial struggles.

In this same spirit, she set up the Kong Whay Hong Bursary at her alma mater to empower NUS students in financial need. She hopes that recipients of the Bursary will in turn pay it forward and uplift others in the future. Named in honour of her late husband, the Bursary is also Mdm Yuan’s way of keeping his legacy alive. The late Mr Kong Whay Hong, a self-made entrepreneur, valued honest diligence, pro-activeness, and pragmatism. He strongly believed

The late Mr Kong Whay Hong

in inspiring fellow Singaporeans to chase their dreams and contribute to the nation’s economy, just as he did.

“My late husband was proud of Singapore’s status as a shining red dot on the global map. The setting up of the Bursary is a small effort to help and encourage fellow Singaporeans to realise their dreams. I hope the Bursary recipients will be inspired by my husband’s spirit and continue giving in whatever form when they are comfortable to do so,” said Mdm Yuan.

Promoting Cultural and Academic Exchanges With a mission to promote a harmonious relationship between Singapore and Japan, the JCCI Singapore Foundation makes regular gifts to support the Field Studies in Japan programme at the Department of Japanese Studies, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. The immersive programme is designed to take students beyond conventional classroom learning, enabling them to have a deeper understanding of the topics they study through hands-on activities and interactions with Japanese locals.

The Foundation also regularly supports various experiential Japanese culture workshops and activities organised by the Department to promote Japanese culture and deepen knowledge about Japan among the local community in Singapore.

“I believe that an enriched cultural and academic sharing will bring along many economic and social benefits. I hope that more Japanese companies and organisations will join the JCCI Singapore Foundation to

A traditional tea ceremony demonstration.

promote the arts, cultural and academic exchanges between Singapore and Japan to deepen the mutual understanding between our countries and foster a stronger friendship for now and many generations to come!” said Mr Koichiro Baba, Chairman of the JCCI Singapore Foundation.

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SMART TECHNOLOGY & CONNECTIVITY

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SEE THE POSSIBILITY

HARNESS TECHNOLOGY FOR THE DIGITAL FUTURE

Technology has been a strong catalyst for progress. At NUS, we harness the power of technology to do good in healthcare, sustainability and education. The University aims to be an important driver of innovations in Big Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence to shape the digital era.

NUS is also examining critical issues to stop technology from doing harm, such as cybersecurity, managing the spread of misinformation and establishing laws and ethical frameworks around technological applications.

Sea Building (COM3)

NUS GIVING REPORT 2022/2023

Accelerating AI Research in STEM New methods in advanced computing and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are increasingly contributing to revolutionary tools in scientific research and discovery.

However, the current adoption of AI in scientific and engineering research is slow, unevenly distributed, and inconsistent.

Better use of AI in science can help researchers ask better questions and find quicker and deeper answers. In line with this vision, the Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellowship, a programme of Schmidt Futures, leverages innovative AI technologies to advance discoveries in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

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The Fellowship supports postdoctoral talents across nine leading universities from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Singapore. The National University of Singapore (NUS), along with the Nanyang Technological University (NTU), will jointly administer the support allocated through the Fellowship programme over the next six years.

“By supporting postdoctoral candidates around the world in the fields beyond computer science, we hope to create a community that can develop and improve AI technology and discover novel ways to apply it in solving some of the world’s most pressing problems,” said Mrs Wendy Schmidt, Co-founder of Schmidt Futures and President of The Schmidt Family Foundation.

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Strengthening Blockchain Technology Mr John Gu

Creating Opportunities in STEM AlphaLab Capital strongly believes that success is not just measured by the bottom line but by the positive impact they make on society. Every year, the company has pledged to give one per cent of their annual profits to various causes, including education. In line with this philanthropic commitment, the AlphaLab Capital Bursary was established to enable NUS students pursuing their studies in STEM fields a chance to pursue their dreams and redefine their lives.

Headed by NUS Computing Associate Professor Prateek Saxena, the NUS CRYSTAL Centre fosters a community for blockchain research and technology and aims to improve the scalability and security for blockchain protocols. The Centre also aims to be a place where technical experts can exchange and conceive challenging ideas, and enable faster adoption of blockchain technology.

“With a gift from the Klatyn Foundation, an enterprise blockchain platform to help businesses in this field, the CRYSTAL Centre can further enhance research and investigations for better resilience and security features,” shared Assoc Prof Prateek Saxena.

A Singapore-based non-profit organisation, the Klaytn Foundation joins a list of deep tech donors who have enabled the NUS CRYSTAL Centre to embark on more blockchain research activities.

Mr John Gu, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of AlphaLab Capital shared, “My co-founder Michal and I grew up in families that emigrated in search of better opportunities. Our parents prioritised giving us the best education possible. Our venture partner, Julia, was a bursary recipient. So, for all of us, it’s especially meaningful to pay it forward. We want to give NUS students the same life-changing opportunities, and make an impact on communities here in Singapore.”

Assoc Prof Prateek Saxena

NUS GIVING REPORT 2022/2023

Financial Aid a Mental Empowerment An oil painting by Jackie.

Jackie Guo Jiaqi

Jackie Guo Jiaqi (Class of 2026), first felt the stress of adulthood when her mother was job hunting while having to take care of her and her younger sister. Jackie had to take on the bulk of the household chores as a student, and quickly learned to be mature and tenacious through the trials and hardships of life.

The recipient of the Sam Kwai Cheng Bursary revealed, “My mother was very happy when I was admitted to NUS and received financial aid. The Bursary has helped me greatly with my financial situation, and more importantly, it brought mental empowerment, and served as a form of validation.”

Augmenting the Digital Future

Group at NUS works towards strong scientific foundations supporting the correct evolution of software systems. Despite many challenges, the group envisions a world where novel technologies are developed to automatically repair software vulnerabilities.

Software systems help run the digital economy, which makes it increasingly important for software to be trustworthy. However, its current complexity and constant evolution of software systems makes it extremely error-prone.

The use of third-party software components is also a source of security issues. The Trustworthy and Secure Software Research

Provost’s Chair Professor of Computer Science Professor Abhik Roychoudhury, the Group’s Principal Investigator, explained, “Currently, in any software project, we spend about 75 to 90 per cent of its resources just to debug and fix issues. We envision a future where this is no longer needed. Instead of treating the software as a passive entity which needs to be

Jackie selected Computing as she found the combination of logic and design fascinating. She has also been pursuing art seriously since she was six and has collaborated with the NUS Development Office to commission a series of art pieces to pay it forward.

To the donors who have made her educational journey possible, she has this to say: “I am very grateful for the opportunities that were offered to me. Your generosity is greatly appreciated by not only me, but other recipients as well.

Thank you so much for all your contributions!”

validated, we view it as an active entity which heals itself thereby delivering higher trust and assurance. I’m grateful for the gift from Oracle Labs which empowers us to continue the exploration of this research path.”

Prof Abhik Roychoudhury 19

HEALTHY LONGEVITY

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SEE THE POSSIBILITY

OPTIMISE THE HUMAN POTENTIAL

Tahir Foundation Building

Healthy Longevity is not just about physical health. It is also about leading productive, well-engaged and secure lives marked by holistic well-being.

Besides healthcare, NUS is looking into other fields such as economics, technology, the social sciences and public policy to develop bold, innovative initiatives to extend the human healthspan.

NUS GIVING REPORT 2022/2023

Students at the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health.

Empowering Changemakers in Southeast Asia Motivated by the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the TL Whang Foundation established the TL Whang Foundation Master of Public Health Scholarship – the first of its kind for ASEAN candidates from Vietnam and Thailand – as a way of giving back to the communities in both countries, where Mr Whang’s businesses operate.

Through this Scholarship, the TL Whang Foundation empowers future leaders in public health, driving transformative change by advancing health systems and fostering healthier societies. The Foundation aspires for recipients to address the health and long-term health care needs of their communities at all levels, including addressing healthcare delivery, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency.

Scan here to empower future public health leaders!

"The COVID-19 pandemic underscored how essential good public healthcare policies were, and how they made a huge difference to healthcare outcomes across the world. We want to improve the health of whole communities by making an impact upstream, through enhancing the skills of professionals who can effect change at national and policy levels," affirmed Mr Whang Shang Ying, Director of TL Whang Foundation.

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The Yeo Boon Khim Mind Science Centre was launched by Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Mr Teo Chee Hean (second from right) as the Guest-of-Honour. He was accompanied by NUS Chairman Mr Hsieh Fu Hua (far left), Mr Lin Tah Hwa (second from left), and Dr Cheong Choong Kong (far right).

Advancing Mind Health Research and Fostering Excellence in Private Law Two significant gifts totalling S$8 million have been made to NUS, leaving a lasting impact on mental health research and the field of private law.

Mr Lin Tah Hwa’s philanthropic contributions will support translational research in mental health and the attraction and retention of top academic talent in private law.

Read more here!

when we have good fortune, and to always know the joy of giving something back to our fellow human beings when the time comes. These are the values my mother taught me during her life, and these are the values I hope, by example, to impart to others now that she is gone,” shared Mr Lin. Mr Lin has also made a S$2 million gift to the Faculty of Law (NUS Law) to establish the Chan Sek Keong Professorship in Private Law. Named in honour of Singapore’s third Chief Justice, who is also a personal friend of Mr Lin, this new Professorship aims to help NUS Law attract and retain the finest academics in the field of private law, which includes contract law, equity, property restitution, torts and trusts.

A generous contribution of S$6 million has been made

by Mr Lin to the Mind Science Centre, an academic centre under the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. In recognition of his kind gift, the Centre has been named the Yeo Boon Khim Mind Science Centre, in memory of Mr Lin’s late mother. This philanthropic gift will help build an endowment that strengthens mental health resilience in Singapore. The Yeo Boon Khim Mind “NUS Law is deeply grateful to Mr Lin for his selfless Science Centre focuses on translating research into generosity in establishing this Professorship in community interventions, including early detection honour of his friend, thus enabling us to recognise and preventive strategies.

Dr Chan’s far-reaching contributions to Singapore law as one of our finest legal minds. Building on “The naming of the Yeo Boon Khim Mind Science his legacy, the Chair will support research and Centre is (my mother’s) humble gift to charity education by an esteemed academic in private law, and society. It is in line with the values that she a field that is of vital importance to Singapore’s imparted to me – to always remember to help prosperity and stability,” added Professor Andrew others less fortunate than ourselves, to have a Simester, Amaladass Professor of Criminal Justice, and Dean of NUS Law. sense of gratitude to the community and country

NUS GIVING REPORT 2022/2023

(Left to right) Ms Deborah Widjaja, Mrs Jehnny Widjaja and Mr Frankle Widjaja presenting the cheque to NUS President Prof Tan Eng Chye as well as Prof John Eu-Li Wong.

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Enabling Purposeful Longevity A generous gift of S$5 million from Mr Frankle Widjaja, his wife Mrs Jehnny Widjaja and their daughter Ms Deborah Widjaja will support initiatives under Health District @ Queenstown, a first-of-its-kind multi-stakeholder collaboration to increase healthy longevity, enable purposeful longevity, promote intergenerational bonding, and support a community for all ages.

The Housing & Development Board (HDB), the National University Health System (NUHS) and NUS, with an expanding list of partners from the public, private and social sectors, are working together to address these goals.

Isabel Chan Professor in Medical Sciences and Executive Director of the NUS Centre for Population Health, Professor John Eu-Li Wong (’81) shared, “This philanthropic gift from the Widjaja family, in support of the Health District @ Queenstown, will go towards scalable and sustainable initiatives

that address the multiple determinants of health to improve physical, mental and social well-being, strengthen intergenerational cohesion, and develop a community for all ages. We are deeply grateful for their generosity and unwavering support, and for sharing our commitment to benefit the community around us.”

Mr Widjaja, who is Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for Bund Center Investment Limited, and Chairman of Shanghai Golden Bund Real Estate Co. Limited, said, “It has always been a key priority for my family and I to support whole-of-society initiatives – such as the Health District @ Queenstown – that could bring about transformative changes in the community and society. I am confident that the positive impact of this initiative will benefit communities beyond Singapore, and we are excited to lend our support to this meaningful endeavour.”

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HEALTHY LONGEVITY

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Opening Doors for Dentistry Juniors

Dentist-turned-businessman Dr Ng Chin Siau (’92) attributes his success to a personal belief, give willingly, and the returns will be manifold. As the Group Chief Executive Officer of Q&M Dental Group, Singapore’s largest private dental healthcare chain, this philosophy of giving has fuelled his dedication to uplifting others and helping those in need to achieve their own success stories. The Dentistry graduate contributes regularly to his alma mater and has established the Q&M Dental Group Students Fund and the Q&M Dental Group Medal & Prize in 2019 and 2022 respectively. In his personal capacity, Dr Ng has also set up the Ng Chin Siau Dental Bursary to support financially needy dentistry students, opening doors of opportunity for them to grow as future dentistry leaders.

“I hope to use this small act to give back to the school that had nurtured me and given me all the skillsets and support to be what I am today. My wish is that my small token of appreciation would inspire our dental colleagues and graduates to commit to giving back, in big or small ways, to support our alma mater in nurturing more dentists to serve Singapore and beyond!” shared Dr Ng.

Dr Ng Chin Siau

Uplifting Medical Students

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Yan Biaoguo

Named in honour of Professor Charles Ng, an Emeritus Consultant in Reproductive Medicine at the Singapore General Hospital and an Adjunct Professor with the SingHealth Duke-NUS Obstetrics and Gynaecology Academic Clinical Programme, the Charles Ng Bursary enables financially needy medical students to pursue their dreams at Duke-NUS. “The Bursary has greatly helped my family because it minimised my financial burden and allowed me to focus solely on my medical education. Most importantly, it helped me to realise the importance of giving back and making a real impact through bursaries like this,” shared Yan Biaoguo (Md-PhD intake year 2022), a recipient of the Bursary.

NUS GIVING REPORT 2022/2023

Leaving a Legacy Every journey begins with a single step, and leaving a lasting legacy is no exception. Legacy giving is a profound way for individuals to leave a lasting impact that transcends time and transforms the lives of countless students and researchers for generations to come.

At NUS, many donors have stepped forward to make bequests in support of various causes at the University, opening doors for our students in financial need, and boosting translational research that can positively impact society.

One such bequest is a gift towards the Gastrointestinal Malignancies Research project at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine from the Estate of Lin Lihuan. This legacy gift enables the School to advance research in key areas of medicine, enhancing healthcare and well-being in Singapore and beyond.

Scan here to find out more about leaving your legacy!

Mr Goh Geok Khim (left) receiving the token of appreciation from Professor Thomas Coffman, Dean of Duke-NUS Medical School.

Promoting Healthier Ageing As people age, the way different areas of their brain communicate with one another changes, affecting thought processes and attention span. The likelihood of developing degenerative disorders also increases as people get older. The GK Goh Centre for Neuroscience seeks to investigate the mechanisms behind the ageing of the human brain as well as those underpinning degenerative disorders. The Centre envisions that research in these areas will lead to the development of effective novel therapies that can slow the ageing process and treat debilitating neurological illnesses.

The Centre was established with a generous gift from the GK Goh family, made in honour of Mr Goh Geok Khim, the Founder and Executive Chairman of GK Goh Holdings limited, and also the Chairman Emeritus of Temasek Foundation International and board member of the Temasek Foundation.

“My sincere hope is that through this gift, DukeNUS scientists will be able to pursue new insights about how we can slow the impact of ageing on the brain. With a team of leading neuroscience experts at Duke-NUS, I am confident that this Centre will enable Duke-NUS to deliver innovative bench-tobedside interventions that will not only improve the quality of life for the individual but also support our nation’s efforts on healthier ageing,” said Mr GK Goh. 25

INNOVATION & ENTERPRISE

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SEE THE POSSIBILITY

NURTURE THE INNOVATORS OF TOMORROW

Block 71

Innovation and entrepreneurship are two essential drivers of long-term economic growth.

NUS aims to achieve this by establishing and supporting a regional innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. Besides expanding existing programmes, stronger partnerships with local and regional players across public and private sectors will anchor Singapore’s position as the region’s entrepreneurial hub.

At the same time, creating innovative learning pathways will stimulate unconventional thinking, building the talent pipeline for the region’s future leaders.

NUS GIVING REPORT 2022/2023

Read more here!

Practical Minds for Real World Problems Real world problems need practical minds, and the James Dyson Foundation (JDF) is pleased to partner with the College of Design and Engineering (CDE) to rethink and transform design engineering education.

With its mission to inspire the next generation of design engineers, the James Dyson Foundation provides the materials and mentorship that budding inventors need, so that they can get hands-on with problems, think differently, and find solutions.

“We hope that, through our partnership, the JDF can make STEM education more accessible for young people and inspire the next generation of problem solvers,” shared Ms Grace Ke, Regional Head of James Dyson Foundation APAC.

With the Foundation’s gift, CDE looks forward to advancing design and engineering education as well as inspire the next generation of great design engineers through the Innovation & Design (I&D) Hub, Artist-in-Residence (AiR) programme, and bGood initiative.

When refurbished, the new 700sqm I&D Hub will facilitate students’ endeavours in multidisciplinary projects, bootcamps and studios. AiR workshops will encourage students to reimagine the boundless possibilities of technology through art, and the bGood initiative will continue to advocate the spirit of giving back as our students co-create solutions with the community to address challenges faced by older adults and persons with disabilities.

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INNOVATION & ENTERPRISE

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Shifting Gears for Success Both Mr Leow Min Chon (’23) and Ms Kee Qian Ling (’22) found themselves having a bumpy start to their education growing up.

Nevertheless, they persevered, discovered their passions along the way, and shifted gears to pursue their dreams. Both went on to receive the Stephen Riady Young Entrepreneur Scholarship and achieved other accomplishments at NUS.

“My mother and I were elated to know that my hard work has paid off. I obtained both the Stephen Riady Young Entrepreneur NUS Merit Scholarship and Lee Kuan Yew Scholarship to Encourage Upgrading (LKY-STEP) Award prior to matriculation. I competed in a handful of competitions and was a semi-finalist for the Capitaland x Singapore Business Case Competition 2021 and 1st Runner Up for the SGX-NUS Case “I grew up in a single parent Competition 2022. Through the family and as a result, a spate NUS Overseas College (NOC), of incidents affected my psyche there were modules within the tremendously, resulting in programme that taught me disappointing PSLE results. entrepreneurial knowledge, and While my mother worked an industry attachment to a very hard to provide for me, I Venture Capital firm that placed isolated myself and found me on the other side of the table, solace in online gaming. It was learning the investor’s mindset,” after scoring poorly in secondary he added. school that I resolved to study harder to graduate from polytechnic, resulting in an offer from the Business School,” revealed Mr Leow.

Mr Leow Min Chon (2nd from right) with NUS Entrepreneurship Society peers.

Ms Kee Qian Ling at her graduation.

NUS GIVING REPORT 2022/2023

Mr Leow Min Chon (far right) with groupmates at NUS Enterprise, preparing for the Capitaland x Singapore Business Case Competition 2021.

Having emigrated to Singapore from Malaysia as a child, Ms Kee Qian Ling’s parents did not receive a university education but worked hard to provide a stable and caring environment for their three children to thrive.

“My parents have always emphasised the value of hard work, but I did not appreciate it until later. But I am really thankful that my parents never enforced tuition or extracurriculars for me. They allowed me to explore my own strengths on this journey and when I was in the Engineering Science programme at the College of Design and Engineering, I discovered my love for Physics, and creating or building things. Engineering Science was a perfect fit because it melded the best of both worlds for me.

I also joined the University Scholars Programme, which really enriched my NUS experience as it was a safe space for intellectual exploration and growth. NUS helped me learn under some of the best professors, and gave me the opportunity to do research with some of these people. Through the NUS education, I discovered my interest in scientific research and hope to pursue that in the near future,” shared Ms Kee, who is grateful for the financial aid as a first-generation university graduate.

“Everyone has potential within themselves, many are diamonds in the rough and some, like me, require an additional nudge to triumph over their adversities. I sincerely thank the donors who played a part in our successes,” expressed Mr Leow.

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INNOVATION & ENTERPRISE

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Nguyen Van Binh

Tech Start-up for Society Growing up in Vietnam with a passion for books, science, and technology, Nguyen Van Binh (Class of 2024), a third-year Computer Engineering undergraduate, enrolled into NUS to seek a more challenging and competitive environment to expand his horizons.

Despite facing initial rejections from the NUS Overseas Colleges (NOC) programme, Binh’s persistence finally paid off when he secured a spot in NOC Paris on his third try, where he currently works as a Data Science Intern. However, it is the NOC Alumni Bursary that has truly been instrumental in turning his aspirations into reality.

“My goal is to start a tech company that can make a positive impact on society, and the NOC Programme is the launching pad for my entrepreneurial aspirations. I am very grateful to the donors of the NOC Alumni Bursary, which has helped me to not only partially cover my living expenses, but also enabled me to immerse myself in the European entrepreneurial ecosystem by participating in events, competitions and visiting start-up incubators,” he shared.

NUS GIVING REPORT 2022/2023

Immersing in the World of Start-Ups During his year-long NUS Overseas Colleges (NOC) internship journey in Silicon Valley, Computer Engineering alumnus, Mr Khenus Tan (’23), gained many invaluable insights into the start-up culture. His experience shattered the misconception that start-ups must be profitable from the beginning – he learnt that venture capitalists avoid start-ups without deficits, as it may indicate insufficient investment in growth.

By attending hackathons and dinners with start-up founders and professors, Mr Tan discovered that venture capitalists are also willing to invest in startups overseas, including those in Singapore. Moreover, he learnt that Enterprise Singapore provides avenues to secure funding and foster connections to help grow start-ups in Singapore.

Mr Tan's NOC journey served as a reminder to appreciate the opportunities that came his way, particularly with the support he received from the Philip Yeo Grant.

“Thanks to the Philip Yeo Grant award, I have been able to broaden my perspectives, particularly in the realm of start-ups, and feel empowered to make a difference,” shared Mr Tan.

Mr Khenus Tan

Scan here to nurture future innovative leaders!

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URBANISATION & SUSTAINABILITY

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SEE THE POSSIBILITY

SHAPE A GLOBALLY RESPONSIBLE FUTURE

SDE4 building

Climate change is accelerating at an unprecedented rate due to rapid urbanisation.

New technology, geopolitical instability, and increasing socioeconomic inequality impact how cities are planned, built and lived in.

There is also an increasing need to look into issues arising from urbanisation, such as the design and use of the physical environment, climate change, population growth, environmental conservation, sustainable energy, food security and sustainability and water consumption.

NUS GIVING REPORT 2022/2023

Scan here to do your part for the environment!

Wetlands at Raidighi Island, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, India. Photo

by Radhika Bhargava.

Investing in a Green Future In leading world-class research and thought leadership on climate challenges and opportunities, the NUS Centre for Nature-Based Climate Solutions (CNCS) is encouraged by many like-minded advocates and partners along the way.

“We saw a lack of talent in the region with both conservation and finance experience.

To address this, we looked for partners with a similar mission and focus on building the knowledge and talent pool

in natural capital,” revealed Ms Ronie Mak, Managing Director of RS Group.

RS Group is constantly looking for pathways to synergise efforts towards global sustainability and recognising that talent is key, they have set up the Asia Fellowship for Nature-based Climate Solutions at CNCS, to create yet one more avenue towards research and talent development to tackle climate change in the long term.

Scaling up the East Asian Australasian Flyway Initiative A world leader in bird conservation, Birdlife International (Asia) Limited also took up the opportunity to advance wetlands research through a gift towards the Scaling Up the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Initiative at CNCS. “We saw an exciting window of opportunity to strengthen collaboration between BirdLife and CNCS to tackle climate change by building the evidence base for action here in Southeast Asia. We hope that this work contributes towards the excellent initiatives driven by NUS and CNCS to

better understand the ability of coastal wetlands to sequester carbon and build a strong science base to guide our actions in addressing the climate emergency. This gift also drives science that can feed into the Regional Flyway Initiative, a powerful conservation financing initiative we are working on with the Asian Development Bank, to scale up nature-based solutions across the Asia-Pacific region,” explained Mr Vinayagan Dharmarajah, Regional Director (Asia), BirdLife International.

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GIVING BY NUMBERS

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Giving by Numbers We would like to thank you, our 9,189 donors, for your generosity in giving to NUS. You gave a total of S$244.1M in gifts in FY2022, from 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023.

G I F T R E C E I PTS

261.4

(S$ MILLION)

244.1 190.0

180.3 169.9

FY18

FY19

FY20

FY21

FY22

N U M B E R O F D O N O RS

11,272

9,189

8,754 8,097

8,068

8,235 6,182

FY18

FY19

Gift receipts exclude Singapore government matching grants.

5,788

FY20

6,027

FY21 Number of Total Donors

5,435

FY22 Number of Alumni Donors

NUS GIVING REPORT 2022/2023

13%

13%

STUDENT SUPPORT

RESEARCH SUPPORT

G I F T BY P U R P O S E (Based On Gift Receipts)

6% ACADEMIC MEDICINE

7%

ACADEMIC SUPPORT

UNRESTRICTED

In Academic Year 2022:

5,962 undergraduates

61%

In Financial Year 2022:

8

received financial support:

We established new named professorships

3,187 Bursaries 2,775 Scholarships

We now have named professorships made possible by benefactors

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GIVING BACK

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Celebrating a Century of NUS O&G Over the past century, the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department (NUS O&G) at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (NUS Medicine) has achieved many groundbreaking medical discoveries, such as producing Asia’s first in-vitro fertilised baby and cultivating a remarkable pool of award-winning scientists and clinicians. Throughout its illustrious history, the Department has maintained an unwavering commitment to maternal and child health.

Professor Wong Peng Cheang, Head of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility at the O&G Department (right), presenting the cheque of S$750,000 to establish the O&G Centennial Bursary to the Dean of NUS Medicine, Professor Chong Yap Seng (left) and O&G Head of Department Associate Professor Mahesh Choolani (middle).

To celebrate NUS O&G’s 100th anniversary, the Department “We are proud to be celebrating came together to set up three one hundred years of research transformative gifts. The Obstetrics and clinical work in the area and Gynaecology Centennial of maternal and child health.

Bursary, funded by 26 NUS O&G The health of women is the consultants and senior consultants, cornerstone and bedrock of will support financially needy society, and we need to recognise medical students. In addition to that attaining and sustaining nurturing competent healthcare good health is a journey that professionals, the Sabaratnam begins in the mother’s womb, Arulkumaran Scholarship extending to her children, with a facilitates collaboration between ripple effect that touches wider Singapore and medical institutions society. With the three new gifts, in neighbouring countries by the School and Department supporting young academic hope to engage with the wider clinicians to conduct research at research community regionally NUS O&G. In addition, the Kuldip and internationally to continue to Singh Visiting Professorship in make greater strides in this area Obstetrics and Gynaecology will of maternal and children’s health enable highly-regarded professors and well-being,” shared Professor in any O&G field to spend time at Chong Yap Seng (’88), Lien Ying the Department, strengthening Chow Professor in Medicine, and research alliances and mentoring Dean of Yong Loo Lin School young academics. of Medicine.

Read more here!

NUS GIVING REPORT 2022/2023

Celebrating a Decade of Friendship From strangers to lifelong friends, students from the NUS Dentistry Class of 2011 share a truly unbreakable bond. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic causing a delay in their 10th-year reunion, the Class’ spirits remain undaunted. Finally, on 11.11, the 11th year of their graduation, the Class held their long-awaited reunion.

To commemorate the special occasion, the Class came together and raised funds for their alma mater. Most of the contributions will go towards aiding financially needy students to pursue a holistic education at the Faculty.

Read more here!

“I benefitted greatly from the teaching and guidance of the staff and seniors in the Faculty.

It is only right to give back and support the Faculty’s efforts in educating future generations of dentists,” shared Dr Chan Boon Hui (’11).

“Our time at the Faculty prepared us so well for our careers and life in general. Through our gifts, we hope to ensure that no student is left behind due to financial constraints,” added Dr Matthew Sng (’11).

The NUS Dentistry Class of 2011 at their Class Reunion.

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STARTING WITH US

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Making a Strong Commitment to Give Back Every year, NUS alumni from all walks of life come forward to give back to their alma mater and support their juniors who are in financial need. Their generosity and unwavering dedication to make a meaningful difference continues to transform lives and shape the future of NUS. Recognising the invaluable education and support she received during her time

at the University, young alumna Ms Khin Yadanar Oo (’23) followed in the footsteps of others before her and made a strong commitment to contribute to the growth and success of future generations of NUS students.

“I believe that every NUS student deserves the opportunity to experience the full breadth of university life regardless of their financial circumstances. I hope

I played a part in ensuring that my juniors have access to financial resources for an enriching university experience.

I also hope that my class is inspired to continue giving beyond commencement,” shared Ms Yadanar.

Being the Light that Helps Others Grow and Shine

With a strong belief that a single act of kindness can create ripples of positive impact, Computing alumnus Mr Christopher Robin (’23) challenged himself to create a design that would inspire his batchmates to be a shining light for future generations of NUS students.

Mr Robin’s design was selected as one of the winning entries at CREATION 2022, an annual digital design competition organised by the NUS Students’ Union

Committee for Information Technology (NUSSU CommIT).

The competition invites NUS students to create meaningful artworks based on real-world problem statements. He chose to create a key visual for the 2023 Commencement Class Giving (CCG) campaign, led by the Annual Giving team at the NUS Development Office (DVO).

CCG is a longstanding tradition of graduating classes coming together to support their juniors who face financial challenges, and also enrich campus life for all.

Mr Robin’s artwork aims to encourage graduating students to make a gift of S$23 in support of their juniors.

Read more here!

“Studying and working alongside the bright, diverse, and dedicated people I’ve met at NUS has been a rewarding experience. I participated in CREATION 2022 to challenge myself to design an artwork that can contribute meaningfully to the University and inspire my batchmates to help our juniors achieve their dreams,” shared Mr Robin.

His design revolves around an altruistic idea: “Be the light that helps others grow.” With this central concept in mind, Mr Robin incorporated the sun and sunflowers as the main elements in his design. Against a backdrop of a clear blue sky and a mountain, sunflowers blossom majestically, shimmering under the sun’s rays.

NUS GIVING REPORT 2022/2023

Investing in Our Students If you ever plan to give Professor Aaron Thean a treat, the best idea by far would be to take him to a local hawker centre. Despite spending over two decades abroad, Prof Thean remains a fervent fan of simple local delights, particularly relishing his status as a ‘chicken rice enthusiast’.

There are two other things that Prof Thean is equally passionate about: technology and education.

After spending 15 years in the industry developing leading-edge micro-electronics, he found his new passion to educate. Thus, leading to his bold career move to academia in 2016. During his tenure as the former Dean of the College of Design and Engineering (CDE), Prof Thean harnessed the best of his passions to create a

dynamic learning environment for students that also fosters connection to the industry and technologies. Together with his CDE team, he promoted innovative interdisciplinary programmes, inspiring students to boldly explore; pushing their boundaries with open minds to experience new intersections of classical academic disciplines.

In his current role as the University’s Deputy President (Academic Affairs) and Provost, Prof Thean consistently channels his inventive spirit and vast academic and industrial expertise to forge a new chapter of academic excellence and innovation at NUS. He also steadfastly supports various causes at the University, ensuring that students continue

to have access to a holistic and transformative NUS education.

“By investing in our students through a multidisciplinary learning experience, we will future-proof them. In time, they will grow to be a resilient and resourceful community of graduates to build a brighter and more sustainable future. In the meantime, I wish our students will stay curious, be inspired, and be bold to gain the mindset and skillset needed to succeed,” shared Prof Thean.

Making a Difference that Matters matters, expanding on the School’s vision to ‘Inspire Health for All’.

In the heart of the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (NUS Medicine) is a dynamic force at play: Lien Ying Chow Professor in Medicine Professor Chong Yap Seng (’88), the charismatic Dean of NUS Medicine. Beyond his visionary leadership, Prof Chong is also rewriting the script on giving back. He strongly advocates for students, faculty and staff of NUS Medicine to make a difference that

As Dean, Prof Chong believes that doctors have responsibilities that go beyond treating patients and curing diseases. He believes that doctors should play a critical role in promoting the health and wellbeing of our communities, improving lives for generations to come. To that end, Prof Chong is committed to fostering a diverse community of medical students, shaping them into compassionate, competent, and innovative future doctors. He actively supports various causes at NUS

Medicine, uplifting and making a true difference in the lives of generations of medical students.

“The most important responsibility on my watch, is to create a space where discovery, transformation and collaboration happens. Doctors and medical professionals should come from all segments of society, bringing different strengths to add on to the vibrancy of our healthcare industry. I hope that our students will go on to take their place in the world to improve health globally,” said Prof Chong.

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58%

ALUMNI

Annual Giving 2022 Our donors

3%

Thank you to our 8,617 donors who generously gave S$ 4,199,937 to the Annual Giving 2022 Campaign. Your gifts are helping our students enjoy the many opportunities on offer at NUS and achieve their potential.

COMMENCEMENT CLASS ’22

33%

FRIENDS AND ORGANISATIONS

6%

FACULTY AND STAFF

Annual Giving donors include the NUS community of alumni, Commencement Class students, faculty, staff and friends.

To join the Annual Giving community in helping students in financial need, visit https://www.nus.edu.sg/nusgiving/ ways-of-giving/annual-giving

NUS GIVING REPORT 2022/2023

Mr Kit Yong, Founder of Forte Biotech, shared about bringing innovative lab solutions to prawn farmers for early disease detection.

NUS Benefactor Campus Experience 2022 Running for the seventh consecutive year, the Benefactor Campus Experience, which took place on 27 August 2022, showcased Masterclasses led

by NUS professors and start-up founders from NUS Enterprise.

It was exclusively organised for the University’s benefactors, offering them insights into how their contributions have positively impacted our communities and the world.

The session began with Associate Professor Giorgia Pastorin from the Faculty of Science, who presented her team’s development of a gel that helps to reduce inflammation and pain in the elderly. The gel is simple to apply and spreads smoothly on the skin.

Addressing the intricacies of the 2020 China-India conflict, Professor Kanti Bajpai, Wilmar Professor of Asian Studies, from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy elaborated on the four P’s (Perceptions, Perimeters, Partnerships, and Power) that influenced the event.

Professor Chua Tat Seng, Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple Chair Professor, from the School of Computing delved into the latest research trends in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its potential future applications, with a specific focus on AI advancements.

On the enterprise front, Mr Kit Yong, the founder of Forte Biotech, shared his journey of providing prawn farmers with a disease surveillance kit to promote

Read more here!

sustainable prawn farming and food security.

Apart from the insightful sessions, guests were treated to a cultural performance by the NUS KottoKottoN Ensemble, featuring the traditional 13-string Japanese instrument, the Koto. They also had the opportunity to learn and play the instrument with guidance from the instructors. Additionally, they enjoyed a hands-on session on coffee-making and latte art facilitated by Foreword Coffee Roasters, a social enterprise.

As a gesture of appreciation for their unwavering support, the benefactors received a special Tingkat souvenir illustrated by Mr Lee Xin Li (’15), portraying representations of the University’s past, present, and future.

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See the Possibility Series: Enhancing Social Mobility and Uplifting Communities

Browse our photo gallery here!

Held on 17 November 2022, the See the Possibility Campaign event brought donors, guests, and members of the NUS community together to share ideas and discuss important issues faced by our communities today. The Campaign identifies five highly complex and multi-faceted areas where NUS is driving positive impact to address major challenges through research and knowledge building.

few of us who had graduated from NUS. It made sense to give back to our alma mater, and also to support the development of future talent that could benefit our company as well,” explained Mr Chen. He was a beneficiary of the subsidised global programmes at NUS which shaped his worldview and therefore prepared him for a career in a company with a global presence.

As part of the panel, donor Mr Chen Heng Hui (’10), shared his insights on the importance of enhancing social mobility and uplifting communities. Mr Chen, the CEO of Neoasia Group, had received financial aid as an NUS student and is paying it forward by supporting juniors at his alma mater.

With the strong support of donors, initiatives such as the Enhanced Financial Aid Scheme for students from low-income backgrounds, and Teach Singapore, a mentoring programme where NUS students support underprivileged youths and children, have strengthened the University’s efforts in building a stronger community and a more inclusive society.

“With success, we wanted to give back.

Within the company, there were quite a

(From left) Vice Provost (Student Life) Assoc Prof Leong Chin; Chief Executive Officer of Neoasia Mr Chen Heng Hui; Provost’s Char Professor of Computer Science and Vice Provost (Academic Affairs) Prof Tulika Mitra; and Dean of Students Assoc Prof Ho Han Kiat.

NUS GIVING REPORT 2022/2023

Aisyah at the Humanitarian Affairs Asia Peace Summit 2022 at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok.

With Gratitude Dear kind donors, My name is Aisyah, and I am currently a risk analyst at TikTok Trust & Safety. I would like to thank you for your continued generosity in funding the GIC Sparks & Smiles Award. I had received this Award twice during my senior years as an NUS Global Studies and Malay Studies undergraduate in 2020 and 2021.

As a recipient in 2020, I have immensely benefitted from your contributions because the Award allowed me to participate in various projects such as the 2020 Peace Summit for Emerging Leaders at the United Nations Conference Centre in Thailand, the National Youth Council Asia-Exposure Internship Program, the NUS e-STEER Middle East program, and the Chile-ASEAN summer internship. Thanks to this Award, I did not have to take on as many part-time tutoring jobs and I was able to focus on my studies and free up some time to enrich myself with valuable global experiences. As a result, I was awarded the Dean’s Scholar List (Top 1%) and Dean’s List (Top 5%) in AY2020/2021 for achieving straight A+ for my modules that year.

In 2021, things were a lot more challenging for me. My mother was admitted to the hospital for brain tumour complications from May till September, and I became an interim breadwinner overnight for my three younger siblings. On top of my studies, I overworked myself with tuition jobs while going back and forth from the hospital every day. Just when I thought things were getting better in October, my mother was readmitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in Week 13, my busiest week of essay submissions. Two days after that, my father also had a stroke and was admitted to the ICU. Financially, it was very tough for my family, but this Award served as emergency funds on days where we had no food at home. For that, I am so grateful. At a time when I was at a crossroads on whether to continue my studies or quit school and work full-time, the Award (alongside miraculous help from others) enabled me to continue my Honours year where I achieved exemplary results and made the Dean’s List again despite the most difficult semester of my life.

Your gift has also made it possible for me to join UNITE2030 in my last semester in NUS - a highly competitive programme for youth delegates to take concrete action towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). At the end of my university years, I managed to graduate from my double majors with the Highest Distinction, and made my parents, family and friends proud. I was also one of the two recipients in my faculty to be awarded the Batul Izzuddin Global Citizen Prize, as well as the sole recipient for the prestigious Mendaki Pinnacle Award (University Level). I hope my story shows that those who are financially struggling can also achieve excellence if they are given the right support and resources.

Above all, this Award has reignited my spark for volunteerism as I spent time with Beyond Social Services interacting with rental flat residents in Yishun to understand their health challenges, life struggles, and food insecurity. My volunteering experiences there have largely inspired my final year Taskforce project to create policy recommendations to improve food security in Singapore. I also interned at the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre, before joining TikTok’s Trust & Safety team to protect the online community from harmful content.

Now, I spend my Saturdays as a lead mentor for the Youth Mendaki Club’s PEER Mentoring programme for Malay/Muslim youths in secondary schools.

Ultimately, this Award has taught me humility and strength, and I look forward to serving the underprivileged communities in Singapore and around the globe. I have been truly blessed with many insightful experiences thanks to your generosity.

Once again, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude for your kind gifts to the GIC Sparks and Smiles Award.

Regards,

AISYAH LYANA (’22) Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Alumna Recipient of the GIC Sparks and Smiles Award

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NUS GIVING REPORT 2022/2023

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