Initiated by several senior alumni of the Department, a fundraising campaign to establish an endowment for Chemistry students was launched in November 2015. The campaign received overwhelming support from our alumni and friends, and culminated in a Chemistry Appreciation Dinner held on 27 May at NUSS Guild House. The Chemistry Alumni Fund thus pools together gifts from alumni of early years, symbolising the goodwill of our seniors to the juniors. It was set up as a general-purpose endowment for the Department, enabling us to venture opportunities that enhance the teaching and learning of chemistry, such as by offering study awards to bursary students, other awards and prizes to encourage excellence in research and endeavour.
Chemistry Alumni Study Awards
Within the Chemistry Alumni Fund, some alumni have contributed to setting up sub-named Study Awards to encourage financially challenged students to do well in their study. The Study Award ($1000) is presented to student who is receiving bursary (administered by NUS Office of Financial Aids) and demonstrated good academic performance with Cumulative Average Point (CAP) > 3.50. Thus far, the following Study Awards have been established:
1. Far East Organization Study Award (2 awards)
Since 1960, Far East Organization has been contributing to the transformation of Singapore’s urban landscape. Mrs Dorothy Chan, one of the executive directors of Far East Organization and alumna of Chemistry, has contributed in many ways to support our needy students.
2. Koh Lip Lin Study Award
The late Dr Koh Lip Lin, an Outstanding Science Alumnus, spent his lifetime at the Department of Chemistry. He contributed significantly to the Department and to the nation as an elected MP of Singapore for the period 1979 -1996. His down-to-earth nature and endearing manner were fondly remembered by many of us.
3. Lan Weiguang Study Award
Dr Lan Weiguang, an Outstanding Science Alumnus, ventured successfully into the membrane technology business upon graduation. Dr Lan has made this gift to boost the teaching and learning experience of Chemistry students.
4. Lawrence Chia Study Award
Dr Lawrence Chia is our Distinguished Science Alumnus. Besides his lifetime contribution to Chemistry and the University, Dr Chia also dedicated his time as the Dunearn Road Hostel/Sheares Hall Master for more than 30 years and as a volunteer in the Special Constabulary and the first chairman of the National Police Cadet Corps Council.
5. MG Study Award
Our alumnus, Mr Teo Kee Meng and his wife, Madam Ho Gek Hua, have given generously to provide financially needy students with a well-rounded university experience. Mr Teo himself worked through his undergraduate days and understands the struggles of working and studying at the same time.
6. Sam Li Fong Yau Study Award
Professor Sam Li has contributed much to the Department since he joined in 1986. He was awarded DuPont Accomplishment Award from DuPont company and Outstanding Researcher Award from NUS/IMRE for his excellent research. He has also contributed to various funds setup by the Department and initiated the setting up of “Chemistry Alumni – Koh Lip Lin Study Award” in 2016.
7. Tan Ean Kiam Study Award
The late Mr Tan Ean Kiam, cofounder of Overseas Chinese Bank (later became OCBC), always supported the needy in his lifetime. His eminent donation to education, health, and to preserve historical sites has been kept going on after his passing through the Tan Ean Kiam Foundation. The Foundation has generously donated to NUS in various funds. These three Study Awards were named after their founders, Mr Tan Ean Kiam, Mr Tan Tock San and Mr Tan Tock Peng.
8. Tan Tock Peng Study Award
9. Tan Tock San Study Award
10. Tan Eng Liang Study Award (2 awards)
Dr Tan Eng Liang, a Distinguished Science Alumnus, held a meritorious career in the civil service and made eminent contribution in developing sports in Singapore. He continuously supports NUS students to excel in their study through his generous gifts.
11. Teo Cher Aik, Richard Study Award
The late Mr Richard Teo was a keen and active science student who went on to build a successful business in the oil trade industry. His wife, Mrs Teo-Wong Mee Lin made this gift in his memory.
12. Wong Ah Long Study Award
Distinguished Science Alumnus Mr Wong Ah Long has given back generously to the NUS Community through his gifts, time and service. His contributions have made a positive impact on the educational journey of many students at NUS.
13. Yeo Keng Joon Study Award
Mr Yeo Keng Joon is an active NUS alumnus who serves on the NUS Alumni Committee for Student Advancement. The Committee actively fundraises to support financially challenged NUS students.
The same bursary student can be given this Study Award in subsequent academic years if he/she maintains the CAP, and receive the Award in addition to any other bursary / scholarship / award. Students need to apply for NUS Financial aid in the first place to be the eligible for the Study Award. The list of awardees can be found here.
We welcome alumni and friends who are keen to help us in fulfilling the commitment to the pursuit of a holistic education for all deserving students. Please write to lindaoei@nus.edu.sg to find out more about giving to this Fund.