Calling NTU alumni: Will you chip in?

By Sadia Roohi

The University Advancement Office (UAO) is escalating its laptop donation drive to help achieve the twin goals of recycling electronics and promoting digital inclusion for groups that do not have access to computer devices.

PPIS Student Care Centre supervisor Madam Kalthom Kassim (left) receiving the donated laptops from NTU’s Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving Executive Director, Yap Su-Yin.

Members of the NTU community are urgently asked to donate their used laptops in working condition, laptop accessories and bags, tablets and electronic mice. All donated items are refurbished and then distributed to the needy in Singapore and nearby countries.

Any donated laptops will help to reduce digital inequality, a problem exacerbated by the intensified reliance on digital technologies during the outbreak for remote learning, communication and socialising.

NTU volunteers are also sought to assist in the refurbishing of the donated laptops and tablets, as well as to conduct workshops for school-going children and senior citizens on how to use these gadgets safely.

In May, 50 laptops were donated to the Brickland Constituency of Chua Chu Kang GRC to benefit students from low-income families. Another 20 laptops were donated to charity PPIS (Persatuan Pemudi Islam Singapura or the Singapore Muslim Women’s Association) Student Care Centres in Jurong and Bedok.

Receiving the laptops on behalf of PPIS was PPIS Student Care Centre supervisor Kalthom Kassim. “More donated laptops at the centre allowed us to have the children seated safely apart during their online lessons. There is a great need. The families we help largely have a few school-going children. They cannot afford the laptops. Now they can come to our centre to safely use the donated laptops for schoolwork and keep up with their studies,” she said. PPIS is also one of NTU’s community partners for the inaugural NTU Service Week which will be held in January 2022.

	Paying it forward : NTU bursary recipient Karen Tang volunteering with PPIS Student Care Centre (Jurong).

NTU’s Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving Executive Director, Yap Su-Yin said: “These efforts have a double impact. Refurbishing these items gives them a new lease of life, hence slowing down the rising tide of electronic waste. At the same time, providing digital access in a safe and conducive learning environment enables these young learners to thrive.”

How to donate and volunteer
To donate your used laptops, tablets and electronic mice in working condition, laptop accessories and bags, please drop them off as follows: