Harcharan Singh Benevolent Bursary
Supporting CCDS students to realise their potential and shape the future of computing.
Honouring a Legacy. Supporting Future Generations.
The Harcharan Singh Benevolent Bursary was established in memory of the late Professor Harcharan Singh (1941–2020), whose leadership helped shape the beginnings of computing education at NTU and widen opportunities for those who followed.
The bursary provides financial assistance and encouragement to CCDS students throughout their academic journey, ensuring that financial circumstances do not stand in the way of talent, potential and perseverance. Through this support, it extends Professor Singh's commitment to education and student welfare, enabling new generations of students to pursue their potential and help shape the future of computing.
About Professor Harcharan Singh
Professor Harcharan Singh was the Founding Dean of the School of Applied Science (SAS), established in 1988. SAS marked the beginnings of computing education at NTU, introducing Singapore's first Bachelor of Applied Science in Computer Technology and welcoming a pioneer degree cohort of approximately 140 students.
The School laid the foundations for what would later evolve into the School of Computer Engineering (SCE), the School of Computer Science and Engineering (SCSE), and eventually the College of Computing and Data Science (CCDS).
Professor Singh's vision, leadership and deep care for students helped shape the early development of NTU computing and the academic community that has grown from it.
Remembering Professor Harcharan Singh
Hear from those who knew Professor Singh as they reflect on his leadership, character and contributions to the NTU computing community.
I have had the privilege of working under Prof Singh for nearly 15 years. He was a highly principled person and expected his staff to behave likewise. He wanted us to give of our best for every student.
Under his leadership, Singapore's first degree programme in computer engineering was established. Though the degree was called "Computer Technology", he had the prescience to see that his graduates would be ready to embark on not just computing careers but have the flexibility to contribute to other sectors of the economy. Those were exciting times when many computing fields were in their infancy. He had great foresight in crafting the curriculum and supporting new areas of research.
Prof Singh gave me opportunities to develop my leadership skills, for which I am indebted. Our views and personalities differed, but my respect for him grew as I had the opportunity to know him better. He will always be remembered as a pioneer at NTU and in Singapore's electronics and IT industry.
In 1988, I was one of six pioneers who helped establish the School of Applied Science (SAS) together with our founding Dean, Professor Harcharan Singh. With a small yet committed team, we launched the Computer Technology course under an extremely tight timeline. Those early years were demanding but deeply meaningful, shaped by strong teamwork and a shared sense of purpose.
Professor Singh was a stern leader who struck fear in many staff and students, yet he cared deeply about their growth and wellbeing. Working closely with him taught me the value of leading with both discipline and compassion.
Over the years, I have witnessed our school's transformation from SAS to the College of Computing and Data Science (CCDS). It has been gratifying to see us transition from a teaching-focused school into a research-driven college, while remaining true to our commitment to teaching excellence and student care — values that Professor Singh exemplified.
Support Future Generations
Every contribution to the Harcharan Singh Benevolent Bursary helps reduce financial barriers for CCDS students, giving them greater confidence to pursue their education and realise their potential.
Led by the CCDS Alumni Association and supported by the College, fundraising initiatives in 2026 and 2027 will contribute towards building the bursary and extending its support to future generations of students.
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