Gifts from alumni: Turning lived experience into support
The NTU Alumni Association in Malaysia is the University’s first overseas alumni association to establish a student bursary, reflecting the generosity of graduates who remember what it was like to study far from home.
Text: Sadia Roohi
For the first time, an overseas NTU alumni association has set up a bursary to support students studying at NTU Singapore.
In November last year, members of the NTU Alumni Association (Malaysia) took the lead to establish an NTU bursary fund in the association’s name.
Following a successful alumni-led fundraising effort, the new bursary surpassed its RM500,000 target in just two months, raising over RM560,000 (equivalent to over S$180,000) to date.
Dr Carrine Teoh (EEE/2001), President of NTU Alumni Association (Malaysia), who volunteers to grow the alumni network in the country, says, “Many of us still remember the challenges of studying abroad, including the financial pressures, the cultural shifts and the uncertainties that came with pursuing our academic dreams. Now that the seniors are established in our careers, we wish to give back. The gift from our alumni association will be channelled directly to provide financial assistance to Malaysian students studying in Singapore.”
“Every ringgit counts,” says Dr Teoh. “Whether RM500 or RM100,000, each contribution represents hope and opportunity for a student. Together, we are building something that lasts beyond our time.”
Dr Carrine Teoh (centre), President of NTU Alumni Association (Malaysia) with fellow committee members. The fundraising initiative was announced at the NTU Alumni Regional Conference in Kuala Lumpur in July 2025.
More than financial assistance
Beyond easing immediate financial pressures, the bursary reflects a wider commitment by alumni to remain connected with the next generation. The association plans to extend its impact through mentorship programmes, bursary awards, and deeper engagement between Malaysia-based alumni and students.
“This is more than just a fundraising campaign. It is a movement to reconnect Malaysians who once walked the same halls and shared the same dreams,” says Tan Sri Dato’ Chua Ma Yu (Commerce/1975), the Alumni Association’s patron. “We hope to inspire more alumni to give back and create a ripple of opportunity for generations to come.”
NTU Deputy President and Provost Professor Christian Wolfrum (centre) launching the bursary fund at the gala dinner.
The launch of the bursary fund was commemorated at a gala dinner on 14 November 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Professor Christian Wolfrum, NTU Deputy President and Provost, attended the event and delivered an address to NTU alumni and supporters. He remarked, “Education is the key to changing one’s life. This bursary fund will support underprivileged Malaysian students in pursuing their studies at NTU, empowering them to excel in their chosen fields, just like you have, and potentially become future business leaders. I believe this creates a positive cycle that will advance the development of education across Asia, especially in Malaysia, and eventually improve everyone's lives.”
In the same vein, the alumni of NTU Hall of Residence 3 recently gathered for a reunion that also became an opportunity to support current students. The group collectively contributed close to S$12,000 to the SG60 Hall 3 Student Life Fund.
These efforts show how alumni, wherever they are, continue to support students across borders and generations.
Click here if you would like to make a gift to the bursary fund.
