Paying It Forward: Chinese Graduate Lu Pinyao Gives Back

For Lu Pinyao, a Class of 2026 graduate from NTU School of Humanities, pursuing her passion for Chinese language and culture has opened new pathways—and inspired her to support future generations of students.

While many of her peers chose science and engineering, Pinyao followed her interest in Chinese and enrolled in the Chinese programme at NTU. Her studies deepened her appreciation of Chinese language and culture, while a module on global economics sparked an interest in the intersection of language and international affairs.

Pinyao’s journey was supported by her mother, who raised her largely on her own while taking on multiple part-time jobs to help cover university expenses. After learning that financial assistance was available, Pinyao applied for support and received aid through the NTU Bursary Fund and the Nassar Saddique Bursary.

Receiving support from the estate of the late Nassar Saddique left a lasting impression on Pinyao.

“I am so grateful for his help. It has become one of my dreams to eventually help pay for a student’s education one day.”

Pinyao is already taking steps towards fulfilling that dream. She is among more than 3,000 fresh graduates who contributed to the Class of 2026’s Class Gift, which supports future generations of NTU students.

Pinyao has since secured a place in a master’s programme at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies and hopes to pursue a career with Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Pinyao presenting the cheque for the Class of 2026’s Class Gift to NTU President Professor Ho Teck Hua.