Alumni from the National University of Singapore (NUS) Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) raised close to S$550,000 for a new bursary fund to support undergraduates who need financial assistance. A charity golf tournament was held earlier today to raise funds through the sale of golf flights and donations.

FASS90 Charity Golf 2019, which was held in celebration of the Faculty’s 90th Anniversary this year, was spearheaded by alumni Mr David Ho ’72, Mr Stanley Lim ’84, Ms Sandra Soon ’92, Mr Simon Er ’94, and Mr Adli Yashir ’94.

In the afternoon, Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, who is an NUS Arts and Social Sciences alumnus from the Class of 1964, teed off at the Sentosa Golf Club together with about 140 alumni, corporate supporters and donors. This was followed by a dinner and prize presentation ceremony held at the NUSS Guild House at the NUS Kent Ridge campus.

ESM Goh attended the dinner event as the Guest-of-Honour. He witnessed a cheque presentation by Mr Johnny Tan, Chairman of the NUS Alumni Student Advancement Committee, to Professor Robbie Goh, Dean of the NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. The charity event had received encouraging support from alumni, corporations, organisations and individuals.

Prof Goh said, “The humanities and social sciences play an important role in society. We are privileged to have the support of FASS alumni, corporations and organisations who have significantly contributed to our fundraising efforts. There can be no better way to mark our 90th anniversary than this generous contribution to help nurture tomorrow’s engaged, thoughtful and creative global citizens.”

Mr David Ho, Chairman of the FASS90 Charity Golf 2019 Committee, said, “FASS is one of the oldest faculty in NUS with many distinguished alumni in our society holding leadership positions. We are grateful for their continued support and hope to grow the FASS Alumni Bursary Fund annually. This newly created Bursary Fund will allow financially challenged Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences students access to a world-class education. As an alumnus, leading this is my way of paying it forward.”

FASS Alumni Bursary Fund

The new FASS Alumni Bursary Fund will provide about 20 bursaries valued at S$1,500 each year to support FASS undergraduates, starting from the Academic Year 2020/2021. This new bursary fund complements the existing suite of financial aid schemes and bursaries for NUS undergraduates. Financially-disadvantaged undergraduates who are Singapore citizens or permanent residents are eligible for this bursary, which aims to enable students to pursue a good university education and develop to their full potential regardless of financial background. FASS’ Distinguished Alumni Mr Herman Hochstadt ’58, Mr S. Dhanabalan ’60, and Mr Abdullah Tarmugi ’69 are patrons of the new Bursary Fund.

FASS 90th Anniversary

The NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences celebrates its 90th Anniversary this year. Established in 1929, it is one of the earliest and largest faculties at NUS, encompassing 16 Departments that offer a wide range of academic courses in the Humanities, Social Sciences, Asian Studies and Language Studies. The Faculty has trained many graduates, many of whom are successful leaders in various fields, such as ESM Goh, Ambassador-at-large Chan Heng Chee ‘64, Technopreneur and Investor Lim Qing Ru ‘08, as well as former Nominated Member of Parliament and actress-host Eunice Olsen ’01, who have all made remarkable contributions as Singaporeans and as global citizens.

To mark this significant milestone, the Faculty has lined up several events this year, including FASS90 Charity Golf 2019, to showcase the Faculty’s rich knowledge, heritage, achievements and impact to society, as well as to encourage faculty, students and alumni towards giving and helping the larger community. All these activities will culminate in a gala dinner to be held in November.

This story first appeared in NUSnews on 15 March 2019.