Make a Real Difference by Stepping up to Transform Lives

Beyond environmental stewardship, sustainable leadership also involves seeking long-term solutions for social and economic issues such as a rapidly ageing population and social inequalities within our community.

To encourage the NBS alumni community to give back and contribute towards a more sustainable and inclusive society, the NBS Alumni Leaders Dialogue series: Developing Sustainable Leadership Through Community Engagement event was jointly organised by the NBS Alumni Relations Office and NTU NBS Alumni Association) and supported by the NTU Office of Alumni Engagement.

The panel discussion featured alumni speakers Dr Anthony Fok (NTU B.ACC), Vice Chairman of APSN Education Services Ltd and Board Member of Singapore Disability Sports Council; Ms Ong Puay See (NTU B.ACC), Executive Director of YWCA of Singapore, and Mr Lee Seng Meng (NTU Nanyang Fellows MBA), Executive Director of SHINE Children and Youth Services. The moderator was alumnus Mr Lee Eng Kian (NTU B.ACC), Managing Partner of PKF-CAP.

The speakers shared inspiring stories of their work in non-profit organisations (NPOs), including the challenges faced, the intrinsic rewards, and the differences from working in the private sector. They also shared in-depth details about the numerous formal and informal ways that one can contribute, and expectations of the various types of volunteers.

Starrie Lee (event emcee), Dr Anthony Fok (panellist), Mr Lee Eng Kian (moderator), Mr Th’ng Beng Hooi (Director, NTU Office of Alumni Engagement), Ms Ong Puay See (panellist), Mr Lee Seng Meng (panellist) and Ms Ann Ong (Deputy Director, NBS Alumni Relations Office).

Starting as a ground volunteer

Attendees were urged to proactively identify social causes that resonate with them and to start as ground volunteers as this does not require long-term commitment. Those who are not ready to commit time as volunteers could also consider supporting the charity or their causes through donations or being involved in their fundraising efforts.  

Ms Ong, who helms YWCA of Singapore, cited an example of how volunteers can begin as a befriender at charity’s food distribution programme, as a mentor, content developer, or trainer at its women's programmes.

“Every bit of effort counts. Starting as a ground volunteer allows you to experience the NPO’s efforts on the ground  first hand. Observe how the organisation is run and interact with the beneficiaries to witness how their lives are being transformed. Have conversations with the various stakeholders you encounter and be inspired to do more over time.”

Embracing corporate volunteerism 

Other than serving as volunteers in their individual capacities, the alumni were encouraged to initiate corporate volunteerism in their own organisations. SHINE Children and Youth Services’s Executive Director Mr Lee explained how corporates can step up to fulfil corporate social responsibility (CSR) objectives by contributing to meaningful causes in innovative ways.

“It can be tremendously helpful when corporations adopt an NPO and provide skill-based consultancy through volunteers who are experts in their respective fields. They can make a real difference by sharing their expertise to help these organisations digitalise and innovate to generate more publicity to further their cause.”

Corporate volunteerism can be a major boost to sponsorship and fund-raising efforts of NPOs. It also provides a constant stream of corporate volunteers, allowing NPOs to conduct regular programmes such as SHINE’s reading intervention programme, which helps children with low reading ability.

Stepping up as a committee or board member

Those who wish to deepen their involvement through leadership roles can consider serving on the committees and boards of NPOs. Unlike the private sector where leadership decisions are predominantly driven by profit, NPOs operate differently.

Entrusted with the responsibility of piloting organisations towards achieving its mission, board members of NPOs ensure adherence to the Code of Governance for Charities and Institutions of a Public Character. As they wield considerable power over the NPOs, there are high standards set for board members.

Dr Fok, who currently serves on the boards of two NPOs, described the ideal candidate as having the heart to serve while possessing exemplary attributes of  a sustainable leader. He added that they must be deeply committed to the mission of the NPO and have an appropriate mindset to ride the learning curve.

“Board members of NPOs are groomed over time and they start by serving in the various committees for a few years before progressing to the board. This allows them to build familiarity with the various stakeholders, better understand the ground and appreciate the implication of board decisions before taking greater strides.”

The speakers emphasised that opportunities are ample, as NPOs always need new volunteers as part of succession-planning processes.

More than 140 people attended the event on 4 July 2024 at YWCA Fort Canning.

Supporting the NBS legacy

Besides looking at NPOs, the alumni were reminded to also explore how they can give back to NBS in various ways.

Six booths were set up at the event to showcase various volunteering opportunities.

Deputy Director of NBS Alumni Relations Ms Ann Ong, whose team was involved in organising the event, concluded the session by highlighting how the NBS alumni community had made significant contributions to the school in the form of philanthropic gifts and mentoring the next generation of graduates over the years.

Ms Ann Ong (left) with the exco members of the NTU NBS AA Community & Social Engagement team.

It was a timely reminder for alumni to continue the legacy of giving by generously contributing time and resources to provide life-changing opportunities to those in need in NBS and beyond.