The Gift of Opportunity

Nanyang Business School (NBS) ranks among the world’s leading business schools, and our aim of staying at the forefront of thought leadership and continuing to develop the leaders of tomorrow has been supported by the generous contributions that have come through from our giving channels. Donors’ support adds a meaningful difference to NBS’s research, education initiatives, and innovative projects.

Take Glenn Teo, for example, a beneficiary of NBS Equal Opportunity Fund (EOF), went through an unforgettable exchange programme abroad, free from financial constraints. Reflecting on the experience, he says: “The prospect of immersing myself in a different culture thrilled me and [the EOF] alleviated financial burdens, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the academic and cultural opportunities presented by the exchange programme.”

The EOF is just one example of how donor contributions can bolster students in their education. These gifts support a range of student programmes, such as the NBS Scholars Programmes and Scholarships, and assistance to students through initiatives like the NBS Bursary, NBS Student Aid Fund, and the EOF.

A/P Damien Joseph is one of many outstanding faculty members teaching courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels

Financial contributions also support the broader work of the school, helping to further research that address complex challenges in business, industry practices, and society. Gifts fund the work of leading academics and our 12 specialised research centres, including the NTU-SBF Centre for African Studies, a philanthropically fundedd trilateral platform bridging the government, business, and academic sectors.

These gifts also contribute to campus development and enhance student learning environments. NBS calls Gaia, Asia’s largest wooden building, home. Gaia represents the continued pursuit of sustainability through green developments on campus, but also ensures that our students can pursue their education in the best conditions possible.

Recently, NBS refreshed its Giving website to spread the word among students and future donors about how they can make a difference. The new website communicates the greater picture of Giving at NBS, outlining the main areas of Students, Research, Campus and Facilities, and NBS Advancement. With all essential information presented in an easy-to-navigate format, visitors can quickly understand how gifts support the work of NBS and easily find the means to make financial contributions.

Mr Cheong Mun Hong (NBS/1989) and Ms Gun Guat Kuan (NBS/1993) set up an endowed bursary

Many NBS alumni contribute generously, driven by a desire to give back and support future generations. Cheong Mun Hong (NBS/1989) and Gun Guat Kuan (NBS/1993), for example, established an endowed bursary to ensure equal educational opportunities, inspired by their own experiences and a commitment to fairness in education. “It took me the first two years of my working life to repay my relatives. So I can appreciate the hardship that some students have to go through,” notes Guat Kuan. “Everybody should have a fair chance at education, regardless of their gender. And if I can contribute to help, why not?”

Jason Thian (NBS/2010) decided to give back after reading about social inequality.

Echoing her sentiments, Jason Thian (NBS/2010) believes in education to combat social inequality. Inspired by this mission, he actively contributes to educational causes. “I really think it is a good reminder to everyone that we can do more, and we are already very privileged,” says Jason. "I believe that education is one of the best ways to break out of the poverty cycle. That is why I decided to give back to education.”

Perhaps, these remarks testify to the importance of such contributions in giving students opportunities. As Glenn comments: “I believe that EOF enables students from diverse backgrounds to break barriers and pursue their dreams of overseas exchange. Simultaneously, I am inspired to give back to EOF, ensuring that future students have the same life-changing opportunity I was granted — a chance of a lifetime.”

As NBS continues to nurture business leaders and strategic thinkers that shape business thinking and industry practices at large, we can look to a track record of sustained excellence. However, beyond doing well, we must also strive to do good, a notion that encapsulates the ethos of NBS. Making a real difference in the lives and education of students is a valuable cause that supports our goals in producing leading research, being at the forefront of industry practices, and developing future leaders. Consider contributing today!