From challenge to opportunity

Kenneth Chow, a final-year Business Analytics student at Nanyang Business School (NBS), has always dreamt of studying abroad. Despite the odds, he’s now living that dream, spending a semester on exchange at WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management in Germany. This experience has given him the chance to broaden his horizons, immerse himself in a new culture, and form meaningful connections.

Kenneth grew up in a family of modest means. His retired father and part-time working mother had already done so much for him and his sister, who works full-time. “I knew I couldn’t ask for more,” he shares. Determined to chase his aspirations without adding to his family’s financial burden, Kenneth juggled academics, student life, and part-time work. Even with the support of a Nanyang Scholarship, he faced a funding gap for his exchange programme.

That’s when a close friend told him about the NBS Equal Opportunity Fund (EOF). “The EOF was a lifeline. It gave me a chance to focus on what mattered -- my studies and my personal growth,” Kenneth says.

Support that makes a difference

The EOF helped Kenneth bridge the gap and save for his exchange. He no longer had to take on multiple part-time jobs and could instead participate fully in the opportunities NBS offered.

“The support I received wasn’t just financial. It made me feel seen and valued,” he reflects. Kenneth fondly recalls a professor who took extra time to help him catch up after an illness in his first year and is also particularly thankful to Dr. Michelle Phang for her support in securing the EOF alongside his scholarship. “These acts of kindness reminded me that I wasn’t alone.”

His exchange programme in Germany has been a highlight of his time at NBS. Living and studying abroad has not only deepened Kenneth’s appreciation for cultural diversity but also underscored the importance of building connections. He describes it as “an eye-opening experience that’s shaped both my personal and professional growth.”

The NBS alumni network also played a key role, offering opportunities for internships and mentorship. “The generosity of NBS alumni amazes me. Their contributions truly change lives,” he says.

Kenneth hopes his story inspires more alumni to contribute to the EOF. “When I tell peers from other faculties about the support we receive at NBS, they’re often amazed,” he shares. He believes contributions go far beyond financial aid. “It’s about creating opportunities, offering encouragement, and inspiring students to reach for what once seemed impossible.”

Kenneth also encourages alumni to consider mentoring current students. “Guidance from someone who’s walked this path before can make a world of difference.”

Find out more about NBS Giving.