Honour your teachers

Text: Christine Teh

“When you are successful in future, think of the people in your lives and your teachers who have contributed to your growth. They packed your parachute, and you merely pulled the cord,” said Mr Koh Boon Hwee at a recent reception for Koh Boon Hwee Scholars awardees.

NTU scholars and their nominated teachers and professors met Mr Koh Boon Hwee (front row middle, in blue), who supported the establishment of the Koh Boon Hwee Scholars Award.

Now in its 14th year, the Koh Boon Hwee Scholars Award has been awarded to over 300 talented NTU students who have displayed strong leadership abilities and have demonstrated their potential to contribute to society.

Mr Koh, NTU’s founding Chairman, helmed the Board of Trustees for 28 years from 1991 to 2019. He not only encouraged the university's efforts to grow its philanthropy support, but also made a personal donation of S$2.5 million to NTU in 2010 to help deserving students and to honour teaching excellence.

In recognition of his gift, NTU established the Koh Boon Hwee Scholars Award to identify exceptionally talented graduating students who would nominate a teacher and an NTU faculty member in honour of their inspirational teaching. Each nominated teacher will in turn select a current student in NTU to receive a study grant of S$5,000.

Known for his Midas touch in the business world, Mr Koh is the Chairman of Altara Ventures, SGX Group, Sunningdale Tech, Rippledot Capital Advisers, the Securities Industry Council, and Agilent Technologies.

A good teacher is never forgotten

During the donor and award recipients’ session, Mr Koh shared with the awardees why the scholarship was administered in this unique way.

He said: “I draw from my experience that a teacher can make a world of difference. When I was a pre-university student in the 1960s, I wanted to change my course from the medicine stream to the science stream to preserve my options and be free to change my mind later.”

“A teacher, Ms Lenn Mei Ling, supported my decision and allowed me to take mathematics as a private candidate. I approached Ms Lenn for help to catch up, even though she was not my teacher. She was instrumental in everything that was possible. This award is for you to honour your teachers, because sometimes we forget to do so.”

Mr Koh went on to study mechanical engineering in the UK and Ms Lenn became a mentor figure whom he deeply respected. As a strong champion of education, he believes that education drives social mobility.

Honouring your teachers

Sixteen NTU graduates received the award in 2024. One of them is Sun Wenzhen, who graduated with a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Economics and Public Policy & Global Affairs and is now working in the maritime industry.

From right: Mr Loo Jiaming, Mr Koh Boon Hwee, Sun Wenzhen and her parents.

As a student leader in the NTU Students' Union, she helped enhance students’ housing and transport experience on campus by initiating a student survey which led to successful outcomes. She is also active in community work, volunteering as a petition writer in the Boon Lay area.

She chose to honour Mr Loo Jiaming, her teacher from River Valley High School. She appreciates his guidance in nurturing her leadership skills during her time as the president of the school’s Bicultural Leaders’ Academy where she organised forums and activities for her peers.

Wenzhen said: “I am deeply honoured to receive the Koh Boon Hwee Scholars Award, which recognises my commitment to serving the community. The award allows me to honour my teachers and to pay it forward to NTU juniors by way of a study grant."

“Mr Loo taught me translation studies and ignited my passion for service. Despite my initial lack of confidence in leading the Bicultural Leaders’ Academy, he encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone. Even in moments of failure, he remained steadfast and guided me on how to proceed. I am forever grateful to all my teachers who believe in me even when I have doubts about my abilities.”

Mr Loo, now with Commonwealth Secondary School, has nominated an NTU Chinese Studies undergraduate, who also took translation studies at River Valley High School, to receive the study grant.

Another awardee, Haikal Afiq Bin Mohd Rizal, is similarly influenced by his teacher turned mentor. The sociology graduate appreciates how NTU's Asst Prof Shannon Ang has greatly changed how he sees the world.

From right: Mr Koh Boon Hwee, Haikal Afiq and Asst Prof Shannon Ang.

Haikal said: “Under his guidance, I learnt how to embrace critical thinking with grace and compassion. He taught me to be critical without being aggressive, inquisitive without being intrusive, and passionate without being disengaging. He constantly reminds us that the goal is always about effecting positive change – this is useful advice as I begin my career with the People’s Association as a constituency manager.”

Haikal is an avid community volunteer with Mendaki Club and was a student leader at NTU’s School of Social Sciences. During the school’s outreach events, he effectively engaged prospective students and parents with his outgoing nature and communication skills. Upon graduation, he plans to sign up as a mentor to support NTU juniors and contribute to their growth and development.

 

This article first appeared in issue 5 of U, the NTU alumni magazine.