On your marks, get set, go for Best Foot Forward

By Sadia Roohi

Best Foot Forward (BFF) is a fundraising drive that brings together the OneNTU community all around the world to run, walk or cycle for a good cause in support of NTU Bursary Fund and School Advancement Funds. Alumni, staff and faculty and students share how they intend to support the campaign.

NTU alumna laces up

Romaine Soh has represented NTU in many running competitions.

NTU alumna, Romaine Soh (WKWSCI/2022), was introduced to the sport as a young student and she was scouted to run competitively.

The marketing professional recommends exploring the scenic Jurong Lake Garden, the gravel terrain of Pandan Reservoir or the NTU campus loop if exercise enthusiasts would like to challenge themselves with hilly terrain.

Romaine said, “Whether you're participating in BFF recreationally or competitively, having fun never hurts. Grab a friend or a group and you won't be counting the seconds or the minutes. This event is a good chance to reunite with your university mates as you reminisce the times and memories that brought you together."

Alumni as key influencers

Nicole Low, currently a track & field/cross-country coach, participated in the 10km race during the 51st Singapore Athletics Inter-Club Championships.

Track & field/cross-country coach, Nicole Low (NIE/2021), has participated in numerous running competitions. Her journey in running began in secondary school, driven by a desire to enhance her fitness and stamina. She has participated in the X Campus Run in 2018 and this year, she aims to complete 100km for the Best Foot Forward virtual race.

She said, “To run and support NTU is a small and yet impactful step in giving back. Joining BFF will unite alumni to realise a common goal that helps foster deeper connections within the alumni community. Alumni’s participation and promoting it within their social circles are vital to the success of the fundraising campaign."

Joining hands with fellow students

President of the NTU Runners’ Club, Muhammad Syafiq Bin Haniss, completed 100km during last year’s BFF and will attempt the same this year.

The X Campus Run, a flagship event under NTU Runners’ Club led by students, collaborated with the University Advancement Office to put together the flag-off event of Best Foot Forward.

Its president, Muhammad Syafiq Bin Haniss, a second-year engineering student, hopes that through BFF, the student body will be motivated to adopt an active lifestyle while raising funds for important causes.

He said, “For alumni considering participation, I invite you to join the X Campus Run and take a nostalgic tour around the campus. While I hope participants join the X Campus Run in their pursuit of an active lifestyle with their friends and family, I also hope that through their participation and donations, we are able to make a difference to NTU’s students,” he said.

Staff gives back to NTU

Ann Ong (2nd from right) with fellow NBS alumni at the Rail Corridor in November 2023, during one of their regular bi-monthly hiking activities.

The Deputy Director for Nanyang Business School (NBS) Alumni Relations, Ann Ong, is an alumna of the school. She has been a regular participant of BFF as an NTU staff.

When asked about her motivation, Ann shared, “NBS holds a special place in my heart as my alma mater. My contribution to the NBS Advancement Fund through BFF will play a role in enabling the school to launch new projects and initiatives that directly impact the wellbeing and success of our students today and in the future. Just as we readily step in to assist our own family members in times of need, our connection with NTU is not different. We are not just employees – we are part of the NTU family, and our collective strength can drive positive change."

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The third edition of Best Foot Forward (BFF) commences with the X Campus Run flag-off event on 2 February 2024 at The Wave, with virtual challenges continuing until 5 April 2024. The registration fee of at least S$40 doubles as a donation to an NTU cause of your choice – NTU Bursary Fund and/or School Advancement Funds. Every donation multiplies with fund matching from the Singapore government. Find out more and register here.