NUS Business School Alumni Association

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NUS Business School Alumni - BBA 1985

Founder - JonDavidson Pte Ltd

Tell us more about yourself and your background

I graduated from NUS Business School in 1985 and worked in the first 3 years in the aerospace industry, later in the semiconductor materials sector for 15 years and in the banking industry for over 20 years. Later I co-founded a headhunting firm JonDavidson and I am still leading the firm.

I love meeting people and connecting people. I enjoy meeting people and learning from others which led me to become an active member of various alumni associations, including the NUSBSA. I like golf although I am not very good at it. Recently I started hydroponics farming as a hobby.

When did you start your giving journey? Do you remember your first time?

I started thinking about giving since I was 17 but as I am not rich, my giving are mainly in my time and volunteerism.

What led you to give to NUSBSA Bursary Fund?

When I was 17 years old my father needed a heart operation to replace his defective valves . We needed about MYR $30,000 , which was a princely sum then as the surgery could only be done in New Zealand or United Kingdom then. The year was 1978.

My mother went to appeal for donations and I received help from my schools and some religious organisations. It was very vivid to me as I was sitting for my O levels on the same day he had the operation.

Needless to say, we manage to send my father overseas for this life saving surgery and he was able to go back to work. Without this, I will not be able to pursue my studies beyond O levels as I will have to support my 3 younger siblings . My mother was a home maker with no working experience at all.

What advice would you give to those who not know where and how to start in Giving?

Be grateful for any help you have received. It is more important to give your time and talent, rather than just money. Start with a cause you are passionate with and do not delay. Do it today. There are always people in need.