NUS Business School Alumni

BBA Hons 1982

Nominated Member of Parliament

Chairman of SISTIC

Tell us about yourself and your background

I graduated from NUS Business School in 1980s and worked in the Information Technology industry for over 37 years – 33 years with IBM and 4 years with Lenovo. I am blessed to have had a full career life, progressed from Systems Engineer to Country General Manager of IBM Singapore.  Having lived and worked in Tokyo from 1998-2001, and in Beijing from 2004-2011, I appreciate good food, good music, good books, friendships and family. Am passionate about serving in the community in whatever way I can – choir, boards, teaching. 

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

My mother was a teacher. I grew up seeing how she helps her students who come over to our home after school to get extra coaching. That’s my first introduction to Giving. My first major Giving experience must have been the NUS Rag & Flag Day when I first started university studies. After graduation, I must admit that I gave annually in small amounts to whoever happens to ask, and did not support any specific cause. So, I must say that the first most significant Giving was my participation in the NUSBSA Bursary Fund. This experience shaped how I saw Giving i.e. how my Giving can help to make a bigger impact.  

What led you to give to NUSBSA Bursary Fund?

I was a recipient of a OCBC Scholarship when I was in my final years in university. It enabled me to focus on my studies and need not give tuition to pay for school fees and hostel fees.  When Yeo Keng Joon shared the initiative to set up such a Bursary Fund, it resonated immediately. The impact of this Fund is perpetual, and hence the Giving is more sustainable. This Fund is also set up by NUS Business School Alumni, which makes it even more meaningful as the donors all share something common, and our beneficiaries all walk in our footsteps.  

What advice would you give those who not know where and how to start with giving?

Stories are the best way and so we should get more stories to NVPC Giving.SG and to the media or on our NUS Facebook and other social media platforms.