Why 50 for 50?

 "At 50, everyone has the face he deserves."

George Orwell’s quote may carry different meanings, but I like Tal Gur's interpretation:

 "...It invites us to embrace the wisdom of aging, to reflect on the legacy we are creating, and to nurture the qualities that define our true essence. Ultimately, it serves as a reminder that our faces are not just reflections of the past but also canvases upon which we can paint the portrait of our best selves."

I have received many blessings in my five decades orbiting around the sun.

Like my overseas exchange programme to Germany when I was in Junior College.

Or the military and academic awards from the Republic of Singapore Navy to train at Britannia Royal Naval College and to study at the University of Sheffield, both in UK.

And the scholarship jointly offered by the Workforce Development Agency, Institute of Public Relations of Singapore, and Singapore Management University which funded my Master of Science in Communication Management that took me to Università della Svizzera italiana in Switzerland and UCLA in the USA.

And certainly the merger between the company I co-founded with Emergenetics Asia which exposed me to different work cultures and taught me how business is done across Asia and Europe.

These opportunities opened my eyes, broadened my mind, and encouraged my heart. Experiencing study, work and living overseas helped me embrace uncertainties, appreciate diversity, and built my independence.

I’m acutely aware that none of these would have happened if not for the fact that many people took a chance on me. Aside from the decision-makers who endorsed me, they include my parents and a number of relatives who supported me when I didn’t yet have the financial means. 

I’m indebted to them all for giving me the wings to fly.

So, as I turn 50, I wanted to pay it forward.  

The good folks at SMU Office of Advancement suggested a fund that can help students with financial needs go on an overseas exchange programme as part of their SMU education. The best part of it all is that the grant will empower one student each year, in perpetuity.

I was given the honour, so I’ve christened it SMU Pegasus Overseas Exchange Grant. 

Pegasus, or the winged horse, is widely associated with positive images of freedom, flight and heroism. For me, the Pegasus was an imagery running through my life.

Such as when I was a Midshipman at BRNC. The symbol of my division was the Pegasus. Before I graduated from the college, I painted a large oil painting of the Pegasus and gifted it to the college. I was told it still hangs on one of its walls.




When I was conducting training incorporating the Emergenetics Profiling tool, one of the fun activities we would get participants to do was to draw an image of a flying horse. I did that same activity for about a decade all over the world. The result still amazes me. 

With this new grant, the Pegasus now takes on a new meaning for me. I hope it will also take on a new meaning for everyone who contributes to this perpetual grant.

Through our collective effort, for SMU students facing financial challenges, going on an overseas exchange will no longer be a myth.

_________________________

The fundraising campaign has now closed. Thanks to all donors, we've raised $56,250, surpassing the $50,000 target. 

With this amount, the University will be able to disburse $3,000 to support the overseas exchange programme of one financially challenged SMU student each year, every year, in perpetuity. 

If you would like to make a difference to someone's education, please visit: https://giving.smu.edu.sg/


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