The SMA Medical Students' Assistance Fund (SMA-MSAF) bursary was created to support financially challenged medical students at local institutions like the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine and Duke-NUS Medical School. This year, we had a total of 63 applicants, which is a testament to the importance of the SMA-MSAF Bursary.
The SMA Charity Fund (SMACF) celebrates its tenth anniversary this year, marking a decade of dedicated service to the medical community in Singapore. This year, the bursary quantum was increased from $5,000 to $6,000 for each recipient, which will help cushion the effects of the rising cost of living and support our beneficiaries' daily living expenses.
In 2023, SMACF disbursed 43 bursaries, amounting to a total of $258,000 to the deserving beneficiaries. This milestone was made possible by the continued support of donors and partners.
The SMACF Bursary Recipients Engagement Event 2023 transcended a mere get-together; it was a heartening and profoundly impactful experience for all involved. This occasion not only afforded the bursary recipients the opportunity to connect with the dedicated team behind SMACF, SMA President Dr Ng Chee Kwan and their fellow recipients, but it also marked a historic moment as they had the privilege of meeting three generous SMACF donors who have been instrumental in supporting their educational journey. The heartwarming scenes of students meeting their steadfast supporters and the smiles captured in the photographs spoke volumes about the impact of this interaction.
Dr Chong Yeh Woei, Chairman of SMACF, inaugurated the event with a heartfelt address, underscoring the significance of compassion in the medical field and inspiring students to make a positive impact on the community. He also encouraged them to consider giving back through volunteering their time or by contributing to SMACF, emphasising how such acts can empower future students, just as they once benefited from similar support.
SMA President Dr Ng Chee Kwan also shared his own moving encounters with some of the bursary recipients. He found their stories incredibly inspiring, particularly the tenacity displayed by those who worked part-time while pursuing their medical degrees to support their families and meet daily expense needs.
In conclusion, the event was a celebration of compassion, dedication, and the power of giving and receiving. The SMA-MSAF bursary helps provide much-needed financial assistance to needy medical students and serves as a platform for fostering meaningful connections and inspiring future generations of doctors to serve their community with all their heart and soul.
SMACF Board members, SMA President, cherished donors and the inspiring AY2023/2024 bursary recipients
To view more memorable moments from this event and to learn more about the inspiring stories of the SMA-MSAF bursary recipients, visit SMACF's social media platforms.
SMACF Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SMACF2013
SMACF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sma.cf/