The core of SMA Charity Fund's (SMACF) mission has always been constant: providing financial assistance to underprivileged medical students in Singapore, ensuring that financial challenges do not stand in the way of their dreams. Similarly, another constant since 2019 has been our annual, purpose-driven bursary recipients' engagement event.
On 1 August 2024, SMACF opened applications for the SMA Medical Students' Assistance Fund (SMA-MSAF) bursary, receiving 84 applications from the three local medical schools: NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, NTU Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine and Duke-NUS Medical School.
With each bursary amounting to $6,000, a total of $306,000 was disbursed this year to 51 deserving students, who can now put their minds at ease and focus on what matters most – devoting their full attention to their studies and achieving their full potential.
These students were invited to attend our Bursary Recipients' Engagement Event on 7 November 2024, where they had the opportunity to meet Dr Ng Chee Kwan, SMA President; Dr Chong Yeh Woei, Chairperson of SMACF Board; and other members of the SMACF Board. Our Legacy-Giving donors, Dr Ong Eng Kang and Prof Matthias Paul Toh, were also present, making the event especially heartwarming as students had the chance to meet and interact with the generous individuals behind their bursaries.
The event began with a compelling address by Dr Chong Yeh Woei who inspired all in attendance. He spoke about the many demands of being a medical student – from the cost of living and commuting to medical books, instruments and meals. For those from financially challenged backgrounds, these expenses add stress on top of academic challenges. Dr Chong emphasised that this is where SMACF steps in: bridging the gap and removing financial barriers to ensure talented students can pursue their medical careers without hindrance.
As the evening progressed, attendees mingled over refreshments, with medical students meeting senior colleagues in their field and discovering nuggets of wisdom to guide them through their five years of medical school.
The event concluded late at night, and while the sky outside darkened, the future of those inside the room – compassionate, skilled future doctors who will one day give back to others – remained bright.
With SMACF's continued support, these students are empowered to reach their full potential, and in turn, will inspire and support future generations of medical professionals, creating a lasting ripple of care and compassion in the medical community.