Diagnosed with Asperger’s, Zachary Tan faced challenges in social interaction that shaped his growth journey. At SUSS, he stepped into spaces that once felt out of reach, and now pays forward the support he received.

Shaun Shankar credits his mother as the backbone of his educational journey. When the pandemic strained the family’s finances, she became the sole breadwinner and gave him the stability to pursue his studies and earn the Temasek Foundation – Nithiah Nandan Arumugam Scholarship.

From a humble background, Nur Binte Riduan is now a PhD scholar and SUSS lecturer. Her research explores how parenting shapes children’s early reading in the Malay-Muslim community and informs inclusive education.

In his 60s, Tay Kok Choon returned to the classroom not to chase a title, but to rediscover the joy of learning. At SUSS, he encountered mentorship that left a lasting mark and inspired him to give back in his professor’s name.

A former high-flying professional, Catherine Lim became a nature-based facilitator helping people find calm through greenery. At 50, she returned to SUSS to study counselling and deepen her practice in serving others.

Mo Fei came from China to Singapore to grow his family’s shipping business. At SUSS, a supportive learning environment strengthened his confidence and inspired him to give back, opening doors for future students.

For Dr Lillyn Teh, education is a powerful leveller for social mobility. In 2025, she made SUSS’ largest individual gift to establish the Dr Lillyn Teh Endeavour Endowment Fund and support students to dream bigger.

Shaped by a life of challenges, Madam Siow Fung Wai Ying believed deeply in education and quiet generosity. When she passed, her family’s gift helped establish the SUSS School of Social Work and Social Development.

The sudden passing of Suraj Upadhiah’s mother shaped his lifelong commitment to give back. From supporting vulnerable children in Calcutta to empowering youth through MILK scholarships at SUSS, his journey continues to create ripple effects of social good.