Record-Breaking Achievement in Community Fundraising
Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore has once again demonstrated the power of collective action through its annual Best Foot Forward campaign. In its fifth edition held from February 6 to April 17, 2026, the event shattered previous records by raising S$284,290 to support student bursaries. This virtual fundraising challenge encouraged participants worldwide to run, walk, or cycle while soliciting donations, culminating in 2,472 individuals clocking a staggering 105,567 kilometers. The surge in participation and generosity underscores the NTU community's unwavering commitment to ensuring financial barriers do not hinder talented students' education.
The campaign kicked off with the physical X-Campus Run at The Wave on NTU's campus, setting an energetic tone. Teams from various schools rallied friends, family, and networks, turning personal fitness goals into impactful philanthropy. Every dollar raised directly benefits the NTU Bursary Fund and School Advancement Funds, providing crucial aid to undergraduates facing economic challenges.
How Best Foot Forward Works: A Model of Inclusive Participation
Best Foot Forward operates as a flexible virtual event, accessible to anyone with a smartphone or fitness tracker. Participants register individually or join teams, pledge distances in categories like 3km runs, 10km walks, or 150km cycles, and create personalized fundraising pages. Donations start from S$10 for students and S$30 for others, with government matching amplifying contributions through Singapore's philanthropy incentives.
NTU partners with the NTU Runners' Club for the flag-off event, blending physical gatherings with global virtual tracking. Leaderboards track top fundraisers and distances, fostering friendly competition. For 2026, options included medals and T-shirts for completers, motivating sustained engagement. This hybrid format has proven effective, growing from over 1,000 participants in 2022 to more than double in recent years.
Standout Teams and Individual Heroes Driving the Success
TeamNIE from the National Institute of Education led with S$43,200 raised, followed closely by NBS Kakis from Nanyang Business School at S$41,936, and EEE45 from the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at S$22,787—a fivefold increase from the prior year. These teams exemplified school spirit, with alumni, staff, and students collaborating seamlessly.
Azhar Abdul Salam, Head of Communications at EEE and an NTU alumnus, topped individuals with S$9,340. Once a bursary recipient himself, Azhar shared, “I have a soft spot for underprivileged students because I was one. Scholarships changed my life.” His story resonated, inspiring others to contribute. Professor Er Meng Hwa noted, “It was many individuals coming together, each in their own way.”
Transformative Impact on NTU Students Through Bursaries
The NTU Bursary Fund addresses financial hardship head-on. The NTU Enhanced Financial Aid Scheme fully subsidizes tuition for Singaporean undergraduates from households with per capita income (PCI) up to S$1,100—the two lowest tiers—supplementing Ministry of Education (MOE) schemes. Lowest-tier students receive an extra S$3,000 annual living allowance.
Previously, over 7,000 students benefited annually, with 14% from the neediest groups. Funds like those from Best Foot Forward ensure no deserving student drops out due to costs. NTU's Chief Development Officer, Ms See E’jin, emphasized, “Behind every dollar is a student focusing on studies, not bills.” Donations enable experiential learning, research, and wellbeing programs, preparing graduates as leaders.
Explore NTU's bursary details to see how aid is structured.
Evolution Over Five Years: Steady Growth in Scale and Impact
- 2022 (Inaugural): ~1,000 participants, nearly S$200,000 raised.
- 2023-2024: Over 1,100 participants, more than S$180,000.
- 2025: 2,154 participants (double 2024), over S$238,000.
- 2026: 2,472 participants, S$284,290—records across board.
This trajectory reflects maturing community ties post-pandemic, with alumni leading surges. Total distance has ballooned, symbolizing sustained momentum. Each edition builds on the last, refining engagement via apps and social media.
Alumni and Staff: Pillars of NTU's Philanthropic Culture
Alumni drove 2026's success, many motivated by their own aid experiences. Staff like Azhar bridged generations, rallying networks. Schools competed healthily, with NBS topping at S$45,411 overall. This involvement fosters lifelong bonds, turning graduates into advocates.
In Singapore's higher education landscape, such grassroots efforts complement mega-gifts like UOB and Wee Foundation's S$110 million endowment, matched to S$275 million by government, funding innovation hubs.
Student Financial Aid in Singapore's Autonomous Universities
NTU's initiative aligns with national efforts. MOE's Tuition Grant Scheme subsidizes 60-90% fees at autonomous universities (NUS, NTU, SMU, SUTD, SIT, SUSS) for bond-committed students. Bursaries fill gaps: NUS Enhanced Aid offers full waivers plus S$4,000 living for PCI ≤S$1,100; SMU provides tiered support.
Thousands benefit yearly, ensuring meritocracy. Philanthropy multiplies via 1.5-3x government matching, vital amid rising costs. Events like Best Foot Forward democratize giving, engaging everyday donors.
MOE Tuition Grant overview highlights systemic support.
Broader Philanthropy Trends Shaping Singapore Higher Education
Singapore universities lead Asia in fundraising, with NUS and NTU attracting billions via endowments. Trends include alumni networks, corporate partnerships, and community events. Best Foot Forward exemplifies 'micro-philanthropy,' making giving accessible.
2026 saw increased focus on student wellbeing post-economic pressures. Similar initiatives at NUS (giving days) and SMU reinforce a culture where philanthropy sustains excellence.
Challenges and Future Outlook for Student Support
Despite progress, rising living costs challenge aid adequacy. NTU plans sustained campaigns, leveraging tech for global reach. Future editions may integrate AI tracking or hybrid metaverse runs.
Government aims for more matching; universities eye diversified funds. Best Foot Forward's model—fun, inclusive, impactful—positions NTU as a philanthropy pioneer, inspiring peers.
Read NTU's official recap for inspiring stories.
Photo by أخٌفيالله on Unsplash
The Lasting Legacy of Community-Driven Giving
Best Foot Forward transcends fundraising; it builds OneNTU spirit. By empowering bursary recipients—future innovators— it invests in Singapore's talent pipeline. As Professor Er noted, collective efforts yield extraordinary results. With records broken, anticipation builds for 2027, promising even greater strides in higher education equity.
