The Heart of SIT: Giving That Shapes Futures

Why Faculty & Staff Giving Matters

For Marc Chan, Director of SIT Advancement Office, Faculty & Staff Giving (FSG) is not just about donations – it is about identity and community. 

“SIT is more than just an organisation. We are a community building the future together. Faculty & Staff Giving is a deeply personal way to extend care to our students – whether it’s easing financial hardship through the SIT Bursary or providing full tuition support through the Forward SITizen Initiative. Every contribution, large or small, create both a safety net and a springboard for their success.  This is the heart of SIT – giving that shapes futures,’ Marc emphasises.

Since 2015, FSG has played a pivotal role in supporting students through two key initiatives. The SIT Bursary provides financial relief to those facing hardship, helping them to stay focused on their studies without the worry of financial stress. The Forward SITizen Initiative (FSI) provides full tuition support for SIT’s most financially vulnerable students, ensuring access to quality higher education is never out of reach. 

Together, these initiatives reduce barriers, uplifts and expand horizons, empowering the students to thrive. Marc believes the strength of FSG lies in the individuals whose generosity fuels it. Their stories of gratitude, joy and kindness reveal the values that drive giving at SIT. These stories show that every act of generosity, no matter the size, fuels a brighter future for the SIT community.

A Collective Heart: Stories of Giving

For Eric Cheng, a Career Coach who joined SIT Centre for Career Readiness three years ago, giving is a way to live his values.

"I believe that giving is an outward act of an inner gratitude of what you have and who you are. It should be selfless, without expecting anything in return, " Eric shares.

His philosophy is simple: contribute where the need is greatest. At the Centre, Eric guides students in preparing for their Integrated Work Study Programme, job applications and long‑term career planning. Working closely with students on their academic and professional growth allows Eric to see firsthand how support can shape futures. 

Michelle Kew: Finding Joy in Sharing

Michelle Kew, from SIT’s Finance Division, believes generosity is not measured by the size of a gift but the spirit behind it.

"Giving is sharing what I have, even if it’s not a lot. Even a small contribution can make a difference in someone’s life," Michelle explains.

She describes giving as a "joy", which she defines as a deep sense of happiness and fulfilment that comes from being able to help others, even in small ways. With over a decade of service at SIT ensuring resources are managed responsibly, Michelle has seen how financial support can change lives, strengthening her conviction that generosity fosters a culture of care.

Nicholas Wong: A Calculus of Kindness

Having benefited from the generosity of others during his own academic journey, Assistant Professor Nicholas Wong from SIT’s Infocomm Technology (ICT) cluster sees giving as both gratitude and logic.

"Education is crucial for society to advance. I am thankful for all who contributed to mine, and I am happy to give back. It is a logical calculus, really," Nicholas reflects.

His first gift, made during a festive campaign, was a pivotal moment that shaped his commitment to Faculty & Staff Giving. As someone who trains future professionals in areas such as software engineering and data systems, Nicholas cultivates critical and creative thinkers through his teaching, and his support reflects his belief in empowering the future generation.

Shaping Futures Together

Marc emphasises the stories of Nicholas, Michelle, and Eric are powerful reminders of how generosity transforms lives. Every contribution, whether through the SIT Bursary, FSI, or other initiatives, sends a message of belief, support and care directly to students.

When faculty and staff give, they are not just making a donation, they are investing in the lives of our students and in the future of SIT. Every gift is a vote of confidence that tells our students: We believe in you, and we are with you on your journey. 

As SIT looks toward the future, Faculty & Staff Giving continues to strengthen the caring and community-spirited culture that defines the university, ensuring students have the support and opportunities they need to succeed.

Be Part of Shaping Futures

Every deserving student at SIT should have the chance to fulfil their potential. You can help make that possible. Join the Faculty & Staff Giving movement today by making a gift through the FSG online giving form here, or by visiting the FSG roadshows on SIT Campus.

Together, we can help shape brighter futures for the future generation.