An annual charity golf tournament organised by the Singapore Indian Education Trust (SIET) and Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA) at the Sembawang Country Club on Aug 23 raised around $500,000, which will go towards helping students via bursaries and study loans.
This year’s event saw participation from 128 golfers, and proceeds raised will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Singapore Toteboard, said SIET.
Each year, SIET extends financial assistance to more than 500 post-secondary students across various government institutions, including the Institute of Technical Education, junior colleges, polytechnics and universities.
In addition to direct financial support, SIET provides interest-free loans, alleviating the financial burdens on students from low-income backgrounds.
A post-event dinner was held for participants and donors, where selected success stories of SIET beneficiaries were shared.
Minister of State for Law and Transport Murali Pillai, who attended the event as the guest of honour, said: “Events like these are more than just fundraisers – they are a testament to the power of community spirit.
“The funds raised today will help shape the futures of young people who might otherwise struggle to access higher education. In supporting these students, we are investing in the future of our community and our nation.”
SIET shared with tabla! that from the past three editions of the tournament, it has raised around $660,000, supporting 104 beneficiaries with interest-free study loans totalling $900,000 over the last three years.
Event treasurer Abuthahir Abdul Gafoor said: “We’ve been organising this for 15 years now. It’s not just about the golf, it’s about coming together to support a cause we believe in. The money we raise today ensures that SIET can continue its good work, helping students achieve their dreams.
“The highlight of the event was the overwhelming support from the community. “We have regular players who come back year after year.”
Mentioned during the event was the partnership between SIET and AT Capital, which saw a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between the two entities earlier this year.
The MOU’s support system, including a robust seven-year mentorship programme, provides students with financial support, mentorship and career placement opportunities.
Last year alone, around 500 students received bursaries, and 70 benefited from additional loans.
The MOU focuses on nurturing students from financially less well-off families such as Mr Salman Fasrudeen Sahul Hameed, 28, who was awarded a study loan from SIET.
“It wasn’t just about the financial aid, the mentorship I received opened my eyes to opportunities I never knew existed and helped me build an invaluable network,” said Mr Salman, who works at an IT multinational company.
The support spurred him to graduate within the top 10 per cent of his cohort at Temasek Polytechnic’s electronic engineering course and eventually, a first-class honours bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronic engineering from Teeside University in the UK.
