The amount has been set aside in 2024 under the NTUC-U Care Fund.
Youth are Singapore’s future, and NTUC is committed to ensuring that they reach their full potential by supporting their education and career journeys.
To illustrate the commitment, NTUC has set aside $3.85 million under its NTUC-U Care Fund for 2024 to empower and support youth and school-going children in their education and welfare pursuits.
The amount was revealed on 4 October 2024 at the NTUC Care Fund (Education Awards) Presentation Ceremony at NTUC Centre.
The sum has been spread across several initiatives, namely, the NTUC Care Fund (Education Awards) for both the tertiary and non-tertiary levels, NTUC Starter Awards, the NTUC Care Fund (e-Vouchers) for school-going children and NTUC Care Fund (Youth Enable).
This committed amount is $1.35 million more than the $2.5 million commitment announced earlier at the NTUC x NDP Bay Celebrations on 3 August 2024.
NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng, the guest of honour at the awards, said the amount committed reflects NTUC’s dedication towards investing in Singapore’s youth.
He said: “We want to empower our youth, be it our young members or our members' children, to reach their fullest potential … We care deeply for our youth and will continue to be alongside them every step of the way in their journey.”
Speaking to the 141 recipients who attended the ceremony, Mr Ng urged the students to do their part by giving back to society one day.
“As you receive the award today, I hope you will remember these three simple joys. The joy of learning as you go through in different parts of your education life. The joy of purpose so that you can marry your career to that purpose and have that convergence of strength to do what you want in your career. And in all that you do, the joy of service – remember to serve others around you,” he shared.
NTUC set aside $700,000 this year for the NTUC Care Fund (Education Awards) to benefit 3,500 youth and school-going children.
The awards are for school-going children of lower-income union members and aim to motivate them to excel in their studies.
The awards range between $200 and $600.
From October to November 2024, NTUC will present the awards to students from eligible Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs), and other approved educational institutions.
Muhammad Khairun (second from right) with his parents and Mr Ng Chee Meng after the awards presentation.
Muhammad Khairun, 24, a recipient currently in his final year at the National University of Singapore, said he noticed NTUC’s increased outreach to youth and called it a positive move.
“I think it [the education awards] is great. I was there at the NTUC x NDP Bay Celebrations as well and NTUC has really been stepping up its outreach to youth. It has certainly inspired youth like me to do better,” he added.
Additionally, each recipient of the NTUC Care Fund (Education Awards) also received a complimentary 12-Month Singtel Prepaid Mobile Service, to allow students to access online educational resources.
The complimentary service is part of NTUC’s five-year partnership with Singtel to provide free connectivity to some 6,000 students from lower-income families.
Sisters Trina Ho and Shina Ho with their parents.
The initiative is something award recipients, and twins, Trina Ho and Shina Ho appreciate.
“It is nice that they are providing the Singtel prepaid service. It definitely helps with our daily expenses,” said Trina, who is currently taking a degree in occupational therapy at the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT).
“It is good their doing this [education awards] for lower-income families, so that they will not be restricted by monetary limitations,” said Shina, who is studying Diagnostic Radiography at SIT.
NTUC Starter Awards: A new scholarship grant that provides bond-free scholarships, including leadership development programmes, for Singaporean students.
NTUC Care Fund (Youth Enable): A grant for youths facing adversity due to sudden and unforeseen circumstances.
The grant provides continual support for students in IHLs to complete their studies and help them obtain their first tertiary certification.
NTUC Care Fund (e-Vouchers): A programme that offers eligible members assistance on daily essential and school supplies for school-going children.
This initiative ensures that children have the necessary educational materials and resources.
