SMACF BURSARY DISBURSEMENT EVENT 2022

On 2^nd August 2022, without too much fanfare, SMA Charity Fund (SMACF) opened applications for the SMA Medical Students’ Assistance Fund (SMA-MSAF) Bursary on our newly minted independent website at smacf.org.sg

In total, we received a total of 74 applications for the much coveted SMA-MSAF Bursary from
NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (YLLSOM), NTU Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCMedicine) and Duke-NUS Medical School.

With the support of our loyal donors, SMA Charity Fund (SMACF) was able to disburse a total of 51 bursaries amounting to $255,000 to our beneficiaries this year.

The pandemic had scuppered our plans to have a bursary disbursement event over the last 3 years and we were absolutely delighted that we could revive our flagship event this year with a turnout that was way beyond our expectations. Altogether, more than 25 students turned up to meet with SMACF Chairman, Dr Chong Yeh Woei, SMA President, Dr Tan Yia Swam and SMACF Board Members at our office.

In his opening address, Dr Chong shared with our beneficiaries SMACF’s mission and vision and how we will continue to strive towards supporting as many beneficiaries as our limited  finances permit. Dr Chong also shared anecdotes of his engagement with past recipients who have since gone on to forge successful careers in medicine; some choosing to specialise in their chosen field while others went into private practice as General Practitioners providing invaluable service to the communities in the heartlands.

This year’s event took on a different format with our guests divided into 3 groups so as to provide our beneficiaries with the opportunity to pick on the wisdom of all our board members; all of whom serve in the healthcare sector either as doctors or as healthcare administrators.

The event officially ended at around 8.30 pm with our beneficiaries and board members banding together for a group photo. What was heart-warming was that even after the event officially ended, the majority of the beneficiaries actually stayed back to mingle with one another for another hour. It was heartening to see as they shared backgrounds of their life experiences and exchanged contacts so that they could keep in touch with one another.

SMACF will continue to strive towards not only providing financial support but to also build a close knit and supportive community amongst our future doctors.

“Supporting Tomorrow’s Doctors Today”

SMACF would like to thank the Final Year Project Team of Republic Polytechnic for their assistance in capturing the event through their insightful photos and videos
Ms Ariana Ria Gopakumar, Ms Lim Shi Yu, Ms Sharifah Roshani, Ms Chen Yun Jie Tricia