The annual NUS Bizad Charity Run 2017 has raised more than $140,000 for financially disadvantaged NUS Business School undergraduates and the Autism Resource Centre (ARC), a not-for-profit charity.
Organised by the NUS Business School Alumni Association (NUSBSA) and NUS Bizad Club, this year’s event attracted more than 1,400 participants. The event was graced by Mr Lim Biow Chuan, Member of Parliament for Mountbatten SMC and Deputy Speaker of Parliament.
“The NUS Bizad Charity Run has helped raise funds for those in need while promoting the spirit of giving back to society. Such a cause has not gone unnoticed by the public and this is why we have seen a record number of participants at the run who want to do their part for the community,” said Mr Ow Tai Zhi, Chairman of NUS Bizad Charity Run 2017. He graduated from NUS Business School in 2011.
Over $100,000 will go towards NUS Business School bursaries and scholarships. The remainder will support ARC’s Employability and Employment Centre – Singapore’s first autism-focused centre providing services for people with autism to succeed in the workplace.
“This annual flagship event of NUS Business School provides a good platform for alumni to do their part for their fellow students and the community. We are proud of this tradition and look forward to doing it every year,” said Mr Sonny Yuen, President, NUSBSA. Mr Yuen graduated from the School in 1985.
Bizad Charity Run debuts new theme
Every year, the Bizad Charity Run will adopt an external beneficiary as part of the School’s efforts to give back to the society. These organisations include Boys’ Town, Casa Raudha Women Home and Muscular Dystrophy Association.
It is the first time that the Bizad Charity Run is supporting ARC. To mark the occasion, the theme “Colours & Spectrum” was incorporated for the 5km Fun Run to help raise awareness for autism.
Specially created for this year, the route was full of colour as runners each had a piece of canvas for them to cast decorative appliques and spray colours to celebrate the diversity of autistic conditions and individuals.
More than SG$100,000 went towards NUS Business School bursaries and scholarships, while the remainder was donated to ARC’s Employability and Employment Centre – Singapore’s first autism-focused centre providing services for people with autism to succeed in the workplace.
The annual NUS Bizad Charity Run takes participants through the university’s Kent Ridge campus, which has several slopes, turns and an elevation of 36.3m. Runners can take part in either the 10km Competitive Run or the 5km Fun Run.
For Lee Junxian (BBA 2008, S3 Asia MBA 2014), the Bizad Charity Run is an opportunity for him to reconnect with his old classmates, faculty and staff in NUS Business School.
Participating in the run is also a nostalgic experience for him. “While I relish the chance to gather with friends for a casual jog around our campus, I particularly enjoyed the few years where I participated as a volunteer in the organising committee,” he said.
“The best part is I can exercise and catch up with my classmates, while serving and giving back to a worthy course,” said Lee.