The University Scholars Programme (USP) has received a generous gift from the family of USP Faculty member, Mr Aaron Maniam, to establish the Chan Bibe Bte Syed Mohd Shah Prize which will be awarded to outstanding graduating USP students.

The Prize is named after Mdm Chan Bibe Binte Syed Mohd Shah (1919-2019), the family's much beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. Mr Maniam and his two brothers were among the late Mdm Chan's 14 great-grandchildren. She never attended school or university, but displayed many of the qualities on which USP prides itself. She lost her husband in her 20s, but proceeded to raise her son and several grand-children, as well as grand-nieces and nephews, through hard work and resilience. She lived her life for her community, always focused on others and their needs. In her later years, she regularly encouraged her great-grandchildren to make the most of the educational opportunities that came their way, believing in the value of broad-based learning and intellectual curiosity. She listened to the news every day, without fail, both on the radio and television, and was always up-to-date with the most current of current affairs. Her wisdom was a deeply practical one – what the Greeks call "phronesis," – drawn from years of interacting with people of all stations in life, an insatiable curiosity about how human nature works, and an abiding belief in the possibilities generated by hard work, determination and optimism.

On why the Maniam family decided to establish a USP prize in her name, Mr Maniam shared,

“We felt there was a strong congruence between the values lived out in her life, and the values that animate and energise USP as a community. Our biggest hope is that recipients go on to be rich and strong "whole persons" - wise from the subjects they studied at NUS and USP; humble about the things they don't know; concerned for the welfare of others; and always seeking to positively impact their communities.”

One prize of S$300 will be awarded each year to a graduating USP student, from this year onwards. It will be regardless of ethnicity or nationality, with a preference for well-rounded individuals who have not only exemplified academic excellence, but also demonstrated the same values lived out in Mdm Chan Bibe's life - a strong commitment to wide-ranging learning through co-curricular activities and/or to community service.

For more information on other medal, awards and prizes given to outstanding USP students or graduands, please refer here or on making a gift to USP, please visit our Giving page here.