sPAN - Singapore Polytechnic

Cover Story
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work to take turns to run alongside
Thiru. They were Eugene Chow, Woon
Tah Liang, Li Xiaohui and Ong Wei
Teck. Another alumnus, Hie Guan Long
assisted in issuing of lap cards as the laps
counter marshal.
What prompted Thiru to put aside
his lingering knee injury to undertake
this grueling task? It was for the noble
reason of wanting to repay the favour
which he had received, from SP three
years ago, as the first recipient of the
Alumni Scholarship. Thiru was awarded
the $5000 scholarship in 2004. He had
been grateful to SP ever since for helping
him in his next lap of education at the
National University of Singapore.
Having benefited from the award, Thiru
hopes that the award will continue to
benefit future cohorts. In order to do
so, he also understands that funds are
needed each year. The idea of running
Poly 50 solo was mooted by Thiru about
two years ago. He wanted to run one lap
for every $100 raised, up to a maximum
of 50 laps. However his plans were
temporarily put on the shelf due to a
knee injury which he had sustained after
running a marathon.
Determined to raise funds for his alma
mater, Thiru brought up the idea again
a few months back. Supported by the SP
Alumni (Local Universities) committee,
in which Thiru serves as the Vice
President, plans were quickly discussed
and implemented. Publicity posters and
write ups on Thiru’s fund raising project
were put up during the Graduation
Ceremony and SP website. Thiru also
personally made his appeal to the guests
Thiru’s
thoughtfulness
and the spirit of
giving back to
society touched
me. I hope more
young people will
learn from him
and my donation
is just a way to
encourage Thiru.
Thiru with Mr Palani Pillai
and graduands during the Graduation
Ceremony.
“I want to try my best to raise funds for
the Alumni Scholarship Awards so that
more people can benefit from it. And
personal appeals usually work better as
I can use my sincerity to touch the
donors.” Thiru shared with us. Thiru
went to the extent of sending out emails
to lecturers and staff appealing for
donations. His parents and sister were
also roped in to get donors to support
this good cause.
Thiru’s initiative attracted the attention
of kind donors from all walks of life.
Among those who responded generously
were Mr Palani Pillai, Managing Director
of Crush Advertising and member of
School of Business’ Advisory Committee.
Mr Palani donated $5000 and also ran
the last five laps with Thiru. Mr Palani
explained why he wanted to donate,
“Thiru’s thoughtfulness and the spirit
of giving back to society touched me.
I hope more young people will learn from
him and my donation is just a way to
encourage Thiru.”
Thiru hugging his parents
after the run
CHH Construction System donated the
other $2000 and the balance of $4937
was donated by staff, alumni and well
wishers.
Indeed, with Thiru’s fund raising effort,
we can continue the cause of helping
alumni further their studies. We hope
many more alumni will be touched
by Thiru’s noble task and continue to
keep in touch with SP and contribute in
whatever ways they can. ----AN
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