schOlArships/bursaries/fundraising efforts

The MDIS Scholarship and Bursary Award is a major event in the Education Trust Fund calendar. More than 3,000 scholarships and bursaries totaled close to S$3 million have been awarded.

Milestones:

1996
For the first time in commemoration of MDIS' 41st Anniversary, MDIS offered scholarships to the four self-help groups (CDAC, Yayasan MENDAKI, SINDA and The Eurasian Association).

The aim of the scholarships was to offer opportunities to young professionals of the various ethnic groups to upgrade their academic qualifications and to enhance their knowledge and skills for lifelong employability.

1997
Scholarships were also offered to members of the HomeTeamNS (then Singapore Police Association for National Servicemen and the Civil Defence Association for National Servicemen). The same year, 42 bursaries were given out to GCE 'N', 'O', and 'A' level and ITE students.

1999
The MDIS Education Trust Fund was established on 1 February. Initial funding came from MDIS' surplus (S$500,000) in the past year, as well as a generous contribution from Lee Foundation.

In addition, MDIS and its partner Oklahoma City University, jointly organised a fundraising performance. Proceeds went to the Trust Fund and The Society for the Physically Disabled equally.

2000
MDIS extended scholarships to the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC). Through the Trust Fund, an exceptional number of 600 bursary awards were disbursed jointly with other organisations, which were committed towards education and community service.

2001
Despite the economic downturn, a quarter of a million dollars were disbursed in the form of bursaries and scholarships. The Trust Fund offered 500 bursaries to GCE 'N', 'O', and 'A' level students, ITE and polytechnic students. Scholarships were also awarded to individuals through the various organisations.

2002
The MDIS Education Trust Fund Charity Draw took place in June 2002. It was to raise funds for the disbursement of more scholarships and bursaries. More than S$110,000 was raised through the Draw. The Trust Fund offered 400 bursaries in 2002.

2003
In 2003, in addition to a quarter of a million dollars given out through the scholarships and bursaries, an additional quarter of a million dollars was pledged to the President's Challenge. The event was graced by His Excellency, President and Mrs S R Nathan.

During the ceremony, MDIS presented Esteemed Friend of MDIS awards to Datin Lee Chee San and Dr Lee Seng Gee, Chairman of Lee Foundation, for their tireless efforts and invaluable support to the Trust Fund and the Institute in many ways.

2004
Besides to giving out more than S$176,000 worth of Scholarship & Bursaries, MDIS donated S$25,000 to the President's Challenge 2004. MDIS also organized and fully pay for an enrichment camp for over 100 Primary 6 pupils from centres in the North and East zones. This programme was part of the MENDAKI Tuition Scheme. In addition, MDIS organized a Car Wash Charity Drive. In total, students and MDIS staff raised, within 5 weeks, over S$22,000 for the Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund and the MDIS Education Trust Fund.

2005
MDIS held its Scholarship and Bursary Awards 2005 ceremony at the Raffles City Convention Centre in June 2005. The Guest-of-Honour was Mrs Lim Hwee Hwa, Minister of State for Finance and Transport and Member of Parliament for Marine Parade GRC. 19 Scholarships and 352 Bursaries worth $185,850 were presented. The Scholarships benefited individuals through organisations such as the four self-help groups, HomeTeam NS, Singapore Armed Forces Reservist Association, People’s Association (PA), and National Trade Union Congress (NTUC). The bursaries were presented to students from secondary schools, polytechnics and ITEs (Institute of Technical Education).

2006
MDIS held its Scholarship and Bursary Awards 2006 ceremony at the Raffles City Convention Centre on 5 June, where 31 scholarships and 578 bursaries worth more than $250,000 were presented. The scholarships benefited individuals through organisations like the self-help groups, HomeTeamNS, Singapore Armed Forces Reservist Association (SAFRA), the People’s Association (PA) and the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC). The bursaries were given to students from secondary schools, polytechnics and the Institute of Education.

2007
MDIS continued its tradition of helping needy and deserving students who have financial difficulties in pursuing their education. A total of 605 scholarships and bursaries, amounting to nearly S$300,000, were given out on 26 May.