From Reunion to Giving: SIT-UNLV Alumni Launch First Alumni Class Bursary
What started as a casual gathering of SIT-UNLV alumni has grown into a collective act of generosity, establishing SIT’s first alumni class bursary to support juniors in need.
Updated 01 October 2026
When Old Friends Came Together
A simple gathering of old friends has grown into a meaningful initiative to support the next generation of SIT Hospitality Business students.
The SIT-UNLV Alumni Bursary, established by graduates of the SIT-University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Hospitality Management programme, opens a new chapter in alumni support at SIT as the first bursary created by an alumni class group. It provides financial assistance to students in need, while rallying the wider SIT-UNLV alumni community to give back to those following in their footsteps.
The idea took shape on 17 April 2026, when alumni from the SIT-UNLV Classes of 2013 to 2015 reunited at SIT Punggol Campus after more than a decade. As they reminisced about their university days, they also reflected on SIT’s growth and how they could play a part in supporting today’s students.
Remembering the Journey, Supporting the Next
Mr Benjamin Liew, an alumnus of the SIT-UNLV Class of 2014, shared, “During our recent alumni gathering, catching up with everyone brought back a wonderful flood of university memories. The overseas exchange programme in Las Vegas was incredibly pivotal for me, as it gave me clarity on the segment of the hospitality industry I wanted to build my career in. We had a fantastic time laughing and looking back on our memories.”
“My SIT-UNLV days were truly enriching and unforgettable, especially our time in Las Vegas. We also had lots of fun being Rebels,” said Mr Joe Wong, another alumnus of the SIT-UNLV Class of 2014. Rebels is the nickname affectionately given to UNLV students and athletic teams, symbolising independence, resilience and the spirit of defying convention.
"As SIT was still a new university then, financial aid was more limited. Many of us had to juggle part-time work with studies. Through this bursary, we hope to unite SIT-UNLV alumni, friends, and family members to support juniors who may be facing similar challenges. Every gift, regardless of size, can make a difference," Mr Wong added.
The SIT-UNLV Alumni Bursary embodies the power of collective giving, a gesture of solidarity from seniors who understand the financial pressures students face and who want to ease the journey for those who come after them.
“I have always looked for meaningful ways to give back to the community that supported my growth. Hearing about the bursary initiative during that session truly touched my heart; it was such a meaningful cause that I knew right away I wanted to be a part of it,” said Mr Liew.
“I truly believe that we can always make a positive impact on the future, no matter how big or small our contribution might seem. Personally, I hope this bursary lifts a heavy burden off the shoulders of students who are struggling financially. More than that, when they step out into the working world, they will remember the community that rooted for them — and one day, when they have the means, they will feel inspired to extend that same helping hand to someone else. It is all about paying the kindness forward,” Mr Liew shared.
The reunion also highlighted continued alumni generosity. Ms Sheron Tan, Class of 2014, renewed her support for the GT Group x Sheron Tan Bursary, first established in 2021. Her latest contribution is directed towards Hospitality Business students, reflecting her enduring commitment to SIT.
“I hope they study hard and make full use of the opportunity given to them. And one day, when they are able to, I hope they will also choose to give back, just like how someone once supported them,” said Ms Tan.
As the alumni came together to make the bursary a reality, Class of 2014 alumnus Mr Jase Chua stepped forward to bridge the remaining funding gap, enabling it to be awarded this Academic Year.
"We had come so far together, it would have been a pity not to see it through," said Mr Chua, Founder of DOKINIKKI, an experiential creation company specialising in engineered environments for hospitality, themed family attractions and other experience-led spaces.
For Mr Chua, the initiative was especially meaningful because it brought fellow alumni together to make a direct difference to a student’s education.
"Having this initiative come to fruition definitely hits differently, knowing that a student will actually benefit from it this year," he said. "Somewhere, someone may have one less financial concern and a little more room to focus on making the most of their education."
Empowering Future SITizens
Together, these gifts signal a growing culture of alumni giving at SIT. Graduates are returning not only to reconnect with familiar faces and memories, but also to uplift future SITizens through the same spirit of support they once received.
Looking ahead, Mr Liew said, “My biggest hope is that this bursary gives them the freedom to pursue their passion for hospitality with confidence and graduate as proud ambassadors of Singapore’s world-class hospitality sector.”
More than financial assistance, Mr Chua sees the bursary as a vote of confidence from one generation of SITizens to the next.
| "If we can keep the door open a little wider for students, it could allow them more freedom to stay curious and work towards their aspirations," he said. "I hope they make the most of their university journey, meet people beyond their usual circles, try things, make mistakes and discover what they truly care about." |
"Perhaps years from now, if the students find themselves in a position to create an opportunity for someone else, it doesn't necessarily have to be monetary. It can be sharing their time, knowledge, or simply opening a door for their juniors. What matters is that opportunities continue to move forward — and one can become many."
Continuing the Learning Journey
For Mr Chua, giving back is part of a lifelong learning journey. Earlier this year, Mr Chua, together with Ms Tan, began pursuing the UNLV's Executive Master of Hospitality Administration, supported by the UNLV Singapore Scholarship programme.
"There's something I took with me from my SIT-UNLV days that has stayed with me: the SITizen-DNA of learning, unlearning and relearning," said Mr Chua. "The learning journey is a continuous one."
To learn more and make a gift to the newly established SIT-UNLV Alumni Bursary, visit the One SITizen Alumni Initiative page and select “SIT-UNLV Alumni Bursary” under “Fund to Support”. Your contribution – big or small – will make an impact on a student’s journey and help sustain the spirit of alumni giving at SIT.