At the 35th anniversary reunion of the NUS Mechanical Engineering Class of 1990, alumni gathered not only to reconnect with old friends and former lecturers, but also to witness the tangible impact of a legacy they began nearly a decade ago. One of the evening’s most meaningful moments came from Desvin Phoon, a final-year Mechanical Engineering student and recipient of the ME90 Bursary.

Established in 2016 to mark the class’s 25th graduation anniversary, the ME90 Bursary was created to support students in the Department of Mechanical Engineering who face financial challenges. Since then, it has supported three students each year and continues to be funded through regular contributions from the Class of 1990. For students like Desvin, the bursary has made more than just a financial difference. It has opened the door to opportunity, stability, and a deeper connection to the university community.

Desvin shared that he comes from a single-income household. His parents had run a maid agency since 2004 — a business rooted not only in service but also in advocacy. They worked closely with organisations such as Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2) and the Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics (HOME), helping foreign domestic workers facing abuse or exploitation. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck and borders closed, the family business was forced to shut down. His mother switched careers and began work in baking and pastry-making, while Desvin took on private tutoring to help support the family.

In 2023, he was awarded the ME90 Bursary. He said the award eased a significant burden for both him and his parents. It gave him the space to focus on his studies and continue serving the student community with renewed commitment.

With the financial pressure reduced, Desvin was able to step into leadership roles and actively contribute to campus life. As Vice-President (Internal) of the Society of Mechanical Engineering, he oversaw initiatives such as the Freshman Orientation Programme and Exam Welfare Pack Giveaway. He explained that while these may seem small on the surface, they play a big role in building the sense of camaraderie that defines the Mechanical Engineering community.

The bursary also enabled him to participate in a student exchange programme at Arizona State University, which he described as one of the most enriching parts of his time at NUS. The experience allowed him to explore a different academic environment, engage in cross-cultural exchange, and gain global awareness, all without placing additional strain on his family’s finances.

Desvin said the significance of the bursary went far beyond the financial. It was a reminder that the university experience doesn’t have to be shaped by hardship alone — that support exists, and that someone believes in your potential.

As he nears graduation, he is already looking for ways to give back. He hopes to one day teach students from underprivileged backgrounds or difficult family situations, possibly in collaboration with like-minded individuals or organisations, and extend to others the same support he once received.

For the Class of 1990, what began as a collective gesture to mark a milestone has become a sustained investment in the next generation. And for students like Desvin, that investment has made all the difference.