• Long-time SPD donor NatSteel Holdings hands out $61,700 in bursaries to 60 students from low-income families in 2023 
• Company resumes corporate social responsibility engagements with SPD since COVID-19 and organises an outing for beneficiaries to connect with one another 

SINGAPORE, 20 June 2023 – Being able to climb up the stairs and dress oneself are some activities of daily living that many take for granted. But for 20-year-old Keith Tan who has cerebral palsy, to be able to perform these tasks independently took countless practice and a great deal of determination. Knowing the struggles that fellow persons with disabilities face all too well, the aspiring UI/UX designer strives to create an app to enable them to live more independently. 

Keith is one of the recipients of the NatSteel-SPD Education Programme Bursary Award who went on an outing to Green Up Singapore located at the Kranji Gallop Farm Resort on 19 June.  

Jointly organised by local disability charity SPD and NatSteel Holdings, the long-awaited excursion provided a platform for six caregivers and nine beneficiaries such as Keith to connect with one another.  

This year, NatSteel Holdings has disbursed $61,700 in bursaries to 60 students from primary schools right up to institutes of higher learning. They receive an annual quantum ranging from $400 to $1,100 depending on their level of study. Application for the bursary award is still open. As one of SPD’s long-time donors, NatSteel’s enduring commitment remained strong even amid the challenges posed by the pandemic. To date, the company has contributed over $1.1 million to support the NatSteel-SPD Education Programme Bursary Award since 2007. 

The impact of such long and sustained giving cannot be overstated. Over the past 16 years, NatSteel’s contributions have enabled 1,240 students with disabilities to receive quality education that propels them closer to achieving financial and social independence. Furthermore, such long-term, continuous support helps charities like SPD to ensure programme sustainability.  

Besides the bursary award, NatSteel launched the NatSteel-SPD Empowerment Award in 2019. Under this programme, a few selected bursary recipients are supported with a monetary award of $10,000 each to pursue their aspirations. Volunteers from NatSteel are also assigned to mentor these students and guide them towards their goals. 

“We are firm believers that education helps to lay a good foundation for children to have a brighter future. No one should be denied the right to chase their dreams because of difficult circumstances. We are heartened to see the many students whom we have supported in the past 16 years gaining a good education which has enhanced their prospects in life. To be able to play a part in enabling our students with disabilities to strive for their aspirations is our privilege,” said Ms Tan Man Ee, Chief Operating Officer of NatSteel Holdings.   

Keith, who is currently studying Interaction Design at Nanyang Polytechnic, has been a bursary recipient since he was in secondary two. He is also one of the NatSteel-SPD Empowerment Award recipients in 2021.  

“The NatSteel-SPD Empowerment Award has provided great learning opportunities for me. The award money has helped me to get the devices needed for my studies. I also had the opportunity to intern at NatSteel under the guidance of my mentor. It was an enriching experience that allowed me to gain valuable industry experience and insights,” said Keith. 

Raised in a single-parent household, Keith is grateful for NatSteel’s support over the past six years. “Without the bursary award, it would be financially taxing for me and my mum to deal with the course fees, transport fees and my daily allowance. I’m thankful for the support from NatSteel which has helped to relieve our financial worries.”

“NatSteel is a cherished long-time friend whose contributions have transformed the lives of many youths with disabilities and their families. Throughout our partnership, NatSteel has been a strong collaborator in efforts to empower and engage persons with disabilities, be it through volunteerism or philanthropy. Their long-term and sustained giving for over 10 years also gives SPD the confidence to continue extending such financial support to our students. We hope to see more corporates following in the footsteps of NatSteel in doing their part for the community,” said Mr Abhimanyau Pal, Chief Executive Officer, SPD.