21 November 2007

About Chew Hua Seng Bursary
In 2005, Mr Chew Hua Seng, Chairman of Raffles Education Corporation, Singapore made a personal donation to establish the “Chew Hua Seng Bursary Grant”. This bursary grant is given to support to Donghua University’s educational and continued development, particularly at offering study awards to needy students who have shown outstanding academic performance. These awards are aimed at providing monetary assistance, as well as the opportunity, for the identified individuals to develop their fullest potential towards the successful completion of their studies at the University.

Dear Chairman Chew Hua Seng, leaders, teachers and students
Good afternoon, everybody. I’m Tan Xiao Qin, from the Management Department. Today, I am very glad to give a speech on behalf of all students awarded the Chew Hua Seng Bursary. Although the students here and I have had different life experiences, despite being from poor families, we all have one common point, that is, we are now receiving help and love from our country, society, and school. Today, I am very fortunate to receive this bursary from the Chew Hua Seng Bursary. We now know that we are not alone in our lives. Here I must say a sincere ‘thank you’ to all the people who have helped me and the other students in this room.
I come from a poor village in Henan and there are five people in our family - my parents, elder brother and younger brother. Several years ago, our old farm house was too depleted to live in and we had to borrow money to build a new one. However, we ended up with more than 10,000 RMB loans. My mother has been in poor health and my elder brother received little education. During their spare time, my father and my elder brother had take up additional work so that they can earn extra money to provide an education for me.

Just this year there has been several incidents which put my family in extreme difficulties - my grandma’s legs became paralyzed, then another of my grandma who is old had a stroke and went to the hospital. After that, my elder brother had a traffic accident. Despite having an operation, he is still unable to walk. Not long ago, my grandma was diagnosed with cancer. My whole family went all out to borrow money for her, but we were unable to save her life. The high medical costs plunged my family into heavy debt. My tuition fee for university became unaffordable. At that most helpless moment, it was my school, the country’s education loan and the Chew Hua Seng Bursary that came to my aide to solve my biggest problem. I want to give my gratitude to my country, Mr. Chew Hua Seng and my school. I feel great warmth through these, and I have greater encouragement to face the challenges of life and fulfill my dreams. Meanwhile, I also want to give my gratitude to my family members for their endless support and love.

My gratitude is not merely just talk as I will transform my heartfelt thanks into motivation. I will make great efforts to work hard so as to make contribution to our society and country, and extend my love to more people.

My fellow students, we may not have a privileged family background, but we can create our own bright future. Poverty should not become an obstacle in our way ahead, but a kind of inner strength that drives us to move forward. Where there is a will there is a way. As long as we do not give up on ourselves, no one will give up on us. As long as we do not bow to difficulties, a promising life will smile on us in the future. Let us strive to create our own beautiful life with determination and a loving heart. Again, please allow me to express my sincere thanks to Chairmen Chew Hua Seng.