NUS receives award for student volunteer efforts supporting families

The National University of Singapore (NUS) received the MSF Outstanding Partner Award 2026 for its work supporting lower-income families and people with disabilities in Singapore.

The university achieved this recognition by mobilizing its students, staff, and alumni to promote social inclusion. Through the GEN2070 Community Link Befrienders program, students form year-long relationships with families to help children with their studies and encourage parents to reach their goals.

This initiative is the first service-learning collaboration of its kind between the university and the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF). More than 1,100 students have contributed over 20,000 volunteer hours to the program since 2022. These students also participate in other initiatives, such as the GEN2072 Enable Inclusive Communities SG project. This newer program works with SG Enable to bring students and people with disabilities together to develop practical living skills and social participation.

The university also runs career-readiness and life-skills programs for youth at the Singapore Boys' Home and Singapore Girls' Home. The university says these models provide immediate support to families while teaching students empathy and civic responsibility. NUS plans to continue strengthening its community partnerships to provide sustained support to those in need.