SINGAPORE - Ngee Ann Kongsi philantrophic foundation made its annual donation to Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) on Wednesday. The figure amounts to $7.97 million this year.

Up to $2 million of this sum will go towards an education fund, which supports local and overseas student development programmes, as well as student aid grants for more than 4,000 needy students.

The remaining amount will offset an annual grant given by the Ministry of Education to NP, and fund the polytechnic's shuttle bus services.

"These initiatives ensure that all deserving students are able to access the many developmental opportunities in the polytechnic for a holistic education," said Mr Goh Kim Hock, chairman of education for scholarships and bursaries at Ngee Ann Kongsi.

Since 2006, Ngee Ann Kongsi has donated 25 per cent of its annual income to the polytechnic, which it set up in 1963 and managed for five years before NP became a public institution.

One of those who has benefitted from the donations is 19-year-old Tan Kit Yee, who went on a student development programme last year that involved clearing tables at food centres, distributing bread to low-income families and interviewing foreign workers.

"I've been considering a future career in social entrepreneurship or community service-related work, and this challenge gave me exposure to the needs of others," said the final year student, who is studying international business.

Minister of State for Education and Communications and Information Sim Ann was the guest-of-honour at the cheque presentation ceremony on Wednesday.