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SINGAPORE: Employees of Nanyang Technological University (NTU) have donated more than 20,000 days of unused leave for student aid and donations, the university said on Monday (November 23).
The 20,145 collective days of annual leave are worth S $ 10.25 million, NTU said in its press release.
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Donations were made by 1,821 faculty and staff, with each employee contributing an average of 11 days. The largest donation was 15 days of leave.
NTU said the giving exercise was a new initiative that allowed employees to dedicate their unused leave “to a good cause.”
“As part of the engagement exercise, all NTU employees were given the option to voluntarily redeem the value of their unused earned annual leave, at each individual’s salary rates, for donation to an NTU fund of their choice. “added the university.
On average, NTU employees are granted between 21 and 42 days of annual leave, depending on their employment plan and length of service.
Another round of the optional license donation exercise will take place in October next year.
NTU Senior Vice President (Administration) Tan Aik Na said the donations showed how committed the university community was to the success and well-being of its students.
“Everyone has been affected by COVID-19, but some have been more affected than others. Some of our students’ parents have lost their jobs or their income has been reduced.
“So it is doubly important during the pandemic for us to rally our support … to help these students,” Ms. Tan said.
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Dr. Babu Narayanswamy, who gave 14 of his leave days in cash value, said he planned to donate again next year.
“I consider myself one of the lucky ones to have a job that has not been negatively affected by the coronavirus pandemic,” said the materials scientist and director of the Nanyang Water and Environment Research Institute.
“While the government has been doing everything it can, I think this is the time for those of us who can, contribute and help in any way possible,” said Dr. Babu.
Earlier this year, NTU launched a S $ 2 million fund to support students affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Eligible students can receive an interest-free advance of up to S $ 1,500 that must be repaid to the university within two years of graduation.
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