“I was just an average kid, and I didn’t think I’d excel. However, when I saw other driven individuals, I wanted to push myself,” Winston Wu admits. He himself was driven to achieve the prestigious status of valedictorian. He realised this goal in 2011 and it transformed his life, enriching it in many ways. He acknowledges his heartfelt gratitude to the Lee Kong Chian Scholars' Programme for his accomplishments.

The Lee Foundation’s gift, in his opinion, is one which provides students with the opportunity for education. He was given several opportunities to be exposed to both the local and international corporate environment where he was constantly challenged to push the boundaries and think out of the box. Attending overseas trips helped him to broaden his views of the world and pitch himself against top minds.

Grateful for this gift, he has found ways to repay the kindness that has uplifted him in different ways. With his passion to see others succeed, he has given his time and energy to guide the junior students, a demanding task given that time is tight in fast- paced Singapore. As their mentor, he has imparted techniques, given ideas and provided advice to prepare the younger students for the future if they want to join the industry. He feels he is giving back to society, not in big grand gestures, but in small but significant ways.

Winston emulates Dr Lee Kong Chian’s philanthropic gestures and feels it is an honour to be associated with such a key figure of our society. He aspires to be like him one day. For now, he will continue to help his juniors as he believes in a “Give, Take & Pass It On” philosophy.

Winston is now a successful investment banker in the Corporate Finance Department at UBS Investment Bank.