Best Foot Forward sets new records in participation and fundraising
The NTU community came together in full force for this year’s annual fundraising challenge, setting new benchmarks in participation and raising over S$230,000 in support of NTU initiatives.
By Sadia Roohi
Catch highlights of the record-breaking Best Foot Forward 2025.
When NTU staff Dr Trivina Kang set out to participate in Best Foot Forward (BFF) 2025, she made a personal pledge to walk daily throughout the two-month virtual fundraising run — and asked her network to donate in support of the cause.
As Chief Strategy & Partnerships Officer at the National Institute of Education (NIE), Dr Kang led by example and inspired an entire community to rally behind a shared mission. She raised over S$22,000 and logged 235km, helping her team, teamNIE, become the top fundraising group with nearly S$52,000 raised. Dr Kang also emerged as the top individual fundraiser.
“I told my friends I’d commit to walking regularly — not an easy task for those who know me! I couldn’t be more touched by the generosity that came through,” she added.
This year’s Best Foot Forward — the fourth edition of NTU’s annual fundraiser — was a landmark success, breaking previous records in participation, distance, and donations. A total of 2,154 participants, double the number from 2024, raised over S$238,000 in support of NTU’s bursaries, alumni fund, and school development initiatives. They clocked 78,000 km in running and cycling distances collectively.
Dr Kang (centre back, with blue cap) and fellow teamNIE members at the BFF 2025 flag-off event.
“NIE is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, and BFF 2025 was the perfect opportunity to unite our community in support of the NIE Advancement Fund,” Dr Kang shared. “It was inspiring to see the camaraderie and collective spirit led by our Director, Prof Liu Woon Chia, and I’m especially proud that NIE formed the largest BFF team this year.”
Launched on 21 February 2025 with the X Campus Run — a vibrant flag-off event co-organised with the NTU Runners’ Club, and held virtually over two months, the initiative invited NTU staff, students, alumni, and friends to walk, run, or cycle for a good cause.
“The record participation and funds raised speak volumes about the NTU community’s culture of giving back. This meaningful annual tradition unites alumni, staff, students, and friends in support of our shared mission to uplift future generations. We’re deeply grateful to everyone who made this milestone possible. Together, we help to advance NTU’s pursuit of excellence in education and research,” said Ms See E’jin, NTU’s Chief Development Officer.
On the leaderboard, other than NIE which took the top spot, Nanyang Business School and School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering also raised substantial amounts for the university.
