From left to right: Norashidah Binte Ramlan, Year 3 part-time BSc (Nursing Practice) student; Kate Chiang Yun Year 2 part-time BSc (Nursing Practice) student, Zhang Linping, Year 2 full-time BSc (Nursing) student.

NUS Nursing students are more than just future healthcare professionals—they are nurtured into compassionate leaders.

The Paeonia Foundation Scholarship recognises outstanding nursing students who excel academically and are deeply committed to making a meaningful impact on the community. This year, three remarkable scholars have been awarded this prestigious scholarship: Zhang Linping, Kate Chiang Yun, and Norashidah Binte Ramlan. Their journeys reflect their dedication to the nursing profession and their desire to inspire positive change.

Passion to Purpose: How these students embarked on their journey into Nursing

For Year 2 undergraduate Linping, Nursing is the “perfect blend of science and human connection.” Her fascination with human biology and her desire to make a tangible difference in people’s lives led her to pursue the Bachelor of Science in Nursing at NUS Nursing. Linping is excited to continue her studies and contribute to the community.

Kate, a full-time nurse at National University Hospital (NUH) pursuing her BSc (Nursing Practice) degree part-time, has always been driven by the goal to upskill herself and provide better patient care. “This degree empowers me to enhance the quality of care for my patients,” Kate says. A Year 2 student, her determination to continually improve both her professional skills and knowledge in the field of nursing keeps her motivated.

For Norashidah, pursuing nursing was a step towards her long-held dream of becoming a clinical instructor. “I’ve always been passionate about teaching and mentoring others,” she says. Her nursing journey is deeply intertwined with her love for research and evidence-based practice. As a third-year part-time student, she views this scholarship as a symbol of growth, both personally and professionally. “Receiving this scholarship showed me that anything is possible,” she shares.

Compassionate Action: Contributions to the Community

Beyond their outstanding academic achievements, each scholar makes a difference in their passion for giving back. Linping is a strong advocate for holistic patient care, often volunteering with her classmates to visit elderly residents and assess their health and home conditions. “It’s an eye-opening experience that teaches me the importance of seeing the patient as a whole person,” Linping reflects. Through this work, she is learning to apply her nursing knowledge in real-world settings, bringing compassionate care to those who need it most.

Kate’s contributions extend beyond the classroom as well. At her hospital, she plays an active role in patient safety initiatives, particularly in her work with trauma patients. Her recent project sees her developing measures to secure chest tubes in patients, improving patient safety. “It’s fulfilling to know that our work directly impacts the quality and safety of care our patients receive,” Kate says.

Norashidah actively supports her peers at NUS Nursing by creating a sense of community and looking out for those who may be struggling. She is deeply committed as a mentor to younger nurses. “Everyone is fighting a battle we don’t know about, and sometimes, a little kindness can make all the difference,” she says.

Words of Wisdom: Any advice?

The scholars all share one message for those considering a nursing career: go for it. “Nursing will challenge you, but it will also transform you into a stronger, more capable person,” Linping encourages. Norashidah, who once doubted her own potential, adds, “You are stronger than you think. You can achieve anything, and you’ll never know until you try.”

Kate’s advice for future nursing students is simple: “If you want to upskill and make a difference, nursing is the path for you.” With the scholarship opportunities available at NUS Nursing, students are supported in their journey to becoming healthcare leaders. As Norashidah puts it, “You’ll remember the people who supported you on this journey, not just your grades. Trust in the process.”

If you’re eager to make a meaningful impact in healthcare and advance your nursing career, explore the many scholarship opportunities at NUS Nursing here.