The Class of 2004 Grant: A legacy rooted in friendship and purpose

In 2025, a new grant joins a long list of other grants and funds established to provide financial help for students: the Class of 2004 Grant.

The establishment of the Grant coincided with the 20^th anniversary reunion of the Class of 2004, held at the Bukit Timah campus in August 2024. With the intention of giving additional financial assistance to NUS Law students to relieve their study and living expenses, the Class raised the minimum target of $15,000. This fund aims to enable students to make the most of their law school experience by ensuring equal opportunity and exposure.

Here, alumni Ramesh Selvaraj and Sunil Sudheesan explain the genesis of the Grant, and how the Class shared a sense of purpose in providing a helping hand to those who need it, in the same spirit of solidarity and shared struggle(s) that defined their time at law school.

Written by Ramesh Selvaraj and Sunil Sudheesan:

“When a few of us casually floated the idea of a 20^th anniversary reunion on our WhatsApp chat group, we imagined a simple catch-up with some food and drinks, laughter and the familiar warmth of old ‘kakis’. What unfolded went far beyond that. What started as an idea of a reunion evolved, quite naturally, into a collective expression of gratitude and giving—the establishment of the Class of 2004 Grant.

The idea emerged organically, over chat and conversation. Once the thought of doing ‘something more’ came up, it quickly gained momentum. There was no need for elaborate campaigns or hard sells. Ours is a batch that has remained tightly knit over the years. The WhatsApp chat group that several of us are on has never gone quiet. Word spread through the chat and beyond, and our batchmates stepped up. With minimal fuss, and a shared sense of purpose, we were able to raise the funds needed to set up the grant.

There weren’t major hurdles to speak of in this regard. What stood out, instead, was how instinctively everyone rallied. The mood was simple: ‘Let’s do this’. Perhaps it was a recognition that we have each walked our own and different paths since law school, some smooth, some not, and it felt timely and right to make sure that those following in our footsteps have one more avenue of support. They should know that they will never walk alone and that we will all always be marching on together.

The Class of 2004 Grant is not meant to be monumental. But it means something to us. It is our way of giving back. It is a quiet, meaningful gesture to pay it forward. Bearing our name, it reflects our bond as a batch, our time together, and our commitment to the future. We hope that it serves as one more helping hand to those who need it, in the same spirit of solidarity and shared struggle(s) that defined our time at law school.

This experience has reminded us that giving back doesn’t have to be grand or complicated. Sometimes, all it takes is a conversation among friends as was the case here, friends who have stayed connected, who care, and who want to make a difference. We hope the Class of 2004 Grant inspires other batches to consider similar efforts. Law school has shaped us in many ways. Staying engaged and giving back is one way we stay part of that journey.

As we mark twenty years—twenty-one to be precise, at the time of writing this—we are beyond grateful. Not just for where we are today, but for one another. And for the chance to leave behind something that will outlive our own time here.”