A Ripple Effect: Muhammad Syazan Pays It Forward

“I hope donors do not underestimate the impact that their contributions have on students like me. It reminds us that there will always be a community rallying behind us to get the best opportunities possible.” 

Motivated by a close friend’s experience with online toxicity, Muhammad Syazan Bin Saad, a rising fourth-year law undergraduate at SMU, co-founded Project Get Flamed! to build a more positive and inclusive gaming community.  He soon discovered that her experience was far from isolated, as more friends came forward with similar accounts.  

The impact that Syazan has created within this community is deeply rooted in the support he himself has received. As a recipient of the Yong Pung How School of Law Bursary and the GIC Sparks & Smiles Grant, Syazan  credits his benefactors for empowering him to give back. “[They] allowed me to pursue my passion beyond school, such as kickstarting community service projects for causes that are close to my heart.” he shared. 

Another initiative Syazan is involved in is the SMU Civil Defence Lionhearter Chapter, where he started the Triangle of Life Project. Its goal is to build a base of young Community First Responders by equipping children with basic lifesaving skills.   

In recognition of his commitment to community service, Syazan received the Pilot Pen Community Champion Award, which honours students who have made outstanding contributions and shown dedication to the wider community.   

As part of his work with Project Get Flamed!, Syazan connects with the gaming community on the ground through workshops and community programmes. These spark honest conversations about players’ gaming journeys and empower game changers in their midst. “These community initiatives give me a sense of purpose, and a reason to grow. I’m glad that I can respond to the needs of the community, empower others and at the core of it all, help people feel heard and valued.” 

Now in his final year at SMU, Syazan feels he has found his footing, thanks to the financial aid he has received from generous donors along the way. “Education to me means opportunities. The bursaries have enabled me to pursue a university degree, and they have motivated me to learn as much as I can to open more doors and to grow as a person.” he shared.  

To his donors, Syazan expresses his heartfelt gratitude. Without their support, he believes his opportunities in life would have been limited. “Thank you for providing me with the chance to grow and access opportunities that would not have been possible without your contribution.”   

He also hopes that donors do not underestimate the impact that their contributions have on students like him. “Beyond financial aid, it’s a rally of support for youths to become better leaders of tomorrow.” Having received donor-supported aid, Syazan now has a greater appreciation for how philanthropy can inspire and validate a student’s effort and achievements. “It reminds students that there will always be a community rallying behind us to get the best opportunities possible.” 

Doing his own part to uplift others, Syazan recalled a moment that touched him deeply and kept him committed to the cause. “A young child surprised me with a hug and a ‘thank you’ at the end of our volunteering session. It was a particularly tiring week with assignments and other commitments, and that small gesture made me shed a tear.” He explained that a lot of effort went into planning behind the scenes. “It made me feel that it was all worth it, knowing the children had truly enjoyed themselves the past weeks we spent together.” 

As he enters his final year at SMU, Syazan remains dedicated to paying it forward and creating a bigger ripple effect. “Ultimately, what drives me to continue working in these areas is knowing how every little action can make someone else’s life a little easier. We often underestimate the magnitude of a simple act of kindness, and I hope to spread even more kindness to those around us and in our community.”    

Muhammad Syazan Bin Saad (LLB 2026), Yong Pung How School of Law Bursary, GIC Sparks & Smiles Grant and Pilot Pen Community Champion Award Recipient