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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Bolstering opportunities: S$4 million contributed to SMU to empower Filipino students

Bolstering opportunities: S$4 million contributed to SMU to empower Filipino students

Published Feb 29, 2024 10:37 am

Filipino students are set to benefit greatly from a generous contribution of S$4 million gifted to Singapore Management University (SMU).

SMU.jpeg
(Courtesy of SMU) 

This significant amount, presented by the Philippine community, marks the largest collective donation received by SMU from overseas donors thus far.

The said contribution came from a group of distinguished industry leaders and the corporate community in the Philippines in support of outstanding Filipino students who wish to pursue their higher education at SMU.

The fundraising effort towards the SMU Philippine Community Fund was initiated by Ayala Corporation Chairman and SMU International Advisory Council (IAC) Philippines Chair Jaime Augusto Zóbel de Ayala who served as a member of the SMU Board of Trustees from 2010 to January 2024.

Under his leadership, members of the SMU IAC Philippines and various Philippine conglomerates, foundations, and individuals came together to champion the educational aspirations of outstanding Filipino students.

The contributors behind this remarkable gift include prominent entities such as Bank of the Philippine Islands, Filinvest International Pte Ltd, First Philippine Holdings Corporation, Globe Telecom, Inc., Gokongwei Brothers Foundation, ICTSI Foundation, Inc., Jollibee Group Foundation, Megaworld Corporation, as well as individuals like Mrs. Maria Victoria Cuisia and Mrs. Teresita Sy-Coson, along with the SMU Philippines Alumni Chapter & Friends.

This endeavor aims to advance education and stimulate industry growth by offering international undergraduate, postgraduate, and exchange scholarships to outstanding Filipino students.

Innovation internship grants will also be open for application by all SMU undergraduates.

Commencing in Academic Year 2024/2025, the scholarships will provide each undergraduate and postgraduate recipient with S$20,000 per year.

Exchange and internship students will receive S$5,000 each, per year.

The fund will benefit up to 11 students annually and will last in perpetuity.

This contribution also unlocks a broad range of opportunities for learning and development, fostering the cultivation of future leaders and innovators. 


Its potential positive influence extends beyond the deserving Filipino students to elevate their families and the broader community.

Zobel de Ayala said that it is an “honor” for the International Advisory Council of the Philippines to kickstart the SMU Philippine Fund.

“We hope that this will catalyze tremendous growth and impact for Filipinos who wish to study in one of the region’s leading higher education institutions,” he added.

Meanwhile, SMU President Professor Lily Kong said that aligned with SMU Vision 2025’s strategic priority of Growth in Asia, this partnership will “contribute” to the region’s development and enhance the university’s international standing.

“As we commemorate 55 years of bilateral relations between Singapore and the Philippines this year, I am confident that this collaboration will leave a lasting and positive impact on both countries, and I look forward to further engagements with industry leaders in the Philippines,” she said.

SMU, a premier university in Asia, is internationally recognized for its world-class research and distinguished teaching.

Established in 2000, SMU’s mission is to “generate leading-edge research with global impact and to produce broad-based, creative and entrepreneurial leaders for the knowledge-based economy.”

SMU’s education is known for its “highly interactive, collaborative and project-based approach to learning.”
 

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