SMU establishes new scholarship with S$3 million gift from Mrs Margaret Chan-Lien

20 scholarships annually to enable financially challenged students to pursue transformative learning experiences through international student exchange programmes

SINGAPORE,Feb. 20, 2025/PRNewswire/ -- FromAugust 2025, more financial support will be made available toSingapore Management University(SMU) undergraduates pursuing international student exchange programmes. The University today announced the establishment of theMargaret Chan-Lien International Exchange Scholarshipprogramme, which will make available 20 new scholarships for students with financial challenges. The scholarship programme has been made possible by a generousS$3 millionendowed gift from philanthropist MrsMargaret Chan-Lien.

In celebration ofSMU's25th anniversary, this landmark contribution reinforces the University's commitment to enabling students with financial needs to broaden their worldview and deepen their global perspectives, and equipping them to thrive in an interconnected world. The opportunity will also expand their network and may open doors to new possibilities that will uplift their aspirations, future careers and families.

Commencing in Academic Year (AY) 2025/2026, the new scholarship programme will offer:

• 8 exchange scholarships annually, valued atS$5,000each, for one semester of study atSMU'spartner universities inAsia; and
• 12 exchange scholarships annually, valued atS$10,000each, for one semester of study atSMU'spartner universities outside ofAsia

The scholarship is open to allSMUundergraduates who areSingaporecitizens or Singapore Permanent Residents, with demonstrated financial needs and good academic results. It will provide financial support towards recipients'global exchange expenses, including air travel, accommodation, living expenses and/or other study-related expenses.

With this support, students from financially-challenged backgrounds can confidently embark on their overseas learning experience – one that will broaden horizons and foster international networks, as well as build character and qualities such as independence, empathy and adaptability.

In expressing her deep gratitude for the gift,SMUPresident, ProfessorLily Kong, said,"This gift is especially meaningful as we celebrateSMU's25th anniversary. It reflects the spirit of our institution, one that nurtures lifelong learners and change agents with a global mindset. On behalf of the entireSMUcommunity, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Mrs Lien for her generosity and vision. Her belief in the power of education and international experiences will leave a lasting imprint on generations of students to come. I look forward to seeing the journeys that this scholarship will make possible, the impact on our students, as well as the impact our students will create, both at home and across the world."

MrsMargaret Chan-Lien'sgenerosity is rooted in her own appreciation of global exposure and its profound impact on her personal and professional growth."I believe in the importance of global exposure, having seen firsthand the profound impact it has had on my family members. I hope this scholarship will enableSMUstudents to develop independence, resilience and adaptability, and to become culturally aware global citizens who remain deeply rooted inSingaporewith a strong sense of national pride. Every student, regardless of financial circumstances, should have the opportunity to explore the world and embrace its possibilities,"she said.

Global exposure and student exchange programmes atSMU

SMUtakes pride at being the first university inSingaporeto makeglobal exposurea graduation requirement. We aspire to have 100% of our students embark on at least one global experience, which may take the form of an international student exchange programme, international internship, overseas community service programme, study mission, summer school, and SMU-X overseas projects.

In regard tointernational student exchange programmes,SMUhas a global network of over 220 partner universities across more than 150 cities in 45 countries where students get to experience a transformative learning experience.

Student financial support atSMU

SMUpractises a'needs-blind'admission policy where no deserving student will be deprived of an education because of financial hardship. Grants, bursaries, loans and scholarships are available for students with financial needs, so that they can focus on their studies and enjoy an enriching educational journey atSMUwithout worry.

In AY2024, over$10 millionwas set aside in financial aid (including grants, bursaries, needs-based scholarships, awards and loans) to students, combining university resources as well as donor-supported schemes. This is in addition to schemes such as SMU Access which guarantees eligible students a financial assistance package equivalent to 100 per cent of tuition fees for up to four academic years, after taking into account all scholarships, bursaries and other grants. There is no limit to the number of recipients covered under SMU Access. 

InJanuary 2025,SMUannounced the refreshedSMU Access Plusscheme, which extends additional support to students from lower-income families beyond full tuition coverage. Starting AY 2025, Singaporean students with a per capita income (PCI) of$1,100or below will have their government bursary topped up by SMU Access Plus to fully cover tuition fees; and if their PCI is$750or below, they will also get an annual living allowance of$4,000. And, starting AY2026, all undergraduates with a PCI of$2,500or below will receive a$4,000global experience grant over four years, in line withSMU'scommitment to global exposure.

AboutSMU

A premier university inAsia,SMUis internationally recognised for its world-class research and distinguished teaching. Established in 2000,SMU'smission is to generate leading-edge research with global impact and to produce broad-based, creative, and entrepreneurial leaders for the knowledge-based economy.SMU'seducation is known for its highly interactive, collaborative, and project-based approach to learning.

Home to over 13,000 students across undergraduate, postgraduate professional and postgraduate research programmes,SMUcomprises eight schools: School of Accountancy, Lee Kong Chian School of Business, School of Economics, School of Computing and Information Systems,Yong Pung How Schoolof Law, School of Social Sciences, College of Integrative Studies, and College of Graduate Research Studies.SMUoffers a wide range of bachelors', masters', and PhD degree programmes in the disciplinary areas associated with its schools, as well as in multidisciplinary combinations of these areas.

SMUemphasises rigorous, high-impact, multi- and interdisciplinary research that addresses Asian issues of global relevance.SMUfaculty members collaborate with leading international researchers and universities around the world, as well as with partners in the business community and public sector.SMU'scity campus is a modern facility located in the heart of downtownSingapore, fostering strategic linkages with business, government, and the wider community.www.smu.edu.sg

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SOURCESingapore Management University(SMU)