Purpose-led giving by Dr Lillyn Teh: Second Gift of S$2 Million Follows Initial Gift of S$3.14 Million Gift to SMU

Provides 25 Additional Study Awards and Bolsters International Exposure for 250 Students

SINGAPORE,Feb. 21, 2025/PRNewswire/ --Singapore Management University(SMU) is proud to announce an additionalS$2 milliongift from DrLillyn Teh—hersecond major contribution following her initialS$3.14 milliongift inApril 2024. Her new gift is a timely boost forSMUin oursilver jubilee year, expanding theLillyn Teh Endeavour Study Awardand launching theLillyn Teh Global Endeavour Grant, reinforcingSMU'scommitment to breaking financial barriers and enriching student experiences.

Building on her first gift in 2024 — which provides eight non-bonded Study Awards per academic year over five consecutive years (AY2024/2025 to AY2028/2029) —this new gift adds 25 additional non-bonded Study Awards to be disbursed in AY2025/26. Each is valued atS$40,000(S$10,000annually over four academic years) to support tuition and study-related expenses.

In addition, 250 students will benefit from aS$4,000Lillyn Teh Global Endeavour Grant each, allowing them to participate in overseas exposure activities such as international exchange programmes, short-term study programmes, or global internships. The gift expandsSMUstudents'opportunities for global exposure and enriches their learning experience inAsiaand beyond.

A Commitment to Global Exposure

AsSingapore'sfirst university to makeglobal exposuremandatory as a degree requirement,SMUboasts a network of over 220 partner universities in more than 150 cities across 45 countries. This initiative ensures every student participates in an international experience—be it through exchanges, summer schools, overseas internships, or community service projects.

Strengthening Financial Support for All

SMU'sneeds-blind admissions policy ensures that financial constraints never stand in the way of talent and student development. In AY2024, overS$10 millionwas allocated to financial aid programmes, while the refreshedSMU Access Plusscheme now covers full tuition and, for the lowest-income students, provides an annual living allowance.

A Legacy of Giving Back

DrLillyn Tehwas an educator and taught at two American universities before joining the private sector, where she managed one of the largest US pension funds and was responsible forUS$60 billionin global equities. Now happily retired, she attributes her personal success to the strong support and encouragement she received from her parents and is deeply committed to enabling young individuals to reach their full potential.

"Education is the foundation for success and a means to bridge socio-economic gaps. By empowering students with financial support and global exposure, I hope to help shape future leaders who are adaptable, creative, and ready to tackle new challenges,"said Dr Teh.

StrengtheningSMU'sCommitment to Student Success

SMUPresident, ProfessorLily Kongexpressed gratitude for Dr Teh's generosity, stating:"Dr Teh's ongoing support for education underscores the profound impact that philanthropy can have on young lives. Her gifts will provide invaluable opportunities for students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to excel in their studies and gain international experience. Her continued philanthropy reinforcesSMU'smission to nurture leaders who are both locally grounded and globally competitive. This is an investment in our collective future."

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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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