Advancing social mobility and innovation in SMU with a S$3.85m gift
In a gesture rooted in their own history, Mr Jay Ng and Mrs Marilyn Ng have celebrated their silver wedding by pledging S$3.85 million to SMU.
The generous gift reflects their belief that financial hardship should never block the path of talent and is inspired by their own experiences in navigating their own university journeys on modest means.
Aligned with SMU’s refreshed vision to drive innovations, transcend boundaries, and transform lives, the donation will support initiatives that strengthen social mobility, nurture entrepreneurs, and broaden opportunities for young people in Singapore and beyond.
A centrepiece of the gift is the renaming of the Greenhouse at SMU Connexion as the Jay and Marilyn Ng Greenhouse: Hub for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
The revitalised space will serve as a collaborative hub where students, alumni, and faculty connect with global changemakers. With workshops, demo days, pitch nights, and mixers, the Greenhouse will continue to catalyse bold ideas into ventures with real-world impact, strengthening SMU’s innovation ecosystem.
Uplifting individuals and communities
Beyond innovation, the couple’s gift directly supports students and communities through education and financial empowerment:
- Jay and Marilyn Ng Study Award: Needs-based awards offered in perpetuity to two undergraduates from the Lee Kong Chian School of Business or School of Accountancy every year, ensuring that financial circumstances never stand in the way of opportunity.
- Global Innovation Immersion Awards: Funding up to 12 students each year to gain hands-on experience in global start-up ecosystems, broadening their perspectives and igniting new ideas.
- SMU Financial Literacy, Inclusion and Technology Club (FinLIT Club): Strengthening financial literacy among young adults and underserved communities, empowering them to make informed choices in saving, investing, and borrowing.
- Jay and Marilyn Ng Malaysian Scholarship: A full four-year scholarship for one outstanding Malaysian student, underscoring SMU’s commitment to regional talent development.
“Having come from humble beginnings, we know how a lack of financial resources can hold back talented individuals in achieving their dreams. We’re very grateful for the opportunities we had. We sincerely hope that our support will open doors for others, especially those from less privileged backgrounds, to pursue their dreams, and encourage our beneficiaries to correspondingly support others in the future,” the couple shared.
Empowering a more equitable Singapore
SMU President Professor Lily Kong described the gift as an example of purpose-led philanthropy with long-term impact.
“Rooted in their own experiences of financial hardship and a steadfast belief in the transformative power of education, Jay and Marilyn’s gift reflects their heartfelt desire to uplift others, unlock opportunities, and empower future generations of changemakers.”
The contribution comes at a time when Singapore is sharpening its focus on social mobility, digital transformation, and regional engagement, which are priorities that SMU also champions through interdisciplinary learning and ASEAN impact.
By bridging personal generosity with institutional mission, the couple’s gift offers a reminder of how lived experience can be transformed into lasting change for generations to come.
