More financial support for SMU global exposure with gifts from Mrs Margaret Chan-Lien and Dr Lillyn Teh
The chance to learn abroad can be transformative – a tenet that SMU strongly advocates, making it a graduation requirement for students.
Hence, the various scholarships and study awards that have been introduced to ensure that financial circumstances do not pose a barrier to its student community.
These efforts would not be possible without the continuous support of generous donors. SMU recently received two major philanthropic contributions totalling S$5 million from Mrs Margaret Chan-Lien and Dr Lillyn Teh. These gifts will establish new scholarships and study awards, ensuring that students from diverse financial backgrounds can gain that invaluable international exposure.
Annual scholarships for international exchange programmes at SMU partner universities
Starting August 2025, the newly established Margaret Chan-Lien International Exchange Scholarship will provide 20 annual scholarships for financially challenged students pursuing international exchange programmes.
Eight of these scholarships will be for one semester of study at SMU’s partner universities in Asia, while another 12 will be for one semester of study at partner universities outside Asia.
These scholarships are made possible through the S$3 million gift endowed by Mrs Margaret Chan-Lien.
“I believe every student, regardless of financial background, should have the opportunity to explore the world and embrace its possibilities. My hope is that this scholarship enables SMU students to develop cultural awareness, adaptability, and a strong sense of national pride, while building international networks,” said Mrs Lien.
Expressing her deep gratitude, SMU President Professor Lily Kong said, “This gift is especially meaningful as we celebrate SMU’s 25th anniversary. It reflects the spirit of our institution, one that nurtures lifelong learners and change agents with a global mindset.
“On behalf of the entire SMU community, 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.”
Supporting students’ endeavours in international programmes
Dr Lillyn Teh made a second major gift of S$2 million, which introduces the Lillyn Teh Global Endeavour Grant. This grant will help 250 students participate in international programmes, from exchanges to internship opportunities.
Dr Teh’s gift also expands the existing Lillyn Teh Endeavour Study Award by 25 awards to students each year to support their tuition and other study-related expenses.
A former finance and mathematics educator, Dr Teh enjoys a distinguished career in global equities, and emphasised the broader impact of global exposure:
“Education bridges socio-economic gaps and transforms lives. Through these awards, I hope to nurture future leaders who are not only academically excellent but also equipped with the international perspectives needed to navigate an evolving world.”
Prof Kong expressed her appreciation for Dr Teh’s generosity, saying, “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 reinforces SMU’s mission to nurture leaders who are both locally grounded and globally competitive. This is an investment in our collective future.”
See also:
SMU establishes new scholarship with S$3 million gift from Mrs Margaret Chan-Lien | SMU Newsroom
Purpose-led giving by Dr Lillyn Teh: Second Gift of S$2 Million Follows Initial Gift of S$3.14 Million Gift to SMU | SMU Newsroom
