The Low Tuck Kwong Foundation donated S$101 million to the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP), National University of Singapore (NUS), on 22nd February 2023, to establish the Low Tuck Kwong Foundation Advance Asia Leadership Fund and the Low Tuck Kwong Foundation Scholarship

On 22nd February 2023, the Low Tuck Kwong Foundation made a generous gift of S$101 million to the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP), National University of Singapore (NUS). The money will be used to create the Low Tuck Kwong Foundation Advance Asia Leadership Fund and the Low Tuck Kwong Foundation Scholarship, both of which will help the next generation of Asian leaders succeed in the public sector and beyond. The Low Tuck Kwong Foundation, a private charitable organization named for businessman and philanthropist Dato’ Dr. Low Tuck Kwong, gave LKYSPP its largest donation to date. 

“We believe that students and thought leaders will gain from the bilateral learning and exchanges, share best practices, and build meaningful collaboration between Singapore, Indonesia, and the rest of Asia. It is our hope that this will lead to practical solutions to tackle issues and improve the lives of Singaporeans and our neighbors,” said Ms. Elaine Low, Chairperson of the Low Tuck Kwong Foundation and an alumna of LKYSPP who graduated with a Master in Public Policy in 2014. 

Ms Elaine Low and Professor Danny Quah, Dean and Li Ka Shing Professor in Economics at LKYSPP, signed the agreement and presented the cheque. The ceremony was attended by Dato’ Dr. Low Tuck Kwong, LKYSPP Governing Board Chairman Emeritus Senior Minister Mr Goh Chok Tong, Minister for Education Mr Chan Chun Sing, Chairman of NUS Board of Trustees Mr Hsieh Fu Hua, and NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye. 

“The Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy can contribute to peace and prosperity in Asia by shaping the next generation of public officials and raising standards of governance through pedagogy, research, sharing of experience and building of relationships. With the support of generous benefactors like the Low Tuck Kwong Foundation, the School’s ability to do so will be greatly enhanced,” said ESM Goh. 

Both the Low Tuck Kwong Foundation Advance Asia Leadership Fund and the Low Tuck Kwong Foundation Scholarship will offer scholarships to LKYSPP students from Asia beginning in the academic year 2023. The funds will support leadership programs for public officials from Asia in perpetuity. The donation will also allow LKYSPP to increase the scope of its executive education program on Singapore Futures. Teachers, student leaders, and young working professionals who participate in this program gain knowledge of future thinking and scenario planning techniques that will enable them to consider the structural elements and existential difficulties that will affect Singapore’s future in greater depth.

“The gift from the Low Tuck Kwong Foundation is inspiring, transformative, and timely. It dramatically advances our educational mission through providing scholarships to support Singaporeans and others across Asia who seek to advance their skills to better inform policy and governance practice in a complex world,” said Professor Danny Quah. “As it strengthens the School’s networks so that Singaporeans remain well-connected with the region, it also helps Singapore’s neighbours understand better how Singapore works and continues to keep the country as a global point of reference for good governance and sound public policy.” 

The signing and cheque presentation ceremony was followed by the unveiling of a plaque to mark the historic occasion. The plaque, which is situated in the LKYSPP main lobby, not only represents LKYSPP’s sincere gratitude for the kind gift from the Low Tuck Kwong Foundation but also a significant turning point for the organization. 

Sourced from Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy official site