SMU has launched a scholarship which is aimed at national athletes pursuing their studies at SMU from August 2017 onwards. Named in honour of the three-time Paralympic gold-medallist, the Yip Pin Xiu Scholarship was announced on Tuesday (Dec 6) by SMU Provost and Lee Kong Chian Chair Professor of Social Sciences Professor Lily Kong, on the second day of SMU’s Leadership Symposium. Pin Xiu, a current final-year SMU Social Sciences undergraduate, was present at the launch. Prof Kong hailed Yip as "not only an ambassador for sports, but a role model and inspiration to all Singaporeans". "For these reasons, SMU has named a scholarship after Pin Xiu, to recognise her strife and personal journey, work and contribution to her sport, SMU and Singapore," she said in a statement.

Pin Xiu said in a media statement that she was "very honoured" to play a part in helping recipients reach their “full potential”. “It can help give fire to their passion for a bit longer, knowing they are not alone on this journey. Support (for athletes) is very important,” she said. SMU Dean of Students Professor Ong Siow Heng also noted that SMU has always had national athletes in its midst and believes that the scholarship will aid those looking to further their education at the school. “We are very flexible in accommodating athletes’ needs to train at the very top level and, at the same time, receive a holistic education and balance their work and exams,” he said, citing how Pin Xiu had been granted a leave of absence since December 2015 to train for Rio. “So the time is right to offer a couple of sports scholarships — for any degree in SMU — for Singaporeans.”