Singapore, 29 January 2020 (Wednesday) – Singapore Management University (SMU) is proud to announce that alumnus Jeff Tung is one of 25 business school graduates honoured by AACSB International (AACSB) as the 2020 Class of Influential Leaders.  The annual award by AACSB - the world’s largest business education alliance - recognises notable alumni from AACSB-accredited schools whose inspiring work serves as a model for the next generation of business leaders.  It also lauds the business schools for their work in developing exceptional leaders and industry innovators.

As the only honoree from Singapore and one of six from Asia Pacific, Jeff Tung, who graduated from SMU’s Lee Kong Chian School of Business (LKCSB) in 2013, joins a notable group of 25 outstanding individuals in 13 countries who personify the role as a visionary figure or change agent, and who demonstrate positive impact on society.  Jeff is the third SMU alumnus to receive this accolade.  In 2015, Kaushal Dugar from SMU LKCSB class of 2006 was the first from a Singapore university to be named AACSB’s Influential Leader; in 2018, SMU School of Accountancy alumna Shereen Williams from the class of 2005 was also lauded.

Professor Gerard George, Dean of SMU LKCSB and Professor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, said, "We are very proud of Jeff Tung’s contributions and what he has achieved so far.  It is heartening to see our alumni do well, particularly when they make a meaningful impact in society.  SMU shapes individuals into entrepreneurs and leaders who not only excel in their careers but also pursue their passion and make a difference in society.”

Tom Robinson, AACSB president and CEO, said, “SMU Lee Kong Chian School of Business prepares its graduates to lead with enthusiasm and dedication and Jeff Tung’s inspirational achievements are to be celebrated. Jeff has blended his business education with passion and purpose, and AACSB is delighted to recognise him among the 2020 Class of Influential Leaders.”

About Jeff Tung

Jeff graduated from the Bachelor of Business Management programme at SMU LKCSB in 2013.  Throughout his four years of study at SMU, he was a member of student-managed community service club, Caretalyst, and served as a Director when he was in his second year of study.  His entrepreneurial qualities began to show when he and some seniors pitched to run an F&B café on campus called ‘Colours’.  In his senior years, while on an international exchange programme in Shanghai, he spotted the tremendous business opportunity there and wasted no time in starting Sheng Ye Capital.  The company is today one of the largest foreign-owned enterprises in supply chain financing in China, establishing subsidiaries in other parts of China.

Jeff is currently the Executive Director and Chairman of Board at Sheng Ye Capital.  He is responsible for overall strategic planning, business development and operational management.  Sheng Ye Capital Limited is listed on the Mainboard of Hong Kong Stock Exchange with a market capitalisation of over USD 800 million in 2019.  In 2018, Sheng Ye Capital Limited was selected as a constituent of MSCI (Morgan Stanley Capital International) China All Shares Small Cap Index.

Outside of the for-profit sector, Jeff dedicates a significant amount of his time to making a positive impact in the broader society.  He has served as the Honorary Director of Raleigh China, a non-governmental organisation that provides opportunities for youths in China to explore the world, including exposure to challenges in environmental protection, community development and wilderness exploration.  He has served also as Vice President of the Handpicked Love Foundation within the China Charity Federation, which provides humanitarian relief and charitable health care services in many parts of China.  He is also Director of Lok Sin Tong, a charity organisation founded in the 18th century, and a Sponsor Manager of Lok Sin Tong Leung Kau Kui College, a coeducational secondary school in Hong Kong, China.

Grateful for the opportunities he received as an undergraduate with SMU, Jeff continues to be actively involved with the University and LKCSB even after graduation.  In 2015, Jeff, together with fellow alumnus Benjamin Twoon, made a S$1 million donation to the University.  Today, the gift continues to fund the P.A.K. Entrepreneurship Fund; the annual entrepreneurship competition - P.A.K. Challenge - that rewards a seed fund for promising entrepreneurial business plans; as well as activities of student entrepreneurship club, Eagles Inc.  He also sits on the Enterprise Board of the SMU’s Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship and SMU’s International Advisory Council (China).  These efforts not only serve to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit among his juniors but also support the growth of a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem in SMU.  More importantly, Jeff’s contribution and active participation as an alumnus has inspired other alumni to do the same.

Now in its fifth year, the Influential Leaders challenge has recognised more than 200 business school graduates for creating lasting impact in business and society.  All honorees have earned an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral degree from one of the more than 850 AACSB-accredited business schools worldwide.

Enclosures:
•    For more information on the Influential Leaders challenge, and to view a full list of honorees, visit aacsb.edu/influential-leaders
•    To read AACSB’s press release, visit https://www.aacsb.edu/newsroom/2020/1/aacsb-announces-2020-class-of-influential-leaders

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