Singapore, 6 February 2025 (Thursday) – From August 2025, more financial support will be made available to Singapore Management University (SMU) undergraduates pursuing international student exchange programmes. The University today announced the establishment of the Margaret Chan-Lien International Exchange Scholarship programme, which will make available 20 new scholarships for students with financial challenges. The scholarship programme has been made possible by a generous S$3 million endowed gift from philanthropist Mrs Margaret Chan-Lien.
In celebration of SMU’s 25th anniversary, this landmark contribution reinforces the University’s commitment to enabling students with financial needs to broaden their worldview and deepen their global perspectives, and equipping them to thrive in an interconnected world. The opportunity will also expand their network and may open doors to new possibilities that will uplift their aspirations, future careers and families.
Commencing in Academic Year (AY) 2025/2026, the new scholarship programme will offer:
- 8 exchange scholarships annually, valued at S$5,000 each, for one semester of study at SMU’s partner universities in Asia; and
- 12 exchange scholarships annually, valued at S$10,000 each, for one semester of study at SMU’s partner universities outside of Asia
The scholarship is open to all SMU undergraduates who are Singapore citizens or Singapore Permanent Residents, with demonstrated financial needs and good academic results. It will provide financial support towards recipients’ global exchange expenses, including air travel, accommodation, living expenses and/or other study-related expenses.
With this support, students from financially-challenged backgrounds can confidently embark on their overseas learning experience – one that will broaden horizons and foster international networks, as well as build character and qualities such as independence, empathy and adaptability.
In expressing her deep gratitude for the gift, 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.”
Mrs Margaret Chan-Lien’s generosity is rooted in her own appreciation of global exposure and its profound impact on her personal and professional growth. "I believe in the importance of global exposure, having seen firsthand the profound impact it has had on my family members. I hope this scholarship will enable SMU students to develop independence, resilience and adaptability, and to become culturally aware global citizens who remain deeply rooted in Singapore with a strong sense of national pride. Every student, regardless of financial circumstances, should have the opportunity to explore the world and embrace its possibilities," she said.
Global exposure and student exchange programmes at SMU
SMU takes pride at being the first university in Singapore to make global exposure a graduation requirement. We aspire to have 100% of our students embark on at least one global experience, which may take the form of an international student exchange programme, international internship, overseas community service programme, study mission, summer school, and SMU-X overseas projects.
In regard to international student exchange programmes, SMU has a global network of over 220 partner universities across more than 150 cities in 45 countries where students get to experience a transformative learning experience.
Student financial support at SMU
SMU practises a ‘needs-blind’ admission policy where no deserving student will be deprived of an education because of financial hardship. Grants, bursaries, loans and scholarships are available for students with financial needs, so that they can focus on their studies and enjoy an enriching educational journey at SMU without worry.
In AY2024, more than $10 million was set aside in financial aid (including grants, bursaries, needs-based scholarships, awards and loans) to students, combining university resources as well as donor-supported schemes. This is in addition to schemes such as SMU Access which guarantees eligible students a financial assistance package equivalent to 100 per cent of tuition fees for up to four academic years, after taking into account all scholarships, bursaries and other grants. There is no limit to the number of recipients covered under SMU Access.
In January 2025, SMU announced the refreshed SMU Access Plus scheme, which extends additional support to students from lower-income families beyond full tuition coverage. Starting AY 2025, Singaporean students with a per capita income (PCI) of $1,100 or below will have their government bursary topped up by SMU Access Plus to fully cover tuition fees; and if their PCI is $750 or below, they will also get an annual living allowance of $4,000. And, starting AY2026, all undergraduates with a PCI of $2,500 or below will receive a $4,000 global experience grant over four years, in line with SMU’s commitment to global exposure.
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