SMU has received a S$5 million gift from SMU alumni Jeff Tung (BBM 2013) and Benjamin Twoon (BBM 2013) to accelerate the development of student-founded ventures, supporting Singapore's growing startup pipeline. The impact-driven gift – SMU's largest alumni contribution to date - marks the culmination of a giving journey that began in 2015. Motivated by their transformative experience in SMU and by their desire to see some of the most successful entrepreneurs in Singapore emerge from the University, Jeff and Ben's gift will enhance the existing Passion, Adventure, Kickstart (PAK) Entrepreneurship Challenge and establish the Design Your Startup Work-Study Elective (WSE).
SMU President Professor Lily Kong said the significance of the gift lies beyond its size. She noted that Jeff and Benjamin are entrepreneurs whose journeys were profoundly shaped during their time at SMU. Having benefitted from mentorship and support themselves, they are now choosing to open doors for others who share similar aspirations. In doing so, they are nurturing a virtuous cycle — one in which alumni success creates opportunities for students, and today's beneficiaries become tomorrow's builders and benefactors.