Double Triumph: Twin Sisters Overcome Adversity to Excel at SMU with Donor-Supported Scholarships

“To the generous donors who supported me through this scholarship, I express my heartfelt gratitude. Your support has alleviated my financial burdens and empowered me to fully embrace my university experience.”

When twin sisters Gwee Suk Yin (right) and Gwee Suk Yik (left) received news of their scholarships to pursue university education at Singapore Management University (SMU), it was a moment of shared joy and relief for them and their family. Originally from Gemencheh in Malaysia, the Gwee sisters have called Singapore home for the past seven years. Now in their final year at SMU’s School of Accountancy, Suk Yin and Suk Yik are proud recipients of the KKH Scholarship and the Hiew Yoon Khong and Lee Su Chin Scholarship, respectively.

The scholarship awards marked a double celebration for the sisters. “When I found out that my sister had also received a scholarship, I felt such a deep sense of happiness and relief,” said Suk Yik, the younger of the two. “It significantly reduced the financial burden on our mother, who has been our primary source of financial support.”

Their journey to pursue a university education was not easy. Determined to alleviate their family’s financial challenges, the Gwee sisters took on part-time jobs while pursuing their studies. “To ease our mother’s financial burden, my sister and I worked hard — taking on campus jobs and tutoring to cover our tuition fees,” Suk Yik shared. “Despite our efforts, finances were always a constant worry.”

The scholarships were game changers, alleviating much of their tuition costs and giving the sisters newfound freedom to explore new opportunities. “The KKH Scholarship has given me the time and freedom to explore new experiences,” Suk Yin reflected. “I’ve actively participated in co-curricular activities and even had the chance to join an overseas study mission to Korea. This mission broadened my perspective, enhanced my skills, and helped me build lasting relationships.”

Suk Yik echoed her sister’s sentiments, “The Hiew Yoon Khong and Lee Su Chin scholarship has encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone and embrace new challenges. It allowed me the financial flexibility to pursue an overseas internship with CapitaLand in Ho Chi Minh City during the summer of 2024. This opportunity not only gave me hands-on experience as a Finance Intern but also exposed me to a new cultural and professional environment, which was incredibly enriching.” 

Beyond their academic achievements, the sisters have made significant contributions to campus life. As Director of SMU International Connections, Suk Yik organised welfare drives and academic workshops to support international students and help them integrate into the SMU community. She also participated in the Work-Study Programme, securing an internship at PwC in the Data and Analytics division.

Likewise, Suk Yin has made her mark by participating in case competitions, such as the SMU FACT-ICAEW Accounting and Business Case Challenge 2024 and the SMU Tax Case Challenge 2023. She also served on the executive committee for SMU-Truly Malaysia and played key roles in organising events like the Accounting Society’s Orientation Camp. In addition, Suk Yin gained practical experience through internships in financial accounting advisory, investment operations, and transfer pricing tax.

As they near the end of their time at SMU, the Gwee sisters reflect on their accomplishments with immense gratitude and hope to pay it forward to future students. “To the generous donors who supported me through this scholarship, I express my heartfelt gratitude,” Suk Yin said. “Your support has alleviated my financial burdens and empowered me to fully embrace my university experience.”

“This scholarship has been a tremendous source of encouragement,” Suk Yik shared. “I hope that one day, I can give back by contributing to a scholarship fund to help future SMU students facing similar circumstances access the same opportunities I’ve been fortunate to receive.”

With their resilience, hard work, and commitment to excellence, Suk Yin and Suk Yik have not only excelled in their academic journeys but also left a lasting impact on the SMU community.

Gwee Suk Yik (BAcc 2025), Hiew Yoon Khong and Lee Su Chin Scholarship Recipient and Gwee Suk Yin (BAcc 2025), KKH Scholarship Recipient