Giving Back, Moving Forward: A Young Father’s Gratitude

Leong Zhi Zhong (BSc IS 2016) is a proud new dad—and a grateful alumnus paying it forward. As a student at SMU, he juggled academics with the pressure of caring for himself and his basic needs. Financial aid gave him breathing room—and a shot at success. Now a young, working professional and new father, Zhi Zhong still contributes to SMU—not someday when he’s “made it big”, but now.

Describe your adorable daughter Claire in 3 words.

Zhi Zhong: Curious, cheeky and adaptable - like a little explorer who’s always eager to be part of the action, keeping us joyfully on our toes. Parenting is never easy, but it’s absolutely worth every moment. I would like to take this opportunity to wish all the fathers out there a very Happy Father’s Day!

With a growing family, why is giving back to SMU still something you choose to prioritise? 

Zhi Zhong: As I reflect on my journey, I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of others. I’ve been fortunate to receive help in many forms, both big and small, and well beyond just financial aid. 

These acts of kindness have shaped my perspective and inspired me to give back wherever I can. That’s why I make it a priority, even when life gets busy. 

It often requires intention and planning, whether in terms of time, energy or budget. Without that, it can easily fall through the cracks, especially with the demands of parenthood and daily life. 

Now that I’m a father, I often think about the kind of person my daughter will become. Encouraging her to develop strong values and a deep sense of awareness is important to me, and I believe one of the best ways to guide her is by being a role model she can look up to. 

Looking back, how has your SMU journey shaped who you are today, personally and professionally? 

Zhi Zhong: SMU provided a safe and supportive environment filled with countless opportunities to step out of my comfort zone, try new things, and develop a broad set of skills, including communication, critical thinking, collaboration and leadership. 

Balancing a rigorous curriculum with extracurricular activities as part of the vibrant student life was challenging, but it taught me to manage my time and energy effectively - an essential skill that continues to serve me well as I juggle multiple priorities in this stage of life. 

Most of all, I learned a great deal from the community of like-minded individuals who were always striving to grow. They constantly offered fresh perspectives and inspired me to keep improving. Many of us still keep in touch today, supporting one another as we navigate and grow through new chapters of life. 

You made your first gift in 2016 as a graduating student, and you’ve continued to give since then. What drives your commitment to supporting SMU?    

Zhi Zhong: I will never forget how difficult it was as a student experiencing financial hardship. Beyond worrying about my school fees, I had no monthly allowance and had to find ways to support myself while focusing on my studies and ensuring that other aspects of my life, like my health, weren’t compromised. 

I’ve learned the hard way that when your family’s finances are underwater, the impact is far-reaching. You have to work hard to set things right for your family, and even harder to ensure that your future family never faces the same struggles. 

I was fortunate to receive financial support, which eased my burdens and allowed me to focus on doing well academically and making the most of university life - both can be key foundations for future success. 

I give back because I know many students from similar backgrounds may not be able to reach their full potential without that same support.