Achieving their dreams through the Tanoto Foundation Scholarship

Achieving their dreams through the Tanoto Foundation Scholarship

Since 2001, the Tanoto Foundation has been generously supporting bright SMU students from Indonesia and China with the Tanoto Scholarship.

Founded by Mr & Mrs Sukanto Tanoto, the Tanoto Foundation’s primary aim is to alleviate poverty, through education, enhancement  and empowerment. 

28 scholars have so far benefited from  Tanoto Foundation Scholarship  scheme. The Scholarship covers the recipient’s tuitions fees and  living allowance. Tanoto Foundation  engages with the   scholars and hopes  to build and maintain strong connections through yearly networking sessions  for current and previous recipients. To bring together the Tanoto Foundation Scholars  from various  universities in Singapore with a common cause of giving back,  Tanoto Foundation Singapore initiated a yearly community project – Project Sukacita which  focuses  on improvement of the childcare centers and health screening  for the  community in Sumatra . Tanoto Foundation credits and appreciates the SMU Scholars’ leadership and drive,  Project Sukacita was kicked off  two years ago with much passion and enthusiasm.  The scholars are also encouraged to take on  internship and career opportunities with companies in  the group. 

During this year’s SMU Commencement, four graduating Tanoto Scholars had the opportunity to meet with Mr Willie Sia from the Tanoto Foundation  to express their gratitude and thoughts on being a Tanoto Scholar:

“I am so grateful to Mr and Mrs Tanoto. It is indeed a pleasure and privilege to be a Tanoto Foundation Scholar and to have Mr Willie Sia, Tanoto Foundation to join us at our Commencement! Very soon I will start working; however, if possible, I am more than happy to reunite with Tanoto Foundation for another volunteer trip this December,” expressed Yao Yichen, graduating School of Accountancy Tanoto Foundation Scholar.

“I'm really grateful to the unwavering support provided by Tanoto Foundation and the Tanoto family. Thank you for the past three years - for enabling me not only to pursue tertiary education without financial concern, but also for instilling the importance of giving back to the community,” said Inez Cahyani, graduating School of Information Systems Tanoto Foundation Scholar.

“I have been really fortunate to have Tanoto Foundation as one of the most valuable parts in my university life. Being a recipient of Tanoto Scholarship gives me not only financial support but also inspiration and confidence to keep pursuing excellence even after graduation. It still motivates me today to work hard as a young professional in the consulting industry,” shared Wang Xiao, graduating School of Information Tanoto Foundation Scholar.

“On behalf of Tanoto scholars, I would like to express my appreciation to Mr and Mrs Tanoto. My journey in SMU has been a great, yet challenging, experience, which would not have been possible without the scholarship from Tanoto Foundation. As such, I am deeply grateful for the chance to personally thank Tanoto Foundation for their support. Finance has been my passion since before I joined SMU, and I am lucky enough to be working in a major investment bank as an Equity Research analyst upon graduation. I aim to learn the most out of this experience for many years to come, while at the same time contributing back to society as much as I could. Thank you Tanoto Foundation!” said Nicholas Umar, graduating Lee Kong Chian School of Business Tanoto Foundation Scholar.