Dr Tahir’s gift of $2 million to benefit needy SMU students

Dr Tahir’s generosity, decisiveness and foresight were amply demonstrated at the signing ceremony and appreciation event for the establishment of the $1 million Tahir Indonesian Scholarship on 18 August 2014.

At the end of the event, SMU was pleasantly surprised when Dr Tahir announced that he would be contributing another $1 million to set up another scholarship, this time for Singaporean students studying at SMU. Details of the scholarship are currently under discussion.

During the ceremony, Dr Tahir, Founder of Indonesia’s Mayapada Group, and SMU President Professor Arnoud De Meyer signed an agreement for the establishment of Tahir Indonesian Scholarship for undergraduates of Indonesian nationality to pursue any full-time degree programme at SMU.

One Scholarship, worth $60,000 and valid for four years, will be disbursed annually and in perpetuity, commencing in Academic Year 2014/2015. It is to be used for the recipients’ school fees and other study-related expenses.

Recipients of the Scholarship should have good academic results, demonstrated leadership skills and character, as well as active co-curricular activities and community service involvement. Special consideration will be given to candidates who demonstrated financial need.

Ms Ratna Sari Dessy, a first year student at the SMU School of Accountancy, is the inaugural recipient of the Tahir Indonesian Scholarship.

Dr Tahir started from humble beginnings. Through sheer hard work, pure passion and an entrepreneurial spirit, he is today a prominent businessman and philanthropist, helming one of Indonesia’s largest conglomerates, the Mayapada Group, which has businesses in financial services, healthcare, tourism, retail, media and aviation.

A firm believer in education, Dr Tahir views his contribution to education as a worthy cause as it means supporting and investing in the long term development of societies, helping to build intellectual capital and nurturing the most precious of resources – human talent.

Commenting on the Tahir Indonesian Scholarship, Dr Tahir said, “I have been impressed with SMU’s development over the years and it has proven itself to be different from many other universities that I know of. SMU’s industry-relevant curriculum, its highly interactive pedagogy, its emphasis on giving back to society where all students have to complete 80 hours of community service and take a class in Ethics and Social Responsibility, the global exposure and internship opportunities that it offers its students, all these resonate with my personal beliefs and what I feel an excellent university should possess.

“I hope that this Scholarship will not only benefit Indonesian students studying at SMU, but also serve to further enhance the good relations and understanding between the people of Indonesia and Singapore.”

[Photo: SMU Student Club Komunitas Indonesia presented a dance piece titled Saman. Saman is a traditional Indonesian dance requiring intricacy and synchronization between the dancers. These intense and powerful movements are performed to celebrate important occasions.]

Expressing his appreciation to Dr Tahir’s contribution, SMU President Professor Arnoud De Meyer said, “We are very glad that Dr Tahir shares SMU’s vision and mission. The generosity of donors like Dr Tahir has contributed much to the growth and development of SMU. We are encouraged that Dr Tahir shares the same belief in the difference the SMU pedagogy brings to tertiary education and our unique approach in grooming students who are confident, dynamic and socially conscious young individuals.”

Ms Dessy, who came to Singapore from Batam for her studies, was enrolled in the Scholars Development Programme at Jurong Junior College. In her appreciation remarks, Ms Dessy said, “Attending SMU has been my preference because of its well-known and unique pedagogy and its wide network of external partners from various industries. We are encouraged to speak up and share our thoughts through active participation in class, so that we become confident and ready to face the world. SMU also offers many opportunities for students to gain global exposure. We can gain new perspectives through many overseas programmes such as international exchange programmes, summer programmes, internships or even a global community service project.

“This scholarship is indeed a huge relief for my family, making it possible for me to receive an education at SMU. I would like to thank Dr Tahir for giving me the opportunity and freedom to pursue my dreams at SMU. You have made a difference to my life, and I aspire to one day also make a difference to the lives of others as well.”

[Featured photo: Dr Tahir (left), and SMU President Prof Arnoud De Meyer (right), with Ms Ratna Sari Dessy (centre), the inaugural recipient of the Tahir Indonesian Scholarship. Ms Dessy is a first year student at the SMU School of Accountancy.]