Educational Advocate and Philanthropist Dr Lillyn Teh Contributes S$15 Million to Singapore Management University to Build Enduring Pipeline of Tech–Business Leaders
Educational advocate and philanthropist Dr Lillyn Teh has contributed an additional S$15 million to Singapore Management University (SMU) to strengthen the development of future-ready talent at the intersection of technology and business. Her latest gift builds on her earlier contributions since 2024 and extends support to both undergraduate students and professional postgraduate learners.
The gift will establish the Lillyn Teh Frontier Endeavour Scholarship — SMU’s highest endowed merit scholarship for postgraduate learners — and expand the existing Lillyn Teh Endeavour Scholarship for undergraduates. Together, the scholarships will support 12 students annually in perpetuity, creating a sustained pipeline of talent equipped to navigate increasingly complex, technology-driven industries.
To address the growing need for leaders who can bridge disciplines, the scholarships will support students specialising across both technology and business domains. By equipping scholars with interdisciplinary expertise, the initiative aims to nurture a pipeline of talent who will go on to shape solutions to complex challenges, transform industries, and contribute meaningfully to society.
One beneficiary of Dr Teh’s support is Mr Lee Lin Wang, a second-year student in the Bachelor of Science (Information Systems) programme. As a recipient of the Lillyn Teh Endeavour Scholarship, he has been able to pursue his studies, prestigious internships and international business case competitions freely — demonstrating the transformative impact of accessible, targeted educational support. Another beneficiary is Ms Yeow Xuen Lynn, who has been able to dedicate her energy into doing well in her studies, while pursuing her interests in the SMU Business Intelligence & Analytics Club and volunteering with the Over-The-Rainbow since receiving the scholarship. More information is available in Annex A.
Rooted in the belief in the importance of nurturing talent, the scholarships go beyond recognition of merit to cultivate a community of future leaders. Recipients will benefit from opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and interdisciplinary exchange across undergraduate and postgraduate cohorts. Over time, this ecosystem will strengthen the development of leaders who can translate knowledge into real-world impact.
The inclusion of postgraduate scholarships further supports the advancement of lifelong learning, enabling working professionals and aspiring leaders to deepen their expertise and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global economy.
Dr Lillyn Teh said, "We are living in a period of rapid and profound technological transformation. Business leaders must understand not just markets and strategy, but also the technologies that drive innovation. The future will belong to those who can bridge both worlds. By supporting students in these fields today, we are enabling the next generation not just to participate in the future — but to lead it. I believe SMU is uniquely positioned to do this well and to become the premier university of choice for students who aspire to lead at the intersection of business and technology — a place where future founders, innovators, and leaders are shaped not only to adapt to change, but to create it."
Professor Lily Kong, President of SMU, said: “Dr Teh demonstrates what impact truly means — not only transforming individual lives, but laying the groundwork for an ecosystem that will amplify the potential of generations to come. On behalf of the SMU community, I extend our deepest gratitude to Dr Teh for this extraordinary and enduring partnership. Her generosity, vision, and steadfast belief in SMU continue to inspire all of us to build for better, together.”
