Empowering Students for Life Beyond the Classroom
Students these days! Yes - they may seem less ‘practical’ than before, less money-minded. But that’s because they’re defining themselves through skills and opportunities beyond the classroom, and at the same time, making a positive social impact. That’s why SMU is the best place for them to further their dreams. It is the reason why we should support them if they don’t have the financial means to do so, opines alumna Cindy Leong (BSocSc, 2011).
The entrepreneur and founder of The Enneagram Academy is paying forward her impactful time at SMU with a generous donation of S$300,000 to establish an endowed scholarship to assist full-time eligible SMU undergraduates in financial need, in perpetuity.
“My time at SMU -- collaborating, networking, managing a busy schedule, presenting requests and making proposals, sometimes to a C-suite level – really prepared me for life beyond the classroom; to be workplace-ready. I didn’t feel it was hard to integrate into working life at all,” she said.
“If SMU alumni remember the impact of their SMU journey, they should empower the next generation. Give back so that students can aspire to greater heights of excellence – to new skills and opportunities - without worrying about their finances.”
Peer influence played a positive role in her decision. “Ten years ago, I saw my peers -- that they could make these gifts that made a difference. I admired them, and it got me thinking that maybe one day I could do this too, though I had just started my business at the time.”
“This year, it’s my 10th year of entrepreneurship, and our company’s 10th anniversary. I’m pleased that I’ve done what I told myself all those years ago!”
“SMU transformed who I was as a student, and the Enneagram programme has very much developed my sense of who I am. I’m happy to empower generations of bright students who lack financial opportunities, so that they can reach for their dreams and accomplish their goals in life.”
Cindy hopes that recipients of this scholarship will pay it forward and one day impact their own juniors.
“If SMU alumni remember the impact of their journey, they should empower the next generation. Give back so that so that students can aspire the greater heights of excellence.”
Cindy Leong (BSocSci, 2011)
