Who We Are
At Jeffrey Cheah Foundation, the philosophy of giving to society is never an afterthought, but a steadfast commitment embedded in the very fabric of its past, present and future.
The Beginnings
The Jeffrey Cheah Foundation was founded with a resolute vision to make quality education accessible to all, continuing the legacy of the Sunway Education Trust Fund. By transforming the Trust into a not-for-profit entity, all shares were transferred to the Foundation to be held in perpetuity and never sold. This ensures that resources are continually reinvested into scholarships, research, and community programmes. Guided by the belief that education has the power to uplift lives and strengthen communities, the Foundation is deeply committed to empowering future generations through the lasting impact of education.
Education: A Lifelong Commitment to Enriching Lives
Tan Sri Sir Dr. Jeffrey Cheah KBE AO, Founder and Trustee of the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation and Founder and Chairman of Sunway Group, believes that success in the field of education means much more than university rankings and enrolment numbers.
As one of Tan Sri Sir Dr. Jeffrey Cheah KBE AO’s personal hallmarks, Sunway’s involvement in education extends far beyond the business realm. Over the years, Sunway has given generously to society through education, which it views as a vital vehicle to enrich and improve lives.
Sunway Education Trust: Ensuring Educational Advancement and Institutional Growth
The Sunway Education Trust Fund, established in March 1997, undertakes this key role on behalf of Sunway by managing and administering operating surpluses from the Sunway Education Group institutions for the benefit of students; be it through reinvestment into the institutions, expansion of faculty, or for the disbursement of scholarships and research grants.
Transitioning to JCF: A Lasting Commitment to Education
In 2010, the Sunway Education Trust Fund was converted into the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation (JCF). Tan Sri Sir Dr. Jeffrey Cheah KBE AO transferred his equity in Sunway Education Group’s (SEG) learning institutions worth several billion Ringgit today to the Foundation in perpetuity. The institutions include Sunway University, Sunway Colleges, and Sunway International Schools, amongst others.
Board of Trustees: Ensuring Neutrality in Governance
Governed by a distinguished Board of Trustees, the Foundation aims to safeguard these institutions for the purpose of providing and sustaining quality education for present and future generations of students. In line with the spirit of the Foundation, a good education at the highest level should not be denied to those deserving; and for those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds, there should be a means, through scholarships, for them to succeed.
Foundation Structure: Embracing a Social Enterprise Model
This unique structure is a first-of-its-kind in Malaysia for private educational institutions, modelled after some of the oldest and most eminent universities in the world. To date, the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation has awarded scholarships in excess of RM745 million to thousands of deserving Malaysians in various fields of study.
The origins of the logo
The planting of the seeds represents the start of the journey; a journey Sunway began back in 1986.
We place great emphasis on and importance in the process of careful tending and nurturing. The right ingredients and an equally conducive environment will help to bring these seeds to fruition.
The Mortar Board symbolises the attainment of knowledge, which is the beginning of eventual wisdom for life.
And now, as we lay the Foundation that will carry on this process eternally, we can look forward to a perpetual harvest of wisdom for future generations to come.
3
Guiding
Principles
Driven by this unshakeable conviction, the Foundation, led by our founder and a distinguished Board of Trustees, embarked on a mission devoted to three fundamental principles.
These principles are at the core of the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation, influencing every initiative and decision we undertake.
GIVING BACK TO SOCIETY
The Foundation believes that those who are fortunate must give back, as true success lies in uplifting others. We provide educational opportunities to deserving students, particularly those in need, while empowering communities and promoting sustainable development. Through partnerships with like-minded organisations, the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation creates meaningful change through grants, scholarships, and outreach programmes for students and communities in Malaysia and beyond.
QUALITY EDUCATION & RESEARCH
Education is our core mission. Our Foundation creates on inclusive environment that promotes curiosity and critical thinking, ensuring all individuals can reach their full potential in their pursuit of excellence.
We believe in the power of innovation and research to drive progress and solve pressing challenges. By providing funding and resources, we encourage groundbreaking research across various fields, empowering researchers to make significant discoveries that benefit society and advance knowledge.
VISION IN PERPETUITY
We envision a future where our Foundation adapts to meet Malaysia’s evolving needs. Rooted in the belief that education and research drive progress, we honour our founder, Tan Sri Sir Dr. Jeffrey Cheah KBE AO, by empowering every student, especially those in need.
Dedicated to providing opportunities for deserving students through education, we enable them to live self-determined lives and create meaningful change.
We are filled with hope and determination as we look to the future. By upholding our guiding principles, our Foundation ensures that our work in Malaysia and worldwide continues to inspire, empower, and make a lasting impact.
Join us on a transformative journey as we work towards building an inclusive future for every student and help build up our Malaysian society to world-class standards.
Give Now