Words of Wisdom

Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Sir Dr. Jeffrey Cheah KBE AO

It is often said that the key to a meaningful life and true satisfaction is when an individual gives back to society and leaves behind a lasting contribution that makes a real difference. So it is indeed significant and meaningful for me that this adage is epitomised in the launch of the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation.

This Foundation is unique in the sense that it is the first-of-its-kind in Malaysia for private education institutions. It is modelled after what John Harvard did for Harvard University over 380 years ago. The history behind the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation dates back to more than two and a half decades. It is closely linked with the evolution of Sunway Education Group as a pioneer, innovator and catalyst in the field of private education in Malaysia. Sunway pioneered the concept of the twinning programmes, which has since become popular in Malaysia, and revolutionised the local higher education landscape via partnerships with good universities from around the globe. The institutions in the Sunway Education Group have since produced thousands of capable and high-calibre graduates.

I have always believed that the business of education is more than just “a business” for successful and dedicated corporations like the Sunway Group. Education becomes meaningful when it acts as an effective means to enrich lives and to contribute to the progress of our country, by raising among other things, the quality of our human resources.

My dream and vision have always been to share numerous successes achieved by the Sunway Education Group with those bright students in need so that their lives may be changed for the better. That is the reason why the Sunway Education Trust was established in 1997. Since its inception, the Trust has benefited bright and deserving Malaysian students to further their studies. To date, more than RM50 million worth of scholarships has been awarded.

In order to perpetuate this benevolent effort and crystallise my personal vision of leaving behind a credible vehicle that will serve the cause of bringing good and quality education to our nation, I have formed the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation. Into this Foundation, I have transferred all the shares held under the Sunway Education Trust, and they will be held there in perpetuity and can never be sold.

The Foundation seeks to receive and administer funds for educational, scientific, medical and charitable purposes, including offering scholarships based on merit and to students in need of financial assistance. This charitable Foundation has also been granted tax exemption by the Inland Revenue Board – granting tax deduction for all donations to the Foundation.

The Foundation is governed by a distinguished board of trustees.

I have confidence that it will continue to perpetuate my legacy of giving to society; surpluses from the institutions in the Sunway Education Group – namely, 100 per cent equity in Sunway University College and several other education subsidiaries – are reinvested in the educational institutions for further development and for disbursement of scholarships, research grants and other scholastic awards.

I take this opportunity to thank the Ministry of Higher Education and other government authorities for their support. It has enabled us to contribute to the development of the private higher education industry in general and the building of quality education in particular. This has benefited many of our Malaysian students as well as drawn international students to study in our country.

My gratitude also goes to the staff and colleagues in the Sunway Education Group, who have over the years with their dedication and hard work, contributed to making this Foundation a reality.