Each university will receive S$1 million for student financial aid, enabling more Indonesian students, regardless of their financial circumstances, to benefit from a world-class education in Singapore and to reinforce the strong people-to-people ties between Indonesia and Singapore.

Dato’ Sri Professor Dr Tahir, Chairman of Mayapada Group (centre), NTU Singapore President, Professor Ho Teck Hua (left) and NUS President, Professor Tan Eng Chye (right) signed gift agreements that will see each university receive S$1 million to support financial aid for Indonesian students.

A shared vision for ASEAN’s future

The gift reflects a broader regional ambition: nurturing future leaders, strengthening ASEAN’s talent pipeline, and deepening collaboration across borders. It also affirms the universities’ shared commitment to inclusive education and regional impact.

Dato’ Sri Professor Dr Tahir, Chairman of Mayapada Group said: “I strongly believe that education is fundamental in uplifting society and transforming our collective future. NUS and NTU, as leading global universities, are well-positioned to contribute significantly to Singapore and the world. I hope this gift will enable Indonesian students to realise their potential and inspire them to give back to their communities.”

NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye said: “At NUS, we believe education is transformative in empowering individuals and uplifting communities. This gift will open opportunities for more Indonesian students to pursue tertiary education at world-class institutions in Singapore, and help to build a more collaborative and resilient Southeast Asia region, by fostering ties, familiarity and connections between the youths of Indonesia and Singapore. We hope this gift will inspire others to also step forward to support and nurture the next generation of leaders in the region through education.”

NTU President Professor Ho Teck Hua said: “Dr Tahir’s gift reflects his belief in the power of education to transcend borders. It enables more talented Indonesian students to pursue their aspirations at NTU, opening doors to life-changing opportunities that can transform not just individuals, but entire communities. The gift embodies our shared conviction that education plays a pivotal role in nurturing future-ready talent and in fostering a more connected region.”  

A lifelong commitment to education

Dr Tahir has long championed education as a key driver of social mobility. He studied on a scholarship at Nanyang University, which later merged with the University of Singapore in 1980 to form NUS. He graduated in 1976 with a Bachelor of Commerce and is recognised as a distinguished alumnus of both NUS and NTU.

Over the past two decades, Dr Tahir has been a steadfast supporter of education, contributing to student bursaries and scholarships, as well as research and academic programmes in Singapore. In 2012, he made a landmark S$30 million gift to the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, his largest philanthropic gift to an educational institution. The gift helped advance medical research and academic programmes.

Dr Tahir also funded key initiatives such as the Tahir NTU-Universitas Airlangga Students Exchange Programme, which strengthens academic ties between Singapore and Indonesia, as well as the NTU Priorities Fund. In 2021, Dr Tahir made a gift in support of student bursaries, providing financial assistance to deserving NTU students and enabling them to pursue their education with greater peace of mind.

Investing in regional talent and collaboration

Strategically positioned in the heart of Southeast Asia, Singapore serves as a vital hub for regional education and collaboration. As the nation’s flagship university and top-ranked institution in Southeast Asia, NUS plays a leading role in advancing research, innovation and global partnerships across the region.

Situated in Singapore’s innovation corridor, NTU is consistently ranked among the world’s top young universities and is recognised for its excellence in sustainability, engineering, and interdisciplinary research. The University plays a pivotal role in advancing technological innovation, industry collaboration and talent development, contributing to Southeast Asia’s progress and global competitiveness.

Through this latest gift from the Tahir Foundation, more Indonesian students will have the opportunity to join the vibrant, diverse and intellectually dynamic communities at NUS and NTU. This will not only shape their personal and professional growth but will also contribute to deeper regional understanding and cooperation — laying the groundwork for a stronger, more inclusive Southeast Asia.

This story was first published on 12 June 2025 on NUS News. Click here for more NUS News.