He grew a coffee brand into a regional success story. Now, TOMORO COFFEE’s Star Yuan is returning to his alma mater with a gift to support the next generation of business leaders from NUS.
When TOMORO COFFEE opened its first Singapore outlet in March 2024, it wasn’t in a glossy downtown shopping mall, but in the heart of the NUS campus: just steps away from the lecture halls where Mr Star Yuan Xingwei (EMBA-C ’23) once sat as a student.
The founder of TOMORO COFFEE is a proud graduate of NUS Business School’s Executive MBA-Chinese (EMBA-C) Class 30. He credits his time at the University for sharpening the instincts and grit that helped him build a regional brand.
In October 2024, Mr Yuan returned to his alma mater as a donor. He launched the Tomoro Coffee Scholarship to support outstanding Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) undergraduates. TOMORO COFFEE will also offer internships and management associate positions that Mr Yuan hopes will give students the same kind of clarity and confidence he gained during his time at NUS. “This gift is a way to give back to the community that shaped me, and to support the development of future changemakers,” he shared.
A Nod to His Roots
Long before its Singapore debut, TOMORO COFFEE was already thriving in Indonesia and China. Launched in 2022, the brand quickly made waves with its youth-centric branding, affordable pricing and tech-enabled operations. Today, it operates over 600 outlets across Indonesia, China, the Philippines and Singapore.
But scale was never the sole objective. “Founding TOMORO COFFEE was not just about building a brand, but about creating an ecosystem that empowers people and uplifts everyday moments through quality and innovation,” he said.
His decision to bring TOMORO COFFEE to Singapore was also a nod to his roots. Now with seven outlets and a Research and Development unit operating here, the brand’s local growth reinforces his connection to NUS.
Mr Yuan’s education at NUS inspired him towards the values and skillsets that support his entrepreneurial success today.
“The University not only provided a rigorous academic environment but also offered opportunities to engage with diverse perspectives, fostering a sense of curiosity and innovation,” he elaborated. “I was fortunate to be surrounded by brilliant minds, peers, professors and mentors who challenged and inspired me every day.”
His time at NUS instilled in him values of discipline, collaboration and humility. “Beyond academics, the University provided an environment that nurtured personal growth and encouraged me to think critically and boldly,” he added.
That mindset of learning from every interaction and building something bigger than oneself lies at the heart of the Scholarship. “Through this gift, I hope to empower talented students and innovative programmes that push boundaries and create positive change,” said Mr Yuan. “The goal is to contribute to a culture of excellence, inclusivity and forward-thinking leadership that benefits both NUS and the wider community.”
Honouring the Past, Investing in the Future
Mr Yuan’s message to scholarship recipients is to embrace their journey at NUS with curiosity, courage and purpose. For him, giving back is a responsibility. “Giving to advance education is one of the most meaningful investments we can make in the future,” he noted. “Education not only transforms individual lives, but also serves as a catalyst for innovation, social progress and long-term impact.”
As TOMORO COFFEE continues to brew its next chapter, Mr Yuan hopes his actions will inspire fellow alumni.
“I encourage other alumni to consider giving back, whether through time, resources, or mentorship,” he said. “Every contribution, no matter the size, creates lasting impact and helps nurture the leaders of tomorrow.”
Join Mr Yuan in giving back. Make a gift to the Make a gift to the Plant-It-Forward Challenge to support the Enhanced Financial Aid Scheme and help nurture the next generation of business leaders. What’s more, every gift of S$1,000 to the Challenge will be recognised with a tree planted on campus.
