Investing in Asia-Pacific Leaders
The Association of Banks in Singapore – Goh Keng Swee Scholarship will nurture Asia-Pacific scholars at NUS and strengthen their potential as future leaders.
This story is featured in the NUS Giving Report 2025/2025 - Future: Powered by Giving. Click here to read more Giving Report stories.
Every scholarship is a statement of belief. Since 1993, the Goh Keng Swee Scholarship—established by The Association of Banks in Singapore (ABS)—has empowered outstanding students from the Asia-Pacific to pursue undergraduate studies in Singapore. For more than three decades, students have benefitted from the Scholarship’s support and gone on to become leaders who contribute to their communities, whether in their home country or Singapore.
From 2026, the Scholarship enters a new chapter. With a renewed commitment by ABS, the fund will be administered exclusively by the National University of Singapore (NUS). The Association of Banks in Singapore – Goh Keng Swee Scholarship will attract, support and nurture promising talent from across the region while deepening ties between Singapore and its Asia-Pacific neighbours.
“Partnering NUS to administer the Scholarship allows us to build on a strong foundation,” said Mrs Ong-Ang Ai Boon, Director of ABS. “NUS’ academic excellence and comprehensive degree offerings ensure that the Scholarship continues to identify students with both ability and a sense of responsibility to contribute beyond themselves.”
Nurturing Regional Talent
For ABS, the act of giving is about continuity—a way of carrying forward values and investing in people who will shape the future. After all, the Scholarship is named after former Deputy Prime Minister Dr Goh Keng Swee, a key architect of Singapore’s economic and financial foundations. It is only fitting that the Scholarship continues his legacy by investing in people who will shape the future.
“Carrying Dr Goh’s name is a reminder of the standards he stood for—rigour, integrity and service to society,” said Mrs Ong-Ang. “Through this Scholarship, we look forward to supporting students who will lead and strengthen the communities they are part of.”
Each year, about four exceptional students from 15 Asia-Pacific countries outside Singapore are given the opportunity to study at NUS, selected based on academic excellence as well as leadership qualities.
The Scholarship fully covers tuition fees, accommodation, living allowances and airfare to and from Singapore, enabling recipients to focus on learning, growth and leadership development. Upon graduation, scholars commit to a three‑year bond, putting their skills and knowledge to use beyond the classroom.
“We want the Scholarship to do more than remove financial barriers,” said Mrs Ong-Ang. “Our hope is that it gives students the confidence and space to grow into leaders who think beyond personal success and recognise their responsibility to others.”
As a first-time corporate donor through NUS, ABS’ gift reflects a thoughtful evolution in giving. The Scholarship supports education while also investing in people who will go on to contribute meaningfully in Singapore and their home countries.
At its heart, this is a story about belief in the future. The Scholarship honours a leader who believed deeply in building institutions and investing in people, while opening doors for those who will shape the future across the region.
Like ABS, you can contribute to the same values that Dr Goh Keng Swee stood for. Make a gift to support more scholarships at NUS and create more opportunities for future leaders to excel.
