Project Title: Jeffrey Cheah Foundation (JCF)
Duration: 1997 till present
Location: Sunway City
Jeffrey Cheah Foundation (JCF) is committed to democratizing quality education. In 2010, the Sunway Education Trust Fund was officially converted into the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation where the equity of Sunway Education Group’s learning institutions is worth more than RM1 billion today was transferred to the Foundation, making it the largest education-focused social enterprise in Malaysia with 16 institutions. It’s operating surpluses are ploughed back into the institutions or disbursed as scholarships, research grants and expansion of faculty and facilities.
JCF has disbursed scholarships worth RM270 million and growing to thousands of deserving youth. It has also forged academic ties with Harvard University, University of Cambridge and University of Oxford, allowing a two-way flow of scholars towards elevating the standards of teaching and research in this region. JCF partnered with the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, led by Prof Jeffrey Sachs, and established the Jeffrey Sachs Center on Sustainable Development at Sunway University to promote green development and social progress through research and education.
How did this project create impact to the employees/ volunteers?
The institutions owned and governed by JCF provide opportunities for employment, further education, and giving back to society. The academic ties forged by JCF with Harvard University, University of Cambridge and University of Oxford enables academics to be involved in exchange programmes and research partnerships with these universities.
What impact has this project created in the community / nation?
JCF has disbursed scholarships worth RM270 million and growing to thousands of deserving youth. It owns and governs 16 educational institutions. It has partnered with the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and established the Jeffrey Sachs Center on Sustainable Development at Sunway University to promote green development and social progress through research and education.
Who were the partners in this project and what their roles?
JCF has partnered with Harvard University, University of Cambridge and University of Oxford, allowing a two-way flow of scholars and researchers between Sunway Education Group and the world-class institutions. It has also partnered the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in the region.
How was this project help to advance the chosen SDG?
JCF aims to safeguard its 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 that come from disadvantaged backgrounds, there should be a means, through scholarships, for them to succeed.
