WINNER 2018 Jeffrey Cheah Foundation

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Jeffrey Cheah Foundation (JCF) is founded on the fundamental premise of giving to society, a philosophy that has governed the Sunway Education Trust Fund since its inception in 1997. Through the unique not-for-profit structure of the Foundation, operating surpluses are ploughed back into the institutions or disbursed as scholarships, research grants and expansion of faculty and facilities to ensure quality education in perpetuityIn 2010, the Sunway Education Trust Fund was officially converted into the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation where the equity of Sunway Education Group’s learning institutions worth more than RM1 billion today was transferred to the Foundation, making it the largest education-focused social enterprise in Malaysia with 16 institutions. Sunway Education Group is owned and governed by the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation with its creed – “Nurturing the seeds of wisdom”.

Jeffrey Cheah Foundation is governed by a distinguished board of 11 trustees with His Royal Highness Sultan of Selangor as its Royal Patron. Tan Sri Dr. Jeffrey Cheah is the Founding Trustee of the eponymous foundation.

In fulfilling its commitment towards democratising quality education, the Foundation has also forged academic ties with some of the world’s preeminent institutions including 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 towards elevating the standards of teaching and research in this part of the world.

The Jeffrey Cheah Foundation has also entered into a partnership with the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), led by Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs, a world-renowned economist and champion of sustainable development in 2016. The partnership, which constituted a USD $10m endowment, funded the establishment of the Jeffrey Sachs Center on Sustainable Development at Sunway University in December 2016, the first such centre in Asia. The Center is set to become a regional hub for research and policy practice, creating world-class programmes to train a new generation of students, practitioners and policy leaders; and develop linkages with major Malaysian and international universities in joint problem-solving around the SDGs.

As of 2016, the Foundation has disbursed in excess of RM270 million in scholarships to thousands of deserving students. The Jeffrey Cheah Foundation Community Scholarship which started in 2002 is also given to deserving youths to support them in taking the pivotal step in transforming their lives for the better.

Project Title:
Jeffrey Cheah Foundation (JCF)
Duration:
1997 till present
Location:
Sunway City

Jeffrey Cheah Foundation (JCF) is committed to democratising 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.
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.
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.
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.
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