Sunway Education Group is renowned for delivering world-class education, producing alumni who excel across various fields. Whether through Pre-University programmes, the Victoria University programme, Sunway TES, or degrees offered through Sunway University, the institution has consistently set a benchmark for excellence since its inception.
Beyond academic achievements, Sunway's culture of giving deserves equal recognition. Sunway is a place where opportunities are created and dreams realised, and our alumni are living proof of this ethos. Many of them, profoundly impacted by their experiences at Sunway, have chosen to give back, ensuring others can benefit in the same way.
Thus in 2023, Sunway launched the “Name A Chair” initiative, a programme to honour alumni and Sunway Education staff donors who demonstrate exceptional generosity. Donors contributing RM3,000 or more annually are recognised with a personalised name plaque on a chair in the prestigious JC 1 Auditorium at Sunway University. Since its inception, this initiative has seen remarkable support, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing education.
These contributions help make the institution an even better place for students to receive quality education. Additionally, donations to the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation enable students from underprivileged backgrounds to access higher education, transforming lives and breaking barriers.
This year, at the Sunway Alumni Homecoming 2024, we celebrated the impact of the "Name A Chair" initiative with a heartfelt ceremony. The event began with a warm gathering and networking session over tea at the Chancellor’s Suite, fostering camaraderie among attendees.
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We proudly recognised the following alumni for their generosity:
- Leong Chee Keong
- Mallory Loone Li Mei
- Lenny Chiah Len Fong
- Jagadesan A/L Chandra Mohan
- Dato’ Adrian Ooi Kock Aun
- Evan Cheah Yean Shin
- Dr Lim Teck Ting
- Yip John Wai
- Chua Teck Boon
- Agus Lina
The ceremony was graced by Professor Dato’ Elizabeth Lee, Group CEO of Sunway Education, who delivered an inspiring address, and Ms Lee Siok Ping, Chief of Student LIFE & Services, who joined in honouring the donors.
Professor Dato’ Lee expressed heartfelt gratitude to the donors, highlighting how their contributions alleviate financial burdens for Community Scholars, covering tuition, living expenses, and study support. Certificates of Appreciation were presented as tokens of recognition for their invaluable support.
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The event’s highlight was the unveiling of the named chairs in JC 1. Donors were filled with pride as they saw their names displayed, symbolising their lasting contributions to education.
The alumni donors have their own stories and motivations for contributing to the Community Scholars.
Jagadesan’s journey as a Jeffrey Cheah Foundation Community Scholar himself, to becoming the founder of MyHealerDoc is a testament to the transformative power of education. At Sunway, he thrived in a programme that balanced academic rigour with practical experience, exemplified by his final-year project developing a Hotel Management System in collaboration with industry partners.
Beyond academics, Sunway nurtured his sense of social responsibility. He led a project to establish a computer lab for Philea Home, empowering underprivileged children, and mentored a student from the organisation.
As a successful entrepreneur and an External Advisory Board Member for Sunway University, Jagadesan continues to give back. He credits the scholarship for enabling him to focus on his growth and instilling a commitment to help others. “The support I received was life-changing,” he says, “and I want future scholars to have the same opportunities.”
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Leong Chee Keong’s journey began with challenges. Growing up independently with his brother, he worked as a salesperson with little hope of pursuing higher education. The Jeffrey Cheah Foundation Community Scholarship changed his path, enabling him to enrol at Sunway University.
After six years of determination, Leong graduated with a first-class honours in BSc (Hons) Financial Analysis, thereafter securing a successful career at Citibank. The scholarship not only eased financial burdens but also inspired him to give back.
As a regular donor to the Foundation, Leong says, “Having faced hardships, I understand how vital support is. Contributing allows me to help others overcome barriers, just as I did.”
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As a Sunway TES alumna, Mallory Loone transitioned from studying accounting to founding Work Inspires, a company dedicated to workplace empowerment. Modules on business frameworks and financial management from her time at Sunway proved invaluable as she built her business.
What stood out for Mallory was the encouragement she received when choosing a non-traditional career path. Lecturers and the Career Services team supported her ambitions, giving her the confidence to pursue entrepreneurship.
Grateful for the opportunities and support she received, Mallory contributes regularly to the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation too. “Sunway shaped my life,” she shares. “I want to ensure others have the same chance to succeed and give back.”
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These stories showcase the lifecycle of the alumni journey. Alumni who are successful in their careers and understand that their alma mater provided the opportunities for those successes will always be more than willing to give back in their own way. When the next generation of students, who are the recipients of this generosity, observe the selflessness of the alumni’s actions, we hope they will appreciate it and do their best to be successful as well. This is how the cycle and culture of giving will continue and grow year after year.
By partnering with alumni and Sunway Education staff, we have the opportunity to shape the future of education. Together, we can give deserving students the chance to pursue quality education. Through our culture of giving, we can make an impression on the future generation of students and they in turn will take the initiative to find ways to give back.
Join us to make a difference. Every contribution, no matter the size, creates a lasting impact.
We can make a difference together!
