Daniel and William Thong Study Award

Established in 2025, the Daniel and William Thong Study Award is available to full-time undergraduates at the Singapore Management University.  It is aimed to encourage full-time undergraduate students enrolled at the University to aspire for academic excellence despite adversity and financial hardship.

• Full-time first year undergraduates enrolled in any degree programme
• Any nationality
• Should have demonstrated family financial hardships (with gross monthly household per capita income in accordance with prevailing guidelines to qualify for university bursaries)

• $8,533 (towards subsidised tuition fee)
• Tenable for 4 years of study, subject to the recipient’s continued observance of the eligibility criteria and the terms and conditions of award

• May be in concurrent receipt of a government bursary, subject to fulfilment of its eligibility criteria
• The Recipient must not hold any other awards of similar nature during the tenure of the Award, except with the prior written approval of the University

Shortlisting of candidates for consideration will be from the list of applicants applying for SMU-administered bursaries in the year of award.

Centre for Student Financial Assistance
Office of Admissions and Financial Assistance
Email: finasst@smu.edu.sg

The Thong family has deep entrepreneurial roots, beginning with our first-generation Singapore immigrant, Thong Yam Lin, who arrived with little more than determination and the belief that hard work could change a life. His journey shaped their family values of perseverance, merit, and the responsibility to uplift others as they rise.

They believe that while talent is universal, opportunity is not. Equality of opportunity is essential for progress, and they are thus committed to supporting individuals who show promise, discipline, and a genuine desire to improve their circumstances. Education is one of the most powerful drivers of social mobility, and no capable student should be held back because of financial constraints.

Established by third generation Daniel Thong and his father William, the Daniel and William Thong Study Award is established to honour their family’s legacy and to support the next generation of strivers — students who demonstrate resilience, curiosity, and integrity. They hope this award not only eases financial pressures but also serves as a vote of confidence in the students’ potential to make a meaningful contribution to their community and to society.

“May this support help you move confidently toward the future you are working hard to build.” — Daniel and William Thong