SUTD honours architect for S$30m gift
Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong with SUTD president Thomas Magnanti, Dr Albert Hong, SUTD chairman of Advancement Committee and member of the SUTD Board of Trustees Sam Goi, and SUTD provost Chong Tow Chong at the Albert Hong Lecture Theatre Dedication Ceremony on Feb 28, 2017. Photo: MCI
SINGAPORE — Students of the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) have pioneering architect Albert Hong to thank for the resources the school is able to provide, and the 100 bond-free scholarships given out every year since 2012.
SUTD was able to support its students courtesy of Dr Hong’s S$30 million donation in 2013. And from Tuesday (Feb 28), the school’s appreciation for the generous gift was cemented when it dedicated its largest lecture theatre after the chairman of RSP Architects Planners and Engineers. The school is also kicking off a lecture series under his name.
Saying that education, which empowers people and uplifts society, is dear to his heart, Dr Hong added: “My aim is straightforward – to help the underprivileged receive the education they deserve.
“No deserving students should be denied formal education because of lack of financial support. All I ask is for the students to serve the country after graduation, and give back as they have so richly received.”
In his speech at the dedication ceremony, Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, who is a patron of SUTD, shed light on how the donation to SUTD came about, and the role he played in canvassing – successfully – for the donation from his good friend.
After surviving a close brush with death several years ago, Dr Hong felt god let him live for a reason, so he decided to give away his wealth for good causes.
On hearing of his intent, Mr Goh approached his good friend to make an “impactful” gift.
He told Dr Hong: “You help SUTD, you would help the students, you would help build up the reputation of the university and the school of architecture - that is more impactful and that would benefit the next generations of Singaporeans.”
And that was how students of SUTD came to benefit from Dr Hong’s largest charitable contribution. Over the years, he has contributed to many causes, among which was a S$2 million donation to his alma mater, Raffles Institution, in 1992.
Thank him for his support, SUTD provost Chong Tow Chong said: “We share his desire in ensuring equal opportunity is given to every student, irrespective of financial circumstance and we hope Dr Hong’s influence will inspire many more to pursue a first-rate education with us.”
