Temasek Foundation–SMU LEaRN Scholarship

The Temasek Foundation-SMU Leadership Enrichment and Regional Networking (LEaRN) Programme is funded by the Temasek Foundation. Aimed at grooming bright young Asian leaders from the region, the Programme will send 70 undergraduates for overseas exchange and community service in Asia. The Programme has a unique twin objective of developing a global outlook through overseas studies combine with active community involvement and contribution to social causes.

Under the programme, 35 SMU undergraduates of Asian nationalities will spend a semester in an Asian partner university in China, Hong Kong, Japan, the Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan or Thailand. Similarly, 35 undergraduates from SMU's Asian partner universities will spend a semester of studies in SMU.

Eligibility Criteria
-To be eligible for the scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Outbound (SMU Students)
-Full-time SMU undergraduates of Asian nationalities in any field of study
-Preference for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents
-Completed 1 year of studies
-Good academic performance (minimum cumulative GPA of 3.4)
- Proficiency in English
- Priority for applicants applying for exchange with SMU partner universities in China, the Philippines and Thailand (non-Singaporean applicants applying for exchange in their respective home country will not be considered)
-Special consideration will be given to those with financial needs
-Fulfill immigration requirements in the country of the partner university
-Mentally prepared to live in another culture, in local conditions
- Ability to take on an ambassadorial role as required of an exchange student

Inbound (Incoming Exchange Students)
-Full-time undergraduates of Asian nationalities pursuing full-time education with SMU partner universities in Asia
-Completed 1 year of studies at home university
-Good academic performance (minimum cumulative GPA of 3.4 or equivalent)
-Must enrol, attend and show academic performance for the Leadership & Team Building course (a compulsory academic component of the Scholarship)
-Proficiency in verbal and written English
-Priority for applicants from SMU partner universities in China, the Philippines and Thailand
Special consideration will be given to those with financial needs
-Fulfill immigration requirements in Singapore
-Mentally prepared to live in another culture, in local conditions
-Ability to take on an ambassadorial role as required of an exchange student

To access the list of SMU partner universities in Asia (China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, the Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand), please click here.

Tenure, Benefits and Requirements of Scholarship
-Each inbound scholarship is valued at $6,250, and each outbound scholarship is valued at $5,000 for a semester of studies in the host country. The scholarship is aimed at subsidising the scholar's airfare, accommodation, books and living expenses.
-The scholarship funds will be disbursed to the scholar over two instalments - on confirmation of the university exchange and satisfactory submission of the 2,000-word report.
-No bond is required under the terms of this Scholarship.
-Contribution to Society:
- Outbound scholars will be required to contribute to the community in the host country by engaging in community service attachment (minimum of 10 hours) with a community, social or civic organization.
- Inbound scholars will be required to participate in one of the community projects in Singapore organised by SMU.
-Journalling and Sharing:- Scholars are required to keep journals to record their daily experiences or interest highlights.- Scholars will be required to submit a 2,000-word report on their exchange and community outreach experiences.- Scholars will be expected to share their experiences with the student community on their return from exchange at a public seminar. They should identify lessons learnt and how these can be applied to their home country.
-Internship:Outbound scholars are encourage to undertake internships in the host country during their semester of studies on exchange. This will provide the students with relevant practical work experience to better understand the business environment of the host country.
-Peer Network:- All scholars will be required to join a peer network and alumni club to foster a strong sense of identity.- Scholars must be prepared to advise students planning to proceed for future overseas exchanges.- Scholars must be prepared to participate in an annual joint networking event involving past scholars, faculty and representation from industry.

Tuition Grant Scheme
SMU students are required to take advantage of the Tuition Grant Scheme (TGS) provided by the Singapore Government for subsidized education.
Under the TGS, non-Singaporean students will be obligated to work in Singapore for a minimum period of three years upon graduation.
Application
SMU students proceeding for exchange will be invited to apply for the Temasek Foundation–SMU LEaRN Scholarship during each regular semester.

Source: Singapore Management University.