THE Singapore Management University (SMU) has received a $1 million donation from a family here, which will go into funding scholarships for needy students and research grants.

The gift, from local apparel manufacturer Sing Lun Investments chairman Patrick Lee and his family, has been matched equally by the Government, which will put $1 million into SMU's endowment.

The donation will create Sing Lun scholarships for 40 needy SMU undergraduates over six years, each valued at $12,500.

Bond-free and tenable for a year, the scholarships will pay for tution fees, school-related expenses such as books, computers and overseas trips.

They will go to needy Singaporean or Singapore Permanent Residents studying in SMU who turn in good grades and are active in co-curricular activities. Students entering the university this year may also apply, but must do so next month. One condition of the scholarships is that the student must take part in community projects.

Besides helping out needy students, Sing Lun's donation will also fund research grants, of up to $30,000, for young SMU faculty members.

As a sign of gratitude, the university has named one of its seminar rooms in its Lee Kong Chian School of Business as the Sing Lun Seminar Room.

Mr Lee, speaking at a ceremony to unveil the plaque bearing the new name of the room yesterday, said: 'In these periods of uncertainty, we need to continue to nurture talent, innovate and excel. It is with this in mind that the Lee Family decides to make a gift to benefit education.'

AMELIA TAN

This article was first published in The Straits Times.