Award will support SMU undergraduates pursuing overseas internships and nurture the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders
SINGAPORE, 8 October 2026 – Raffles Family Office Foundation (“RFO Foundation”), the philanthropic arm of Raffles Family Office (“RFO”), today announced the establishment of the Raffles Family Office Global Innovation Award (the “Award”) at Singapore Management University (“SMU”). The Award will support full-time SMU undergraduates from any discipline who demonstrate an entrepreneurial mindset in embarking on overseas internship opportunities under SMU’s Global Innovation Immersion (“GII”) Programme, which is managed by SMU’s Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (IIE).
The Award represents a S$250,000 commitment over five years to support SMU students in developing the entrepreneurial spirit and knowledge through overseas internship opportunities. From Academic Year 2026/27 to Academic Year 2030/31, the contribution will fund ten Awards each academic year. Eligible candidates must be full-time SMU undergraduates, be successfully registered in the GII Programme, and demonstrate an entrepreneurial mindset as well as leadership and communication skills.
The establishment of the Award reflects RFO Foundation’s commitment to education, talent development and knowledge exchange. By enabling students to gain first-hand international exposure, develop entrepreneurial capabilities and broaden their worldview, the initiative aims to equip the next generation with the confidence and skills to contribute meaningfully to business and society.
Chi Man Kwan, Chair, RFO Foundation, said: “The next generation will play a defining role in shaping Asia’s future. Through the Raffles Family Office Global Innovation Award, we hope to give promising students the opportunity to learn beyond the classroom, build an international perspective and translate their entrepreneurial ambitions into meaningful impact. This partnership with SMU reflects our long-term commitment to nurturing future leaders and creating opportunities for talent to thrive.”
Hau Koh Foo, Director of SMU IIE, said: “We are grateful to RFO Foundation for establishing this Award, which will enable more of our students to undertake overseas internships through the Global Innovation Immersion (GII) Programme. Working alongside industry professionals abroad, students on the GII Programme will extend their SMU learning beyond Singapore and gain first-hand experience in taking initiative, managing uncertainty and collaborating with enterprising minds from different backgrounds. We believe the experience builds confidence and leadership capabilities that will help them make a positive difference in the organisations and communities they go on to join.”
The Award is the latest addition to RFO and RFO Foundation’s growing portfolio of education initiatives. Since 2022, the organisations have pledged support to tertiary education institutions in Hong Kong and Singapore.
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About Raffles Family Office Foundation
RFO Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Raffles Family Office, established to support and advance the firm’s commitment to creating meaningful and lasting impact in the communities it serves. The foundation focuses on education, talent development, and knowledge exchange, with the aim of fostering the next generation of leaders and contributing to sustainable community growth.
About Raffles Family Office
Raffles Family Office (RFO) is Asia’s leading multi-family office, dedicated to providing a comprehensive suite of wealth management services tailored for ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families. Leveraging an integrated platform that pairs independence with expert advisory across a wide spectrum of asset classes, RFO is uniquely positioned to offer bespoke, sustainable, and robust solutions for wealth growth and preservation. Further strengthening our offering is an extensive global partnership network, engineered for seamless collaboration with top-tier financial institutions worldwide. With dual headquarters in Hong Kong and Singapore, RFO’s presence spans across Asia’s gateway cities, including Bangkok, Beijing, Shanghai, and Taipei. For additional information, visit https://www.rafflesgroup.co.
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