Opening Doors to Social Mobility through Higher Education: Quantedge Foundation – SUSS Education Access Award Ceremony 2025

29 May 2025 – The Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) held the Quantedge Foundation – SUSS Education Access Award Ceremony to celebrate the achievements of 79 students who have benefitted from the Award during the Academic Year 2024. Among them, 16 students received the Award for the first time. Representatives from SUSS and the Quantedge Foundation joined the students to mark the occasion and reflect on the impact of this support.

Launched in 2022 as part of the Quantedge Foundation’s University Access Initiative, the Award was established with a $2.6 million seed fund to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent capable and motivated students from experiencing a full and enriching university education. The Award covers full tuition fees for eligible full-time undergraduates from lower-income households, for up to four years of study. Since then, more than 30 recipients have graduated, with many more actively contributing to the SUSS community through academic and co-curricular pursuits.

A Story of Determination and Aspiration

Low Jun Hao

One of this year’s featured speakers, Low Jun Hao, a third-year student majoring in Marketing with a second major in Finance, spoke candidly about his experience as a first-generation university student. 

“I’ll be the first in my family to graduate with a university degree, and I hope this achievement can serve as a small way of repaying their efforts – and also inspire my sister to aim even higher,” Jun Hao shared. “When I first entered university, one of my biggest worries was how I could afford the school fees without adding extra pressure on my father.”

Jun Hao was awarded the Quantedge Foundation – SUSS Education Access Award, which eased the financial pressure on his family and allowed him to focus on his studies.

Freed from that burden, Jun Hao seized the opportunity to immerse himself in student life. He took part in competitions and co-founded a small tuition business, The Learning Zone, with friends from other universities – an experience he might have missed if he had to take on part-time jobs just to make ends meet. 

Jun Hao at a marketing competition

“Because of [the award], I’ve been able to fully immerse myself in my studies and these invaluable experiences – without the burden of financial stress.”

Looking ahead, Jun Hao hopes to give back to the community that has supported him:

“One day, I hope to pay it forward – whether by mentoring future students, especially those from a similar background to mine, or staying engaged with the SUSS community as an active alumnus.”

Student Recipients at the Quantedge Foundation – SUSS Education Access Award Ceremony 2025, together with Ms Tay Su Chin, Deputy CEO, Quantedge Foundation (fifth from the left) and Associate Provost Calvin Chan (sixth from the left)

A Commitment to Social Mobility

Ms Tay Su Chin

Ms Tay Su Chin, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Quantedge Foundation, reaffirmed the Foundation’s belief that no deserving student should be held back due to financial limitations. 

“Social mobility isn't just our mission – it's our heartbeat. Our dream has always been to ensure that every deserving student can access university education without the burden of financial worry. Watching the students at SUSS embrace this opportunity has been remarkable – they're not just excelling academically, but discovering who they are, and lifting up those around them. We’re grateful for SUSS’s partnership in turning this shared vision into reality.”

Associate Professor Calvin Chan, Assistant Provost (Curricular and Student Matters) at SUSS, also addressed the audience, noting the visible and invisible challenges that many students face. He urged recipients to see the Award not only as financial assistance, but also as recognition of their resilience and potential.

Associate Professor Calvin Chan

“Let your life experiences – however difficult – fortify your resilience and fuel your ambitions. Bring about positive change not just to your own life, but to the lives of your loved ones and all around you,” he said.

Building a More Inclusive Society

This year’s ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the long-term impact that strategic partnerships and donor support can have on individuals and communities. By reducing financial burden, the Quantedge Foundation – SUSS Education Access Award enables students to fully participate in the university experience – developing their capabilities, forming networks, and exploring new opportunities.

For more information about the Quantedge Foundation – SUSS Education Access Award, please click here.