Jardine C&C launches regional university scholarship programmes

Alex Newbigging, managing director of Jardine C&C Group

On July 30, Jardine Cycle & Carriage (Jardine C&C), a leading group with long-term diversified interests in market-leading businesses across Southeast Asia, announced the Jardine Cycle & Carriage Scholarship, which partner six established universities to support about 70 students.

Reaffirming its commitment to grow alongside Southeast Asia, Jardine C&C established university scholarship programmes to sponsor the tuition of students in six countries in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam.

Through a series of endowments and donations that are long-term in nature, Jardine C&C’s support for the partner education institutions will run in perpetuity or for a sustained period of 8-12 years. In the next 10 years, about 70 Southeast Asian undergraduates will receive the scholarships.

Alex Newbigging, Jardine C&C Group managing director, said, “The launch of the scholarship reinforces Jardine C&C's commitment to invest in Southeast Asia. Our longstanding presence in the region is underpinned by many valued partnerships that we have built over the years. The group’s partnerships are not only about business opportunities but also about creating positive social impact.”

“By improving access to education and working together with our partner universities, our aim is to help build stronger and more prosperous communities across the region. The Jardine Cycle & Carriage Scholarship also reflects our investment strategy – long-term and focused on the development of Southeast Asia. Jardine C&C hopes that this initiative will enrich local educational institutions. In addition, the scholarships aim to unlock the potential of Southeast Asian talents as they further their education, use the opportunity to advance their local communities, and drive development,” said Newbigging.

Jardine C&C has significant interests in Vietnam, including 26.6 per cent in Truong Hai Auto Corporation, 24.9 per cent in Refrigeration Electrical Engineering Corporation and 10.6 per cent in Vinamilk

The partner universities are National University of Singapore, Universitas Indonesia, University of Malaya, Vietnam National University, Chulalongkorn University, and University of Yangon. The scholarships are open to undergraduate students pursuing degrees across a broad range of disciplines. Selection criteria include excellent academic performance, high commitment to the performance of public duties, as well as strong community involvement and household income. The first intake will start in August 2019.

Jardine C&C has a three-decade tradition of supporting higher education. It has previously provided significant funding for university professorships as well as undergraduate scholarships. The Jardine Cycle & Carriage Professorship, established in 1984, is the longest-running professorship in the National University of Singapore. Today, it still supports a Chair in Business Administration and continues in perpetuity. Jardine C&C was also one of the founding donors of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy as well as the Singapore Management University when these institutions were first set up.

Jardine C&C’s support for education underscores its deep-rooted commitment to the businesses and communities. Over the past 120 years, Jardine C&C has built a strong portfolio of leading businesses. Its strategic long-term interest in Southeast Asia will continue to support the region’s rapid development.

Jardine C&C is the investment holding company of Jardine Matheson Group in Southeast Asia. With an investment strategy focused on urbanisation and the growing middle class in the region, Jardine C&C holds long-term, strategic interests in diversified market-leading businesses across Southeast Asia.