Cover The Kwek Leng Beng University Tower at the Singapore Institute of Technology’s Punggol campus
The Kwek Leng Beng University Tower at the Singapore Institute of Technology’s Punggol campus
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At the opening of Singapore Institute of Technology’s landmark Punggol campus, Kwek Leng Beng and City Developments Limited were honoured for their transformative S$24 million endowment—one of SIT’s largest ever—cementing a legacy that will shape the nation’s next generation of innovators
On September 16, the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) formally inaugurated its new Punggol campus with a ceremony that was as much a celebration of place as it was of purpose. Ten of SIT’s most significant benefactors were honoured for their pivotal contributions to the university’s growth and ambitions. Among them, a defining gesture stood out: the joint endowed gift of S$24 million from Kwek Leng Beng, executive chairman of Hong Leong Group Singapore and City Developments Limited (CDL), and CDL.
This extraordinary donation—one of the largest ever received by SIT—is now commemorated through the naming of the institution’s academic and administrative headquarters as the Kwek Leng Beng University Tower. Situated at the heart of the vibrant Punggol Digital District, the tower is more than an architectural focal point; it is a symbol of enduring belief in education as the foundation for national progress.
With the government’s matching grant, the endowment rises to S$60 million, underscoring the far-reaching impact of this philanthropic act. As Bill Chang, chairman of SIT board of trustees, and SIT president professor Chua Kee Chaing presented tokens of appreciation to Kwek and CDL’s group CEO Sherman Kwek, the gesture was met with warm recognition by guest of honour prime minister Lawrence Wong, as well as minister for education Desmond Lee, both of whom joined the donors onstage for a commemorative group photograph.
Above Kwek Leng Beng (pictured second from right) and Sherman Kwek (right) receiving the token of appreciation from Bill Chang (second from left), chairman of SIT board of trustees, and SIT president professor Chua Kee Chaing
Kwek Leng Beng (pictured second from right) and Sherman Kwek (right) receiving the token of appreciation from Bill Chang (second from left), chairman of SIT board of trustees, and SIT president professor Chua Kee Chaing
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Kwek articulated the vision that shaped this legacy gift: “With its unique location in the heart of Punggol Digital District, the campus enables students to engage closely with industry, turning education and research into practical solutions that benefit both business and society. Together with CDL, I am honoured to support this vision and to help empower students to reach their fullest potential and make a meaningful impact in Singapore and beyond.”
For CDL’s Sherman Kwek, the partnership reflects a deeper philosophy that anchors the group’s corporate values. “At CDL, we believe that education is one of the most powerful investments in our future. Our partnership with Mr Kwek Leng Beng in supporting SIT reflects a shared commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders, innovators and changemakers,” he said.
The unveiling of the Kwek Leng Beng University Tower is not Kwek's first act of generosity towards SIT. In 2023, he contributed S$720,000 to fund six academic initiatives at the university, including bursaries and scholarships for undergraduates in the hospitality business programme. This continuity of giving speaks to a long-standing dedication to equipping future generations with the tools, confidence and knowledge to shape tomorrow’s world.
Above Prime minister Lawrence Wong (pictured eight from right), minister for education and minister-in-charge of social services integration Desmond Lee (ninth from right), chairman of SIT board of trustees Bill Chang (seventh from right) and SIT president professor Chua Kee Chaing (seventh from left) with key donors, including Kwek Leng Beng (sixth from right)and Sherman Kwek (fifth from right), at the official opening of the SIT Punggol campus
Prime minister Lawrence Wong (pictured eight from right), minister for education and minister-in-charge of social services integration Desmond Lee (ninth from right), chairman of SIT board of trustees Bill Chang (seventh from right) and SIT president professor Chua Kee Chaing (seventh from left) with key donors, including Kwek Leng Beng (sixth from right)and Sherman Kwek (fifth from right), at the official opening of the SIT Punggol campus
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Designed with collaborative learning spaces and advanced facilities, the SIT Punggol campus is poised to be a catalyst for applied learning and industry integration. It embodies the next evolution in Singapore’s higher education landscape—one where academic rigour meets real-world relevance, and where corporate partnerships directly enrich student experiences and societal outcomes.
For Kwek and CDL, the contribution is both a legacy and a call to action. It reflects a sophisticated understanding of the role private capital can play in shaping public good, and a powerful message to other industry leaders about the value of sustained engagement in nation-building through education.
As the tower opens its doors to the next generation of thinkers and doers, it also stands as a quiet but compelling monument to generosity, vision, and a shared belief in the transformative power of learning.
Above Kwek Leng Beng (pictured centre) with Sherman Kwek (left) and SIT institute professor Tan Thiam Soon (Photo: Hong Leong Group Singapore)
Kwek Leng Beng (pictured centre) with Sherman Kwek (left) and SIT institute professor Tan Thiam Soon (Photo: Hong Leong Group Singapore)
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