Scholarship recognises outstanding individuals who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential and a commitment to creating positive impact within their communities and ASEAN

Kuala Lumpur, Tuesday, 4 August 2026 The Asia School of Business (ASB) and Tan Sri Dr Lim Wee Chai, Founder and Executive Chairman of Top Glove Corporation Bhd, today announced the establishment of the RM 1 million Tan Sri Dr Lim Wee Chai Scholarship for Future ASEAN Leaders, a long-term philanthropic initiative aimed at nurturing outstanding future leaders who will contribute to the continued growth and prosperity of Malaysia and the ASEAN region.

The RM 1 million contribution will create a permanent endowment at ASB, with the principal preserved and invested to generate sustainable funding for scholarships and leadership development initiatives for generations to come.

The initiative reflects a shared commitment by ASB and Tan Sri Dr Lim to expand access to quality education, nurture principled leadership and invest in human potential. As ASEAN continues to evolve as one of the world’s most dynamic economic regions, developing capable, ethical and globally minded leaders has become increasingly important.

ASB, established in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Sloan School of Management in 2015, was founded to develop transformative leaders who act and innovate to build a better future for the emerging world and beyond. The scholarship complements this mission while reflecting Tan Sri Dr Lim’s longstanding belief that education is one of the most meaningful investments that can be made in individuals, institutions and society.

Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz, Founding Chair and Co-Chair of the Board of Governors of Asia School of Business, said:
“The Asia School of Business was established to develop leaders who understand Asia, and whom can compete globally and that are able to lead institutions, businesses and societies through rapidly changing and complex environment.”

“ASB was established as a long-term investment in human capital and institutional excellence. Ultimately, the future of Malaysia and ASEAN will be determined by the quality of its institutions, and by the calibre of the people who lead them. Our future will therefore be powered by our investment in education.

“We deeply appreciate Tan Sri Dr Lim Wee Chai’s commitment and generosity to this mission. This scholarship is essentially an investment in human potential. It will enable talented individuals, regardless of financial background, to access a transformative education and to have the potential to become leaders who will create a lasting value for Malaysia, ASEAN and the wider global community.”

Tan Sri Dr Lim Wee Chai said:
“Education is one of the most meaningful long-term investments we can make for the future. The world is changing at an unprecedented pace, and those who continue to learn, adapt and embrace new knowledge will be best positioned to succeed.

“Our future prosperity will depend not only on economic growth, but on the quality of our people and the leaders we develop. We need leaders who are capable, ethical, resilient and committed to serving society with integrity.

“I have always believed that education creates opportunity, and opportunity creates progress. Every talented individual deserves the chance to realise his or her potential, regardless of financial circumstances.

“Through this scholarship, it is my hope that we will empower future generations of leaders who will become positive contributors to their organisations, communities, countries and the wider ASEAN region.”

Professor Joseph Cherian, President and Dean of the Asia School of Business, said:
“Outstanding institutions are built by outstanding people. By removing financial barriers, this scholarship will enable ASB to attract talented individuals from across Malaysia and ASEAN whose diverse experiences and perspectives will enrich our learning community.

“We are honoured to partner with Tan Sri Dr Lim, whose commitment to education and leadership development reflects our shared belief that investing in people is one of the most effective ways to create lasting impact for society.”

The scholarship demonstrates the powerful impact that can be achieved when educational institutions and private philanthropy work together with a shared purpose. By combining ASB’s expertise in leadership development with Tan Sri Dr Lim’s commitment to investing in people, the partnership seeks to create opportunities for exceptional individuals while contributing to Malaysia’s and ASEAN’s long term leadership pipeline.

Through this collaboration, ASB and Tan Sri Dr Lim reaffirm their shared conviction that investing in people is one of the most meaningful ways to shape the future. Together, they hope to nurture leaders who will drive innovation, strengthen institutions and contribute positively to their communities, ensuring that Malaysia and ASEAN remain resilient, competitive and prosperous for generations to come.

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