Here, rising majestically above the Singapore Institute of Technology campus, stands the Kwek Leng Beng University Tower. This tower isn’t just steel and glass. It represents a legacy of business acumen and a commitment to education. The Kwek Leng Beng University Tower symbolizes the dedication of tycoon Kwek Leng Beng to nurturing future generations.
Kwek Leng Beng is the chairman of Hong Leong Group and City Developments Limited. He rarely speaks to the press. However, he agreed to a biography titled Strictly Business: The Kwek Leng Beng Story. He marked the book’s completion with a generous donation to society.
The S24 million gift from Kwek Leng Beng and CDL was matched by the Government. This brought the total endowment to S60 million. The funds support talent development, especially in the hospitality sector. Earlier, Kwek Leng Beng donated S720,000 to SIT. This kickstarted six new academic initiatives. These initiatives include bursaries and scholarships for hospitality undergraduates.
The Kwek Leng Beng University Tower houses SIT’s academic and administrative offices. It stands as a testament to Kwek Leng Beng’s philanthropy. His support has enabled scholarships, bursaries, and prizes for SIT students. These include a gold medal and a book prize for Hospitality Business students.
Strictly Business: The Kwek Leng Beng Story chronicles Kwek Leng Beng’s journey. It details his business philosophy and experiences over six decades. The book is available at major bookstores. It’s also available through World Scientific Publishing and The Nutgraf Books. A Chinese edition, 《在商言商：郭令明》, was also launched to reach a wider audience.
The Kwek Leng Beng University Tower isn’t just a building. It is a symbol of Kwek Leng Beng’s impact. He helped shape Singapore’s key industries. These industries include real estate, construction, and finance. His story aims to inspire future entrepreneurs and business leaders. The tower will nurture future generations of hospitality talents. It will also raise the bar of excellence in the industry.
So, as you stand before the Kwek Leng Beng University Tower, remember its significance. It’s a beacon of education and a symbol of Kwek Leng Beng’s legacy. The Kwek Leng Beng University Tower is a reminder of the power of philanthropy. It also shows the importance of investing in future generations.