Toh Kian Chui Foundation donates S$20m to LKCMedicine

SINGAPORE: The Toh Kian Chui Foundation has donated S$20 million to the Nanyang Technological University’s (NTU) Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, or LKCMedicine.

With matching funds from the Singapore government, the total endowment for LKCMedicine — a partnership between NTU and Imperial College London — may go up to S$50 million.

NTU said the gift will go towards setting up an endowment to fund, in perpetuity, a Distinguished Professorship, a Gold Medal student award, scholarships, research and education.

The university added that the upcoming three—storey Annex at LKCMedicine’s headquarters at Mandalay Road will be named after Mr Toh Kian Chui, a respected philanthropist and well—known businessman in the construction industry.

To be completed by mid—2013, the glass building will house a variety of teaching and learning facilities, including a lecture theatre, a seminar room, and an interim library, among others.

NTU President, Professor Bertil Anderson, said: "This endowment will go a long way in helping deserving and bright young Singaporeans achieve their dream of getting a quality medical education at the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine... The endowment will (also) support vital research activities that will not only improve the lives of Singaporeans, but also redefine the future of medicine and healthcare as we know it today."

Ms Toh Keng Choo, the daughter of Mr Toh Kian Chui, said: "The Foundation has long been a supporter of efforts to level the playing field for students from disadvantaged families. Supporting medical students and research are part of our mission to educate our youths, and to alleviate suffering caused by illness."

— CNA/jc