I am pleased to share the establishment of the Tan Sri Dr Lim Wee Chai Scholarship for Future ASEAN Leaders in partnership with the Asia School of Business (ASB).

The contribution will establish a permanent endowment at ASB, with the principal preserved and invested to provide sustainable funding for scholarships and leadership development initiatives for generations to come.

Investing in People and Human Potential

I have always believed that education is one of the most meaningful long-term investments we can make.

The world is changing rapidly. New technologies, economic shifts and global challenges continue to transform the way we live, work and lead.

In such an environment, the ability to continue learning, adapting and embracing new knowledge is increasingly important.

Our future prosperity will depend not only on economic growth, but also 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.

Creating Opportunities Through Education

Education creates opportunity, and opportunity creates progress.

Talented individuals should have the opportunity to realise their potential regardless of their financial circumstances.

Through this scholarship, I hope we can help remove financial barriers and give promising individuals from Malaysia and the ASEAN region access to a transformative education.

The goal is not simply to develop successful individuals.

It is to nurture future leaders who can contribute positively to their organisations, communities, countries and the wider ASEAN region.

Developing the Next Generation of ASEAN Leaders

Asia School of Business was established in 2015 by Bank Negara Malaysia in collaboration with the MIT Sloan School of Management.

Its mission to develop transformative and principled leaders aligns closely with my own belief in lifelong learning and investing in human potential.

Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz, Founding Chair and Co-Chair of the Board of Governors of Asia School of Business, highlighted the importance of investing in human capital and developing leaders who understand Asia while being capable of competing globally.

Professor Joseph Cherian, President and Dean of Asia School of Business, also emphasised the importance of removing financial barriers so that talented individuals from different backgrounds can access opportunities to learn, grow and contribute.

This partnership demonstrates what can be achieved when educational institutions and private philanthropy come together with a shared purpose.

Building a Stronger Future for Malaysia and ASEAN

ASEAN is one of the world’s most dynamic economic regions.

To remain resilient, competitive and prosperous, the region will need leaders who can navigate complexity, drive innovation, strengthen institutions and make responsible decisions.

Developing such leaders requires long-term investment.

This scholarship represents an investment not only in education, but also in the future leadership capacity of Malaysia and ASEAN.

I hope the recipients of this scholarship will use the opportunities they receive to continue learning, contribute to society and create opportunities for others.

When we invest in people, knowledge and education, the impact can continue for generations.

That is what I believe it means to practise:

“Doing Well by Doing Good.”