Indonesian tycoon donates $30 million to NUS

The Jakarta Post, Tan Dawn Wei (The Sunday Times), The Asia News Network, Singapore, Sun, 01/01/2012

Mr Tahir, ST Photo: Desmond Foo

It is the largest gift the National University of Singapore (NUS) has received from an international alumnus, but Indonesian tycoon Tahir is reluctant to talk about the $30 million he has just pledged.

The 59-year-old chairman and chief executive of Indonesian conglomerate Mayapada Group, and one of the country's wealthiest men, prefers to talk about his philosophy of philanthropy.

“There are lots of people richer than me,” he said, with a wave of his hand. “It's not about how many cars you have, how rich you are. That's disgusting.”

A big supporter of education, the Indonesian-born Singapore permanent resident is donating the $30 million to the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine to advance research and education. As a result of his gift, the total sum received by NUS, including a government matching grant, is expected to be around $75 million.

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Indonesian tycoon donates $30 million to NUS