Singapore community-led Palestinian Scholarship Initiative raises over S$510,000, awards first four scholars

A ground-up Singaporean initiative has raised more than S$510,000 to fund scholarships for four Palestinian students affected by the ongoing war in Gaza. The Palestinian Scholarship Initiative (PSI), launched on 26 October 2024, was founded to provide higher education opportunities for youths whose studies were disrupted by the destruction of universities and infrastructure in the region.

The initiative, which coincided with the 10th anniversary of local social enterprise Hush TeaBar, originally aimed to support two undergraduate students. However, strong community response helped it surpass expectations and fund twice the number of scholars.

In a statement on 15 July, PSI announced that it had exceeded its initial S$400,000 target by more than S$110,000. The funds were raised through the Ray of Hope crowdfunding platform and private contributions. Of the total, S$370,000 came from public donations on the platform, with an additional S$140,000 contributed by private and corporate donors.

Following a competitive selection process by PSI’s Scholarship Assessment Committee, four Palestinian students were chosen for sponsorship. Three will pursue postgraduate studies at the National University of Singapore (NUS) and the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), while one will begin an undergraduate programme at the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) this August.

PSI co-chair and former Nominated Member of Parliament Anthea Ong said the overwhelming response reflected the compassion of Singapore’s public. “Our initial goal was to sponsor two undergraduate scholars. Thanks to the generosity of donors, we are now able to support four. This reflects the giving spirit of Singaporeans and residents, especially amid the immense humanitarian crisis in Palestine,” she said.

The initiative’s fundraising success was partly driven by creative community campaigns. Among them was an Instagram-based raffle where every S$10 donation counted as one entry for curated prizes. The campaign raised over S$42,000, drawing more than 4,000 entries and 445 donors.

As of July 2025, PSI had received more than 2,700 individual donations, with contributions ranging from S$1 to S$20,000. The average donation exceeded S$130, signalling widespread grassroots engagement.

Beyond financial aid, PSI aims to provide holistic support for its scholars. A new volunteer-led Scholars Support Programme will pair each student with two befrienders — one from their host university and another from the wider community. The programme will provide emotional, social, and cultural guidance to help the scholars adapt to life in Singapore while promoting well-being and personal development.

PSI’s call for applications drew more than 150 submissions from Palestinian youths, more than half of whom were from Gaza. Most applicants were under 25 years old and sought admission to institutions such as NUS, the Singapore Management University (SMU), the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), SUSS, and SIM.

Applicants applied for programmes in fields including business management, artificial intelligence, software engineering, and pharmaceutical science.

One successful candidate described volunteering at Al-Shifa Hospital during the October 2023 Gaza crisis as a transformative experience. “Resilience and adaptability have been hallmarks of my journey. Studying in Singapore — a global hub for innovation and research — offers unparalleled opportunities for academic and personal growth,” the student said in PSI’s press statement.

The initiative highlights the severe toll the conflict has taken on education in Gaza. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, at least 51 university buildings were destroyed and another 57 damaged as of January 2025. Many young Palestinians have since been displaced, with limited access to formal education.

PSI’s efforts have also drawn high-level support. In March 2025, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong attended a PSI partners’ briefing and iftar event at Pu3 restaurant, where he expressed encouragement for the initiative’s mission. His presence was viewed by organisers as a meaningful gesture of national solidarity.

To further raise awareness and donations, PSI collaborated with The Projector to host charity film screenings of No Other Land, an award-winning documentary on Palestinian displacement. Fifty-five percent of ticket proceeds were donated to PSI. The first screening was held on 12 July at Cineleisure, with additional sessions planned on 16, 20, and 26 July.

PSI’s organisers emphasised that the initiative remains fully volunteer-led and community-driven. Funds are managed by Ray of Hope, a registered Singapore charity known for its transparency and accountability in social fundraising.

The initiative is co-chaired by Anthea Ong and Professor Yaacob Ibrahim, former Minister for Communications and Information. The organising team includes professionals, academics, civil society representatives, and young Singaporeans who have volunteered their time to support the cause.

Professor Yaacob said the initiative symbolises Singapore’s capacity for empathy and global citizenship. “PSI reflects how communities can come together to make a meaningful difference beyond borders. Education remains one of the most powerful tools for rebuilding lives and societies,” he said.

Organisers added that funds will cover tuition, accommodation, and living expenses for the four scholars during their studies in Singapore. The scholarships are non-governmental and rely entirely on public and private contributions.

Looking ahead, PSI aims to expand its outreach and secure long-term partnerships with institutions and donors to sustain future intakes. Plans include forming a mentorship network linking scholars with local academics and industry professionals.

The initiative’s success underscores Singaporeans’ growing engagement in humanitarian causes and their willingness to support global education access. As Anthea Ong put it, “This project is about hope — not just for the four students who will soon begin their studies here, but for an entire generation that sees in them a path to rebuild, to learn, and to lead.”

For more details or to make a contribution, members of the public can visit the Ray of Hope’s official page for the Palestinian Scholarship Initiative.