SAWL Scholarship Fund
The SAWL Scholarship Fund (the Fund), formally known as “Tan Ah Tah SAWL Fund” was established in December 1987 under the auspices of SAWL in memory of the late Honourable Justice Mr. Tan Ah Tah, the first local-born person to be appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court in May 1955.
The Fund seeks to reduce social disparities brought on by educational imbalance and (the lack of) access to education. Registered as a Charity with the Commissioner of Charities and holding Institute of Public Character (IPC) status, the Fund aims to further educational interest amongst those in need - both physical and mental disabilities.
The Fund disbursed about $200,000 in 2021 to about 131 students. Since the inception of the Fund, more than 1,200 students have benefited from over $1,200,000 of scholarships disbursed to Secondary Schools, Institute of Technical Education, Junior Colleges and Tertiary institutions.
The success of the Fund is testament to the pioneering spirit of SAWL founder members and the efforts of their successors. In 2019, the Fund expanded its reach to include students with special needs, Autism Spectrum Disorder and intellectual disability.
The late Honourable Justice Tan was one of SAWL's most ardent supporters in its early years and he was an integral part in shaping the prevailing culture of charitable giving. To carry the torch, in 2020, we are honoured to have and warmly welcome Ms. Indranee Rajah (Minister, Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Finance and Second Minister for National Development) as Patron of the SAWL Scholarship Fund!
The Fund continues to be well received by the community as there are almost no other scholarships available for these students which, unlike bursaries, also celebrates their academic achievements.
Award Categories
The Fund is in aid of education for physically and mentally disabled students from the various educational levels. Candidates pursuing education at secondary, pre-university levels or junior colleges, polytechnics, vocational institutes or Singapore universities are eligible to apply for the scholarships. For details on eligibility and criteria, click here
secondary / pre-university bursary - $600
vocational institue or equivalent - $1,200
special schools - $2,000
Junior College / Polytechnic or equivalent - $3,000
tertiary or equivalent scholarship - $8,000
Trustees
The scholarships are awarded to candidates who must be either citizens or permanent residents of Singapore and physically handicapped (including one who is from any approved charity as defined under the Income Tax Act or any society duly registered under the Societies Act) and who are in need of financial assistance. The Fund is governed by Trust Deeds and administered by the following 6 Trustees, who will review the applications of both pre-existing and potential applicant based on the Fund’s criteria. The Trustees have the sole discretion to approve applications.
President/Chairperson/Trustee Secretary/Trustee Treasurer/Trustee
Foo Siew Fong Ong Lee Wha Anne Choo
Trustee Trustee Trustee
Koh Juat Jong Lim Hui Min Tan Shin Yi
Trustee Trustee Trustee
Halijah bte Mohamad Rosa Koo Sheela Kumari Devi
Fund Helps Inclusiveness
“I see this scholarship as something very much in line with our efforts to build an inclusive society that supports each individual to go as far as he or she can, irrespective of starting point or disability.”
Click to read Straits Times Article, “Scholarship fund by women lawyers calls for fresh ideas” - Ng Huiwen on 5 April 2017