Jardine Foundation launches scholarships for UGM postgraduate students
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Jardine Foundation, the educational arm of Jardine Matheson, has launched a new scholarship programme for postgraduate students at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) to support future leaders committed to community service.
The programme, which was inaugurated in Jakarta on Monday (31/8), provides full scholarships for 20 UGM postgraduate students each year, covering both tuition fees and living expenses.
Executive Chairman of Jardine Matheson, Ben Keswick, stated that the initiative is a manifestation of the company’s long-term commitment to Indonesia through the empowerment of high-achieving young talent.
“We are proud to be able to empower talented Indonesian undergraduate and postgraduate students through higher education, so that they may become leaders within society,” Ben said in a statement in Jakarta on Friday.
He noted that the scholarship is open to new postgraduate students at UGM for the 2026-2027 academic year who possess a strong social commitment and require financial assistance. Applications can be submitted directly through the official UGM website.
“This step also supports the Indonesian Government’s priority programmes in the field of education,” added Ben.
During the launch, the Jardine Foundation also introduced the Indonesian Minister for Foreign Affairs for the 2014-2024 period, Retno Marsudi, as a Senior Advisor. She will lead the foundation’s efforts to strengthen support for higher education in Indonesia.
Retno expressed her appreciation for the collaboration between the private sector and higher education institutions in expanding access to learning opportunities for the younger generation.
“Education has the power to transform lives, strengthen society, and build the nation’s future,” said Retno.
“I am very pleased to witness the strong collaboration between the Jardine Foundation and UGM, and I look forward to its positive impact on Indonesia’s future generations,”
Meanwhile, the Rector of UGM, Prof. dr. Ova Emilia, also commended the ongoing collaboration between UGM and the Jardine Foundation, which has existed since 2014.
“We hope the presence of the Jardine Foundation can open wider educational opportunities throughout Indonesia, in line with UGM’s primary mission,” explained Ova.
By expanding access to higher education, she noted, the scholarship plays a vital role in preparing world-class future leaders from various socio-economic backgrounds.
The postgraduate programme complements existing partnerships, including the UGM undergraduate scholarship programme established in 2022 for 15 students per year.
Since its establishment in 1982, the Jardine Foundation has distributed over US$60 million to fund more than 500 students across various countries.
In Indonesia, the foundation has funded approximately 100 students for studies at the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, as well as 55 students through local scholarships at UGM.