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A Legacy of Knowledge Sharing
Sunway Education Group is proud to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Sir Jeffrey Cheah Distinguished Speaker Series (SJCDSS), a flagship initiative that has consistently brought global thought leaders to the Sunway University campus. Launched in 2005, the series has since become a prominent platform for fostering knowledge exchange, engaging students, and making a lasting impact on society at large.
Inspiring Minds Since 2005
The SJCDSS was conceived as a way for Tan Sri Sir Dr. Jeffrey Cheah, Founder and Chairman of Sunway Group as well as Founder and Chancellor of Sunway University, to give back to both students and society by creating an environment where learning goes beyond textbooks. His vision emphasised that education is a “two-way process,” where not only do students learn, but knowledge is actively shared, creating a dynamic learning ecosystem that enriches lives.
The series kicked off with its inaugural speaker, Professor D. Quinn Mills from Harvard Business School, setting the tone for what would become a prestigious tradition. Since then, it has hosted 150 distinguished speakers, from global thought leaders and academic pioneers to industry experts. The latest to join this stellar line-up were Professors Salmaan Keshavjee and Mercedes C. Becerra, esteemed members of Harvard Medical School and Jeffrey Cheah Distinguished Professors.
Conversations That Spark Change
SJCDSS stands out for its academic rigor and relevance, covering topics from sustainability and technology to healthcare and social entrepreneurship to inspire meaningful conversations and action.
Sunway University, through the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation, has built active partnerships with some of the world’s most prestigious institutions, including the University of Cambridge, University of Oxford and Lancaster University in the UK, as well as Harvard University and MIT Boston in the US. As Malaysia’s largest education-focused social enterprise, the foundation is on track to award more than RM1 billion in scholarships and grants by 2026, bringing cutting-edge research and world-class knowledge not only to Malaysia, but also the wider Southeast Asia region.
Building a Vision for the Future
"I firmly believe that to be the best, we must work with the best and learn from the best. And this speaker series is one example of how we work with the best and learn from the best. That is why my contribution to the Foundation is in perpetuity, because real change takes time, and continuity is key to long-lasting impact. It is my lifelong dream for Sunway University to one day be known as the 'Harvard or Cambridge of the East'. I am aware, of course, that this may not happen in my lifetime, but I’m laying the groundwork for this vision to be realised by those who come after me,” said Tan Sri Sir Dr. Jeffrey Cheah.
Professor Dato’ Elizabeth Lee, Chief Executive Officer of Sunway Education Group added, “This milestone is a testament to our commitment in fostering intellectual discourse and promoting lifelong learning, core aspects of our social responsibility. We remain committed to advancing the SJCDSS, expanding our reach with insightful discussions to drive meaningful and positive change.”