• S$600,000 gift will support students undertaking mandatory practicum placements, enabling them to focus on developing the required skills and competencies

SINGAPORE – Mapletree Investments (“Mapletree”) and the Singapore University of Social Sciences (“SUSS”) announced on 21 August 2026, the establishment of the endowed Mapletree Practicum Award, made possible through a S$600,000 gift from Mapletree to support the development of Social Work and Early Childhood Education professionals.

The award will support full-time students enrolled in SUSS’ Social Work and Early Childhood Education programmes during their mandatory practicum placements, enabling them to focus on gaining practical skills and experience needed for professional practice.

Practicum is an integral part of both programmes. It provides students with opportunities to apply classroom learning in authentic settings while building the skills, confidence and professional judgement needed for professional practice. As these placements require a significant full-time commitment, many students are unable to take on part-time employment during this period.

By supporting students through a critical stage of their professional training, the collaboration contributes to the development of social workers and early childhood educators who help strengthen the social fabric of Singapore. Through their work with children, families and vulnerable communities, these professionals play an important role in advancing a more caring and inclusive society and reinforcing the shared responsibility at the heart of Singapore’s social compact.

Eligible students will receive a one-time award of S$2,000 during their practicum placement to help ease financial pressures and focus on their professional training. The award will benefit six to 24 students annually from 2026 to 2035, and 18 students each year thereafter in perpetuity.

Mr Edmund Cheng, Chairman, Mapletree, said, “The Mapletree Practicum Award, aligned with our Corporate Social Responsibility Framework’s Education pillar, reflects our commitment to supporting students pursuing careers that make a meaningful difference to the community. This support allows students to focus on their learning to develop the skills, experience and confidence needed to make a positive social impact in the years to come. We look forward to working with SUSS for future opportunities to empower the next generation.”

Associate Professor Vincent Ng, Dean of the School of Social Work and Social Development, said, “Practicum is where our students begin to see themselves as social workers. Through hands-on experience alongside experienced practitioners, they develop the professional judgement, confidence and empathy that are essential to the profession. The Mapletree Practicum Award enables students to fully embrace this critical stage of their learning while reinforcing our shared commitment to nurturing the next generation of social workers for Singapore.”

Associate Professor Sirene Lim, Dean of the S R Nathan School of Human Development, said, “The early years lay the foundation for every child’s development, and that begins with capable and confident educators. Practicum gives our students the opportunity to refine their teaching practice, build meaningful relationships with children and families in authentic learning environments. This support enables them to make the most of these experiences as they prepare to shape the lives of future generations.”

The gift was formalised at a signing ceremony held between SUSS and Mapletree on 21 August 2026 at SUSS. The agreement, signed by Professor Tan Tai Yong, President, SUSS, and Mr Wan Kwong Weng, Group Chief Corporate Officer, Mapletree, established the Mapletree Practicum Award and underscored both organisations’ commitment to supporting professionals in the fields of Social Work and Early Childhood Education.

Since 2012, Mapletree has endowed S$4.65 million for Mapletree Bursaries across Singapore’s six autonomous universities. To date, Mapletree has disbursed S$500,000 for the endowed Mapletree Study Grants and has also supported SUSS’ Seah Choo Meng Public Lecture Series in 2023 and the SUSS Sustainable Asia Conference in 2025.

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