On 8 October, three out of four Palestinian scholars arrived in Singapore and began their studies at local universities. What began as a grassroots effort by concerned Singaporeans has grown into a movement of solidarity and hope. The Palestinian Scholarship Initiative (PSI), launched on 26 October 2024, has successfully raised over S$510,000 to support Palestinian students whose education was disrupted by the war in Gaza.
The initiative’s goal was to provide access to higher education and holistic support to students affected by the conflict. Within a year, PSI surpassed its initial target of S$400,000, collecting S$370,000 through the Ray of Hope crowdfunding platform and an additional S$140,000 from private donors.
After a careful selection process by PSI’s Scholarship Assessment Committee (SAC), four scholars from Gaza were awarded full scholarships to study in Singapore.
Three Scholars Have Arrived Safely in Singapore
Three students successfully evacuated from Gaza before applying. They have now begun their studies at the National University of Singapore (NUS), the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), and the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM).
A fourth scholar, unable to leave Gaza in time for this academic year, will join the next intake — with NUS kindly holding their place for 2026.
To ease the transition into student life in Singapore, PSI launched the Scholars Support Programme — a volunteer-led network pairing each scholar with two “befrienders”: one from their university and one from the wider Singapore community. The programme focuses on emotional, social, and cultural support, helping the scholars feel safe and welcomed in their new environment.
“Our priority now is to make them feel at home in Singapore by supporting them in every way we can,” said Anthea Ong, PSI Co-Chair and former Nominated Member of Parliament. “We hope their time here will empower them to contribute meaningfully to the rebuilding of their homeland when they return.”
Education Amid Destruction
The United Nations reported earlier this year that 51 university buildings in Gaza have been destroyed, with 57 others damaged, leaving thousands of students without access to classrooms or academic resources.
One of the new PSI scholars described the move to Singapore as “a warm and enriching experience,” calling PSI volunteers “a family” that offered “kindness, mentorship, and hope.”
Supported by the Community
PSI’s success has been built entirely on civic action. It operates as a 100% volunteer-led initiative, with funds managed by the Singapore-registered charity Ray of Hope to ensure transparency and accountability.
In July, The Projector cinema dedicated 55% of ticket sales from screenings of the award-winning film No Other Land to PSI.
The initiative is co-chaired by Anthea Ong and Professor Yaacob Ibrahim, former Minister for Communications and Information, and supported by professionals, academics, and youth volunteers across Singapore.
A Broader Culture of Compassion
The Palestinian Scholarship Initiative joins a growing ecosystem of Singaporean efforts showing solidarity with Palestinians. Together, they reflect a deepening culture of civic compassion in Singapore — one that channels grief and empathy into tangible action.
For more information or to support PSI, visit their Instagram here.
More from Wake Up Singapore:-
Oscar-Winning Palestinian Film ‘No Other Land’ to Screen in Singapore This July
Singapore Wedding Honors Palestine, Encourages Donations via QR Code
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