Connect with us

Media OutReach

Grants Explained: Your Guide to SIM’s Financial Support

Published

on

SINGAPORE- Media OutReach Newswire – 9 December 2025 – Higher education is a significant investment, and for many families, the cost can feel overwhelming. In Singapore, where tuition fees and living expenses continue to rise, financial aid is more than just a safety net, it’s a lifeline. While scholarships often dominate headlines, grants are equally crucial. They provide need-based support without repayment obligations, helping students stay focused on their studies rather than financial stress.

At SIM, financial assistance is designed to be inclusive and responsive, offering a mix of grants for those in need and scholarships for high achievers. This article breaks down SIM’s grant options, explains how they differ from scholarships, and guides you through the application process.

Why Grants Matter

Grants are not loans, they never require repayment, making them a vital tool for educational access. For students from low-income families or those facing sudden hardship, grants can mean the difference between continuing studies and dropping out. Unlike scholarships, which reward merit, grants focus on equity and inclusivity, ensuring financial challenges don’t block opportunity.

They also provide quick relief during crises such as job loss or medical emergencies, offering flexibility that scholarships often lack. Ultimately, grants empower students to learn without the burden of debt, reflecting SIM’s commitment to fairness and social mobility.

SIM’s Key Grant Options

SIM offers a range of financial aid programs designed to support students through different circumstances. The Enhanced Financial Aid Grant is one of the most significant initiatives, providing up to S$13,500 annually for Singapore Citizens and S$6,000 for Permanent Residents. Eligibility is determined by Per Capita Income (PCI) tiers, ensuring that assistance reaches families who need it most. This grant is ideal for students from low-income households enrolled in SIM Global Education programs.

For students facing sudden financial hardship such as job loss, medical emergencies, or unexpected family crises, the SIM GE Crisis Fund provides timely relief. This emergency grant offers up to S$5,000 per student, with applications processed quarterly to ensure quick disbursement. The fund is designed to help students stay on track academically during unforeseen challenges without the added stress of financial instability.

In addition to these targeted grants, SIM introduced the SIM Impact Fund in 2024, a bold initiative backed by a S$60 million budget. This fund aims to benefit students annually through bursaries, scholarships, and experiential learning opportunities such as overseas exchanges and internships. By combining financial support with career development, the Impact Fund reflects SIM’s commitment to holistic student success.

Grants vs Scholarships: At a Glance

Grants and scholarships serve different purposes in SIM’s financial aid ecosystem. Grants are primarily need-based, awarded to students who face financial challenges, and they never require repayment. Applications for grants are accepted year-round, offering flexibility for those who need immediate assistance. In contrast, scholarships are merit-based, recognizing academic excellence, leadership, or talent in areas such as sports and the arts. Like grants, scholarships do not require repayment, but they follow fixed application windows and are highly competitive.

How to Apply

Applying for SIM’s financial aid is a straightforward process managed through SIMConnect, the official student portal. Students can submit applications for grants and bursaries during any of the four quarterly cycles (March, June, September, and December) giving flexibility throughout the academic year. To ensure eligibility, applicants must prepare supporting documents such as proof of household income (e.g., CPF statements, Notice of Assessment, or payslips) and evidence of financial hardship for emergency grants. The process is designed to be transparent and efficient, with clear guidelines available online.

Final Thought

SIM’s financial support ecosystem is more than a set of programs, it’s a commitment to educational equity. By balancing need-based grants with merit-based scholarships, SIM ensures that financial circumstances never become a barrier to learning. Grants provide immediate relief for students in crisis and sustained assistance for those from low-income families, while scholarships celebrate academic excellence and talent. Together, these initiatives reflect SIM’s belief that every student deserves the opportunity to succeed, regardless of background. Whether you’re navigating unexpected financial challenges or striving for recognition through achievement, SIM offers a clear path forward because no student should be left behind.

References:

  1. Bursaries & Financial Aid (Enhanced) – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/admissions/bursaries-and-financial-aids
  2. SIM GE Crisis Fund – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/admissions/bursaries-and-financial-aids/sim-ge-crisis-fund
  3. SIM students from lower-income families to get financial aid with new $60m school fund – https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/sim-students-from-lower-income-families-get-financial-help-with-new-60m-school-fund

Hashtag: #SIMGlobalEducation #SIMGE #GlobalEducation #InternationalDegree #CareerReady #FutureSkills

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About SIM Global Education

SIM Global Education (SIM GE) is a leading private education institution in Singapore and the region. We offer more than 140 academic programmes ranging from diplomas and graduate diploma programmes to bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes with some of the world’s most reputable universities from Australia, Canada, Europe, United Kingdom, and the United States. SIM GE’s cohort is made up of 16,000 full- and part-time students and adult learners, of which approximately 36% are international students hailing from over 50 countries.

SIM GE’s holistic learning approach and culturally diverse learning environment aim to equip students with knowledge, industry skills and employability competencies, as well as a global perspective to succeed as future leaders in a fast-changing, technologically driven world.

For more information on SIM Global Education, visit

Advertisement

Media OutReach

New Documentary A MONA LISA OBSESSION from Discovery to debut December 14 in Southeast Asia

Published

on

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 December 2025 – A brand-new documentary A Mona Lisa Obsession explores various perspectives of the Mona Lisa, an iconic masterpiece by Leonardo da Vinci, set to air in Southeast Asia on the Discovery Channel on Thursday, December 11 2025 at 7:10 PM and on Discovery Asia on Sunday, December 14 at 9:00 PM.

A Mona Lisa Obsession touches on the origins of the Mona Lisa, from the Italian Renaissance, and the painting’s passage through France with King Francis l and Napoleon Bonaparte, to the Louvre – the documentary also zooms in on a rare private art collection in Taiwan which includes a likeness of the painting of Mona Lisa, a work of art that some consider to be a youthful depiction reminiscent of Mona Lisa.

Owned by Frank Huang, an art collector and Taiwanese technology leader from Taiwan, this depiction of the Mona Lisa from his private collection adds a unique perspective to the ongoing conversation surrounding one of Leonardo da Vinci’s most iconic works.

The Mona Lisa has long captivated the world with her enigmatic smile and mysterious gaze – over centuries, many artistic interpretations inspired by the Mona Lisa have emerged, with scholars discovering more hidden details and subtle symbols, fueling the fascination of the original painting.

Catch A Mona Lisa Obsession in Southeast Asia on the Discovery Channel, Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 7:10 PM SGT and on Discovery Asia on Sunday, December 14 at 9:00 PM SGT.

****

Note to editors:

  • Watch highlights here
  • Download stills here

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Discovery Channel

Across every platform, Discovery Channel is dedicated to connecting audiences who have a passion for adventure and crave a connection to the world around them. Popular series including Deadliest Catch, Expedition Unknown and Gold Rush, along with Shark Week, the annual tentpole programming event, serve as trusted portals that transport viewers directly into thrilling, real, high stakes moments. Through smart, authentic characters whose stories inform and inspire, Discovery celebrates the men and women who will stop at nothing to explore new spaces and achieve their dreams. For more information, please visit

Continue Reading

Media OutReach

Financial Stress Keeps Singapore Awake, while Overall Well-Being in APAC Lags Behind Global Peers

Published

on

Promotion of exercise culture and therapy may boost physical and mental health

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 December 2025 – Despite mounting stress due to sustained concerns with the cost of living, vitality and overall well-being levels in Singapore remain consistent with last year. However, stress has a demonstrable effect on respondents’ mental and physical well-being, signaling the importance of a holistic approach to healthcare that encompasses both aspects.

The Singapore report of the Cigna Healthcare International Health Study 2025, released today encompasses more than 11,000 respondents across 13 markets, including 1,000 in Singapore and 4,000 across the Asia-Pacific region. The study reveals that physical, mental and financial well-being are the three aspects prioritized by Singapore residents. However, financial well-being is ranked the lowest with almost four in 10 (39%) rating their financial health as “fair” or “poor”.

Raymond Ng, CEO & Country Manager, Cigna Healthcare Singapore & Australia said: “Health and vitality are key to building resilient communities. It promises the well-being of our workforce and enables us to grow and prosper as a society. While vitality and well-being levels held firm among Singapore residents, more needs to be done in today’s uncertain environment to tackle stressors that can negatively impact their physical and mental well-being.”

The key indicators of vitality and well-being in Singapore are as follows:

Vitality Score Overall Well-Being

(% rating as “excellent” or “very good”)

Top Three Areas of Well-Being

(% rating as “excellent” or “very good” in 2025)

2025: 61.2

2024: 61.4

2025: 34%

2024: 33%

Family well-being: 44%

Mental well-being: 36%

Physical well-being: 34%


On a regional level, overall well-being in Asia Pacific lags behind the global average, with less than three in 10 (28%) Asia-Pacific respondents rating their overall well-being as “excellent” or “very good”, compared to four in 10 (41%) globally. While physical and mental well-being are the two most important aspects of well-being for respondents globally, financial well-being is more important for those in Asia Pacific, coming in as the third most important aspect. With financial well-being remaining the weakest aspect across the globe, there is a pressing need for governments and organizations to render support to address financial concerns.

Robert Peat, Chief Executive Officer, Asia Pacific, Cigna Healthcare said: “Asia Pacific continues to be one of the fastest growing regions in the world. To sustain this momentum, communities and employers need to recognize that healthy people are the foundation of a healthy economy and implement measures to close the gaps in their well-being.”

Sleepless in Singapore: Financial stress as the sleep killer

While mental well-being in Singapore remains stable with more than a third of respondents rating it as “excellent” or “very good” this year, eight in 10 (79%) respondents are stressed. Their greatest stressors are the current cost of living (53%); uncertainty about the future (47%); and personal finance (43%).

Stress affects more than mental and emotional health and can have huge implications on physical well-being. Our study reveals that disrupted sleep is the most common effect of stress among respondents in the nation, with close to half (48%) of respondents who are stressed reporting this effect, compared to 38% regionally.

Therapy remains underused by Singapore respondents. Despite nearly half (49%) of respondents reporting being negatively impacted by poor mental health, nearly nine in 10 (89%) say they did not receive counselling or therapy in the past 12 months, with 77% believing they do not need it. Given the impacts of stress and poor mental health on physical and overall well-being, more efforts are needed to raise awareness about the benefits of therapy and destigmatize seeking help.

Exercise culture runs strong in Singapore

More than a quarter (26%) of respondents in Singapore rate their exercise habits as “excellent” or “very good”.

When asked how they manage their weight, two-thirds (66%) said they exercise regularly, higher than the Asia-Pacific average of 61%; with only 4% of Singapore respondents turning to medication for weight management. The findings underscore a relatively strong exercise culture and the prioritization of healthy habits among those living in the nation. Communities and organizations may leverage the growing fitness trend to enhance physical well-being.

Cautious optimism around AI in healthcare

Close to half (47%) of Singapore respondents are positive about the impact of AI on healthcare, with 45% expecting it will reduce wait times within three years. This could have an outsized impact in Singapore, as respondents here are 29% more likely to have delayed or avoided getting care due to concern with wait times than their regional counterparts.

Additionally, almost half of Singapore respondents (48%) mention a reduction in human interaction as an expected change with the advent of AI. The challenge ahead is striking the right balance between efficiency and empathy.

The full findings of the report are available here.
Hashtag: #CignaHealthcare #CignaHealthcareInternationalHealthStudy #Health #Wellness #Wellbeing




The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Cigna Healthcare Singapore

Cigna Healthcare is a division of The Cigna Group, a global health company committed to creating a better future built on the health and vitality of every individual and every community. Cigna Healthcare is a health benefits provider that advocates for better health through every stage of life. We guide our customers through the healthcare system, empowering them with the information and insight they need to make the best choices for improving their health and vitality.

Cigna Healthcare Singapore is a strong believer of total health and wellness and prides itself on delivering personalized solutions for the health of our clients and customers. To achieve this, Cigna Healthcare Singapore works as one global team and in close partnership with its customers, network providers and communities to understand and address their diverse needs. Learn more at

Continue Reading

Media OutReach

SWISS REJU wins “JESSICA Best AI Body Slimming Award” with INDIBA

Published

on

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 December 2025 – SWISS REJU has earned “Best AI Slimming Treatment Award” at the prestigious JESSICA Beauty and Wellness Awards, honouring exceptional mastery of artificial intelligence in the beauty industry. SWISS REJU also announces the official launch of INDIBA, an FDA and CE approved technology that helps to burn visceral fat and contour the body, creating an even stronger technical offering for its signature, multi-award winning program “SWISS REJU K-Lipolysis”.

SWISS REJU won the “Best AI Slimming Treatment Award” at the prestigious JESSICA Beauty and Wellness Awards

The JESSICA Beauty and Wellness Awards celebrate excellence across luxury beauty, healthcare and wellness. It is one of the most recognized beauty industry awards in Hong Kong. The organizer, JESSICA, is a major lifestyle and media company. For over 25 years, JESSICA has been reporting on fashion, lifestyle and business, as one of the most trustworthy and influential media sources in Hong Kong.

“We’re incredibly fortunate to win this new, Best AI Slimming Award with JESSICA,” said the spokesperson for SWISS REJU. “Our goal was to provide our guests with top medical aesthetic technologies. Platforms like BTL EXION and INDIBA, are exactly the type of top medical technologies which SWISS REJU is heavily investing in. The breathtaking results powered by AI, reflect the endless possibilities new technologies can bring to the beauty and slimming field”

The JESSICA Beauty and Wellness Awards is extremely selective and has a rigorous nominations and editorial selection process. Only brands that have been proven to provide genuine service and excellent results are eligible to compete. Amongst the Winners this year, are Australian organic brand “CANVAS” and Japanese household name “Panasonic VITALIFT” beauty appliances.

SWISS REJU, with its heavy investment in new and prestigious technologies such as INDIBA (recently approved in Europe under the Medical Device Regulation), offers a seamless blend of traditional wellness and innovation, allowing guests to experience what many considered to be one of the most effective slimming treatments in Hong Kong. INDIBA with its trademark Proionic 448khz technology, is loved by the Top 1% most influential users in the world, amongst them European royalties, celebrity footballers and international singers.

The recognition of this major annual Award, reaffirms SWISS REJU’s commitment to exceptional technology. It is the 12th annual award won by the brand, representing a new record.

SWISS REJU and integrative power of cutting edge technologies

SWISS REJU’s trademarked “K-Lipolysis” body contouring program offers winning technologies including INDIBA, BTL EXION, Winback, ATP LIPO X, amongst others. It is the unique contouring solution beauty lovers are craving for.
Hashtag: #SWISSREJU #熱光溶脂

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Continue Reading

Trending