Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin and his family have donated S$20 million to the Singapore American School (SAS). The donation, announced in a weekly email by the school, is intended to support various needs, including world-class play spaces and a Chinese immersion programme. This contribution marks the largest gift in the school’s history.
Background
The Singapore American School, located at 40 Woodlands Street 41, serves students from pre-kindergarten to high school. The donation from Saverin, 42, who co-founded Facebook with Mark Zuckerberg in 2004, is expected to have a significant impact on the school’s facilities and programmes. Saverin, who renounced his United States citizenship in 2012 and has been based in Singapore since 2009, is currently ranked number one on Singapore’s 50th richest list by Forbes.
Donation to fund school spaces and programmes
SAS superintendent Tom Boasberg stated that the Saverin family’s donation would be used to fund “world-class” play spaces, STEM labs, enhancements to the new elementary school, a Chinese immersion programme, and other strategic priorities. Boasberg emphasised that the donation would have a “transformative effect” on the school.
Elaine Saverin, Eduardo’s wife, expressed hope that the donation would benefit thousands of students at SAS. She described the contribution as a “significant and meaningful way” for the Saverin family to demonstrate their commitment to the school. Currently, SAS charges high school students around S$49,000 per year, excluding transport and other costs.
Saverin’s background and motivations
Eduardo Saverin, born in Brazil, has been a prominent figure in the tech industry since co-founding Facebook. His decision to renounce his U.S. citizenship in 2012 was made ahead of Facebook’s initial public offering. Since moving to Singapore in 2009, Saverin has become deeply involved in the local community and business landscape.
Implications for the future
The S$20 million donation is expected to set a precedent for future contributions to educational institutions in Singapore. The significant investment in SAS’s infrastructure and programmes could attract more high-profile donations, further enhancing the quality of education in the region. The Saverin family’s commitment to SAS underscores the importance of private contributions in supporting educational excellence.
