Dr Tay pictured with his wife Lui Inn Pin

Dr Chang Mong Tay (BE 1974) graduated from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at Monash University with a First Class Honours. Studying under the prestigious Colombo Plan Scholarship, his studies were subsidised by the Department of Education in Melbourne.

"Mr Chapman of the Department always reminded us that Monash University has a heart of gold to open up its courses for international students," Dr Tay reflected when he spoke with us recently.

Dr Tay believes the different culture he was exposed to at Monash has benefited him in many ways throughout the rest of his career and business life.

It is with this spirit that Dr Tay recently donated $50,000 towards student scholarships and bursaries in the Faculty of Engineering.

"Monash has made me what I am today from my humble background - and the spirit of passing on scholarships and bursaries to the talented and disadvantaged students must sustain," he said.

A strong Monash tradition now flows through the Tay family. His daughter and son are both Monash graduates - Wynnie with a Master of Professional Accounting and Master of Business Law in 2010, and Willie with a Bachelor of Business in 2009.

"What else could I choose to do to positively develop my kids - except share the best part of my education experience?" he said.

Dr Tay's foundation in engineering was enhanced with a PhD in 2004 from Preston University in the US. He enjoyed an award-winning career in quality and risk management leading multiple companies as well as running his own corporations.

Dr Tay is now semi-retired, spending his time as a Chairman of two companies and travelling the world with his wife of 37 years.

"Thank you Monash - no sum of my donation could repay enough… for all you have given me as a real beneficiary of the last century," Dr Tay said.