Grab Singapore is continuing its investment in the families behind its platform workforce, awarding the 2026 Grab Emerald Circle Scholarship to 10 university students whose parents are Grab driver- or delivery-partners.
The bond-free scholarship provides recipients with up to S$15,000 towards their university education, recognising not only strong academic performance but also leadership, co-curricular involvement and contributions to the community. Since launching the programme in 2018, the Grab Emerald Circle Scholarships and Bursaries have supported more than 3,070 students and families across Singapore. This includes more than 70 university scholarships and over 3,000 bursaries, reflecting the company’s long-term commitment to education beyond financial assistance.
Selected from almost 300 applications this year, the recipients represent a diverse range of aspirations—from science and healthcare to literature and the creative arts.
Among them is Tara Anaiya, a first-year Life Sciences student at the National University of Singapore, who hopes to pursue neuroscience research focused on neurodegenerative diseases while improving healthcare accessibility. She has already developed prototypes for a sleep apnoea device, contributed to improving clinic workflows during an internship, and regularly volunteers to inspire younger students to explore careers in science.
Also recognised is Nirvashini D/O Pannirselvam, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English at Nanyang Technological University. After transitioning from a business and science background into the humanities, she hopes to build a career as a novelist writing stories that resonate with young Singaporeans. She shared that the scholarship not only eases financial pressures on her family but also gives her the confidence to pursue a creative career.
The scholarship also celebrates the sacrifices made by Grab’s driver- and delivery-partners. Grab driver-partner See Tzu Leck said the award will help his daughter, See Shin Tong, continue her studies in business and communications while exploring a future in video production. For many parents, he noted, the greatest reward is seeing their children’s hard work recognised and their ambitions supported.
According to the Head of Partner Engagement at Grab Singapore, every completed trip represents more than work. It reflects parents striving to create opportunities for the next generation. He said the scholarship programme demonstrates Grab’s commitment to supporting partners not only through their work on the platform but also through the responsibilities and aspirations that matter most in their personal lives.
The scholarships form part of Grab’s broader partner welfare initiatives in Singapore. These include GrabBenefits 2.0, through which the company has committed S$4 million annually towards enhanced welfare support for platform workers, as well as educational opportunities offered through GrabAcademy’s partnership with the London School of Business and Finance.
Unlike many scholarship programmes, the Grab Emerald Circle Scholarship has no household income requirement. Applicants must simply be the children of active Grab driver- or delivery-partners who have been on the platform for at least 12 months, making the programme one that rewards merit, potential and community impact regardless of financial background.
