The Pay It Forward (PIF) model helps fund education costs upfront and ties contributions to future income, with plans to expand beyond Southeast Asia.
SINGAPORE — Global Financing for Education (GFE) has launched its Pay It Forward (PIF) education-funding model in Southeast Asia, giving students access to upfront funding for their education while connecting that funding to employment outcomes. GFE’s initial ambition is to build toward supporting 1 million students across ASEAN before expanding the model globally.
Under the PIF model, eligible students receive funding upfront to cover eligible education and related costs, including tuition, enrollment and program fees, learning materials and essential living expenses, so they can focus on completing their studies rather than financing them. Contributions begin only once a graduate starts earning, at which point they contribute a small, agreed percentage of their income for a set period, helping fund the next generation of students.
“Talent is widely distributed, but access to education is not,” said Mario Ferro, Founder of GFE. “We built GFE around a simple idea: that funding should follow a student’s potential rather than their financial history, and that today’s students, once they succeed, become the reason tomorrow’s students get the same chance.”
The PIF model is supported by Waiser, a Singapore-based certified B Corporation providing the technology, assessment tools and infrastructure behind the program. GFE was established with backing from Singapore-based private investors and foundations.
The platform is live now. Students can apply for funding, education institutions can explore a partnership, and funders and investors can support the initiative directly.
To learn more about GFE or explore a partnership, visit gfeducation.org
About Global Financing for Education (GFE)
GFE is a mission-driven organization dedicated to funding human potential. Through its Pay It Forward (PIF) model, GFE connects students, funders and institutions to ensure support reaches learners when they need it most. Starting in ASEAN with global ambitions, GFE is working to turn potential into real opportunity for students around the world. Learn more at gfeducation.org
About Waiser
Headquartered in Singapore, Waiser is a certified B Corporation providing technology and infrastructure for education funding and career pathways. Its assessment and AI-powered tools help evaluate student potential and support informed education and career decisions, enabling students, institutions and funders to participate in flexible education-funding programs. Learn more at waiser.com
Media Contact
Clara Aguilar
MarCom Associate, GFE
communications@gfeducation.org