GFE Launches Pay It Forward Funding Model Across ASEAN, Aiming to Support 1 Million Students
New initiative connects upfront education funding with employment and career outcomes, with plans to expand globally
SINGAPORE, September 3, 2026 — Global Financing for Education (GFE) today announced its formal launch in Southeast Asia, introducing a Pay It Forward (PIF) education-funding model designed to help students access and complete 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, which may include 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 has reached a stable income, 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 launch comes as the global economy shifts rapidly toward technology-driven work, while many students continue to face funding systems that place significant weight on financial history and the ability to pay upfront. GFE’s focus spans vocational training through advanced degrees, with an emphasis on education-to-employment outcomes that create stability and opportunity at scale.
GFE was established with backing from Singapore-based private investors and foundations, who provide the initial capital to fund student opportunities through the PIF model.
The PIF model is supported by Waiser, a Singapore-based certified B Corporation that provides the technology, assessment tools and infrastructure behind the program. Waiser’s tools help assess student potential across academic, career and other relevant indicators, while supporting the connection between students, education institutions and funders.
The platform is now live. 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 Jay Aguilar
MarCom Associate, GFE
communications@gfeducation.org
https://gfeducation.org/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/gfeducation
