Simon Fraser University (SFU), Burnaby, Canada – August 14, 2023
In 2014, SFU computing science alumnus Amyn Rajan (BSc ’93), who was a recipient of the $12,000 Gordon M. Shrum Entrance Scholarship in 1986, stated that his goal was to give back to the university a hundredfold what he had received through the scholarship—a remarkable goal that he and his wife Shein have since doubled.
In 1972, both Amyn and Shein and their families were thrown out of Uganda, the country of their birth, by dictator Idi Amin. Canada graciously welcomed them along with many other immigrants and refugees with open arms. Both of their families struggled to establish themselves in Canada. Amyn’s family lost their house the year he graduated from high school, and his family’s business went bankrupt at the same time he graduated from SFU. The entrance scholarship that SFU awarded Amyn was critical in helping him get a solid education and setting him up for success in life.
Amyn went on to start his first company, Orbital Technologies, in 1997. Amyn and Shein married in 2001 and continued their business success with two other companies: Simba Technologies and Bit Quill Technologies. They are proud to have built three very successful technology businesses in Vancouver, creating new jobs and employing more than 300 people.
As followers of the Aga Khan and using their Shia Ismaili Muslim ethics, the Rajans have committed to giving back both time and resources to SFU, Canada and the wider community.
The couple has uplifted the SFU community in many meaningful ways, from supporting women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and undergraduate entrance scholarships, to fostering an understanding of Muslim societies and developing a thoughtful partnership with Aga Khan University and The University of Centra Asia through student exchanges and collaborations that address pressing global issues like pluralism, climate change and environmental sustainability.
The Rajans have also served as advisory members for SFU’s Power of Engagement 50th anniversary campaign and, since 2011, Amyn has been part of SFU’s Faculty of Applied Sciences External Advisory Board and served as its chair for eight years.
Their impact extends beyond SFU, having contributed to initiatives such as the World Partnership Walk, Aga Khan Foundation Canada, Ismaili Centres in Toronto and Houston, and the Aga Khan Museum. The couple’s commitment to building greater diversity and inclusion in education, as well as the technology industry at-large, have transformed countless lives throughout British Columbia. Amyn currently serves on multiple boards, including the Scleroderma Association of B.C. where he is actively raising funds for research into this rare and dangerous disease.
SFU is proud to recognize Amyn—our very own distinguished alumnus—and Shein for their inspiring philanthropy and dedication to community, education and equity.
Source: Simon Fraser University
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