Alumni News |  ISB Alumni's Ongoing Philanthropy Shows Value of Giving Back to an Alma Mater

The ongoing connection between ISB and its alumni can benefit both today’s students and the wider school community. Through financial philanthropy, mentoring, sharing professional expertise, and bringing people together, alumni can continue to contribute long after they graduate.

ISB alumni Tommy Ma (Class of 2016) provides one example of this sustained engagement. His latest contribution is a donation of a portion of his Microsoft stock to support ISB programs.

There is particular significance in Tommy’s choice of gift. Microsoft was his first employer after university, and the shares represent part of what he earned during the early years of his career. By donating some of that stock to ISB, he is turning the rewards of his professional journey into new opportunities for current and future students.

The donation follows Tommy’s first gift to the ISB Annual Fund, made during an alumni reunion in Chicago in November 2025. That contribution supported cross-cultural exchange – an area closely aligned with his belief in bringing people and communities together.

The Annual Fund, launched during ISB’s 45th anniversary year in 2025-2026, provides flexible support for projects and initiatives that directly benefit students. Gifts can be directed to a specific area or, as with Tommy’s latest donation, used where the school determines the need and potential impact are greatest.

A lasting connection to ISB

Tommy has remained closely involved with ISB in several ways since graduating.

In 2025, he served as an ISB alumni ambassador in Chicago, helping fellow alumni maintain their connections with the school and one another. He has also participated in ISB’s annual Career Fair, sharing insights from his experiences in technology, entrepreneurship, and investment with Grade 9 and 10 students.

Tommy sponsored the November 2025 Chicago alumni reunion, providing the rooftop lounge at his residence as an in-kind contribution. During the event, he joined a panel discussion on artificial intelligence and investment, giving attendees an opportunity to learn from his professional experience.

An upcoming ISB alumni event in New York City including a formal Alumni Achievement Award Ceremony will also be sponsored by Tommy. More information on the event in New York City can be found here. 

His involvement demonstrates the many different forms that giving back can take: donating, mentoring students, sharing expertise, hosting gatherings, and helping alumni build relationships across cities and generations.

From ISB student to engaged alumni

Tommy's career has taken him across entrepreneurship, technology, and investment, with each chapter bringing new opportunities to learn and take on unfamiliar challenges. 

He co-founded iDeal Technology, a low-carbon furniture platform, before joining Microsoft as a software engineer and product manager. His work there included AI and Azure Cloud products. He later earned an MBA from Chicago Booth and is now Co-founder and Managing Partner of Armaro Capital.

His connection to ISB has continued alongside his professional journey. At the recent opening of Armaro Capital’s Beijing office, Tommy welcomed ISB alumni and a school delegation including the Head of School, CFO, Director of Advancement, and Alumni Relations Manager. The gathering brought members of the ISB community together and reflected Tommy's ongoing role in strengthening connections among alumni across cities and generations. 

Giving back to the next generation

Tommy’s latest gift builds on a pattern of sustained engagement with ISB. His example illustrates how alumni can use their time, experience, connections, and financial resources to help create opportunities for those who follow them.

ISB is grateful to count Tommy among its growing community of repeat donors. His continued involvement demonstrates the lasting value of the relationships formed at school and the difference alumni can make when they remain connected to their alma mater.

Thank you, Tommy, for your generous support of current and future ISB students – and for providing one example of the many ways alumni can continue to contribute to the ISB community.