It was established in 1982 to commemorate the company's 150th anniversary and was founded with the objective of developing future leaders, who would give back to the societies in which Jardine Matheson operates.

[4][12] It is limited also to the countries in which Jardine Matheson has a significant presence; these include Hong Kong, Mainland China, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Taiwan.

There are typically two rounds of interviews and two timed essay exams, the latter on the applicant's career aspirations and on a separately assigned topic.

[19] Jardines maintains the network of scholars and offers them summer internships within the conglomerate, and hosts regular gatherings with alumni and senior management.

[20][4] Jardines' postgraduate scholarships are offered in partnership with the Cambridge Commonwealth, European & International Trust and Gadjah Mada University.