Why are Singaporeans having fewer children?
Singapore’s fertility rate has fallen to 0.87, its lowest on record.
In a recent episode of The Big Story on MONEY FM 89.3, Professor of Psychology Norman Li from the SMU School of Social Sciences explains the trend through what he calls an “evolutionary mismatch” — where rapid technological and cultural change has reshaped modern lifestyles and attitudes towards parenthood.
Workplace pressures, competition and economic uncertainty may further influence how people approach decisions about starting a family, he shares.
🎧 Tap the link to hear the full conversation: https://bit.ly/4bDC3tj
Singapore’s fertility rate has fallen to 0.87, its lowest on record.
In a recent episode of The Big Story on MONEY FM 89.3, Professor of Psychology Norman Li from the SMU School of Social Sciences explains the trend through what he calls an “evolutionary mismatch” — where rapid technological and cultural change has reshaped modern lifestyles and attitudes towards parenthood.
Workplace pressures, competition and economic uncertainty may further influence how people approach decisions about starting a family, he shares.
🎧 Tap the link to hear the full conversation: https://bit.ly/4bDC3tj
omny.fm
The Big Story: Singapore’s fertility rate at new low. Can we reverse the baby bust before its too late? - Your Way Home with Hongbin…
Singapore’s total fertility rate has fallen to a historic low of 0.87, raising fresh concerns about whether the nation is heading toward long-term population decline. Despite years of pro-family policies and generous financial incentives, birth rates continue…
SMU Open House 2026 was a weekend filled with conversations, curiosity and new possibilities.
Prospective students and their families explored our city campus, attended programme sessions and sample classes, and spoke with faculty and students about what makes the SMU experience distinctive.
🎥 Watch the highlights from the weekend across our social media channels — YouTube, Instagram and TikTok.
Prospective students and their families explored our city campus, attended programme sessions and sample classes, and spoke with faculty and students about what makes the SMU experience distinctive.
🎥 Watch the highlights from the weekend across our social media channels — YouTube, Instagram and TikTok.
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As societies age, the challenge goes beyond healthcare. Longer lives are reshaping economies, labour markets and the way societies recognise people’s contributions across the full arc of life.
In her latest The Straits Times op-ed, SMU President Professor Lily Kong reflects on how institutions — from workplaces to public spaces — must evolve to support participation, dignity and opportunity in ageing societies.
These questions are also shaping research at Singapore Management University, including the upcoming SMU Longevity Societies and Economies Institute (LSEI).
🔗 Read the full op-ed here: https://sgsmu.com/3P80Tsz
In her latest The Straits Times op-ed, SMU President Professor Lily Kong reflects on how institutions — from workplaces to public spaces — must evolve to support participation, dignity and opportunity in ageing societies.
These questions are also shaping research at Singapore Management University, including the upcoming SMU Longevity Societies and Economies Institute (LSEI).
🔗 Read the full op-ed here: https://sgsmu.com/3P80Tsz
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Humans remain at the heart of SMU’s AI mission.
In a recent The Straits Times feature, SMU Provost Professor Alan Chan shares how Singapore Management University is integrating artificial intelligence across education and research while ensuring human judgement and critical thinking remain central.
Students build AI fluency alongside human-centred skills — preparing them to work effectively with AI while addressing complex real-world challenges.
🔗 Read the full article: https://sgsmu.com/4cKLdoW
In a recent The Straits Times feature, SMU Provost Professor Alan Chan shares how Singapore Management University is integrating artificial intelligence across education and research while ensuring human judgement and critical thinking remain central.
Students build AI fluency alongside human-centred skills — preparing them to work effectively with AI while addressing complex real-world challenges.
🔗 Read the full article: https://sgsmu.com/4cKLdoW
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How can organisations build real capabilities in sustainability and ESG?
Singapore Management University has partnered with AgileAsia to deliver applied programmes that combine industry expertise with practical learning.
Focused on areas like climate risk, ESG reporting and organisational transformation, these programmes equip professionals to move from intent to execution.
🔗 Read more: https://sgsmu.com/41d0oA8
Singapore Management University has partnered with AgileAsia to deliver applied programmes that combine industry expertise with practical learning.
Focused on areas like climate risk, ESG reporting and organisational transformation, these programmes equip professionals to move from intent to execution.
🔗 Read more: https://sgsmu.com/41d0oA8
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How can philanthropy move beyond short-term outcomes to drive lasting systems change?
SMU’s Business Families Institute has launched the Moonshot Approach to Philanthropy framework that rethinks how philanthropic capital is deployed — encouraging longer-term thinking, structured learning, and bold yet thoughtful risk-taking.
Designed with input from global practitioners, the framework provides actionable tools to help funders support initiatives with real potential for sustained, large-scale impact.
Read the full article: https://sgsmu.com/3NNofmW
SMU’s Business Families Institute has launched the Moonshot Approach to Philanthropy framework that rethinks how philanthropic capital is deployed — encouraging longer-term thinking, structured learning, and bold yet thoughtful risk-taking.
Designed with input from global practitioners, the framework provides actionable tools to help funders support initiatives with real potential for sustained, large-scale impact.
Read the full article: https://sgsmu.com/3NNofmW
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How can universities stay relevant in a fast-changing Asia?
SMU is deepening its regional presence through SMU Thailand — bringing together policymakers, business leaders and academics in an SMU–Peking University HSBC Business School Doctor of Business Administration learning immersion designed around real-world dialogue and insights.
From policy discussions to corporate engagements, the programme reflects a shift towards more applied, practice-based learning across the region.
Tap the link to read the full article: https://sgsmu.com/41g0GpU
SMU is deepening its regional presence through SMU Thailand — bringing together policymakers, business leaders and academics in an SMU–Peking University HSBC Business School Doctor of Business Administration learning immersion designed around real-world dialogue and insights.
From policy discussions to corporate engagements, the programme reflects a shift towards more applied, practice-based learning across the region.
Tap the link to read the full article: https://sgsmu.com/41g0GpU
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Is the “Singapore dream” changing?
In this commentary, SMU’s Associate Professor of Strategy & Entrepreneurship David Gomulya reflects on why more individuals are choosing paths beyond traditional definitions of success — from skilled trades to entrepreneurial pursuits.
Rather than a cause for concern, this shift points to a broader rethinking of work, purpose and what it means to thrive in today’s world.
🔗 Read more: https://sgsmu.com/47gqBkS
#SGSMU #FutureOfWork #ChangingAspirations
In this commentary, SMU’s Associate Professor of Strategy & Entrepreneurship David Gomulya reflects on why more individuals are choosing paths beyond traditional definitions of success — from skilled trades to entrepreneurial pursuits.
Rather than a cause for concern, this shift points to a broader rethinking of work, purpose and what it means to thrive in today’s world.
🔗 Read more: https://sgsmu.com/47gqBkS
#SGSMU #FutureOfWork #ChangingAspirations
SMU Newsroom
Plumber or farmer? The changing Singapore dream is not a bad thing
In a commentary, SMU Associate Professor of Strategy & Entrepreneurship David Gomulya said more young Singaporeans are considering skilled trades because they see opportunity and joy, and it ought to be celebrated. Assoc Prof Gomulya noted that tradespeople…
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Can climate adaptation afford to wait for geopolitics to stabilise?
In this Straits Times commentary, SMU’s Professor Winston Chow explains why climate resilience cannot be approached at the national level alone.
While countries like Singapore have made progress in areas such as coastal protection and heat management, many climate risks — from rising seas to supply chain disruptions — remain interconnected across Southeast Asia.
Stronger regional collaboration, across research, financing and capacity building, will be key to addressing these shared challenges.
Read the full article: https://sgsmu.com/47mWAQp
In this Straits Times commentary, SMU’s Professor Winston Chow explains why climate resilience cannot be approached at the national level alone.
While countries like Singapore have made progress in areas such as coastal protection and heat management, many climate risks — from rising seas to supply chain disruptions — remain interconnected across Southeast Asia.
Stronger regional collaboration, across research, financing and capacity building, will be key to addressing these shared challenges.
Read the full article: https://sgsmu.com/47mWAQp
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SMU has made strong progress in the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject.
The broad subject area of Social Sciences & Management is now ranked among the global top 100.
Across narrow subjects, Accounting & Finance, Business & Management Studies, Economics & Econometrics, and Law are placed within the global top 60 — with Law entering this band for the first time.
A reflection of SMU’s continued focus on interdisciplinary education and real-world impact.
The broad subject area of Social Sciences & Management is now ranked among the global top 100.
Across narrow subjects, Accounting & Finance, Business & Management Studies, Economics & Econometrics, and Law are placed within the global top 60 — with Law entering this band for the first time.
A reflection of SMU’s continued focus on interdisciplinary education and real-world impact.
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Careers in sustainable finance don’t always begin with a clear plan.
For Dean Tay (Bachelor of Business Management, Class of 2025), the journey started with curiosity — and gradually took shape through exploration and applied experiences at SMU. From engaging in real investment discussions at the SMU Sustainable Investment Club (SMU SI) to gaining exposure through Protégé Ventures, he began connecting finance with broader sustainability challenges.
One key takeaway: clarity often comes through doing. As industries evolve, building a meaningful career is less about following a fixed path, and more about understanding how different domains intersect — and where you can create impact.
Read the full article: https://sgsmu.com/4d3HtPA
For Dean Tay (Bachelor of Business Management, Class of 2025), the journey started with curiosity — and gradually took shape through exploration and applied experiences at SMU. From engaging in real investment discussions at the SMU Sustainable Investment Club (SMU SI) to gaining exposure through Protégé Ventures, he began connecting finance with broader sustainability challenges.
One key takeaway: clarity often comes through doing. As industries evolve, building a meaningful career is less about following a fixed path, and more about understanding how different domains intersect — and where you can create impact.
Read the full article: https://sgsmu.com/4d3HtPA
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Big news for SMU! 🎉
In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, Singapore Management University has been named the world’s most improved university!
Highlights include:
• 80% of our ranked subjects moved up
• Business & Management Studies is in the global top 40
• Accounting & Finance is now in the global top 50
• Economics & Econometrics ranks at a strong 52nd position, a whisker from the global top 50
• Law recorded Singapore’s biggest jump, rising 45 places to 56th worldwide
For a young, specialist university, this is a strong signal that SMU is punching well above its weight on the world stage.
Thank you to our faculty, staff, students, alumni and partners for being part of this journey. 💙
Read More: https://sgsmu.com/3O2Ja5F
In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, Singapore Management University has been named the world’s most improved university!
Highlights include:
• 80% of our ranked subjects moved up
• Business & Management Studies is in the global top 40
• Accounting & Finance is now in the global top 50
• Economics & Econometrics ranks at a strong 52nd position, a whisker from the global top 50
• Law recorded Singapore’s biggest jump, rising 45 places to 56th worldwide
For a young, specialist university, this is a strong signal that SMU is punching well above its weight on the world stage.
Thank you to our faculty, staff, students, alumni and partners for being part of this journey. 💙
Read More: https://sgsmu.com/3O2Ja5F
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Can Asia decarbonise without leaving workers and industries behind?
Research by SMU Senior Research Fellow Maria Teresa Punzi shows that moving to a low-carbon economy requires more than green finance — it needs transition finance and coordinated policies to support industries and protect livelihoods.
Tap to read the full article: https://sgsmu.com/4tfu8IQ
Research by SMU Senior Research Fellow Maria Teresa Punzi shows that moving to a low-carbon economy requires more than green finance — it needs transition finance and coordinated policies to support industries and protect livelihoods.
Tap to read the full article: https://sgsmu.com/4tfu8IQ
What does harmony mean today — especially in a world of growing divisions?
At the inaugural lecture of the Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple Chair Professorship in Inter-Religious Studies and Harmony, SMU Provost Professor Alan Chan shared how harmony is not about the absence of conflict, but about engaging differences with discernment, dialogue and respect.
Drawing on Confucian thought, the lecture highlighted harmony as an ongoing process of balancing diverse perspectives to work towards the common good.
Tap the link to read the full article: https://sgsmu.com/4uZqh4d
At the inaugural lecture of the Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple Chair Professorship in Inter-Religious Studies and Harmony, SMU Provost Professor Alan Chan shared how harmony is not about the absence of conflict, but about engaging differences with discernment, dialogue and respect.
Drawing on Confucian thought, the lecture highlighted harmony as an ongoing process of balancing diverse perspectives to work towards the common good.
Tap the link to read the full article: https://sgsmu.com/4uZqh4d
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What does it take for law to keep pace with sustainability?
SMU has been appointed host of the UNESCO Chair in Sustainability Law Futures, led by Associate Professor Michelle Lim from SMU Yong Pung How School of Law.
The initiative brings together global expertise to develop new legal approaches — supporting policymakers and communities in addressing complex sustainability issues.
Read more: https://sgsmu.com/4ceEpiw
SMU has been appointed host of the UNESCO Chair in Sustainability Law Futures, led by Associate Professor Michelle Lim from SMU Yong Pung How School of Law.
The initiative brings together global expertise to develop new legal approaches — supporting policymakers and communities in addressing complex sustainability issues.
Read more: https://sgsmu.com/4ceEpiw
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cityperspectives.smu.edu.sg
Understanding Alternative Food Networks and What It Means For the Developing World | City Perspectives
What if food systems could do more than connect farms to tables—could they strengthen communities too?
Insights from Associate Professor Qian Forrest Zhang from SMU School of Social Sciences explore how Alternative Food Networks (AFNs) link producers directly with consumers and institutions to support rural livelihoods.
Beyond distribution, their success depends on strong leadership and sustained community engagement.
Read more: https://sgsmu.com/4s2EOJO
Insights from Associate Professor Qian Forrest Zhang from SMU School of Social Sciences explore how Alternative Food Networks (AFNs) link producers directly with consumers and institutions to support rural livelihoods.
Beyond distribution, their success depends on strong leadership and sustained community engagement.
Read more: https://sgsmu.com/4s2EOJO
SMU Newsroom
Educational Advocate and Philanthropist Dr Lillyn Teh Contributes S$15 Million to Singapore Management University to Build Enduring…
Educational advocate and philanthropist Dr Lillyn Teh has contributed an additional S$15 million to Singapore Management University (SMU) to strengthen the development of future-ready talent at the intersection of technology and business. Her latest gift…
A S$15 million gift from educational advocate and philanthropist Dr Lillyn Teh will support undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships at SMU—targeted at aspiring changemakers at the nexus of business and technology.
Discover how this contribution is shaping opportunities and impact: https://sgsmu.com/4dSzsgD
Discover how this contribution is shaping opportunities and impact: https://sgsmu.com/4dSzsgD
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SMU Newsroom
SMU Psychologist, Assistant Professor Sarah Shi Hui Wong Named APS Rising Star
Sarah Shi Hui Wong, Assistant Professor of Psychology at Singapore Management University (SMU), has been named a 2026 APS Rising Star by the Association for Psychological Science.
SMU Assistant Professor Sarah Shi Hui Wong from the SMU School of Social Sciences has been named an APS Rising Star by the Association for Psychological Science — a global recognition for emerging leaders in psychology.
SMU is the only university from Singapore represented on this year’s list, reflecting our growing research impact in psychology and the social sciences.
Her work has also received multiple awards, including the American Psychological Association’s Paul R. Pintrich Outstanding Dissertation Award.
Read more: https://sgsmu.com/41NyHOB
SMU is the only university from Singapore represented on this year’s list, reflecting our growing research impact in psychology and the social sciences.
Her work has also received multiple awards, including the American Psychological Association’s Paul R. Pintrich Outstanding Dissertation Award.
Read more: https://sgsmu.com/41NyHOB
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