From adversity to innovation.
SMU graduates Kirby Teo and Nicholas Chen turned personal and financial setbacks into start-up journeys shaped by resilience and purpose.
Through SMU programmes like the Business Innovations Generator (BIG) and Student Entrepreneur Internship (SEI), alongside mentorship and funding support, they were able to develop and grow their ventures over time.
A reminder that building something meaningful often starts with navigating uncertainty.
Read more: https://sgsmu.com/4cQNgGs
SMU graduates Kirby Teo and Nicholas Chen turned personal and financial setbacks into start-up journeys shaped by resilience and purpose.
Through SMU programmes like the Business Innovations Generator (BIG) and Student Entrepreneur Internship (SEI), alongside mentorship and funding support, they were able to develop and grow their ventures over time.
A reminder that building something meaningful often starts with navigating uncertainty.
Read more: https://sgsmu.com/4cQNgGs
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A second career, driven by purpose.
After more than 20 years in finance, SMU Juris Doctor alumnus Asoka Markandu transitioned into law — building a path centred on justice, mentorship and giving back.
Through the SMU Pro Bono Centre, he guides students on real cases, helping them understand both the legal process and the human stories behind it.
Read more: https://sgsmu.com/4cVfqjo
After more than 20 years in finance, SMU Juris Doctor alumnus Asoka Markandu transitioned into law — building a path centred on justice, mentorship and giving back.
Through the SMU Pro Bono Centre, he guides students on real cases, helping them understand both the legal process and the human stories behind it.
Read more: https://sgsmu.com/4cVfqjo
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What does it take to turn sustainability goals into real-world action?
Singapore Management University (SMU) has signed a Statement of Intent with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to develop sustainability talent across Asia Pacific.
Through real-world projects, field immersions and research opportunities, the collaboration will equip students and professionals to navigate complex climate and development challenges — and translate ideas into impact.
Read more: https://sgsmu.com/3QLNwza
Singapore Management University (SMU) has signed a Statement of Intent with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to develop sustainability talent across Asia Pacific.
Through real-world projects, field immersions and research opportunities, the collaboration will equip students and professionals to navigate complex climate and development challenges — and translate ideas into impact.
Read more: https://sgsmu.com/3QLNwza
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Meet Megan Foo (Bachelor of Business Management, Class of 2018), SMU alumna and Prestige 40 Under 40 honouree.
From classroom discussions to spinning with SMU Stereometa at the basement studio, her SMU experience helped shape how she thinks, creates and expresses herself.
Today, she is one of Singapore’s pioneering neon artists.
Watch the video on Instagram, TikTok or YouTube to hear her story.
From classroom discussions to spinning with SMU Stereometa at the basement studio, her SMU experience helped shape how she thinks, creates and expresses herself.
Today, she is one of Singapore’s pioneering neon artists.
Watch the video on Instagram, TikTok or YouTube to hear her story.
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SMU has been recognised at the 2026 Asset Triple A Sustainable Finance Awards for its Sustainability Bond — becoming the first university in Asia to receive this honour.
This milestone highlights the role institutions of higher learning can play in shaping Asia’s sustainable finance landscape.
Issued in partnership with OCBC, the bond supports projects with measurable environmental and social impact, from green infrastructure to inclusive education and well-being initiatives.
Read more: https://sgsmu.com/4dpE2lP
This milestone highlights the role institutions of higher learning can play in shaping Asia’s sustainable finance landscape.
Issued in partnership with OCBC, the bond supports projects with measurable environmental and social impact, from green infrastructure to inclusive education and well-being initiatives.
Read more: https://sgsmu.com/4dpE2lP
What should work mean in an AI-driven future?
At the Ideas Festival 2026 panel discussion: Still Worth Doing? A Public Conversation on the Future of Work, chaired by Associate Professor Yasmin Ortiga from SMU School of Social Sciences, researchers explored how automation is reshaping not just jobs, but the human and social dimensions of work.
From Gen Z’s changing views on ambition to the growing value of empathy, judgment and high-touch roles, the discussion asks what we want work to offer in the future.
Read more: https://sgsmu.com/3Rbn4ix
At the Ideas Festival 2026 panel discussion: Still Worth Doing? A Public Conversation on the Future of Work, chaired by Associate Professor Yasmin Ortiga from SMU School of Social Sciences, researchers explored how automation is reshaping not just jobs, but the human and social dimensions of work.
From Gen Z’s changing views on ambition to the growing value of empathy, judgment and high-touch roles, the discussion asks what we want work to offer in the future.
Read more: https://sgsmu.com/3Rbn4ix
Congratulations to SMU President Professor Lily Kong on being conferred the 2026 CASE Asia-Pacific Leadership Award.
Under Prof Kong’s stewardship, SMU has reached new heights of academic excellence, global relevance and societal impact — with the University also named this year as the world’s most improved university in the QS Subject Rankings among institutions with 10 or more ranked subjects.
A meaningful recognition of Prof Kong’s vision and stewardship in shaping SMU’s continued growth and impact on the global stage.
Read more: https://sgsmu.com/4dd4pdw
#SGSMU #Leadership #HigherEducation #AcademicExcellence #MeaningfulImpact
Under Prof Kong’s stewardship, SMU has reached new heights of academic excellence, global relevance and societal impact — with the University also named this year as the world’s most improved university in the QS Subject Rankings among institutions with 10 or more ranked subjects.
A meaningful recognition of Prof Kong’s vision and stewardship in shaping SMU’s continued growth and impact on the global stage.
Read more: https://sgsmu.com/4dd4pdw
#SGSMU #Leadership #HigherEducation #AcademicExcellence #MeaningfulImpact
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Designing AI starts with understanding people.
Through his SMU Master of IT in Business capstone project, Avisenna Gusta worked with MINDS to develop an AI-powered digital companion that supports facilitators in creating activity plans for disability services.
His journey highlights how meaningful digital transformation requires both technical capability and empathy for real-world users.
Read more: https://sgsmu.com/4d5MHsl
Through his SMU Master of IT in Business capstone project, Avisenna Gusta worked with MINDS to develop an AI-powered digital companion that supports facilitators in creating activity plans for disability services.
His journey highlights how meaningful digital transformation requires both technical capability and empathy for real-world users.
Read more: https://sgsmu.com/4d5MHsl
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Economics is not just about models — it is about understanding real-world trade-offs and their impact on society.
In the SMU Master of Science in Economics classroom, Dr Joshua Greene, Adjunct Lecturer at SMU School of Economics, draws on his experience as a former IMF economist to help students bridge theory and practice.
Discover how SMU prepares students to navigate complex economic challenges through applied learning and global perspectives.
Read more: https://sgsmu.com/4duuA0B
In the SMU Master of Science in Economics classroom, Dr Joshua Greene, Adjunct Lecturer at SMU School of Economics, draws on his experience as a former IMF economist to help students bridge theory and practice.
Discover how SMU prepares students to navigate complex economic challenges through applied learning and global perspectives.
Read more: https://sgsmu.com/4duuA0B
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What will it take to make family life more manageable — not just financially, but in everyday practice?
In her latest opinion piece for The Straits Times, SMU President Professor Lily Kong reflects on how factors like commuting time, access to care and neighbourhood design shape decisions about starting and raising families.
The piece explores how rethinking proximity, reducing time pressures and strengthening support systems could help create environments where families can truly thrive — and what this could mean for the future of family life in Singapore.
👉 Read more: https://sgsmu.com/4dfL1fT
In her latest opinion piece for The Straits Times, SMU President Professor Lily Kong reflects on how factors like commuting time, access to care and neighbourhood design shape decisions about starting and raising families.
The piece explores how rethinking proximity, reducing time pressures and strengthening support systems could help create environments where families can truly thrive — and what this could mean for the future of family life in Singapore.
👉 Read more: https://sgsmu.com/4dfL1fT
SMU has launched the Master of Data Science in Economics (MDSE) — Singapore’s first and only master’s programme that integrates data science and economics.
As AI becomes increasingly embedded in business and policy, the programme prepares professionals to interpret data, assess uncertainty and translate insights into real-world economic decisions.
Read more: https://sgsmu.com/4nl5wwm
As AI becomes increasingly embedded in business and policy, the programme prepares professionals to interpret data, assess uncertainty and translate insights into real-world economic decisions.
Read more: https://sgsmu.com/4nl5wwm
Zhang Yimei (Bachelor of Science in Information Systems, Class of 2024) did not find her path immediately — but she kept building, refining and moving forward.
Today, she runs two start-ups: Artistry Heals, which uses art and music to support youth mental wellness, and ScanEat, a travel app helping tourists navigate dining in Korea.
In this episode of SMU Changemakers, Yimei shares how resilience, mentorship and hands-on learning helped her turn early challenges into progress.
▶️ Watch her story on YouTube: https://sgsmu.com/4uFjgo9
Today, she runs two start-ups: Artistry Heals, which uses art and music to support youth mental wellness, and ScanEat, a travel app helping tourists navigate dining in Korea.
In this episode of SMU Changemakers, Yimei shares how resilience, mentorship and hands-on learning helped her turn early challenges into progress.
▶️ Watch her story on YouTube: https://sgsmu.com/4uFjgo9
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From seminar rooms to real-world impact.
In our new series, From First to Future, Josephine Tan (Bachelor of Business Management, Class of 2004) and Shirley Ong (Master of Science in Wealth Management, Class of 2025) reflect on how their SMU journeys shaped their confidence, communication and approach to lifelong learning.
Across two generations, their advice remains clear: dare to dream, keep learning, and continue upgrading your “inner operating system”.
▶️ Watch the video on YouTube: https://sgsmu.com/3OYN0NR
In our new series, From First to Future, Josephine Tan (Bachelor of Business Management, Class of 2004) and Shirley Ong (Master of Science in Wealth Management, Class of 2025) reflect on how their SMU journeys shaped their confidence, communication and approach to lifelong learning.
Across two generations, their advice remains clear: dare to dream, keep learning, and continue upgrading your “inner operating system”.
▶️ Watch the video on YouTube: https://sgsmu.com/3OYN0NR
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Singapore’s AI journey is not just about adopting new tools — it is about building resilience for the future.
In The Business Times commentary, Professor Emeritus of Finance (Practice) Annie Koh from SMU Lee Kong Chian School of Business and Khoo Guan Seng examine what it will take for Singapore to move beyond the “Ikea moment” of AI adoption, and strengthen its sovereign capabilities, workforce readiness and long-term relevance.
Read more: https://sgsmu.com/4d7paIW
In The Business Times commentary, Professor Emeritus of Finance (Practice) Annie Koh from SMU Lee Kong Chian School of Business and Khoo Guan Seng examine what it will take for Singapore to move beyond the “Ikea moment” of AI adoption, and strengthen its sovereign capabilities, workforce readiness and long-term relevance.
Read more: https://sgsmu.com/4d7paIW
Congratulations to our SMU students on an outstanding showing at the SGLaw200 Youth Forum MinLaw Ideation Challenge 🏆
Team LegalSave clinched both the Champion and People’s Choice Awards, while Team OLS emerged Runner-up — with SMU teams taking two of the top three spots.
Especially encouraging was the boldness shown by our students in the ideas they put forward. The winning Team LegalSave — comprising first-year students — explored an out-of-the-box idea addressing challenges faced by the “sandwiched class”.
Bringing together perspectives from law, accountancy and computing, both teams showed the power of different perspectives in tackling complex societal issues.
Congratulations once again to our students 👏
Team LegalSave clinched both the Champion and People’s Choice Awards, while Team OLS emerged Runner-up — with SMU teams taking two of the top three spots.
Especially encouraging was the boldness shown by our students in the ideas they put forward. The winning Team LegalSave — comprising first-year students — explored an out-of-the-box idea addressing challenges faced by the “sandwiched class”.
Bringing together perspectives from law, accountancy and computing, both teams showed the power of different perspectives in tackling complex societal issues.
Congratulations once again to our students 👏
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Can Singapore protect every worker in the age of AI?
In this Straits Times commentary, Professor Li Jia, Dean of SMU School of Economics and Lee Kong Chian Professor of Economics, examines how Singapore can strengthen workforce resilience as AI reshapes jobs, skills and opportunities.
Read more: https://sgsmu.com/49ChD2v
In this Straits Times commentary, Professor Li Jia, Dean of SMU School of Economics and Lee Kong Chian Professor of Economics, examines how Singapore can strengthen workforce resilience as AI reshapes jobs, skills and opportunities.
Read more: https://sgsmu.com/49ChD2v
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Education does not stop at graduation.
As industries continue to evolve, SMU Academy’s modular and stackable learning pathways support professionals in building new capabilities progressively — in ways that are flexible, applied and relevant to real workplace needs.
It is part of SMU’s broader commitment to lifelong learning, helping individuals and organisations stay ready for a changing future.
Read the full article: https://sgsmu.com/4dcwHGv
As industries continue to evolve, SMU Academy’s modular and stackable learning pathways support professionals in building new capabilities progressively — in ways that are flexible, applied and relevant to real workplace needs.
It is part of SMU’s broader commitment to lifelong learning, helping individuals and organisations stay ready for a changing future.
Read the full article: https://sgsmu.com/4dcwHGv
Studying abroad can change more than where you learn — it can change how you see your field.
For Song Haoyan (Master of Science in Accounting (Data & Analytics), Class of 2026) an exchange semester at Hitotsubashi University in Tokyo helped her see accounting, analytics and business through a broader global lens.
Read more: https://sgsmu.com/4dJ7ALn
For Song Haoyan (Master of Science in Accounting (Data & Analytics), Class of 2026) an exchange semester at Hitotsubashi University in Tokyo helped her see accounting, analytics and business through a broader global lens.
Read more: https://sgsmu.com/4dJ7ALn
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Turning sustainability ideas into real-world urban solutions takes more than innovation — it takes support to scale.
SMU has launched the Urban SustaInnovator Fund, a US$10 million investment programme supporting startups from its Urban SustaInnovator accelerator as they grow across Singapore and Asia.
As South-east Asia’s first university-anchored co-investment fund dedicated to urban solutions and sustainability, the Fund will support ventures tackling urban challenges such as decarbonisation, mobility and circularity.
Read more: https://sgsmu.com/4nCZUhj
SMU has launched the Urban SustaInnovator Fund, a US$10 million investment programme supporting startups from its Urban SustaInnovator accelerator as they grow across Singapore and Asia.
As South-east Asia’s first university-anchored co-investment fund dedicated to urban solutions and sustainability, the Fund will support ventures tackling urban challenges such as decarbonisation, mobility and circularity.
Read more: https://sgsmu.com/4nCZUhj