SMU brings research, innovation and talent to World Cities Summit 2026
Published onAt the World Cities Summit 2026, SMU showcased how its research, innovation and talent are helping shape more liveable, resilient and inclusive urban communities. From academic insights and multidisciplinary research on urban futures, to faculty and alumni-led ventures addressing sustainability challenges, SMU brought bold ideas and practical solutions to a global conversation on cities.
SMU’s largest alumni gift, from Jeff Tung and Benjamin Twoon, will help student founders turn bold ideas into viable ventures through funding, mentorship, and a new work-study pathway.
SMU PhD in Business (General Management), alumnus (2017) Dr Tan Boon Heon didn’t take the usual MBA route at the peak of his pharmaceutical career. Instead, he chose a part-time doctorate at SMU to prepare for life’s “half-time” — and a second act built on purpose. As a result, he is now CEO of HCA Hospice.
Over a month-long series of events, SMU Ideas Festival 2026 challenged participants to reimagine resilience – bringing policymakers, academics and leaders together to explore wellbeing, AI, cities, and future-ready skills.
Discover how Dr Lillyn Teh’s new S$15 million gift will strengthen SMU’s tech–business talent pipeline – funding scholarships, mentorship, and interdisciplinary learning for future-ready leaders.
In a new lecture series, SMU Provost Prof Alan Chan explored why harmony matters more than ever, examining social cohesion, mutual respect and dialogue as foundations for resilient communities in a diverse, contested world.
Is AI transforming higher education, or simply overhyped? SMU brought educators and thought leaders together to examine AI’s real impact on teaching, learning and assessment — highlighting both its promise to personalise education and the pressing ethical, pedagogical and governance questions universities must thoughtfully address.
SMU establishes a UNESCO Chair in Sustainability Law Futures, led by Associate Professor Michelle Lim, advancing interdisciplinary legal innovation and sustainable governance across Asia-Pacific region.
SMU graduates continue to post strong outcomes despite cautious hiring: 91.4% secured employment within six months, with rising salaries and many landing roles through internships.
SMU President Prof Lily Kong shared SMU’s future-ready agenda at APAIE 2026 – advancing lifelong learning, cross-sector partnerships, and impact-driven research to strengthen resilience and international collaboration.
SMU has welcomed the first seven startups into Urban SustaInnovator, its flagship deep tech accelerator for urban and sustainability solutions. Selected from 1,500 applicants across 91 countries, the zero-equity programme helps founders anchor in Singapore and scale into Asia with mentorship, partners and investor access.