Advancing inter-religious studies and supporting students in need
![Prof Alan Chan (left), SMU Provost and Dr Tan Choon Kim, Chairman, Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple [Right]](/sites/engage.smu.edu.sg/files/2025-05/_RIGHT~1_cropped_compressed.jpeg)
On 7 April 2025, SMU announced the establishment of a new professorship – the Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple Chair Professorship in Inter-Religious Studies & Harmony.
The inaugural holder of this prestigious Professorship is Professor Alan Chan, SMU Provost, who will lead efforts to deepen inter-faith dialogue, educate future leaders on religious diversity, and collaborate with scholars, policymakers, and community leaders.
Under the guidance of Prof Chan, SMU will spearhead research-driven solutions that address contemporary inter-religious issues, playing a pivotal role in shaping research, education, and policy conversations around inter-religious understanding.
This initiative comes at a time when global religious dynamics are evolving, and it will reinforce Singapore’s position as a global model of religious cohesion through insightful and impactful research, community engagement and academic leadership.
Leading conversations and engagement toward inter-faith harmony
Singapore’s social fabric has long been underpinned by strong inter-faith relations and multiracial cohesion, but these foundations require active effort to sustain.
The establishment of this Professorship was made possible by a generous S$2.5 million gift from Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple. Among the areas of focus for the Professorship is the advancing of research and education to deepen our understanding of religious diversity, inter-faith dialogue and harmony through rigorous academic study.
Through community engagement, it will also seek to educate students and nurture future leaders in inter-religious harmony. Outreach efforts such as public forums and collaborations with different religious organisations will be organised to foster deeper connections among the diverse faith and cultural communities in Singapore.
Prof Chan will also deliver an annual public lecture series, fostering dialogue among scholars, government agencies, and community leaders on pressing issues in inter-religious relations.
The initiative will be embedded within the Core Curriculum of SMU’s Cultures of the Modern World basket, ensuring that SMU’s undergraduate students are equipped with a nuanced understanding of religious diversity.
Prof Chan said: “I am deeply honoured to have been conferred this Chair Professorship. The generous support of the Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple will contribute significantly to fostering understanding and mutual respect across faiths, which helps build cohesive communities and is especially relevant to multi-cultural and multi-religious Singapore.
“I very much look forward to engaging our students and promoting scholarship and dialogue in inter-religious studies and harmony.”
Continuing to support underprivileged students at SMU
Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple is also extending its commitment to education with an additional S$1 million for the Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple Bursary. This builds on its prior S$1 million gift in 2015 to support underprivileged students at SMU.
Starting from Academic Year 2025/2026, four bursaries, each valued at S$8,300, covering tuition and study-related expenses for up to four years will be awarded each year. These bursaries will ease financial burdens and ensure that more students can immerse themselves in the SMU experience without constraints.
Dr Tan Choon Kim, Chairman of Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple, said: “Education is central to society. By advancing inter-religious studies and supporting students in need, we hope to contribute to a more united and understanding society.
“SMU’s commitment to academic excellence and its dedication to nurturing socially responsible leaders align with our values, making it a natural partner for this endeavour.”
