Creativity, community, and campus spirit take centre stage at SMU Patron’s Day 2026
Celebrating infinite possibilities at SMU Patron’s Day 2026
SMU marked Patron’s Day 2026 on 30 January 2026 with a full day of activities that showcased the vigour of its community and reflected the values that have shaped SMU since its incorporation in 2000.
Students, staff, alumni, partners, and members of the public came together at Campus Green to celebrate, with a programme filled with hands-on activities in the afternoon, before transiting to an evening of performances and reflection.
Anticipation for the celebration had been building in the days prior. From 26 to 28 January, a Patron’s Day roadshow lit up campus spaces with games and activities inspired by the theme – a preview of what was to come.
This year’s theme, “A–Z: Infinite Possibilities” framed it simply and effectively: Just as 26 letters of the English alphabet can be used to form limitless meaning, the SMU community, being diverse in discipline, background and perspective, continues to generate ideas, connections, and impact.
A visit from SMU’s Patron to cement the occasion
A highlight of Patron’s Day 2026 was the visit by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, attending for the second time in his role as SMU’s Patron. He toured the grounds, engaged with student organisers, visited the SMU Makers showcase, and observed the final rounds of the Inter-Faculty Tug-of-War.
His presence reinforced Patron’s Day as a platform where student leadership, institutional stewardship, and community engagement meet at the heart of campus.
Reflections on leadership
The celebrations continued in the evening with the Patron’s Day Dinner, held at the SMU Hall, Yong Pung How School of Law. University leaders, partners, alumni, and student representatives gathered for an evening that balanced reflection with recognition.
In his welcome address, SMU Chairman Mr Piyush Gupta spoke about the importance of a broad-based education in a changing world and shared how SMU is sharpening its focus on delivering impact through education and research. SMU President Professor Lily Kong followed by reaffirming the University’s commitment to nurturing graduates who are agile, adaptive and purpose driven.
The programme also featured video segments highlighting alumni impact stories, including community cohesion coordinator in the UK Shereen Aziz-Williams and Paralympian multiple medallist Yip Pin Xiu; these were complemented by performances by SMU VOIX, SMU INDANCITY and SMU Eurhythmix.
Reflecting on the significance of Patron’s Day, SMU Dean of Students Professor Mark Chong noted: “One of the quirks of SMU is that a lot of student life actually happens out of sight for the public — in the basement, in the concourse. What is special about Patron’s Day is that once a year, it brings it out into the open, on ground level, for everyone to see what a vibrant community we have on campus.
“The thing that drew me to SMU in the early days was its spirit of daring, its courage to be different, its willingness to push boundaries. I hope SMU will never lose that distinctiveness and that courage to do things differently,” he added.
Designed and delivered by students
At the centre of Patron’s Day 2026 was a 26-member student organising committee that led planning and execution over several months. Students took responsibility across programming, logistics, sustainability efforts, and stage design, shaping both the experience and tone of the event.
For PD26 SMU Makers Director Tan Hui Ling, the focus was connection:
“Our core inspiration came from the ‘Alphabet’ theme. We wanted our main activity at the SMU Makers stretch to complement the larger event concept while creating a fun and meaningful way for students to connect with one another.”
“The most memorable part was the entire journey from ‘none to done’. Seeing everything come together on event day, and hearing the Makers’ positive feedback, gave us a strong sense of fulfilment and pride.”
Design Director Humaira Binte Imran shared: “Contributing to PD26 increased my sense of belonging in SMU. The personal growth and relationships gained from working with my team and other departments were most rewarding for me.”
Friendly rivalry between SMU schools
The Inter-Faculty Tug-of-War returned as one of the day’s most anticipated highlights, with all seven schools competing. A new cheerleading segment added energy to the contest.
After several closely fought rounds, the School of Economics emerged victorious, marking a notable improvement from the previous year. Team representative Leo Kai Jie said: “Beyond being a great way to sweat out the stress of studying, this win was about School pride. We wanted to show that SOE has a fierce fighting spirit.”
Fellow representative Zen Koh Sheng Sian added that winning the match – especially in front of President Tharman – made the moment even more memorable.
Bringing together creativity and purpose
The SMU Makers showcase featured 28 makers across 26 booths, including students, alumni and one staff or faculty participant. With booth spaces provided free of charge, the focus remained on sharing ideas and passions. Offerings ranged from poetry and fashion to food and handicrafts.
Among the booths was Project Artis II, a Centre for Social Responsibility (C4SR) initiative supporting persons with disabilities through crafting and social enterprise.
Student leader Roselle Koh Wenyuan shared: “We are extremely glad to be representing Social Gifting’s crafters. Our crafters are extremely talented at what they do, and we’re proud to be sharing their gifts with a wider community.”
Carrying the SMU spirit forward
As evening performances concluded and Campus Green gradually quietened, Patron’s Day 2026 left behind more than memories with the elated crowd drifting homewards. Designed by students, supported by staff and alumni, and embraced by the wider community, the day reflected what continues to define SMU.
From A to Z, the University’s story moves forward, shaped by its people, sustained by shared effort, and open to the possibilities ahead.
