Going further together: SMOO Challenge 2025
From 500 participants at Campus Green in the very first year, to more than 1,200 runners, riders, and supporters across the community, SMOO Challenge 2025 managed to surpass all targets set since the initiative was launched in 2020.
The biennial hybrid fundraiser ran from 12 to 21 September 2025, and saw participants cover an astounding 42,000 kilometres together, raising over S$530,000 which will help to fund over 55 study awards for students in need.
A carnival of purpose and participation
The Challenge was set in motion on 12 September with a flag-off at Campus Green; more than 500 participants gathered for a morning of energy and camaraderie, followed by an “Amazing Race” style event that set the stage for the next 10 days of the challenge.
Participants took their efforts online, logging kilometres via fitness apps and sharing updates, encouragement, and fundraising milestones through social media. The campaign concluded on 21 September with the community surpassing every goal set.
“Small steps, taken together, can make a real difference,” said SMU President Professor Lily Kong, who joined the Challenge herself. “That’s what I love about the SMOO Challenge. It brings our community together in motion and in mission.”
To commemorate SMU’s 25th anniversary, Professor Kong launched the President’s Challenge, which funded 25 new study awards for students from underprivileged backgrounds.
Moving as a community
At the heart of SMOO Challenge 2025 were the personal stories that gave every kilometre purpose.
For Ashley Liew, national marathoner and SMU alumnus, this year’s Challenge was a reminder of how far he had come. “I was once overweight, with low self-esteem and little exercise,” he said.
“Through determination, perseverance, and community support — especially from SMU — I became a national marathoner, shed 24kg, and completed 46 marathons.”
Ashley pledged to run 100km over 10 days, dedicating each stride to expanding educational opportunities.
Third-year student Chua Jia En also ran with gratitude. A recipient of the SMU Bursary Fund, she recalled how the support allowed her to focus on recovering after injuring her leg during a floorball tournament in 2024. “Balancing recovery with schoolwork was extremely challenging,” she said. I was able to focus on recovery, regain my strength and stay on track academically. This experience taught me the value of resilience, and I’m excited to play for the school team again.”
These were just two among 350 campaign ambassadors who rallied their networks, told their stories, and inspired others to give.
Bringing a community together for collective action
Since its inception in 2020, SMOO Challenge has raised over S$1.5 million, engaged more than 3,370 participants, and supported over 170 students through bursaries and aid.
The 2025 edition also showcased the creativity and generosity of the SMU community.
- Ben Toh, an alumnus from SMU’s Bachelor of Accountancy and one of Singapore’s top wine reviewers on Vivino ran 50km over 10 days – raising S$5,912. He also hosted a private tasting from his personal collection for his top donors.
- Team Justice League, made up of Yong Pung How School of Law alumni, students, staff, and faculty, re-formed for a second year to raise S$40,888.
- Sam Wu, Head of Advancement at SMU’s Office of Advancement, marked his 50th birthday by running 50km over ten days, raising S$10,000, twice his original goal, to support student bursaries for students in need.
Marking SMU’s 25th anniversary, this year’s results are particularly meaningful, demonstrating the unwavering strength and spirit of the SMU community. All eight SMU schools fielded teams, and friendly rivalries played out across the digital leaderboards, with live updates, donor shoutouts, and heartening stories of resilience keeping participants inspired throughout the ten-day campaign.
Reflecting on the Challenge’s success, Prof Kong noted that the event had grown beyond its original fundraising goal to become a movement of shared purpose. “Each year, SMOO Challenge reminds us that generosity is not limited to grand gestures. It’s expressed in every kilometre, every message of encouragement, and every act of participation,” she said.
As SMU celebrated its 25th year, SMOO Challenge 2025 stood as a powerful expression of the University’s values — where collective action creates opportunity, and every step taken together leads to lasting change.
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