On 19 September 2025, more than 520 members of the SMU community gathered at SMU Hall as University President Professor Lily Kong delivered the President’s State of the University Address 2025.
This year’s event was especially significant, marking SMU’s 25th anniversary, the close of the SMU2025 strategic plan, as well as the launch of the University’s next strategic plan, SMU 2030: Shaping Impact, Transforming Lives.
The event featured an exhibition on SMU’s 25-year journey, tracing its evolution from a pioneering experiment in higher education to a globally recognised institution known for its impact through its interdisciplinary education and research, and strategic global partnerships.
Looking back on 25 years of impact
In her address, Professor Kong looked back on the University’s growth since its founding in 2000. Setting out to do things differently and be a “different U”, SMU has distinguished itself through its flexible, broad-based undergraduate curriculum, which allows students to pursue double degrees and second majors across schools and disciplines.
Besides this, SMU has also broken ground through initiatives such as its holistic admissions process, introducing mandatory internships and community service, as well as the University’s signature interactive pedagogy, which have reimagined what university education can be like for its students, and shapes graduates who “lead with purpose and empathy in a rapidly changing world”.
Professor Kong also highlighted some of SMU’s achievements in advancing interdisciplinary education, applied research and social impact initiatives. This year, SMU’s graduating class of 2025 will also be the first to receive a co-curricular transcript, an initiative that sees students’ co-curricular achievements and skills formally documented – a timely move as skills-based hiring gains traction globally.
Besides this, SMU has continued to lead by example when it comes to encouraging lifelong learning, as a key provider of training to working professionals through innovations like the Industry Practice Master of Digital Economy, Singapore’s first stackable applied industry Masters, as well as the Industry Graduate Diploma programmes.
Likening SMU to a “secret garden” that has bloomed over the past 25 years, Professor Kong went on to paint a picture of the next chapter, saying: “Our garden, once carefully tended, is now ready to take on greater challenges – as a dynamic, thriving ecosystem that will face challenges but also reap benefits.”
The opening of a bold new chapter
The new SMU2030 strategy is a plan that is anchored in an impact agenda that seeks to transform lives through education, research and partnerships.
At a glance, SMU2030 looks to create a sharpened and more defined SMU graduate profile that cuts across undergraduate, postgraduate and continuing education programmes, with initiatives such as an Asia-Ready Education Framework, Societal Impact Electives and expanded co-curricular and industry integrated opportunities to nurture changemakers, practice-oriented leaders, impact-driven researchers and agile lifelong learners.
The University also seeks to establish three university-level institutes which are focused on sustainable cities, resilient workforces, and sustainable societies and economies – areas of current, pressing societal need. In this aspect, the new Integrated Research Impact Framework will guide faculty, helping them create both academic and societal impact.
On top of these, SMU is also aiming to continue strengthening its presence in key Asian cities, with a new Overseas Centre in Shenzhen and the launch of an India International Advisory Council in the works. A structured partnership framework will guide resource allocation to ensure that SMU remains a partner of choice for other institutions both regionally and globally.
With these three pillars, SMU2030 seeks to build on SMU’s strengths while preparing the University for the demands of a complex, technology-driven future.
Emphasising the importance of collaboration in the next chapter, Professor Kong said: “Our success will be shaped by collective action, collaboration, and agility. Together, we can grow stronger, faster, and more resilient, and ensure that SMU continues to make meaningful impact for Singapore, Asia, and the world.”
See also: President’s State of the University Address 2025 | SMU Newsroom
