SMU Patron’s Day 2024 saw the annual celebrations given a major boost as crowds of students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of SMU came together on SMU’s Campus Green to celebrate the University’s 24th anniversary.
The focus, in line with the University’s Vision 2025, was on environmental protection and sustainable development. President Tharman Shanmugaratnam graced the event, on his first visit as SMU’s Patron. He attended with his spouse, Ms Jane Ittogi.
Taking the theme “Upsized!”, the celebrations ranged from the biggest SMU Maker’s Market yet, to upsized sustainability initiatives. Carnival games and performances also kept visitors entertained throughout the evening.
Going green and giving back as One SMU
A key sustainability initiative at the celebrations was “Go Green with SMOO” an eco-friendly initiative which encouraged participants to contribute to environmental conservation by embroidering their used clothes and bags. By adding artistic elements to these items, participants could extend the lifespan of their clothing and contribute to the reduction of textile waste – a reflection of SMU’s commitment to foster a more sustainable and environmentally conscious lifestyle.
SMU’s impact on various communities were also highlighted in a specially curated exhibition, “Making Meaningful Impact on People and Communities”. Here, SMU’s various efforts to engage with different communities through Education, Research, and as an Engaged City University were showcased for Mr President and Mrs Tharman. Examples included Project Heartcode, the Centre for Research on Successful Ageing (ROSA), and SMU’s new Overseas Centres.
The SMU community also invited technicians, cleaners, gardeners, and security staff who work in the University to join the party as One SMU. Vouchers were presented to 170 individuals whose tireless work have kept the University’s facilities running smoothly and its grounds pristine.
The upsized SMU Makers’ Market also featured booths like Husks Green, a sustainable business that produces household products made with rice husks; and Bamboo Straw Girl, which has provided opportunities or supplementary streams of income for at least half a dozen Southeast Asian artisans, while aiming to be as plastic-free and low-impact as possible.
Striving to new heights under a new Patron
Later in the evening, Mr President and Mrs Tharman joined members of the SMU Community and other esteemed guests for a dinner at the SMU Hall. This occasion also marked the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the pioneer batch of graduates (Class of 2004) and the 10th anniversary of the class of 2014, many of whom were present during the dinner.
In a heartfelt Patron’s Day speech, SMU Chairman Mr Piyush Gupta expressed his gratitude to Mr President.
“In fact, [President Tharman’s] association with SMU dates back a long, long time. In the late 1990s, when he was Deputy Secretary at the Ministry of Education – he played a pivotal role in the founding committee of our University and subsequently, of course, he was Guest of Honour at the topping out ceremony of our city campus in October 2004. He also delivered the Ho Rih Hwa Leadership Lecture in September 2022. And so, he has had a long association with this University and this campus.” Mr Gupta said.
“We are privileged indeed to have you as our Patron, and we look forward to your strong support and more opportunities to interact with you as we strive to achieve new heights under your kind patronage.”
SMU President Professor Lily Kong also reflected on SMU’s many milestones and achievements, including recent events such as the launch of the SMU Urban Institute. In her speech, Prof Kong highlighted how serving the community is an integral part of SMU’s identity.
To illustrate this, she shared that SMU undergraduates complete more than 120 hours of community service before graduation, far exceeding the 80-hour requirement that is stipulated by the University.
“As we move forward, we will continue to embrace the ethos of service and the desire for impact that have defined SMU since its inception. We take pride in the knowledge that our endeavours, whether in education, research, or community engagement, are making a positive impact on the world,” she shared.
“Together, we will continue to build a legacy of service, leadership, and excellence that will endure for generations to come.”
