SMU President elected Foreign Fellow of the Geographical Society of China
Professor Lily Kong, President of SMU, has been elected as a Foreign Fellow of the esteemed Geographical Society of China, in recognition of her exceptional contributions to geographical research, particularly in urban transformation and social cohesion within Asia.
Founded in 1909, the Geographical Society of China is one of that nation’s oldest academic organisations, comprising over 15,000 scholars. Election of Fellows is highly selective, and only a few foreign members are chosen each year.
Professor Kong’s election was announced during the Society’s annual conference and 115th anniversary celebrations on 27 September in Nanjing, China.
Celebrating the interdisciplinary approach
Professor Kong’s research largely focuses on social and cultural change in Asian cities, over wide-ranging topics that reflect the pace and scale of change in Asia.
Some specific topics look at inter-communal relations and social cohesion – whether dealing with inter-religious or inter-ethnic relations, or local-migrant interactions. Other topics she has published on include cultural industries and creative economies, urban heritage, smart cities, and higher education.
Her interdisciplinary approach has helped to shape how these complex issues are understood across the region.
Professor Kong said she was deeply honoured to be recognised as a Foreign Fellow of the Geographical Society of China.
“Geography’s ability to foster integrative thinking and connect diverse fields of knowledge has been central to both my academic and leadership journey. It is this interdisciplinary approach that guides our work at SMU, where we tackle some of Asia’s most urgent challenges such as urbanisation and sustainability.”
She also highlighted the efforts of colleagues and other research partners. “This recognition also reflects the collective efforts of my colleagues and collaborators whose commitment to impactful research is helping to shape a more sustainable future for the region.”
This recognition comes at a pivotal time for SMU, as the university intensifies its focus on “Growth in Asia,” positioning itself at the forefront of academic inquiry into urbanisation, sustainability, business transformations, technological change, and social integration — all of which are key issues in rapidly developing Asia.
Previous recognitions for Professor Kong include the Royal Geographical Society’s Victoria Medal, the American Association of Geographers’ Robert Stoddard Award, the Commonwealth Fellowship, and the Fulbright Fellowship. This latest recognition by the Geographical Society of China highlights Professor Kong’s academic achievements and reinforces SMU’s role in significant, regionally focused research.
