Thought Leadership

Launch of SMU Resilient Workforces Institute (L-R): Prof Archan Misra, Prof Lily Kong, Mr Tan Kok Yam, Dr Janil Puthucheary, and Prof Alan Chan.
Published on 11 February 2026
SMU’s Resilient Workforces Institute will help organisations, policymakers and learners navigate AI-driven disruption, strengthen lifelong learning, and build a resilient, future-ready workforce across Singapore and beyond.
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The expanded suite of executive leadership programmes hosted by SMU ExD brought together more than 80 university representatives, senior administrators and emerging academic leaders from across Asia.
Published on 21 August 2026
SMU and the United Board deepen regional higher education leadership development across Asia through programmes equipping current and emerging university leaders for disruption.
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(L-R) SMU Chairman Mr Piyush Gupta, Minister for National Development Mr Chee Hong Tat, and  Director of the Institute of Policy Studies Mr Janadas Devan.
Published on 19 August 2026
At the launch of his new book, SMU Chairman Piyush Gupta reflected on Singapore’s journey as a trusted global financial centre and why its next chapter will demand renewed boldness, innovation and judgment amid technological change, global uncertainty and evolving expectations of leadership.
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SMU Professor of Psychology David Chan.
Published on 17 August 2026
Singaporean SMU Professor David Chan joins a World Bank-backed global panel on skills, contributing to international efforts to raise incomes and reduce poverty.
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More than 60 educators, academic leaders and policymakers from across the ASEAN+3 region convened in Brunei on 3 and 4 June 2026 for the 6th ASEAN University Network Thematic Network on Technology-Enhanced Personalised Learning (AUN-TEPL) Symposium chaired by Singapore Management University (SMU).
Published on 17 July 2026
SMU convened regional educators to explore how AI can personalise learning ethically, keeping human connection, fairness and academic integrity at the heart of education.
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Conference speakers and participants gather for a group photo on day one of FORCE2026
Published on 17 July 2026
SMU Libraries brought FORCE11’s global conference to Asia for the first time, spotlighting SMU’s role in shaping open, trusted and responsible research.
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Opening Plenary at WCS 2026
Published on 24 June 2026
At the World Cities Summit 2026, SMU showcased how its research, innovation and talent are helping shape more liveable, resilient and inclusive urban communities. From academic insights and multidisciplinary research on urban futures, to faculty and alumni-led ventures addressing sustainability challenges, SMU brought bold ideas and practical solutions to a global conversation on cities.
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(L to R): Anindya Bakrie, Chairman of KADIN; Professor Lily Kong, President of Singapore Management University (SMU); Kwok Fook Seng, Singapore Ambassador to Indonesia; and Haryanto Adikoesoemo, Chair of the SMU International Advisory Council – Indonesia and President Director of PT AKR Corporindo Tbk, at the launch of SMU Indonesia.
Published on 19 May 2026
SMU Indonesia deepens the University’s regional impact, partnering industry and government to equip talent with digital, technical, and human skills for an AI-driven economy.
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The Ideas Festival 2026 opened on 26 February at SMU’s Mochtar Riady Auditorium, setting the stage for a month of bold conversations on reimagining resilience in a changing world.
Published on 20 April 2026
Over a month-long series of events, SMU Ideas Festival 2026 challenged participants to reimagine resilience – bringing policymakers, academics and leaders together to explore wellbeing, AI, cities, and future-ready skills.
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SMU Provost Prof Alan Chan delivering the inaugural Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple Chair Professorship in Inter-Religious Studies & Harmony Lecture.
Published on 20 April 2026
In a new lecture series, SMU Provost Prof Alan Chan explored why harmony matters more than ever, examining social cohesion, mutual respect and dialogue as foundations for resilient communities in a diverse, contested world.
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