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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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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(L-R) Prof Lim Sun Sun, Vice President, Partnerships and Engagement, SMU; Raghav Gupta, Head of Education (Asia Pacific), OpenAI; Desmond Lee, Minister for Education; SMU Provost Alan Chan and Ms Karamjit Kaur, Associate Editor, The Straits Times at The Straits Times Education Forum 2026.
Published on 20 April 2026
Is AI transforming higher education, or simply overhyped? SMU brought educators and thought leaders together to examine AI’s real impact on teaching, learning and assessment — highlighting both its promise to personalise education and the pressing ethical, pedagogical and governance questions universities must thoughtfully address.
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SMU President Professor Lily Kong joined fellow university leaders to consider what purposeful partnerships must look like today - multisectoral, international and interdisciplinary.
Published on 24 March 2026
SMU President Prof Lily Kong shared SMU’s future-ready agenda at APAIE 2026 – advancing lifelong learning, cross-sector partnerships, and impact-driven research to strengthen resilience and international collaboration.
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SMU Vice-President for Impact Professor Scott Fritzen giving his Opening Remarks.
Published on 16 January 2026
The inaugural SMU Alumni Awards were a memorable celebration of graduates’ excellence, innovation, and service to society –honouring leaders who inspire through integrity, inclusion, and community impact.
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